> Guardians of Equestria Chapter 1: Love is Magic Part 1
>  by SpiritD3t3ctiv3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Leaving Arion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Land of Arion, a land all but forgotten by Equestria. A once beautiful land filled with life and laughter was now a land ravaged by war. Ever since the rise of the Venom Empire in the bordering country of Mamba, the soldier ponies of Arion never had a single moment of peace. The Mamba soldiers were reptilian creatures, with orange scaly skin, Crimson hued eyes, and were twice the size of normal ponies. Their appearance were similar to that of the prehistoric raptors, with the added addition of armor. At the head of the Venom Empire was their leader, General Draco Coatl, a once proud champion of the kingdom of Gringolet, Arion's capital city and head kingdom, now a twisted, sadistic overlord obsessed with seizing complete control over Arion. This is the story of how Arion and the threat of Venom came to Equestria.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



The sun rose high over the land of Arion, as it did every day. The only time there wasn't any sun was when there was rain, and rain was very scarce in the dry, desert like, country known as Arion, as well as the second sparse source of pottable water. At Base-camp Fury, Commanding outpost for the 41st Airborne Division, many soldier ponies, both male and female, were all very busy. Entering and exiting barrack tents, fixing wagons, practicing at the target range, and various other things. Two stallions, with dirt and mud caked on their armor, walked into their barrack tent. As they sat down on their cots, they began taking off their iron helmets and chamfrons and dusting themselves off. One of the stallions, a unicorn with snow white fur, brown eyes, and a light grey mane and tail, poured some water from his leather water skin onto a rag and started cleaning his face. His full name was Jeremiah Amadeus Yolansky, but he answered only to "Jay".

“I'm telling you man, when we get our 3 day pass this evening, we're going straight into town, and partying all NIGHT long, man!” 


The other stallion, Finn Lioghais, an earth pony with the same fur, but a jet black mane and tail, and light blue eyes, nodded with a frown plastered on his face. 

“Yea”, Finn responded dryly.

Jay could tell something was wrong with his bro. He had known the young stallion long enough to recognize when something is up.

“Hey man, why you acting so moody”? 

“I don’t know, I guess it’s just this mundane routine. I mean, every day, we go out, dig a foxhole, eat lunch, pull a three hour shift, wait to get ambushed, possibly fight off some vipers, and then return to base. It gets boring after a while”. 

“Yea I know what you mean man, it gets old, doing the same thing, day in day out.” 

"I know why we're here, and I know what we're fighting for, but I wish there was some way we could add a little more zest into our lives".

He reached under his cot, and pulled out a red handled Claymore sword. It was a family heirloom, handed down to him from his father, once the king of Arion, defender of the shining kingdom of Gringolet, the shining capitol city of the state of Hengroen. Now a prince of a broken line, his memories reflected off the shining silver blade and passed in front of his eyes like ponies in a crowd. As he wallowed in his memories, his snow white unicorn comrade thought for a moment.

"Well, there's probably somepony we could talk to about that", Jay said.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Inside a thatched hut, The 2 stallions stood in front of a male Alicorn who sat before them in a makeshift throne. He had the same eyes as Finn and golden brown fur, with a rusty brown mane that almost ran down to his forelegs. As he spoke, his voice dripped with doubt and worry

"I don't know about this, fellows". "Come on, Marko! Look at this face"!

Jay took Finn by the cheeks of his face to emphasize his point, but Finn looked more annoyed than sad.

"Jay, let go of my face before I knock you on your flank".

Jay reluctantly released his grip, leaving Finn to rub at his cheeks from Jay's iron grip.

"Come on, Marko! Whattya say"? 

The young prince let out a big sigh.

"I must be crazy to want to go through with this, I'm even crazier to want to join in".

"You’re in"?

"Yeah, I'm in".

The two comrade ponies bumped hoofs with a smile. However, Jay was curious as to where they were going. Before Finn could ask though, Jay beat him to it.

"So where is it we're heading to, LT"? 

The young Lieutenant looked at his comrade. 

"A place where no pony in Arion has set hoof in ever since our settlers first came here. A place called......Equestria".



A few hours later, on a large, sand covered runway, a bunch of other soldier ponies were loading some cargo into an airship which was tied down by 6 ropes tied in various knots. This airship wasn't like the yachts used by the sophisticated, stuffed shirts in Canterlot, the body was composed entirely of ash and oak wood, and the balloon had no clever design etched across it. Marko, Finn, and Jay stood atop the upper deck, overseeing all the other soldiers march into the cargo hold with crates galore.

"Only 50 minutes until liftoff sir"! Yelled one of the soldiers. 


"Very good", Marko replied. "Man, am I anxious to see this "Equestria" you told us about, LT", Jay said eagerly. "At ease, Sergeant", Mark said calmly, "But then again, no pony from Arion has bothered to go back to Equestria ever since we first arrived". "Why's that, Marko"? Finn asked. "Many things got in the way", Marko answered, "Our war with the Xeanans, mostly, but the main reason was the Xeanans had destroyed our ships. After the peace accord had been drafted and signed, we were granted our own territorial rights, including lands with richer soils and pottable water. Guess they didn't really see a need to go back after that, not when all was good". "That makes sense", Jay said, nodding his head. 

Just then, a soldier came up from the galley, dragging a young stallion by the foreleg. Finn knew instantly who it was, Corporal William McClaren, his younger adopted brother. He had a dark black messy mane, like Finn's. In fact, he looked an awful lot like Finn, the only difference being Will's dark green eyes. Unlike his brother or any of the other soldiers, Will did not wear a helmet or any armor. Only his uniform and a silver sash.

"Staff Sergeant, I found this stowaway in the galley, trying to hide among the potatoes ", explained the soldier, “shall I dispose of him, sir?" "No need, I'll handle this myself, thank you", Finn answered, "As you were". "Yes sir"!

As the soldier took her leave, the noncommissioned officer stared crossly at his comrade.

"Will, what do you think you're doing here”? He asked sternly. "I wanted to come with you guys", Will answered. "Will, we already went over this", Finn said, we have enough men for this mission, and we need you here looking after things while we're gone". "With all due respect, sir, I'm almost 17", Will said, raising his voice, "I'll have been in the Equalists for 3 years now. If that's not seasoned enough, then you're out of your mind". "Will, please just..." 

"Staff Sergeant"!

The two noncoms, including Jay, all turned to Marko, their superior.

"I'll allow him passage", Marko said. "WHAT"?! Finn and Jay both exclaimed in unison. "He's not going to stop unless we give him what wants". "You’re spoiling him! You've always spoiled him!" Finn accused. "Finn! He's right. Ever since you and Jay found him in Nilichy Woods, you've never stopped treating him like a child. He's getting to be his own man now, let the boy grow up and make his own decisions".

As much as it pained him, they were both right. For 5 years, he had watched over Will like a hawk. Good intentions or not though, he may have been a little too presumptuous when it came to Will's safety.  

"Alright", Finn said with a sigh, "But if you so much as step out of line more than once, we're shipping your flank back to Fury". "Alright"! Will yelled gleefully, "I won't let you guys down, I promise"! "Corporal! Get below deck with the others, we're about to take off", Marko instructed. "Yes sir"! Will said happily, going back down the stairway leading to the lower level. 

"All hooves on deck! Clear the runway"! Ordered a voice over a loudspeaker. "Gentlemen, prepare yourselves", Marko said, placing his chamfron upon his head. 

Finn and Jay did the same as the soldier ponies undid the ropes and braced as the ship jerked up off of the ground. As it slowly lifted into the air, the Airship started to sail forward, with the ponies on board feeling the rushing wind in their fur.

"How long until we reach the checkpoint"? Finn asked sternly. "About 5 hours, give or take", Marko replied, "The sun will be going down, so we'll have a little darkness to give us cover".

What they were hoping for cover from were the beasts that guarded the stone wall surrounding the entire bay area of Arion. The creatures, Scylla and Charybidis, were created by Draco to ensure that no pony could escape. The day that the Arion ponies first attempted to evacuate Arion was the same day the wall went up. Many innocents were either gobbled up by the many mouths of Scylla or swallowed to the murky depths by Charybidis. No pony attempted to escape because whether it was by boat or by airship, their fate would be sealed the moment they set sail from the harbor. The crew of the airship had come up with an idea to wait until just before the sun went down. That was when both beasts would be asleep.

As evening crept ever closer, the two noncoms sat on the deck playing Poker, each of them using their own rations in place of chips.

"I'll see you your hot chocolate mix, and raise you my hoof powder", Jay said, placing a small bottle on top of the pile.

With a gleam in his eye, Finn flashed a grin of confidence.

"Queens and Jacks", he said with conviction, "Beat that". "You got it", Jay said assuredly, laying down his cards.

With eyes wide open, Finn stared down at Jay's cards; a full house of Aces!

"You tricked me"! Finn shouted. "And you're surprised by this"? Jay asked sarcastically as he raked in his winnings.

As Jay snickered wickedly, a short high pitched whistle got their attention. Marko was up in the crows nest, surveying the land ahead.

"We're coming up on the wall"! Marko announced, "Finn! Get your men up here and arm yourselves"! "Yes sir"! Finn replied, running down below deck.

Meanwhile, Jay trotted up to the edge of the bow, and surveyed things through his spyglass. 

"See anything, Sergeant"?! Marko asked from the helm. "Negative, sir"! Jay replied, "No sign of them". "So far, so good", Marko muttered.

Finn, Will, and 6 other stallions and mares came on deck. Unlike the soldier ponies of Canterlot, they were armed with pole cannons. Some had one barrel and others had three. The three barreled ones were automatic and the single barreled ones that resembled muskets were single shot. They were all operated by a single hair sensitive trigger and fired musket balls, which were cast iron and deadly.
The ammo in the cannon was chambered in a 3 inch long magazine that attached to the base below the rifles’ barrels. Finn and Will both held single shot versions in their forelegs. 

"Soldiers! Keep your ammo at hooves' reach, and whatever you do, SHOW.NO.FEAR"! Marko ordered. "YES SIR"! Shouted the soldier ponies.


All of the sudden, the ship hit a bump. Following that, a large green scaled column shot up from the deck, which turned out to be a giant, monstrous snake head, belonging to none other than Scylla. She stared at the armor clad ponies and gave out an ear piercing shriek.

"OPEN FIRE"!

Without haste, every pony on deck fired their rifles. As the small black pellets pierced through the monster's armor scaled exterior, more heads started to appear. Down below, a giant raging whirlpool formed beneath the airship. Slowly, the airship started descending.

"WE'RE BEING PULLED DOWN"!!!! One of the soldier ponies exclaimed, just before being snatched up by one of Scylla's heads. 

Many ponies followed, some were both fortunate and unfortunate enough to only get their appendages ripped off. Soon it came down to 7 of them, excluding the pilot: Finn, Jay, Will, Marko, and 3 of Finn's men.

"We're getting slaughtered here, sir"! Observed one of Finn's soldiers. "I can see that, Private", Finn said, as he fired at one of the heads. "What do we do, Finn"? Will asked, trying not to sound afraid. 

Finn thought for a second, but with the sound of Scylla's heads screeching non stop, it was fairly difficult. He turned to the pegasus with a radio strapped on his saddle bag.

"Private Quincy, call in some support, tell them to bring some gunships"! He ordered, "I'm getting you out of here"! 

Private Quincy nodded and quickly got on the radio.

"What about you"?! Marko asked. "You’re gonna open us up a portal", Finn said. "Us"? Marko said curiously. "Not you", Finn said, "Me and Jay are getting our flanks to Equestria". "Not without me you’re not"! Marko retorted. "You’re the leader of the Equalists, Marko! We can't afford to lose you"! Finn pointed out, "If we're not back in less than 3 days, come after us".

Marko gave a heavy sigh; after watching his brother grow up, he knew Finn had a tendency to charge into situations halfcocked and a glass half full. However, given the current circumstances, he didn't really have a choice.

"Three days", Marko said sternly, "and try not to die". "No promises", Finn said with a smirk.

Marko smiled at his brother as he lead Will and the others to the lifeboat. After they were all in, Marko took a deep breath. His horn glowing bright green, he used his magic to create a small portal at the bow of the ship. The two boys both looked over at the portal, and checked their ammo. Finn, slowly shaking with anticipation, gripped the handle of his sword and slipped it into the strap of his saddlebag. Jay held his rifle close as he stared into the green swirling vortex, set to take them straight to their destination.

“You ready?” He asked Jay. “As ready as I was born to be”, Jay answered sarcastically.

And with a deep breath, the two stallions ran to the portal, and jumped through. Immediately, they were caught in a swirling vortex. As they yelled and screamed, they swirled around, until finally, they vanished.



	
> Escape from Everfree
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2 Escape from Everfree

In a bright green flash, Finn and Jay found themselves free falling. They both looked down and saw that they were 20 feet above a forest and coming in fast. Both stallions could feel the wind stinging their faces.

“Looks like we’re in Equestria”! Finn observed. 

Jay looked nervously down towards the ground below. 

“I just wish we were on the ground”!!! he said worriedly, as the wind began to sting his face. 

The black maned earth pony did not have the luxury of dealing with fear at the moment.

“Suck it up Sergeant, We’re Airborne!!! This is what we do”! 

He pointed at the knapsack strapped on his comrade’s back. Jay gripped the pull tab on his saddle bag, and watched as Finn gripped his.

“NOW”!

Upon pulling their tabs, they were jerked up into the air as their parachutes unfurled and they immediately started descending slower. It wasn’t long until they finally landed in the canopy, and floated over the ground like piñatas. Luckily, they were both only 10 ft. from the ground.

“What now, Sergeant”? Jay asked sarcastically, angrily staring at his superior. 

Thinking fast, Finn pulled a knife from his saddlebag

“Hold still”, he instructed. 

He grabbed Jay’s parachute strings and started cutting. After the 8th and finally string was cut, Jay plummeted to the ground with a scream. He hit the ground with a thud and a groan. Finn soon followed, after cutting the last of his own strings, and landed more gracefully on the ground. After getting up and locating his helmet, Jay was quickly mesmerized by all the growth and vegetation. 

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen some green anywhere”, Jay observed. 

Finn sighed as nostalgic memories of Arion’s past began to fill his head.

“Yeah”, Finn sighed, “Makes you think of the home we had before Draco came into power, huh”? “Totally”, Jay said, nodding in agreement.

All of the sudden, they heard an ear piercing shriek that made their eyes widen. Immediately, they took refuge in a big shrub. Slowly, they peaked through the branches.

“There’s nothing out there, at least nothing we can’t handle”! Finn hissed,” “so let’s just crawl on out and…”
But before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by a loud girly scream, which made Jay quiver. 

“AAAAIIIIIIIIEEEEEEE”!!!!!!
They quickly leapt out from the bush, and into a big tree. They were completely covered by leaves.

“Great, First the shrub, now the tree”, Finn grumbled, "What's next"?? “Look!” Jay silently exclaimed, pointing downwards.

Finn looked down in the direction Jay was pointing, and he saw 2 fillies right below them, standing over a ravine and another filly down in it. One was a little orange pegasus with a magenta mane and purple eyes, the one beside her was a regular yellow pony with a red mane tied with a pink bow in the back and light orange eyes, and the one down in the ravine was a white unicorn with a light purple curly mane and green eyes. Their names were Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. They all wore little red capes with an emblem on it that neither Finn nor Jay recognized.

“Are you alright”?!? Scootaloo called down to Sweetie Belle. “I’m OK”! Sweetie Belle called back, “I’m just stuck”! “Don’t worry; we’ll get ya outta there”! Apple Bloom called, “Somehow”. 

“Those little girls need help”, Finn observed. “Yeah”, Jay said nodding his head, “Okay, let’s get out of here”.

Finn was shocked at the lack of compassion his friend was showing.

“Jay”! He protested, “We need to go help them”! “We don’t know them, Finn”, Jay said, “We don’t need to get involved”.  “Maybe you don’t want to help them, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t”. 

“Finn wait”!

Jay made a swipe for Finn, but in turn lost his balance and fell off of the branch. The young soldier watched as Jay plunged off of the tree and tumbled down into the mouth of the ravine. He landed in a cloud of dust in front of Sweetie Belle. 

“Are you OK”?! Sweetie Belle exclaimed out of concern. “Yeah”, Jay groaned, “I’m fine”.

Sweetie Belle noticed a small stream of blood flowing down Jay’s foreleg. After scanning him with her eyes, she saw a cut through Jay’s sleeve. It was stained bright red.

“You’re hurt”, she observed.

Jay looked down at his foreleg and saw the cut.

“I’ll be fine”, Jay said in assurance. 

Sweetie Belle shook her head in defiance. She tore off a piece of her cape, and wrapped it around Jay’s wound. 

“Thanks”, he said plainly. “Well I couldn’t just let you bleed to death”, Sweetie Belle said warmly.

Jay smiled at the kind little filly smiling up at him. Meanwhile, Finn descended from the tree, and went over to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. 

“Who are you”? Scootaloo asked. “My name is Finn”, Finn explained, “We saw your friend’s predicament and decided to help”.

He got out a coil of rope from his saddle bag. 

“Either of you good with a rope”? Finn queried.

Scootaloo turned her gaze over to Apple Bloom, who was beaming ear to ear with pride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Meanwhile in Ponyville, Rarity was walking down the sidewalk with some knitting supplies. As soon as she returned home, she found it particularly empty. She looked around, and spied a note taped to the fridge. It read:

“Dear Rarity”,
“Went with Crusaders to the Everfree Forest to earn Cutie Mark in spelunking. Be back for lunch”.
-Sweetie Belle

This was grave news to the white unicorn. The Everfree Forest was not a place for fillies as young as Sweetie Belle and her friends. In an instant, she literally dropped everything, ran outside, and towards the forest. 


Meanwhile, Finn and the girls were just starting to haul Sweetie Belle and Jay up. 

“Keep pulling”! Finn ordered.

They grunted and strained, pulling up the combined weight that of Sweetie Belle and Jay. As the small purple maned filly clung to Jay’s side as they ascended, Jay couldn’t help but feel a tug at his heart. At last, they finally pulled the two out from the ravine. 

“Phew! Finally”! Jay said in exasperation. “Thanks for your help”, Sweetie Belle said sweetly. “Sweetie Belle, this here’s Finn”, Apple Bloom said, motioning to Finn. “Nice to meet you”, Sweetie Belle said, extending her hoof.

Finn smiled and shook her hoof.

“And this is Jay”, Finn said, motioning over to his comrade, “His full name is...” “Whoa, whoa whoa! You can’t just tell her that”!  Jay objected. 

Much to his friend’s chagrin, the young Sergeant just couldn’t help himself.

“Jeremiah Amadeus Yalonsky”, he said with a smirk. 

The 3 fillies instantly started to snicker. The embarrassed Jay tried to hide his blush. As she took a breath, Sweetie Belle noticed something of Jay’s, something missing.

“Y-your…your flank”! She said out loud.

Jay made a face and then looked at his backside. Scootaloo was surprised at her friend and scowled at her.

“Sweetie Belle”! Scootaloo exclaimed in surprise. “No, I mean look”, Sweetie Belle said, pointing her hoof at it, “he’s a blank flank”. “Yeah, and that’s a tree and that’s a rock”, Jay said coolly. “So what? I’m a blank flank too”, Finn said, pointing at his flank. “But you’re both….” Apple Bloom began. “Adults”? Finn said, finishing Apple Bloom’s sentence.

Each of the three fillies nodded.

“Where we come from, even the ponies that are old as dust don’t have cutie marks”, Finn pointed out. “Wow”, Apple Bloom said in astonishment. “So, no one there has a cutie mark”? Scootaloo asked, trying not to sound upset. “There aren’t many there”, Jay replied, “It’s all because our attention is shifted to trying to survive, rather than finding our "unique talent" ”. “That’s sad”, Sweetie Belle said dolefully, “Having to work and provide all the time, never really getting to have fun”. “It’s a pretty rough life”, Finn said, nodding his head. “Hey! Maybe you guys should be a part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders”! Apple Bloom suggested. “The what”? Finn asked. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders”! Scootaloo repeated, “We’re dedicated to helping blank flanks find their cutie marks through tons of activities”. 

“Hmm, tempting”, Jay said nodding his head. “We’ll sleep on it”, Finn said with smile, “Well come on, we need to get you girls home”. 

They walked through the forest for what seemed like hours. The sun was nearly starting to set, indicating that the evening was upon them.
“Man, how long have we been walking”? Jay asked grippingly.  “Aw come off it Jay, we’ve gone on longer walks before”, Finn said. 
Sweetie Belle’s legs had gotten tired and had hopped onto Jay’s back. She took interest in Jay’s helmet and put it on.
“So where is it you guys say you’re from”? She asked. “Arion”, Jay answered. “Sounds like a really nice place”, Scootaloo said. “It used to be”, Finn said moodily. “What happened”? Apple Bloom inquired. “Dracon Coatl happened”, Jay answered, “He’s the leader of the VENOM Empire, and Finn’s worst enemy”. “Is that why y’all are soldiers”? Apple Bloom asked. “Not necessarily”, Finn said.  “We are airborne ponies of the 41st Equalist Division, We parachute out of airships from 500 feet or more”, Jay recited. “We do this so our families and loved ones stay safe and secure, and may never have to walk out the door”, Finn said, chiming in. “We take on enemies for honor, country and glory and never give it a second glance”, Jay continued. “We do all this so that maybe our homeland gets a second chance”, Finn put in. “With my sword in hoof and shield in grip, I’ll march until come dawn”, Jay said, his voice building up with climax. “I’ll lead or follow my fellow ponies. As Equalists we fight on”! Finn finished, pumping his chest.
The three fillies cheered and clapped their hooves.
“The kids always love it”, Finn said with a smile. “Speaking of kids”, Jay said, turning to Sweetie Belle, “You remind me an awful lot of my daughter”. “Really”? Sweetie Belle asked in surprise. “Ahhh, don’t get him talking about her now”! Finn whined, “He’ll never stop”!
There were many things Finn and Jay poked fun at each other for. Jay’s attachment to his daughter was one of those things.
“What’s her name”? Sweetie Belle asked. “Vanilla”, Jay said, “Vanilla Twilight, but I call her Nilly”. “That’s so sweet”, Sweetie Belle said with a smile, “How old is she”?  “She’s about your age”, Jay replied, “It really hurt me to leave her behind, but a job’s a job”. “And orders and orders”, Finn added. “I remember the last time I saw her”, Jay said, thinking back to the day before.

“Nilly sweetie?! I’m home”!!! Jay exclaimed, as he entered a thatched hut.
He looked around the large living room that also served as his bedroom. There was a table with an oil lamp set upon it, a couch and a chamber pot in the far left corner .After seeing it was vacant, he entered the room adjacent to the chamber pot. Inside, there was a small bed with a pink blanket, a few drawings drawn with charcoal taped on the walls, and a small plush dog laying lopsided on the floor. Using his magic, Jay picked up the small stuffed animals.
“Hey Fluffles”, He said warmly, “Have you seen Nilly”? “HEEYAH”!!!
With that loud scream, Jay felt something latch onto the back of his neck. A small, orange and white filly with a snow white mane jumped onto Jay’s back, latched onto his neck and covered his eyes.
“Hey! Hey now! Hahahahaha! Cut it out”!
After finally managing to apprehend his attacker, he pinned her to the floor and started tickling her ribs.
“Hahahahaha! Daddy, stop it! Hahaha”! Nilly pleaded between her laughter. “No! This is the penalty you pay for sneaking up on me”! Jay declared with a smile.
He then picked her up off the ground with his forelegs, lifted her up into the air, and spun her around. As she squealed gleefully, Jay could feel his smile grow larger and larger. This was the part of the day he always looked forward to; coming home to his daughter, Vanilla Twilight. After a few more minutes of twirling her around, he set her on the ground and enveloped her in a big hug.
“How was your day, sweetie”? He asked politely. “It was OK”, Nilly put simply, “I’m just glad you’re home now”. “Yeah, me too”, Jay said warmly. 
Afterwards, Jay and Nilly spent the day playing catch outside. Sometimes, Jay would purposefully drop the ball, run over to Nilly, scoop her up into his forelegs, and lifted her into the air. As he lifted her for the 5th time that day, he frowned and then sat her down.
“Nilly, sweetie”, he began, “There’s something I need to tell you”.
His voice was in a low register, and Nilly knew her father long enough to know that whenever he talked like that, it was never good news.
“You have to leave again, don’t you”? She asked precociously. “How’d you guess”? Jay asked, not showing any surprise. “You always start off the whole ‘I have to leave’ speech like that”, Nilly said, looking away. “Hey but I always come back, don’t I”? Jay pointed out. “But what if you don’t”??
As she asked that, the small orange filly felt tears enter her eyes. Seeing his daughter sad and alone was the worst part about being a soldier, Jay knew this. He slowly trotted over to her and wrapped his forelegs around her.
“Don’t worry, princess”, he said soothingly, “Nothing’s going to stop me from coming back”. “Promise”? Nilly asked with a sniffle. “I promise”, Jay said looking down at her.
As she wiped the tears from her eyes, Nilly slowly wrapped her arms around her loving father, who in turn, hugged her closer.
“Love you, Daddy”, she said softly. “I love you too, sweetheart”, Jay said warmly. 

As Jay finished his story, he felt a tear run down his cheek. As he turned to the three fillies, he saw that their eyes were glassy as a result of his sad story.

“Now, my only current objective is to finish this mission and get back to her”, Jay said with a warm smile. “That’s so sweet”, Sweetie Belle said with a sniffle. “Do you have anyone back home you want to get back to, Finn”? Apple Bloom asked. “No….there’s nobody”, Finn said half-heartedly. “Really? Nobody”? Apple Bloom said in disbelief. “Not a soul”, Finn replied. “What about your parents”? Scootaloo pointed out. “Dead”, Finn answered quickly. “Oh! Well, I’m really sorry”, Scootaloo said in a low register. “Interesting fact”, Jay said, attempting to switch the topic, “Finn’s father, King Xanthos, was the one who created the Equalists”. “Really?? Cool”! Scootaloo said in excitement. “So wait, you’re a prince”? Apple Bloom asked. “Yes”, he said solemnly, “If it’s all the same to you, Sergeant, I’d prefer you not talk about either of my parents in front of me”, he said solemnly. “Sorry”, Jay said, “I forgot it’s a pretty taboo subject for Finn”. "And if it's all the same with you, girls, I'd prefer it if none of you say anything about it", Finn said to the three fillies. "Oh don't you worry none, Finn, we'll keep your secret, promise", Apple Bloom said assuredly. "Totally", Scootaloo said with a nod. "Mhm"! Sweetie Belle added.

A few hours into the evening and the sun had already gone down. Luckily, the two ever prepared soldier ponies had enough provisions to go around. Finn, after having gone camping with his family on numerous occasions before the war, started pitching the tent with the aide of Apple Bloom. Meanwhile, Jay had seen a stream nearby and went to gather fresh water with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. As they each knelt there, Jay and Sweetie Belle were each holding a leather bota underneath the water while Scootaloo was skipping rocks. The stream was flowing really fast, so much that Jay and Sweetie Belle had to tie the carrying strings fastened on the botas around their hooves to prevent them from slipping out of their grip.

“What did you do before your land went to war”? Sweetie Belle asked. “I grew up on the street, actually, and then I found myself as a squire to the king”, Jay explained. "My dream was to fill my head to the brim with knowledge and become a professor". "A professor of what"? Sweetie Belle inquired, "Science? History? Math"? "I don't really know", Jay said truthfully, "I never thought about it". "Well, don't worry, I'm sure you'll make your decision eventually", Sweetie Belle said reassuringly. 

Jay smiled at the young little filly as the image of his daughter became more apparent to him. Just then, there came a rustling in the bushes behind them. 

“Finn? That you”? Jay said, turning his head to the bushes.

There was no answer, just more rustling. Suddenly, a white unicorn, with a purple mane full of branches and leaves, jumped out of the bushes. She was breathing as if she had run a thousand mile sprint.

“Rarity”?! Sweetie Belle squeaked in surprise. “Sweetie Belle”! Rarity exclaimed. 

They raced towards each other and met in a warm embrace. The white unicorn then cast her gaze at Jay.

“Oh, I’m sorry”, she said, slowly releasing her sister, “Who’s your friend”? “Sergeant Jeremiah Yolonsky, Ma’am”, Jay said, taking a bow, “But please, call me Jay”.

The Sergeant noticed her face was covered in mud. Utilizing his magic, he produced a small rag from his saddle bag.

“Here”, he said, wetting the rag with water from the bota, “Let’s clean you up a little”.
As she raised her hoof to object, he quickly began wiping away all the mud on her cheeks. The young mare kept her eyes transfixed on the strange stallion’s rugged face.

“If you don’t mind my asking, Mister……”. “Jay, you may call me Jay”, he said in a soft, debonair voice. “Mr., uh, Jay, you seem very young, yet your appearance suggests otherwise”.

Jay looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a frown.

“Oh! My dearest apologies, I’ve upset you”! “No, its okay, I get asked that a lot. My age is 19, but my looks suggest otherwise”. “My word, you’ve certainly must have spent some time in the, how do you say, combat zone”. “Enough to make you look old, Madame”. 

Rarity was caught off guard at his sudden charm.

“Madame? My, you’re quite refined for a soldier pony, no offense.”

“None taken, a lot of grunts where I’m from aren’t really schooled in manners now a days. I, however, was taught proper etiquette at a young age.” 

“Well, I must say you’ve certainly got your money’s worth from those lessons, Mr. Jay.”

“Thank you.” 

“You’re very welcome.”

As Jay wiped away the last of the mud from her face, he heard slight giggle escape from Rarity’s lips. 

“So uh, Miss…Rarity, was it?”

“Mhm?”

“Care to join us back at our camp for Military Grade S’mores?”

“I’d be delighted”. “Come along girls.”

With that, the purple maned unicorn followed her new friend back to the aforementioned camp, where Finn and the CMC were waiting for them.

“Sure took your time, Sergeant”, Finn said with a smirk. 

The young Stallion’s eyes widened and his cheeks turned bright red with embarrassment. 

“There wasn’t any funny business, I swear!”

The three fillies, along with Rarity, all snickered as Jay’s face turned redder and redder.

“Relax Sergeant”, Finn said reassuringly, “I know how you’re saving yourself for that very special somepony”. 

Jay cleared his throat as he motioned over at Rarity. After immediately taking notice, Finn slowly 
trotted up to the snow white mare next to Jay.

“Pleasure to meet you, I’m Staff Sergeant Finn Lioghais”.

As he extended his foreleg towards the mare in front of him, Finn put on his best smile.

“I’m Rarity, likewise”. 

She brought up her foreleg, wrapped her hoof around his and shook. Moments later, everypony gathered around the fire and started socializing. Telling jokes, exchanging views on certain topics, eating and making s’mores. The three young fillies took an especial interest in listening to Jay’s stories. 

“And so, even with little ammo and rations, the soldiers of 1st platoon in the 41st Airborne managed to push back the Mamban shock troopers and save Foaltia”!

Jay puffed up his chest as he finished his bravado. The three fillies, including Rarity, all clapped their hoofs together as Jay took a bow.

“Hoo-wee! I don’t think I’ve ever heard a story like that before”.

Having grown up on Granny Smith’s tall tales, it was rare for Applebloom to hear an impressive tale such as Jay’s.

“So, is Foaltia is your only safe haven for the children”?

Even after being told this saddening information, Rarity still found it hard to accept. Hearing her question, Jay put on a reassuring smile.

“Not really, just the safest”. 

“Um, why did this, uh, Dr-Draco guy invade Arion anyway”? 

Being a young filly, Sweetie Belle had many questions on her mind.

“Power, mostly”.

The five ponies looked over at Finn, who until that point, had spent his time buffing up his sword. Mainly just rubbing out streaks and stains off the blade with a small hoofkerchief.

“And he won’t stop until he’s fulfilled his lifelong mission to exterminate every single pony in the land”.

As he spoke, Finn found himself rubbing at the blade faster and more furiously.

“Which is why we.won’t. LET HIM”!

Upon exclaiming those last two words, the young soldier pony threw the small piece of cloth against the ground and started breathing heavily. The other ponies looked at him with both fear and concern in their eyes. Being the most seasoned veteran of Finn’s outbursts, Jay slowly trotted over to him and placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder.

“Easy, Sarge, s’alright you hear”?

Finn inhaled deeply and then wiped his mouth across his foreleg.

“I’m good”, he said, nodding his head.

A concerned Rarity trotted over to Jay’s side.

“Do you want to talk about it, dear”?

Finn looked over at the two ponies standing before him. Throwing on a smile, he chuckled as he shook his head. There was a long pause, before anypony made a noise, which was the adorable yawn from Scootaloo. Jay was the first to notice this.

“I think maybe it’s time you three fillies got some shut eye”. 

“Hey, I’m not ti…”

Before Apple Bloom could protest, a loud yawn escaped her lips.

“Yeah, me nei….”.

Sweetie Belle was just about to object as well, but she found herself giving into her tiredness and yawning too. That’s when her big sister stepped in.

“Now, now, Mr. Jay is right. You all have had a long and busy day, and we’ll be getting up extra early if we’re going to escape this….ghastly place”.

Rarity shuddered as she finished her sentence. Despite their firm demands, the three fillies refused to comply. It was then that Jay thought of a highly effective solution. He turned his head toward Finn.

“Hey Sarge, why don’t you sing them your mothers lullaby”?

The black maned stallion was busy rolling out the blankets when Jay made his request. A sly smile soon spread across his face, reason being was because since it was first composed, no pony, no matter how strong or awake, was able to withstand the alluring melody of the Lioghais Family Lullaby.

“Fine, girls, if you please”.

Finn motioned over the blanket he stood on, beckoning the three fillies forward. After going over and lying down on the soft covers, the three fillies paid close attention as Finn began to sing. As he sang, Jay pulled out a small wooden flute and began playing, harmonizing with Finn’s singing.

Sun grows cold, the moon burns red
Peaceful rest, tonight I give
Sleep descending, dreams arising
Land of dismal moonlight shadows

Onward and upward, dreams take flight
Mercy and love, wash tears away

As the singing and musical accompaniment continued, each of the three fillies could feel their eyes become heavier and heavier with each passing second. There was a rise in the number of yawns from each of them.

Dawn of ages, timeless raptures
Lay your weary heads to rest
Here I stand, your valiant defender
Peaceful sleep, this night I guard

Onward and upward, dreams take flight
Mercy and love, wash tears away

Onward and upward, dreams take flight
Mercy and love, wash tears away

Since the song began, Finn kept his gaze focused on the fire. As he finished, he looked over to see each of the Cutie Mark Crusaders fast asleep. Each of them lightly snoring and leaning against each other. Rarity walked over to the three snoozing fillies, a stack of blankets clenched in her teeth, and gently placed one over each of them. After seeing that they were properly wrapped, she trotted back over to the two stallions by the fire. She then casted her gaze towards Finn.

“That was a very sweet lullaby you sang. Forgive my curiosity, but where exactly did it come from”?

Finn turned to Rarity and gave the snow white mare a quarter smile.

“My mother used to sing it to me every night before I went to sleep”.

He sighed as he felt his eyes begin to fill with tears.

“That was a long….time ago”.

Rarity placed a hoof over her mouth, doing her best to stifle her gasp.

“Oh I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t know”, she said apologetically. “It’s fine whatever”, Finn said, quickly wiping his eyes. 

By good fortune, for Finn at least, Jay released a big sigh, which caused the two other ponies to glance over at him.

“Permission to rest, sir”? He asked. “Granted”, Finn said, giving his brother in arms a half smile.
Jay let out a sigh of relief as he pulled out a pillow from his ruck and plopped down on the ground. He was fast asleep before either of them could blink.

“You can get some rest too”, Finn said turning to Rarity, “we’re getting up pretty early”. “What about you”? Rarity asked, rubbing one of her eyes.

Finn procured his pole rifle which lay next to him, erected it as if it were a flagpole and leaned against it.

“I’ve got first watch”, he replied, “it’s okay”.

Rarity let out an ever so delicate yawn.

“Very well then”, she said, lying down on the blanket lain out for her, “when we return to Ponyville, I must remember to….”.

She paused as she let out another yawn.

“To introduce you to my friends. They’ll enjoy seeing I had made new ones”.

After that was said, Rarity shut her eyes and slowly began to drift off into slumber. Finn winced as he repeated the unicorn’s words in his head. He never liked the idea of making friends, not since his parents died. That, however, did not keep him from focusing on the task at hand; Keeping watch over the ponies in his company. Which is exactly what he did, all through the night.
	
> The Enemies Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3 The Enemies Arrival

The next morning, far away in the kingdom of Canterlot, a battalion of armor clad Mamban Soldiers began marching towards the kingdom. As soon as the guards took notice, the royal horn blower sounded the alarm. The deafening noise of the silver trumpets sounding from the spotting towers was enough to wake up whatever guard was sleeping on duty. The earth pony archers up on the battlements took aim and fired their arrows at the invaders. In horror, they watched at the long column of armored foot soldiers raised their shields in defense, cutting off any chance of the arrows making their marks. 

The Mamban Soldiers who weren’t holding up shields, held batteries of Nests’ of Bees which were equipped with rifle stocks so they were easier to aim. Upon aiming their Batteries, they fired upon the battlements and towers, thousands of red tipped arrows hitting the stone masonry and exploding on contact. The unlucky guard ponies who weren’t caught in the blasts and blown to smithereens were subjected to the long fall from the wall. The sounds of bodies hitting the ground and necks snapping were numerous and continuous. The number of dead ponies was large enough so that the enemies' commander, a large Grey Alicorn with red reptile-like eyes, was able to walk through the field of battle without receiving any damage. He soon found himself having to knock down a few guards with the magic from his horn inside the long hallway inside. His silver chamfrain shone in unison with his long flowing silver mane in the ambient light as he began making his way further and further towards the entrance to the throne room. 

He wore brass shoes and a red cloak over his armor that lightly dragged across the ground. A sheathed katana dangled from the saddlebag near the end of his armor. The handle was purple and the cross guard took the shape of a dragon’s head. The armored ponies standing guard near the doors to the throne room charged at him. But the stranger simply lowered his head, and fired a barrage of powerful aura blasts at the guards. As the guards fell to the ground, the stranger kept his pace, his cloak slowly dragging behind him.
Meanwhile, Celestia, Princess of the Sun, was sitting at her throne with her sister Luna, Princess of the Night, beside her, both of them wore looks of fear. Since the Changeling invasion that took place some time ago, there had never been a more heated invasion. Celestia was just about to call for aid when suddenly the doors bursted open, and a battle damaged guard hurriedly limped towards the throne. 

“What has happened?!” Celestia asked in shock. 

The guard spoke slowly, for he had endured many injuries in trying to get to the throne room.

“Your Majesty”, he said weakly, there’s a...Gaaaugh!!!!”

Those were his last words as a purple blast of energy struck him from behind, and he fell to the ground. A few feet away from him, the stranger, known as Draco Coatl, King of Mamba, Ruler of the Venom Empire, slowly trotted towards the two princesses. A wicked smile grew on his face, as he slowly walked towards the throne. 

“Well well well, if it isn’t the great and magnificent Princess Celestia. Many of your loyal guards spoke of you as I made my way here. I am humbled in your presence”.

He bowed by kneeling and placing his forelegs on the ground, and his head down, then slowly rose back up. Celestia scowled, disapproving the mockery signified in his bow.

“Who are you”? she asked sternly, “and why have you and your soldiers attacked our guards”? “Attacked is such a harsh term”, Draco said in a fake innocent tone, “I prefer “exercising my right to defend myself”.

He glanced over at Princess Luna. His smile seemed to grow wider and more sinister.

“Mee-yow! You must be Princess Luna. I must say, I found the stories told of you when you were Nightmare Moon, very….entertaining”.

Princess Luna glared in disgust at the evil prince. Princess Celestia slowly descended from her throne. Her horn started glowing brighter and brighter with every step.

“I insist that you leave, or I will be forced to take drastic measures”.

“Oh how rude”, Draco said in the same fake hurt tone, “we were never even properly introduced. I’m Draco”!

Upon exclaiming his title, Draco aimed his horn at Celestia and fired a bolt of purple energy straight at her. Celestia quickly flew up above, instantly dodging his attack. Using her magic, she fired a bright golden beam from her horn right at Draco, but the evil male Alicorn drew his sword faster than anypony could blink and blocked her attack with the flat side of the blade. He then fired his magic at Celestia again, but it was once again dodged as the Princess barrel rolled out of the path of the beam. As evenly matched as both opponents seemed, Celestia seemed to have the situation more under control.

Just as it seemed victory was within Celestia’s grasp, Draco used his magic to conjure up a long purple chain. Using his skills and dexterity, he twirled it around like a lasso, then casted it towards Celestia, who was instantly caught. The Elder Princess felt her powers begin to slowly dissipate in the glowing manacle. Crying out in pain, she slowly descended, until she was kneeling before the malevolent male Alicorn. As he felt pride begin to well up in his chest, he cast his vision down at the once proud ruler of Equestria, and grinned with satisfaction.

“That’s right princess, bow before your new king”.

“Not if I have anything to say about it”!

Draco turned to see Luna fly up from her throne and prepare to charge. Instantly, he drew his dragon katana, and then stuck the tip at Celestia’s throat. This made Luna instantly freeze with a look of horror.

“Ah ah ah”, Draco warned, “Any attempt at rescue, and your kingdom’s gonna be short 1 princess”.

Luna gasped at the horrific notion. The midnight blue Alicorn glared at her other, feeling her eyes fill with tears. Seeing no other option, the princess hung her head in defeat. He beamed with pride, purposefully bumping into Luna, as he made his way up to the throne, all the while tugging Celestia alongside him. As he took his place at the throne, he used his magic to grab hold of Celestia’s horn. He then levitated his sword from its scabbard and held it high above his head.

“I desire a trophy, as a reminder of this day”.

With that being said, he brought it down with blinding speed. The princess of night watched in horror as the katana sliced through her sister’s horn as if it were bread. Celestia cried in pain as the silver maned usurper grasped the now cut horn in his hoof. Celestia’s forehead looked like a tree stump where her horn used to be. He inspected it as if it were a fine gem.

“Very beautiful”.

Through tear filled vision, Luna glared up at her perverse foe.

“You won’t get away with this”, she said, trying her best to hold back her sobs. 

Draco chuckled as he brought up his hoof to Luna’s face. He then began to lightly stroke her soft cheek, feeling the slight dampness of stray tears.

“On the contrary my dear princess, my rule has just begun”.

Unable to contain his smugness any longer, Draco let out a loud, evil laugh, listening carefully as it reverberated against the walls and echoed throughout the once proud halls of Canterlot Castle. 



Meanwhile, our two unknowing heroes continued on their current objective of leading the four ponies they encountered out if the ghastly Everfree Forest. To help matters and speed the finding of Ponyville, Rarity had given Jay a piece of cloth she had found at the bottom of her hoof. She assumed she had unintentionally picked it up when she ran out of the house. Jay was at the front of the company, sniffing the ground diligently. 

“Still picking up Rarity’s trail Jay?” Finn asked. “Uh huh”, he said, not taking his eyes off the ground. “Are we almost there!?” Scootaloo called from the back. “Nope”! Jay called back, “Still got a good while to go!”

The CMC groaned.

“My hooves are killing me!” Sweetie Belle complained. “Would you like me to carry you?” Rarity offered. “That actually sounds nice”, Sweetie Belle said tiredly.

So Sweetie Belle hopped on her sisters back. Just then, Jay stood up. He was really picking up a scent.

“Hey I got something”! Jay announced.

Finn ran up to him.

“Whatcha got”? Finn asked.

Jay inhaled deeply.

“Smells like, Potions, Quill pen ink, and…Dragon scales”? “Sounds like Zecora and Twilight”, said Rarity, “and Spike must be with them”. “Well what are we waiting for?! Finn exclaimed, while hurriedly walking forwards, “Let’s find these guys so we can get out of here!!!!!” “Finn, don’t!” Jay exclaimed out of concern.

What Finn didn’t realize was that there had been another reason Jay stopped. He stopped because they were at the edge of a cliff. As soon as Finn got to the edge, he immediately lost his footing and started tumbling down the hill. Jay and the others watched as he rolled like a log down the slope. Meanwhile at Zecora’s hut, Princess Twilight Sparkle was just finishing her check list.

“Thanks for the ingredients Zecora”, she said politely, “I had just ran out and am working on a new potion recipe”.
The ring wearing zebra smiled kindly.

“Your gratitude’s accepted”, she said, “I’m glad to help you with what needed to be collected”.

Twilight smiled.

“Spike is that the last thing on the list”? Twilight asked. “Yep, that’s about it”, Spike said, viewing the list.

Just then they heard what sounded like a log coming down a hill. Then, CRASH! Finn had landed through the roof, and landed on Zecora’s floor.

“Blessed me”! Zecora exclaimed, “What manner of creature could this be?!” 

Finn groaned in pain, then slowly opened his eyes and saw the three of them standing in front of them.

“Cool! A zebra”! Finn exclaimed with glee, “and another unicorn with a dragon! You must be Twilight and Spike”.

The Lavender Unicorn and her Dragon friend were surprised the strange unicorn knew their names.

“Finn Lioghais”, Finn said bowing, “At your service, Princess.”

Twilight and Spike exchanged a look of curiosity. Out of all the strange ponies Twilight had seen, this one had cracked the scale. But seeing as how he wasn’t a threat or frightening in the least, Twilight and Spike managed to smile. “Pleasure to meet you Finn Lioghais”, Twilight said trotting towards him. “It’s just Finn”, Finn said sensitively. “Ok, it’s nice to meet you, Finn,” Twilight said correctly. 

The two of them shook hooves.

“Where did you come from Finn”? Twilight asked curiously. “You mean besides the roof”? Finn joked.

Twilight nodded her head while at the same time laughing at his quip. 

“I’m a soldier of Arion”, he said. “Hmmm, I’ve never heard of such a place”, Twilight said, scratching under her chin. “Well I guess were making history”, Finn said enthusiastically. 

Twilight smiled. Finn looked over at Spike.

“Wow, this is actually my first time seeing a dragon”, said Finn. “Really?” Spike said surprised. “Well truthfully it’s been a while”, Finn said honestly, “I don’t see that many dragons, and even when I do, they’re not really this friendly”.

Spike smiled nonetheless. Finn then turned his attention to Zecora. He walked over to her.

“Please forgive me for what happened to your roof”, he said sadly, “I’d be much obliged to help fix it”. 

Zecora smiled.

“Your guilt can now end”, she said warmly, “For I am now happy to call you my friend. And as for the roof, the damages can be mended. But come back any time, your company would be splendid”.

She slowly extended her hoof. Finn smiled and shook it.

“I’m guessing your Zecora”, Finn said. “Although how you know me is odd, I’d suspect, but in this case, however, you are correct”, said Zecora. 
Just then, Jay and the others walked in. 

“There you are man! Are you ok”?! Jay asked concerned. “I’m fine”, Finn said reassuringly. 

Finn took Jay aside, and introduced him to his new friends

“Jay, this is Zecora, Spike and Twilight”, Finn said. 

Jay smiled at Twilight. She smiled back, and then glanced back over at Finn.

“Hi”, he said warmly. “Hi”, she said enthusiastically. 

After exchanging salutations with the other 2, Jay explained how they got there, and how they were lost.

“Well you’re in luck”, Spike said happily. “Yeah, you guys can tag along with us”, Twilight added. “Oh thank goodness”, Rarity said in exhaustion, “I don’t think I could’ve spent another night in this horrid forest”. 

Everyone shared a laugh. Later, Finn, Jay, Rarity, and the Crusaders followed Spike and Twilight back to Ponyville. It took a moment for Finn to take it all in. To him, everything there was…beautiful.

“This place is awesome”! Finn exclaimed. “I gotta admit”, Jay confessed, “The new perspective is pretty intoxicating”. “It….reminds me of the old days”, Finn said wistfully. 

Jay nodded his head, thinking back to the Golden Age of Gringolet. As they walked down the street, they were met with looks of glee from the passerby’s. It didn’t bother them though, and they showed their contentedness by waving at all the ponies who passed them by.

“I really think you boys are gonna like it here”, Sweetie Belle said happily. “Yeah, I think it’s about time we got a little normalcy in our lives”, Jay said happily. “Adventure may not happen here as often as it does where you come from, but there’s still plenty to do”, Rarity added. “That’s all well and good, But where are we gonna find a house?!” Jay exclaimed. “We’ll settle all that later, I want the two of you to meet the rest of my friends”, Twilight said. 

Jay sighed.

“Alright”, Jay said reluctantly, “But there better be food. All I had to eat was marshmallows last night and they weren’t as filling as I thought”.

The CMC’s shared a laugh, while Jay blushed a little. While Rarity took Sweetie Belle and her friend’s home, Twilight led them to Sugar Cube Corner. As they entered, Finn and Jay marveled at the large selections of cakes and sweets they’d seen since Hengroen. Well, Finn marveled, Jay drooled. They were soon introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Cake.

“Sergeants Finn and Jay, meet Carrot Cake and his wife Cup Cake”, Twilight said. “Pleasure”, Jay said nodding. “Nice to meet you, sir and madam”, Finn said bowing slightly. “Please, the pleasure is ours”, Cup Cake said humbly. “We’re always happy to cater to the stallions and mares who serve”, Carrot Cake added happily, “then again, we don’t get many of them here anyway”.

Just then, a pink pony with pink frizzy hair carrying 2 foals, one a boy Pegasus and the other a girl unicorn, walked in through the saloon doors. The fillies’ name was Pinkie Pie, and the babies’ names were Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake.

“Oh and that’s Pinkie Pie”, Twilight said, pointing over to her.

Pinkie Pie lifted her head after hearing her name. And after seeing the 2 boys, she looked quite surprised. 

“Hi there”, they said in unison.

In an instant, she gasped, handed the babies to Mrs. Cake, and then ran out the door.

“Oh-kay”, Jay said confused. “Hey you never introduced us to the little ones”, Finn said, referring to the babies. “This is our son Pound Cake and our daughter Pumpkin Cake”, said Mr. Cake. “Awww they’re so cute”, Jay said sweetly.

The 2 foals looked at Finn curiously, and then started giggling. Finn smiled warmly as he gazed upon their happy little faces. He didn’t have to be in Arion to adore the sweet innocence of a child. In the sense that children never have to worry about the struggles of adult life, or VENOM for that matter.

“So what was Pinkie Pie’s deal back there”? Jay asked Twilight, “was she being ‘telepathically’ paged’ ”? “No”, Twilight said snickering, “you’ll soon see”.

Just then, 3 more ponies, one a regular and the other two pegasi, walked in through the doors. 

The blue Pegasus with the rainbow mane, and whose name was Rainbow Dash, was the first to speak.

“Hey Twilight, we heard Pinkie Pie shouting about 2 newcomers, and thought we’d be check ‘em out”, she said.

The light gold Pegasus with the Cotton Candy Pink mane, and whose name was Fluttershy, stared curiously at Finn and Jay. Then quickly turned away when they returned eye contact, which made them curious. That’s when the light orange pony with the blonde mane and the cowboy hat, and whose name was Applejack, walked up to the bows.

“Y’all will have to excuse Fluttershy”, she said apologetically, in a southern accent similar to Apple Bloom’s, “She’s not used to meeting new folk, unlike me.Ah’m Applejack of Sweet Apple Acres and the other Pegasus over there is Rainbow Dash”.

Apple Bloom smiled at the mention of her name. Applejack started shaking their hooves rapidly. As she shook, Finn exchanged a smile with Jay, who also smiled.

“Ah just wanna thank you both for taking good care of AppleBloom”, she said, keeping a tight grip on their hooves.

“I like her”, Finn said enthusiastically. “Me too”, Jay replied.

Applejack smiled at the comment. Jays smiled soon turned into a frown as he turned to Twilight. 

“Ok so we met your friends”, he said firmly, “but what are we gonna do for a house”? “We could give you guys the guest room”, Spike offered. “Actually we would like to see your house”, Finn said.  “Yea we would”, Jay added. 

Moments later, Finn and Jay stared in amazement at Twilight’s house made from a tree. And even more taken by the inside. Shelves and shelves of books, different kinds and different genres. Living in a tree of their own, they had thought that their house was the most impressive.

“Welcome to the Golden Oaks Library”, Twilight said. “You live in a library”? Finn asked. “I love to read”, Twilight replied. “So do I”, Finn said warmly. “Really”? Twilight asked in astonishment, “Forgive my asking but, how does a soldier find time to read? They must keep you really busy over there”. “Prioritizing, my dear Sparkle, it’s all about prioritizing”, Finn said confidently.

Twilight giggled, feeling humored by his words. The staff sergeant suddenly felt heat rush to his cheeks as he smiled at the lavender mare in front of him. His smile suddenly dropped to a frown seconds later as a thought occurred to him.

“It’s all nice Twilight, but I don’t think it would be right”, Finn confessed sadly. “It’s totes awkward sleeping in a house with someone you hardly know”. “Well what do you suggest”? Jay asked. “I actually had an idea a few seconds ago”, Finn confessed.

As Finn whispered his idea to Jay, his face slowly began beaming with delight. A few moments later, the 2 boys located a vacant spot near Flutterhy’s house. Twilight and her friends, minus Pinkie Pie, aided in the construction. Applejack and Rainbow Dash helped with the heavy lifting, while Twilight and Rarity chose the perfect lumber and metal sheeting. Hours later, the two soldiers and the 6 mares had completed a large Quonset hut.

“We did a good job didn’t we”? Jay said half exhausted. “Seabees, eat your hearts out”, Finn said confidently.

Jay let a hearty laugh escape his lips as the 5 mares and Spike came up behind them. 

“We’d like to thank you all for your help and support”, Jay said gratefully. “We really appreciate it”, Finn said honestly. “Shoot, that’s what friends do for each other”, Applejack said humbly. 

Finn slightly winced at the word “friend”.

“I’ll do anything to keep anybody from living on the streets”, Rarity said proudly. “We were glad to lend a hoof”, Twilight said happily. “It’s a lovely home”, Fluttershy said softly. “I, err, we designed it after the small air hanger’s we have back at our base camp”, Jay admitted, “Maybe we’ll get to take you there some day”. “Now’s probably not the best time to think about that, Sergeant”, Finn pointed out sternly, “We ARE presently trying to win a war”. “Oh, right”, Jay said sheepishly. “Well, come now, darling”, Rarity said, wrapping her foreleg around Jay’s, “You don’t plan to keep us waiting forever, do you? Let’s go and see the interior of your new home”. 

Jay could feel his face heat up as she led him towards the metal house, while Spike grimaced enviously at him. Finn felt discomforted at the mention of “home”, but he digressed as he was tired from the long working hours. As they all entered the large metal abode, they were greeted by tons of ponies and the loud sounds of party horns. Looking around, Finn saw that the whole room was covered in multi colored streamers and balloons. 

“SURPRISE”!!!! Pinkie Pie exclaimed, jumping out from the large of party ponies. “What’s all this”?! Jay exclaimed as a smile spread across his face. “It’s a party! I threw it just for you two”!!! Pinkie Pie said, wrapping both her forelegs around Finn and Jay, “Were ya surprised? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? HUH”?! “Oh yes, we were DEFINITELY surprised”, Finn replied dryly, “we were HOPING for some peace and quiet”. “That’s silly! What kind of party would this be if it were quiet? Y’know, Twilight said the SAME thing at her first Ponyville Party”, Pinkie said. “Really”? Finn said, turning to Twilight. “Mhm”, Twilight hummed, nodding her head. “I do this for EVERY newcomer to Ponyville”! Pinkie said with enthusiasm, “I throw a great big, ginormous, super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite EVERYON in Ponyville”!

Pinkie’s friends gathered around her, all of them wearing a smile.

“This.is.AWESOME”! Jay shouted pumping his hooves in the air, “I’m not even sure how you managed to set this all up so quickly but I don’t care”!!! 

Finn sighed, looking rather annoyed. Twilight became curious at this. Just then, Spike belched, and along with a little flame, there was a scroll.

“He can produce scrolls from his fire”?! Finn exclaimed out of surprise.

After closely examining the articles in the parchment, Spikes eyes grew wide and he became somewhat petrified. He slowly turned to Twilight, handing her the paper.

“Twilight”, he said worriedly, “I think you need to read this”.

> Canterlot has fallen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4 Canterlot has fallen



They had all went back to the Library afterwards, and Twilight had carefully gone over letter. As she finished reading, she looked very worried.

“What’s the news”? Rainbow asked anxiously. “And why do ya look like somepony just ran over your tail”? Applejack added. “I don’t know how to say this but”, Twilight began slowly, “Canterlot been conquered”. 

The other members of the mane 6 were taken back at this, while Finn and Jay exchanged looks of concern.
“Conquered”?! Rarity said, her voice sounding deeply concerned, “By whom”?! “By somepony named ‘Draco Coatl”, Twilight answered, looking back over the letter. “Draco”?! The boys exclaimed out of horror.

“Looks like he followed us”, Jay said grimly. “Like we didn’t have enough to worry about”, Finn complained.

In an instant, the 6 mares’ eyes were all fixated on the boys.

“And just who is this ‘Draco’”?! Rainbow Dash asked snappily, not to mention totally getting up in Finn’s face, “And just how is it that you two know him. Are you working for him or something”?

As Rainbows words suddenly struck a word, a wave of repressed anger and hatred suddenly swept over Finn as he glared at the cyan Pegasus.

“You listen here, Rainbow Dash”, His voice was steady but stern as he tried not to lose his cool, “The only thing I hate more than somepony’s snout in my face, is being compared to that low down, traitorous, heartless, monster! Ya got that”?!

“Why, you…”!

As Rainbow was just about to retaliate, Applejack pulled her out of Finn’s face.

“Simmer down Rainbow”, she ordered gently, “They’re not the enemy. But they do seem to know the enemy”.

She trotted up to the young Staff Sergeant, and she looked at him with a serious expression on her face.

“Just what is going on here, sugar”? She asked.

Finn’s eyes darted around. Everyone had the same look on their face. Jay looked over at him and nodded. Finn sighed heavily.

“He’s the son of one of my Dad’s old enemies”, Finn began, “He wasn’t always evil, though. In fact, he was the best warrior in all of Arion, and my teacher. But he was corrupted by his lust for power, and soon led him to delve into the dark arts. He formed the Venom Empire, and created the Mamban Ponies”. “Mamban Ponies”? All six mares said in troubled unison. “It’s hard to describe them but”, Jay said, stepping in, “Imagine Spike with a pony head, but without the mane and with sharp teeth, diamond eyes…”. “And no heart”, Finn said, finishing his comrades sentence.

Finn hung his head down, grief stricken by the retelling of his story. Feelings of empathy and pity struck each one of the mares. Applejack laid a hoof on his shoulder.

"What's wrong, sugar cube”? she asked curiously. “It’s nothing”, Finn said blankly, slowly removing her hoof, “Since then, Jay and I have been dedicated to putting the lid on his evil schemes”. “Twenty Four seven, three sixty five, yo”! Jay declared. 

Finn rolled his eyes over to the side, and then slowly headed for the door.

“Come on Jay”, Finn said solemnly, “We’ve got a tyrant to stop, and a kingdom to save”. 

Not wanting things to end at that, Twilight quickly ran in front of him and poked her hoof into his chest.

“You two aren’t going in there without us”! Twilight said firmly.

Finn slowly turned his head and removed her hoof.

“He’s here all because of me!” Finn said curtly, “It’s my duty to stop him, so just stay out if it, alright Princess”?!

And without wasting any more time, he stormed out the door. Jay looked at Applejack and the others with guilt; they looked pretty hurt and worried.

“I’m very sorry”, Jay said.

Jay smiled awkwardly, and then rushed out the door to catch up with Finn. As he caught up with him, an angry glare grew across his face.

“That wasn’t the way to deal with that”, Jay said crossly. “They don’t need to be getting involved with us Jay”, Finn replied irately, “You know what he can do”. “I do”, Jay said, “but sometimes you need to accept help when it’s offered to you”. “Listen here”, Finn said sharply, “that monster has already taken too many lives. I won’t stand and watch him take the lives of those innocent mares, or any other pony in this land for that matter”!

They walked the rest of the way home in awkward silence.

The very next morning, the boys headed to the Library, where coincidentally, the girls, minus Pinkie Pie, were already there. They all looked at the 2 boys curiously. Jay nudged Finn, indicating something was up.

“Sorry about last night”, he said slowly, “We could use some extra hooves”.

The 5 mares smiled. 

“That’s all well and good, sugar cube”, Applejack said happily, “and don’t worry, it’s all water under the bridge. But how are we gonna get to Canterlot?” “We can’t take the train”, Twilight said perceptively, “they’ll see us coming”. “Which is why we took the liberty of staying up all night making this”!

Jay used his magic to pull up a large Canastota wagon. The 5 ponies marveled at this, while Finn smiled at his handiwork and ingenuity.

“Oh darling, this IS impressive”, Rarity complimented. “Did y’all really make this in one night”? Applejack queried. “I’ve been doing carpentry since I was 5”, Finn confessed, trying to sound as modest as possible, “This was nothing”. “Fascinating”, Twilight examined.

The white earth pony blushed in embarrassment. Soon after the girls boarded the buggy, then set off to take back Canterlot. It wouldn’t be easy; there were only 8 of them, while the Venom Emperor had millions of forces behind him. But they would do all that they could.

Meanwhile, unknown to the 8 friends, Draco was watching their every move through a viewing portal. He grinned vilely.

“So the little prince from the broken line and his little friends think that they can stop me”, he said preempted, twirling Celestia’s chopped off horn, “Well, he has no idea what he’s in for”.

> Campfire Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5 Campfire Revelations

It took all day for them to reach the base of the mountain where the castle was. They were all exhausted from the long ride, so they set up camp. Applejack and Rainbow Dash pitched the tents while Jay had gotten out a large metal pot from the wagon and started making dinner. Meanwhile, Twilight noticed Finn was sitting on a log a few feet away from everybody, isolating himself from the group. Twilight couldn’t help but ponder at his want for solitude. Later that evening, as the 5 mares warmed themselves by the fire, Jay passed around bowls full of the stew he had made. As they ate, the ponies were impressed by the balanced flavor.

“Hoo-wee! Now that’s good eating”, Applejack said, licking her lips. “This is delicious, Jay”, Fluttershy complimented softly. “Where’d you learn to cook like this”? Rainbow Dash asked enthusiastically.  “My Grandma taught me how to make it”, Jay said, swallowing a spoonful, “along a bunch of other great recipes”.

As the other ponies thanked Jay for the stew, Twilight glanced over at Finn. Sitting in the same spot, on the same log. After grabbing a bowl of stew, she trotted over to him. She set the bowl and spoon down in front of him.

“Hungry”? She asked.

Finn did not respond. He had the same blank look on his face, as if he didn’t notice. Instead of a response, he looked down, saw the bowl, and then picked it up, helping himself to the food inside.

“Thanks”, he said, in a dry but grateful manner.

Twilight made a small smile, but she couldn’t help but question Finn’s weird behavior. After everyone had fallen asleep, and Jay had taken first watch, Twilight sat up, and walked over to Jay.

“Hey”, she said.

Jay glanced over at the lavender mare.

“Hey”, Jay said nonchalantly. “Why’s Finn been acting so weird”? She asked finally, “It’s almost as if he wants Draco dead”. “That’s because he does”, Jay said truthfully. “What”?! Twilight said confused. “Remember how Finn told you Draco’s story”? Jay asked.

Twilight nodded.

“Well he didn’t really tell you the whole story”, Jay said honestly.

He looked over at Finn, who was still awake, and in the same position, and then at the fire. As it crackled and burned, he flipped one of the burning logs over, allowing the flame to grow.

“After he made the Mamban ponies, Draco planned to lay siege to all of Arion. His first stop was the kingdom of Gringolet, our home. In order to take a kingdom, though you have to take the king, then the queen.”

Twilight looked at Jay in sheer horror as she quickly understood the message.

“So, Draco….killed the King and Queen”?? She asked in surprised. “Finn’s parents”, Jay said with a nod, “King Xanthos and Queen Balius”. “So”, Twilight said, putting the pieces together, “Finn….is a prince”?? Twilight said, almost out loud. “Shush”! Jay hissed, “Don’t let them hear you”. “Why not”?? Twilight asked, confused by the secrecy. “Because, Finn has sworn that until the line is restored and the Venom Empire has fallen, he will never answer to the title of prince”, Jay explained.

Twilight nodded as she looked over at the fire.

“After that, taking Gringolet was easy”, Jay went on, his voice growing more depressed, “Finn’s older brother, Marco, did his best to lead the kingdom’s army against Draco’s forces, but……let’s just say, thing’s got bad, really bad. Everypony lost, the Mamban forces suffered a crippling blow, but worst of all, no Arionite was left alive. Only Finn, his brother and I had survived the great massacre. A once proud kingdom is now but ruins, haunted by the souls of the ponies who futilely gave their lives to defend it”.

Jay slowly descended back into reality, staring back into the fire. Twilight’s stared at Finn, both in surprise and pity.

“That’s quite a story”, Twilight said in amazement. “It was because of Draco that Finn lost, not only his parents, but his home too”, Jay said grimly, poking at the fire.

Twilight frowned sadly. Looking over at Finn again, she saw him gazing down at something. Back at his log, Finn held a small picture of him and his Dad when he was a little colt. Sighing sadly, he slide forward on the log ‘til he was on the ground, then kept on sliding ‘til his head was propped up on it. Gazing up at the stars, he slowly shut his eyes. 

Twilight got down on her side.

“I suppose I’d feel the same way if I were in his situation”, she said to Jay. “He doesn’t really trust anyone anymore either”, Jay added, lying down on his back, “Only me. He feels he doesn’t really need anyone else besides family”. “I used to think that way”, Twilight said, thinking back to her first time in Ponyville, “But wait. If that’s so, why did he voluntarily try to help Sweetie Belle, and why is he doing this anyway”? “It’s his job”, Jay answered, “sense of duty, but no sense of love”.

Jay slowly turned his head to the side, and then closed his eyes. Minutes later, he was sound asleep. Twilight was still up, still looking over at Finn. Until finally, she got up and went over to him. Grabbing a blanket from his bag with her teeth, she slowly pulled it over him. Finn, awoken from the changed temperature, opened his eyes a little. He saw Twilight returning to her spot, then lying back down. Finn cracked a small smile, then slowly drifted back to sleep.





Meanwhile, inside the castle throne room of Canterlot, Draco fidgeted as he sat upon the throne. He had been rubbing at his forelegs, which was covered in scars. With the misfortune of alluding sleep, he thought back to how he had gotten the scars. 

The sun slowly set in the land of Arion, and as the evening sky came into view, Draco, who wore silver and white robes, looked over the mountains overlooking Arion. Draco frowned as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.

“This land”, he said with a sneer, “It was never big enough for me. In my mind, I see a land larger, MUCH larger, all mine, all for me”.

As he spoke, his entire body slowly started to emit a glow. A glow unlike any other, that pierced the soul of any who gazed upon it. A light shade of red, with evil marked in its shine.

“ I am the pony who is the most superior”, he said grimly, “The one who stands out above all. Yes”!

Lightning suddenly flashed with a clap of thunder following.

“More than the simple soldier could ever hope to be”! He said proclaimed loudly.

He tore away at his sleeves, which revealed black drawings of cobras on his forelegs.

“Better than the deeds of the King himself”! He exclaimed.

Then, he grasped the robes covering his chest, and exclaimed, “Everpony in this land shall know me. My name shall be known, and I will be acknowledged as the one most HIGH”!

And with that, he tore the robes off his chest, and in doing so, a pair of bat like wings unfolded from his back, and the skin in the wings were black. The shade of red that had been coming from his form was extremely demonic like and the snake tattoo’s rose up off his forelegs, alive and hissing. 

The council of Arion had sought to imprison him. They had him bound in chains made of thorn covered vines, and placed in a special prison; a deep, dark well surrounded by a ring of fire at the top.  Any normal pony would’ve perished in a prison like that, but he was no ordinary pony. He waited, biding his time, conserving his energy, until one day.......

“This pain”! He hissed, “The burning! I will not stay here any longer, I MUST BE FREE”!!!!!!!

Upon screaming his liberation, he broke free from the vines and up from the hole. Desperate to escape more than anything, he didn’t stop flapping his skeletal wings until all of his energy had been depleted. Exhausted from flying, he finally fell down to the ground below, and landed in the middle of a barren wasteland. He lay completely still, not wanting to open his eyes, listening to the wind whistle overhead and feeling the hot sun shine on his pale grey skin. As he opened his eyes, he caught glimpse of a small object. It looked like the handle of a sword. 
It was purple, a very interesting color for a sword. As he stood up, he looked at the rest of it. It was a katana, with a purple dragon head for a hilt. The blade was long and slender, and reflected the sun off of its exterior. Looking out into the distance, his resolve was hardened.

“I…am Draco Coatl”, he said in a dark, dry voice, “The son of Nagga. I will not DANCE at the thrones of the kings, I will TOPPLE them, and make them my own”!

He snatched up the dragon sword, and held it to where the point was pointing toward the ground.

“May all who oppose me know my name, and FEAR ME!!!”


> Truth and Consequences
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6 Truth and Consequences



They had reached the castle the next morning, and currently remained hidden on a mountain perch near the kingdom.

“Do you see anything”? Twilight whispered into Finn’s ear.

“Yeah”, Finn said, adjusting the focus on his binoculars, “The whole place is crawling with vipers, that’s what we call Draco’s Soldiers. There are a bunch of guards tied up too. The castle seems pretty clear though" . “That’s weird”, Rainbow Dash said. “Yeah, if they wanted to invade the kingdom, why in tarnation would they leave the castle alone"? Applejack asked curiously. “It’s most likely a trap”, Rarity said deductively. “Rarity’s right”, Jay agreed, “we’re gonna need a plan”.

Finn thought it over for a moment or two, until finally, inspiration struck him.

“Bingo! I’ve got it”! He exclaimed.

He quickly covered his mouth as the others shushed him, reminding him to be quiet. 

“Sorry”, he said in a hushed tone, “what I meant is, I just thought up of a great plan”. “Lay it on us Sarge”, Jay insisted.

Finn drew with the tip of his hoof on the ground, making a battle plan.

“Okay here it is, Finn explained, “There’ll be 2 teams: Team A will act as a distraction and keep the Snakes busy while at the same time freeing the guards, and Team B, who will consist of me and Jay, will sneak into the castle, liberate the princess’s, and beat the crud outta Draco”. “ I volunteer for Team B”, Twilight spoke up. “Count me in too”, AJ said jumping in. “And me”, Rainbow added. “Would you like to be a part of Team A Fluttershy”? Jay offered. “Oh umm, yes please. There are probably more of those soldiers inside the castle than out here”, Fluttershy admitted. “So I’m guessing the rest of you will be on Team A, correct”? Finn assumed, referring to Rarity. “Certainly, darling”, Rarity nodded.

Jay looked around. He suddenly realized they were short one pony.

“Where’s Pinkie”? Jay asked, “I haven’t seen her since the night before”. 

Just then, Jay heard something rustling nearby. It was coming from his saddlebag. As he opened up the bag, he found that the source of the noise, was Pinkie Pie! She quickly sprung out of the bag like a jack in the box.

“Surprise”! She exclaimed. “How long were you in there”?! Jay exclaimed frantically. “I slipped inside there before you left yesterday morning”, Pinkie Pie answered, “It’s really roomy in there. By the way, thanks for taking your laundry out. Wouldn’t have wanted to roll around in your dirty clothes”. 

While Jay looked at the pink mare in disbelief, Finn face hoofed himself.  A few minutes later, following the plan, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie slowly shimmied against the side of a house, looking over at a pair of tied up guards being guarded by a couple of Mamban soldiers.

“OK remember the plan Fluttershy”, Pinkie Pie whispered.

Fluttershy nodded obediently.

“You will distract the guards, and Fluttershy and I will set the guards free”, Rarity said reciting the plan. 

Pinkie Pie nodded. As one of the reptilian guards started to doze off and the other bored out of his mind, if he even had one, Pinkie Pie jumped out from the side of the house, and blew on a noise maker really loud. That got the guards’ attention real fast. 

“Yoohoo! Catch me if you can!” Pinkie Pie said in sing song.

And with that, she quickly ran away with a skip and a hop, with the Snakes running after her. With the coast clear, Rarity and Fluttershy ran over to the 2 restrained guards. Fluttershy was untying them while Rarity kept an open eye out for anymore guards.  Just then, as Fluttershy undid the knot that held the rope together, Rarity saw something coming down the streets. It was Pinkie Pie, the Mamban ponies right behind her.

“Hurry along Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie is coming back with some new friends”! Rarity warned.

After exchanging a look of worry, Fluttershy wasted no time in undoing the knot. In an instant, the 2 stallion guards were free, and after recovering their armor, they ran off. Rarity, still aware of the situation at hand, quickly tried thinking of a plan. Then, looking down at the long rope lying at her hooves, inspiration struck. 

“Fluttershy, grab the other end of that rope”, Rarity instructed.

Fluttershy obeyed, and held the other end in her mouth. As Rarity held the opposite end, she hid behind one of the houses, as did Fluttershy. Just then, Pinkie Pie ran right past them.

“Now Fluttershy”! Rarity said, her voice muffled a little because of the rope between her teeth. 

As soon as the Mamban Soldiers came into view, Fluttershy and Rarity pulled on the rope, causing them to trip. Instantly, Rarity and Pinkie attacked the warriors, mostly jumping up and down on them, while Fluttershy watched from a safe enough distance. Meanwhile, at the castle, Twilight led the others through a secret passage to the throne room. 

Until at last, they made it to the trashed throne room. It was pretty dark, but Finn found an unlit torch stick. After Twilight lit it using her horn, they all looked around in shock at the broken and cracked stained glass windows, demolished pillars, shredded wall tabards, smashed pots, trampled flowers, and especially the wrecked throne. What was once the royal throne room to the princesses of Equestria, looked like the aftermath of a frat party.

“Looks like they didn’t hold back”, Jay said, inspecting the wreckage. “How could this have happened”?! Twilight exclaimed, completely horrified by the state of the throne room. “Where is everypony”?! Finn asked curiously, his eyes darting around the room, " It's almost as if they just decided to trash the place and then split". “I know”, Jay said, “I didn’t think there would be a surprise attack, but I figured there would be at least a guard or…”

Before Jay could finish his sentence, the lights flashed on, and suddenly, standing all around them was a bunch of armed Mambans. The 5 companions huddled in a defensive circle, Finn and Jay held their swords close. Suddenly, 2 of the surrounding Mambans stepped aside, and out from the opening walked Draco. He had a chain dangling from his hoof.

“Why if it isn’t my dear friends, Staff Sergeant Finn and Sergeant Jay”, he said sarcastically. “Cut the crap, Draco”, Jay said sharply. “Yeah you can’t fool us”, Finn added, “We accounted for anything you might pull”.

Draco chuckled.

“You boys are indeed sharp”, Draco agreed, “but you’re dull enough to never expect the unexpected like everyone else”!

And with that, he yanked really hard on the chain, and following a painful yelp, was Princess Celestia. Stripped of her crown, necklace, and shoes, she looked as if she had been tortured. The once proud ruler of Canterlot, the princess of the sun, was now reduced to a prisoner of war. It was enough to bring the three mares to tears.

“Princess Celestia”! The 3 ponies shouted in horror. “Well, except for that”, Jay nervously admitted. 

Twilight noticed something missing from Celestia. Draco glanced over at the shocked purple unicorn.

“You’re probably wondering where her horn is”, Draco assumed, as if reading Twilight’s mind, “well, allow me to answer your question by showing you my new and recently acquired magic wand.”

Slowly, using his magic, he pulled out Celestia’s horn out from behind him. The 3 girls stared at it in shock, while the boys grimaced and scowled in disgust at it. 

“You heartless monster”, Twilight growled. “Sooo, Sergeant”, Draco said, looking over at Draco, his voice smooth like the face of a dagger, “still think you and your new friends can stop me”?

Finn glowered. The time had come for him to finally get what had been bothering him off his chest.

“That’s where you’re WAY off Draco”, Finn said stepping forth, “NONE of these mares are my friends, ya get me?! NONE OF THEM"!!!!

Twilight and the others were shocked.

“What”?! Twilight gasped. “Is he kidding”?! Rainbow Dash asked. “Ah don’t believe mah ears”! Applejack exclaimed out of disbelief. “Fiiin”!!!! Jay exclaimed pedantically. 

Draco chuckled, causing the 5 five heroes to return back to the issue at hand.

“But through and through though, you do still care for them”, Draco said, “Don’t deny it, for I can see it in your eyes. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to them”.

Finn looked over at the 3 mares. As he who he gazed upon their dismayed faces, he made a slight sad frown.

“It’s your choice Finny boy”, Draco said in a sadistic tone, “You can either join your friends, or not friends, whatever you call them, in the dungeon, or you can be the first to see 3 mares cry after watching their beloved ruler forever rest. Then again, you already know what that's like, don't you"?

Finn looked over at the 3 ponies, then at the bounded and beaten princess. 

“What CAN I do”? Finn asked in defeat, “You win”.

He slowly knelt down and lifted his forelegs. Chuckling at his greatest victory, Draco slapped a pair of shackles on Finn’s forelegs, along with the others. And with no hope in sight, the villainous scoundrel led them all down to the dungeon.  The dimly lit prison chambers slowly ate away at the 5 hero’s’ sense of hope. The constant dripping and the unclean room that they were in really took a toll on Jay.

“Auuugh”! He groaned, “How could this have gone so wrong?! I’m always on top of things”!!! 

There was a long pause of awkward silence. Finn kept looking at the 3 mares, then back down at his shoes. He was on one side of the cell with Jay, and the 3 girls were on the other. He knew what they were thinking, but he didn’t have the heart to ask. 

"What"?! Finn asked, breaking the silence, "Why are you looking at me like that"??

Twilight was the next to speak.

“Why are we not your friends”? She asked curiously, “After all we’ve been through, after all we’ve done, haven't we….”?

Finn sighed before he spoke.

“I can’t have any friends”, he finally admitted. “For lands sake, why”?! Applejack asked, joining in. “Is it because you’re too wrapped up in your studies? Cause Twilight had the same problem”, Rainbow Dash asked, bringing up Twilight’s old inability to make friends.

Twilight frowned at the Cyan Pegasus. 

“They already have you on the ropes, might as well tell them”, Jay sadly suggested.

Finn took a deep breath, and then exhaled.

“I can’t allow myself to develop any sort of friendship”, Finn explained, “the more people who’re close to me, the more I put in danger. And look what’s happened because of it; Your Princess is now a P.O.W., Draco’s using her horn like it’s some sort of new toy and we’re stuck in a dungeon like a bunch of rats”.

At that moment, a group of rats scurried by the 5 ponies. None of them decided not to speak about the irony of the passing rodents. Getting back to the subject, Twilight slowly trotted over to him.

“Is that why you said we’re not your friends”? She asked, “Because you think you’ll get us hurt?

Finn slumped back and shrugged his shoulders.

"Everyone who has ever gotten close to me, save for a few ponies, have all either walked out of my life......or died", he said in a sad tone. "If I could just turn off these hurt feelings that I have, then I would but I CAN'T, I just CAN'T! I can't.....".

He looked away and sighed, feeling a slight pressure build up in his chest. Twilight slowly walked over to him and placed her hoof on his foreleg.

“Finn, we’ve handled some pretty tough creatures and villains over the years”, She said, "Sure, they were probably pushovers compared to what you and Jay have faced, but they were challenging all the same". “If you knew what we faced sugar cube, you wouldn’t need any reason to worry”, Applejack added. “We kick butt on a regular basis”, Rainbow Dash boasted.

Twilight and AJ looked at her with a hairy eyeball. 

“Well, we do don't we”? She asked.

Twilight slowly patted Finn’s shoulder.

“You don’t need to worry about us” Twilight said reassuringly, “We’ve always been able to take care of ourselves., and we’ll help you to take down Draco”. 

Finn turned his attention from the floor to Twilight. He then looked to the side, and then sighed.

“Anyone got a plan”? He asked. 

Twilight smiled.

“We should regroup with the others so we can us the Elements of Harmony”, Rainbow Dash suggested. “Yeah, The elements of Harmony”, Jay agreed, “what are the elements of Harmony”? “They’re 6 magic artifacts that represent the 6 elements of friendship”, Twilight explained, “Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Loyalty, and the most powerful of all, Magic. My friends and I are the ones who represent the elements; Applejack is Honesty, Rarity is Generosity, Fluttershy’s is Kindess, Pinkie Pie is Laughter, Rainbow Dash element is Loyalty, and…"

“Let me guess”, Finn interrupted, “you represent magic”. “That’s right”, Twilight said with a smile and a slight blush, “But I don’t see how we can get to them when we’re locked up down here”.

It was then Jay remembered something important.

“Do you really need to ask”? Jay asked sarcastically. 

Jay then used his magic to unlock the cell door. The 4 of them cheered and clapped at Jay’s quick thinking.

“Hold your applause for later”, Jay said sternly, “You girls gotta get to those elements, while Finn and I go and put the whooping on old Scale Face”. “You got it”, Rainbow Dash said. “I’m going with you”, Twilight said. “No way”, Finn said, “we can’t risk anyone else getting hurt”. “He hurt Princess Celestia”, Twilight said irritably, “I’ve got as much of a score to settle than you do”.

Finn sighed and rubbed his eyes with both his hooves. He looked over at Twilight, who made an irritated face, and then at Jay, who just shrugged and nodded.

“Fine”, he said grouchily.

Jay made a cheery face, and then went back to being serious. Twilight went over to Finn and embraced him in a light but warm hug. The young princes’ face turned light pink as his Alicorn acquaintance hugged him closely. The lavender mare also blushed as she hugged the young soldier. After what seemed like hours, Finn gently exited Twilight’s embrace.

“Well then”, Finn said weakly, “Let’s go”!

> Mark of The Guardian
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7 Mark of the The Guardian


Later, Applejack and Rainbow Dash had gone to regroup with the other 3 mares and give them their Elements, while Finn, Jay, and Twilight went to go confront Draco. About a dozen guards were standing guard in front of the door to the throne room. Twilight silently flew above them with Finn and Jay perched on her back, each of them holding a weapon of their's close. Finn clenched the grip of his sword and Jay held his Pole Cannon close. Meanwhile in the throne room, Draco sat at the throne, with both Princesses chained beside him.  He looked over at Princess Luna with a smile, and slowly ran his hoof down the side of her face. Just then, there was a loud ruckus outside. It sounded like that of a struggle. Just as he was about to get up, the doors burst open, and there stood Finn, Jay, and Twilight. 

“How did you escape my dungeon”?! Draco exclaimed. “Dude, you may have an army, but we’ve got one badass of a princess here”, Finn said, motioning to Twilight.

The lavender unicorn blushed as her comrade complimented her, even if it was belligerently.  Draco glared at the small rebel party.

“Your rule here is over, Draco”! Twilight exclaimed. “Big talk from some sorry excuse for a student of magic”, Draco said coolly, “What’s next? You gonna sick your lousy father friend on me”? 

“That’s it! You’re mine”! Jay shouted.

The grey maned sergeant then galloped right towards the throne. But then, Draco aimed his horn right at him and fired a purple beam, which Jay blocked by using magic from his own horn to form a shield around himself. Then, after dissipating the shield, Finn leapt over him, sword drawn, and made a break for Draco. When he was close enough, he lifted his sword over his head, and then brought it down with all his might. His attack was then blocked as Draco drew his dragon sword, disabling his attack with a loud clang. Meanwhile, Jay took out viper after viper who dared to get inside his field of vision with his pole cannon.

“You could not defeat me in Arion, what makes you so sure you can defeat me here, child”? Draco chuckled. “I have help”, Finn grunted.

And with that, he thrusted his sword upward, causing Draco to stumble back, after which Finn grabbed him in a full nelson.

“Now Twilight”! He exclaimed.

Twilight, who was right near the throne at that moment, concentrated really hard, causing her horn to shine brightly. She then unleashed a bright purple beam at Draco, who, unable to block the attack, caught the full front of the blast. A bright white flash filled the room, obscuring everypony’s vision. After the light from the blast died down, Finn stood over Necroknight, who, after getting his by Twilight’s magic, was badly burned; his armor had been penetrated, leaving a long cut through the brass, and his face was amassed with burn marks. He wasn’t killed, but he was definitely stunned for the time being. It was at that moment, the other 5 ponies burst through the door with the elements. 5 of them were already wearing 5 the elements. Twilight was the last to don her element, which looked like a crown.

“You’ve lost Draco”, Finn said gallantly.

He then grabbed Draco and slammed him up against the throne, and slowly drew his sword.

“Maybe so”, Draco said weakly, “But, as usual, I still have a trick up my sleeve”.

In that moment, Draco shot out a light green beam from his horn, which surrounded the 6 mares, and then in its place, a large cage appeared, entrapping them. Then a hole appeared under the cage, and the cage was hovering right over it.

“No”! Twilight shouted.

She and Rarity quickly attempted to use their magic to open the cage. Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to force it open with their bare hooves. Unfortunately, all attempts to escape had not effect on the cage. Jay quickly dashed towards the cage, but a bunch of viper’s dog piled on him, leaving Finn the only one left to save the girls. Draco laughed at his expense.

“It’s your choice Finn”, he said evilly, “Either take your revenge, or save the ponies who you wish not to call your friends. But hurry, you only have 10 seconds”.

Finn was torn; there were the girls, and then there was Draco. He could either let Draco escape and save the girls or take his revenge, all at the expense of the lives of 6 mares, whom he strangely cared about. He could feel the pressure eat away at him. His grip on his sword tightened. Finally, he lifted his sword over his head, and brought down the sword onto the arm of the throne. Finn quickly fished in his saddlebag, and pulled out a coil of rope. Then in a blinding speed, he ran over to the cage, and tied the rope onto one of the bars. But then, the cage quickly started to descend. Finn held onto the rope and pulled, but the cage’s weight pulled him down. Then, as fast as a rock could sink, the cage dropped down into the hole. Jay, who pulled himself out from the pile of Mambans, watched in horror as the cage fell down the large hole. The 2 captive princesses also watched in antipathy at the travesty. Draco beamed with pride at his latest evil. But just then, a hoof reached up from the hole, and grabbed onto the ledge. Everyone gasped. It was Finn, slowly and difficultly scaling the walls of the hole, he gripped the rope holding up the cage in his teeth.

“Ahm gettin a wope burn on my tongue”! He growled, his voice muffled due to the rope, “A wittle hep”?!

Answering his call, Twilight and Rarity used their magic to help Finn up the wall, levitating him upwards. Until at last, they were all out of the hole. Exhausted from the difficult ascension up the hole, Finn collapsed on the ground with a thud. With Finn drained from the day, as well his recent labor, Jay freed the 6 mares from the cage. Draco stared angrily at the hero’s success.

“Give it up Flank face”! Jay shouted, “Your out of thugs to throw at us. So now there are 7 of us, and one of you”.

Draco’s eyes quickly darted around the room, looking for something to deploy. His eyes soon fell upon Princess Luna. Remembering the books he had stolen from the Royal Library, an evil grin crept across his face.

“But I have something you don’t”, he said insidiously. “What’s that, ya walking talking pile a' manure”? Applejack asked scornfully.

Draco then looked over at Princess Luna. Princess Celestia quickly realized his plan, and gasped.

“Your worst nightmare”, he said wickedly.

He then whipped Celestia’s horn from out of his saddlebag, and stabbed Princess Luna right in the chest. Hearing her cry in pain, Draco then channeled his dark magic energy through the horn as the 8 ponies could only watch with horror in their eyes. Slowly a purple vortex surrounded her, which was followed by an explosion that threw everyone back.

As the smoke cleared, Jay sat up, tried looking through the mist. And then there, standing in Luna’s place, was Nightmare moon. The 6 ponies gasped.

“Nightmare Moon”?! The 6 mares shrieked. “That’s right”, Draco sneered, “I used Celestia’s horn to enhance my dark powers, which allowed me to bring back Princess Luna’s…better half”.

Jay, who sneaked over to the throne, used his magic to break the chain and freed Celestia. The princess of the sun glared at the son of Nagga.
“Change her BACK”! She ordered in a weak, yet furious, tone. “I don’t think you’re in any position to give orders”, Draco pointed out, showing off her horn.

Celestia glared at him, but then slowly fell over on her side. Jay slowly helped her up, letting her lean on his shoulder. 

Draco then turned to the unconscious Finn and said with a snide tone in his voice, “Some leader you turned out to be”.

Then, without haste, Draco and Nightmare Moon flew up through the roof with a maniacal laugh, leaving the company shocked at his recent agenda. Celestia slowly frowned and hung her head in despair as Jay helped her over to her throne with Finn’s Claymore still protruding from the arm rest. Finn slowly began to stir, and slowly opened his eyes. The 6 ponies and Jay were all standing over him, but Twilight was the one holding his head in her forelegs. From what she could tell, he had loveliest eyes she had ever seen. She lightly pressed the tip of her hoof against his lips as she saw him attempt to speak.

"Shh, shh, it's okay", she said with a gentle smile, "Don't try to talk right away. You're exhausted, speak slowly".

Finn nodded as he slowly breathed in and out.

“Did.........D-did we win”? He asked softly

Twilight and the others slowly shook their heads. Noticing that Princess Luna was gone, and Celestia was softly weeping at her throne, he frowned sadly, shut is eyes, and then gently turned his head away in shame.

> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue



Later that day, Finn and Jay helped clean the throne room, as well as the rest of the inside of the castle. The rest of the royal guards had been freed, and where helping the villagers repair the town. Twilight Sparkle and her friends helped out too. Finn and Jay, as well as Twilight and her friends, were treated for whatever wounds they had, and with the healer’s help, Celestia regained her horn. After the entire castle interior was repaired, excluding the sword still protruding out from the throne’s arm, Finn and Jay stood in front of the, almost, fully healed Princess Celestia. The other 6 ponies were there in attendance as well. 

“I don’t know how to apologize for something like this”, Jay said truthfully. “All I know is, we've been here barely three days and we failed miserably in saving the day”, Finn said sadly. “Not necessarily”, Celestia said with a small smile, “You saved my life and my kingdom, and I’m eternally in your debt”. “But if it wasn’t for me, Princess Luna would still be here”, Finn said wistfully, bowing his head. “There was nothing any of us could do Finn”, Twilight said reassuringly, trotting up to him, “He could’ve killed her if we attempted anything”.

Finn calmly lifted his head, and gave Twilight a little smile. After giving it much thought, Finn decided to speak his mind. As he finally came to Twilight’s eye level, he stared deeply into her light purple eyes. Twilight giggled nervously as he gave her his attention.

“What is it”? She asked.

“Listen”, Finn began, “ I just wanna say, after what happened, I’d like to no longer refer to you and your friends as ‘not my friends’ “.

Twilight smiled, along with the other 5 ponies. Instantly, a strange mark appeared on both sides of Finn’s flank.  Everyone marveled at the sight.

“Holy Haystacks!” Jay exclaimed out of amazement. "Is this what I think it is"? Finn asked, feeling his hopes begin to build up. “That's right, Sergeant ”, Celestia spoke, “that is a cutie mark”. “I can't believe it. I-I never actually thought I'd get one”, Finn admitted. “Hey! It kind of looks a little like YOURS Twilight”! Pinkie Pie piped up.

Twilight glanced at her own Cutie Mark and then at Finn’s. There was certainly a vague similarity between the two, but no pony, not even the princess, had a clue as to why. 

“They sure do look similar”, Applejack agreed. “But what in the hay does it mean”? Rainbow Dash inquired. “Well”, Finn said, walking up to the princess’s throne, “we’ll have plenty of time to find out after we stop Draco and save Princess Luna”.

Slowly, Finn grabbed the handle of his sword, and pulled, but it didn’t budge. He pulled and pulled, but it didn’t move, not even a wiggle. 

“What’s the deal”?! He exclaimed. “Your sword will be returned to you after you complete your mission”, Celestia said calmly. “But I can’t fight without my sword”! Finn pleaded, “Well I can, but I can’t fight as well”. “You still have your pole rifle”, Jay pointed out.

Finn then remembered he did indeed have his rifle. He went over to where it lay against his saddle bag and picked it up.

“I suppose it’ll do”, Finn decided.

Then after laying his weapon back down next to his bag, he turned to the 6 ponies that he was too afraid and too proud to call his “friends”.

“You ladies up for another adventure”? He asked. “You betcha”! Applejack exclaimed. “Count me in”! Pinkie Pie shouted. “Me too!” Rainbow Dash said energetically. “As long as there isn’t anything involving getting dirty”, Rarity said reluctantly. “I suppose”, Fluttershy said softly. 

Twilight nodded. Finn then turned to Jay.

“You ready for this Jay”? Finn asked. “Taylor made, brother”, Jay said with a smirk.

This was not the end, the boys knew this. As Finn and Jay were embraced by their new friends, in their hearts they knew that the challenges ahead of them were not going to be easy. However, a feeling of confidence filled their sense, because they knew they wouldn’t be facing the future alone.