> “THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!!”
>  by Sawtoothetherium
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The King Returns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

light

Sombra groaned as he regained consciousness.

I... I see light

Sombra began to regrow his form from the horn that had survived the blast. First came his head dark as the void then his barrel and legs. His form solidified once it gained shape and his armor glinted dully in the sunlight. He sat up groaning and clutched his head which was throbbing painfully. He opened his eyes to see a green field with a mountain in the distance, on that mountain was a shining white city.

Canterlot.

Sombra had recognized the capital of the depressingly resilient nation.  The dwelling of his arch nemesis, Shadows Bane she had been called by the crystal ponies before its disappearance. Anger swelled in his chest.

Luna! He thought enraged, I will take my vengeance. First on you, then on that pathetic waste of sperm unicorn.

Sombra was angry and he was close to the one who he hated most but he knew better than to go in without a plan. So he suppressed his rage, temporarily, and began to think. A plan formulated itself in his mind, how and when he would carry it out came first then came the plan of how to get there and how long it you’ll take, what to do with any guards he came across and how he would dispose of them.

Sombra grinned, he would strike when they least expect it.



that night


Sombra had formed himself into a shadow and glided across the gardens soundlessly. He passed by three thestral guards and two solar guards, all of which he killed in unique and painful ways. He glided through the halls of Canterlot castle looking for his target.

He stopped all at once and listened. A voice, a beautiful voice was singing into the night sky.

Luna.

He followed the voice to a set of double doors guarded by thestrals. The doors were dark blue and decorated with crescent moons. This was the place. He crept up to the two thestrals and silently impaled them with shards of dark crystal. He opened the door silently and entered. 

What he saw surprised him. The room was not as furnished as he expected, if anything this was no different than a peasants home. The walls were mostly bare save for a few star charts and maps, there was a desk situated against the wall left of the door, it was covered in blueprints, plans, notes and a few letters. There on the balcony was the princess herself, she sat in the middle of the stone ledge singing.

Much as I despise her, I must admit she has a beautiful voice.

That was an understatement, her voice would have rivaled that of an angels, it rang clear and soft through the night sky. It was so entrancing that Sombra actually stopped for a moment to listen, it filled him with a sense of calm. It was strange to him.

Luna sang for a few more minutes than turned and entered her humble chambers. She had abandoned her regalia, crown and shoes whenever possible therefore stood before him naked. Luna stopped at the sight of him, she stared shocked at his being there. He smiled wickedly.



Celestia was preparing to go to bed when she heard it, She had removed her normal adornments and bathed. Twilight and her friends were staying in the castle that night after the wedding. She was just about to get in bed when she heard someone scream. It sounded familiar, as though it came from the very pony that had been singing moments before.

Celestias eyes widened,Luna.

Celestia teleported to Lunas chambers and saw none other than King Sombra standing there. Luna was nowhere to be found. Celestia lit up her horn charging an attack spell.

“What have you done with my sister,” She growled, “Tell me.”

“I put her somewhere safe, you will soon join her once those insufferably obnoxious group of ponies and their pet dragon get here.” He said in his demonically deep voice, “ Speaking of, here they come.”

Not two seconds after he said the last word the door burst open and in came Twilight her friends and spike. When thy saw who was standing there they all gasped. Then they did the usual thing, with five of them getting battle ready, one of them hiding behind the rest and the last grabbing the nearest weaponlike object he could. 

Celestia then released the bolt of magic which Sombra easily doged. Spinning low he swept Celestia off her hooves and punched her across the room. Celestia not expecting this grunted as she hit the floor. Spike, having grabbed a broom, charged Sombra twirling the broom like a bo staff. Sombra shot him with a dark blast of magic, however being surprised at the young dragons willingness to fight him and the obvious skill he had with a broom he had not paid attention to the kind of spell he used. Spike hit the wall and his scales began to glow.

Sombra, already tired of this “Fight”, trapped all of them in a sphere of black magic. 

“Don’t worry, you will see your night princess soon enough.” He laughed, “Though I have a little surprise for you concerning that particular pain in the ass.”

So Sombra opened a portal of black magic and sent them through. He failed to notice the quickly growing green and purple dragon in the bubble. Now he had disposed of the biggest threats, now he had do deal with the lovebirds and the crystal heart, Good thing they were all in the same place.

Sombra sped across the grassy plane until it whitened into a layer of snow. Then the Crystal Empire came into view, and their fate was sealed. Sombra got to the heart, took it and smashed it with his magic. He corrupted the Empire and took the two lovebirds prisoner, making sure to keep the two and entire Empire apart. 

the reign of King Sombra begins now
> These Locals Seem Friendly
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saying that Spike was shocked would be an understatement, he was hit with a blast of magic by the king of monsters himself, thrown through a black portal, and he felt weird. Spike found himself and his friends falling through the clear blue sky towards the ground.

wait, I don’t remember it being daytime.

Spike looked at his friends, Celestia, Rainbow dash and Fluttershy were already spreading their wings to slow their fall. Spike followed suit and spread his own wings and caught AJ, Rarity and Twilight on his back. Rainbow Dash caught Pinkie Pie and helped slow her fall.

wait, since when did I have wings?

Spike turned his large head around to see he had two very large wings sprouting from his shoulders. They were each twice as long as his body, heavily muscled and very thick. Very soon the eight individuals reached the ground safely. Rarity, AJ, and Twilight got off his back and stared at him shocked. Spike looked down at them confused.

“Spike?” Twilight asked cautiously.

“Yes Twilight, what is it?” He replied.

“What happened to you?”

“What do you...” He said looking down,  “Mean”

As he examined himself he noticed many things that should not be. His chest looked like that of an olympic champion bodybuilder, he had ten pack abs and six side abs bulging from his flesh. His pecs were bulging out immensely as wer his biceps and triceps. He felt muscle ripple down his back, his legs were just as muscular and looked like he could kick a hole into a mountain. From his fingers grew curved and wickedly sharp claws, same for his toes. His face had increased in length and his teeth turned into massive fangs, two of which hung out of his mouth on either side from his upper jaw. His spines had curved back like sabres and were razor sharp. His tail had lengthened into a long rope of pure muscle, it looked as though he could breake rocks with it, and from the tip was a four sided and barbed spearhead made from the same material as his spines. All in all, don’t mess with that guy, he rip your head off.

“Spike,” Celestia said, “I think Sombras magic changed you. Made you physically mature in a matter of moments.”

“And that’s a bad thing,” Spike said.

“Not at all, if anything you may just be able to stop him on your own now. Your fire will still be able to send messages, however now you will need to control it more.”

“I will get working on that,” Spike promised, “However right now we should probably worry about where we are, how to get back, and how to get princess Luna back.”

“You’re right Spike,” Twilight said, “We don’t know where we are. Though we can guess that Princess Luna is here too, he said he had a surprise for us concerning the princess.”

“That worries me,” Celestia told them, “Sombra does not lie. Believe it or not. So she is in this world, however he has probably messed with her somehow. She may attack us thinking that we are the enemy, she may run from us for the same reason. We cant know what to expect so its best if we keep our guard up.”

Spike looked around and saw a dirt road off to his left, and by the looks of it it was frequently used.

“Hey Everypony,” He said gesturing to the road. “I think we found our way to civilization. We follow the road in one direction or another and keep going until we reach a town or village.”

Celestia looked at him, “Good thinking. Though I would think it wise to disguise myself and you spike. We don’t know how they would feel about an alicorn or dragon, so we should play it safe.”

Twilight thought for a minute, “I agree. Perhaps we should split ways, half go with Celestia and the rest go with Spike so that whomever comes across civilization first can contact the other. Or if one comes across Princess Luna they can contact the other.”

“But we have no scrolls to send one another.” AJ pointed out.

“We don’t need scrolls.” Spike told her, “We can send leaves if we wanted too. That could be the way we tell one another, one leaf means a town or village, two means Princess Luna, three means both.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Celestia said.

“I don’t think splitting up is a good idea.” Rainbow told them, “Safety in numbers, and we work better as a team when all of us are present.”

“She has a point,” Pinkie said.

“So no splitting up.” Twilight asked.

Most of them shook their heads.

“Alright so which way do we go,” asked Celestia Now disguised as a young unicorn mare.

“Left?” Spike suggested.

No one objected. So they set down the path with Spike now flying above them to scout ahead and behind them, Rainbow did the same thing. For hours they walked in silence along the road, until spike and rainbow came down. They had spotted a city.

“It’s large, very large.” Spike reported. “It is on a mountain with marble columned buildings, mostly focused in the center, on the outskirts there are simple houses. It seems to be teeming with life, ponies are moving around all over the place in odd robes buying and selling produce. It is any merchants dream.”

“So that is where we should start,” Celestia said. “Someone would know something in a place like that.”

They arrived in the city not ten minutes later with Spike disguised as a large purple stallion. They went around asking if anyone had seen Luna, no one did. Having a few bits on her Celestia got them a room in an inn. They were in the dining hall on the first floor discussing their next plan. When a group of three stallions entered the hall and everything went silent. The three stallions went up to the bar and bought a couple drinks, then sat at the table next to theirs. Everyone else went back to their conversations, but Celestia decided to listen to the stallions words.

“You sell any good ones recently?” The first asked the second.

“One or two, they were lovely I tell you.” The second awnsered, “what about you. You sell any beauties.”

“A few, got a good sum for em too.” The first said, “ and what is your story eh Lycomedes? How many did you sell?”

“Many, but one in particular caught my eye.” The third one by the name of Lycomedes replied. “She was a beautiful mare. Dark blue coat, her mark was that of a crescent moon on a dark black splotch, and her mane a waving imitation of the night sky. I wanted to keep her for myself in all honesty, but I am not stationary enough and that spartan king paid me HANDSOMLY.”

“Sold her to the spartan king?!” The second exclaimed, “But those guys only except the best.”

“That mare was in a league of her own concerning beauty, health and obedience. Sure it took a few beatings for her to get that I owned her but still, she broke quicker than most others.”
> Where is She?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight asked concerned.

“Hmm,” Celestia grunted in question.

“Are you alright sugar cube?” AJ asked.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Celestia said with a new energy in her voice, “I just overheard the conversation of those three stallions, it turns out they had Luna, or one of them did.”

“What did you hear,” Rarity asked.

“From what I gathered, those stallions are slave traders. When one of them described Luna perfectly. They said to some king of Sparta. Which I’m guessing is a kingdom or group.”

“Well how do we get there?” Spike asked in his new deep as hell voice. “We don’t know where it is or even what they are like. We need to be careful.”

“I think we can corner one of the slave traders and make them tell us how to get there, if we are lucky we could... eh convince one of them to take us there. But we need to get one of them alone.”

“Honestly if these guys sell and capture slaves then we may need to rely on some more physical ‘convincing’.” Spike said.

Celestia chuckled darkly, “My how this brings back memories.”

“You’ve been in a situation like this Celestia?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

“Many times,” Celestia replied, “Me and Luna have been on countless adventures together. Especially in the elder days, Luna and I weren’t always rulers, no that happened when the tribes were united. Luna and I were actually nomadic warriors for a time. Well Luna was the warrior, I was more a battlemage. Anyway, we’re getting off topic, Luna as it happens was taken into slavery to this Spartan King. We need to find those Slavers and get the truth from them.”

“Well lets go get them.” Rainbow said.

“Not so fast rainbow, we are still in a tavern, if we try to get it from them now it wont work with ponies around. We need to get them alone.” Celestia sighed, “Before we do this I need to tell you all, you are likely to see a side of me no one knows about. It may, and probably will, scare you, just please don’t be too harsh when that pony comes out.”

“Celestia,” Fluttershy said soothingly, “We all hide something, even me, but with your position you have to hide a lot of things. Nopony is perfect, we all know that, believe me when I say that we won’t think any less of you if we see a side of you we don’t expect.”

The seven others nodded in agreement.

“You don’t fully understand what I’m telling you. I have been a violent mare in the past and I still can be, with Sombra all those years ago I killed all of his soldiers without mercy. With Discord I hacked all of his limbs off before we found the elements. Luna bore kindness, loyalty and laughter, I bore magic, generosity and honesty. I was a cruel mare once, and she still exists, instead of save my sister from the demon that possessed her I let her rot on the moon for a full millennium. I will likely show violence here, as once Luna held me back she isn’t here and still I have not been able to completely control my anger.”

“Celestia,” Fluttershy said calmly, “This place will likely bring out the worst in us. All of us. We wont judge you for how you get things done. Haven’t you seen all the soldiers around? It seems as though this world is in a violent age, honestly we may need to get violent ourselves.”

“Mhmmm” agreed the group.

Then Spike looked up to see one of the slavers get up and leave the tavern. He pointed this out and they followed him. They moved through crowded streets following the slaver, eventually he went into a back alley and found it was a dead end. He moved to remove his hoplite sword from its sheath, then it was wrenched from his grasp by yellow light. He turned to face the group following him.

“What do you want,” He growled.

“Information.” Celestia replied calmly.

“What kind of information?” The slaver asked.

“Only of where you took a certain mare.” Celestia told him.

“I cant remember every slave I catch and sell.”

“But you remembered this one perfectly. I heard you talking to your friends in that tavern, you described the mare perfectly.” Celestia said without emotion in her voice. “That blue mare with a mane mimicking the night sky blowing in a wind that isn’t there.”

“Oh that one, yes i remember her. Honestly she was a little too easy to break for my taste, but having no memory besides your name would probably do that to even a spartan.”

“Where did you take her, and how do we get there?” Spike growled at him.

“I took her to the kingdom of Sparta, their king Leonidas, paid me well. Normally I would brand a slave, but if it is a mare like that then I collar them instead. She was probably the most desirable slave I had ever seen.”

“And how do we get there?” Twilight asked without her normal gentle voice.

“There is a ship headed that way in tha harbor...” He stopped, looked at them surprise written on his face, “You wish to free her.”It wasn’t a question.

They said nothing.

“But... that’s MADNESS!!! The Spartans are balls out mental! They throw disabled babies off a mountain! They hunt their own male slaves to keep them in line! And to top it off they subject each and every one of their male citizens to the most brutal military training at the age of seven! You would be insane or scuicidal to try and get her out of there!”

“Well then you should have no trouble getting us there if this will kill us.” AJ said threateningly.

The stallion thought for a minute then smiled, “Well if it involves killing stalkers then what the heck. I can take you to Sparta.”

“Good,” Celestia said, “But before you think to double cross us.” Celestia removed her disguise along with spikes.

The slaver yelped in fright at Spikes monstrous appearance.

“What the Hades!” He exclaimed.

Spike folded his arms, he stood five times as tall as Celestia, and he looked carved from rock with all of his muscle.

“Has this secured your loyalty?” Spike boomed.

The slaver nodded up and down hastily. “Yes, yes it has.”

“Good,” Celestia said before returning the disguise to herself and Spike.

So the slaver lead them to a merchant ship, or rather a slavers ship, and brought them onboard. They sailed southward toward this place called Sparta. Celestia was worried about how the sun would raise and lower in her absence.
> Where am I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna hit the ground hard, she grunted on impact. She lay there for a moment her breath having been knocked out of her. She fought her breath and sat up to look around, she heard someone come up behind her and she turned to look at it. Behind her was a stallion, staring at her. He walked up to her and offered his hoof to help her up.

“Hey there,” he said kindly, “Are you okay?”

“I-I think so,” she replied shyly.

“Where are you from, what’s your name?” He asked her.

“I... my name is Luna, but as for where I came from, I don’t know.” She racked her brain trying to figure it out, but nothing came up, “Now that I’m really trying, I cant seem to remember anything but my name.”

The stallion frowned, “Can’t remember anything?”

“No.”

The stallion circled her looking everywhere on her body, yes even there. He then stood in front of her and smiled, he leaned in and whispered, “Follow me.”

With nothing else to do Luna obliged, her chest head and hooves were bare. Then he came to a clearing and stopped her there, “Wait here.”

He then went into the trees, Luna took the opportunity to survey the area. It was a forested mountain that steepened at the top, the trees only went up halfway. She was all of a sudden grabbed from behind and before she could react there were chains around her hooves, a black leather belt holding her wings down, a ring on her horn to prevent magic, and a leather collar on her throat. She soon lost consciousness and everything went black.


*****


Luna woke up in what looked like a cart from where she was, her hooves were bound to her sides to prevent struggle. She had a rope in her mouth to act as a gag, the only thing she could do was see. Luna looked around to find herself in a wooden cart with a few other mares along with her. She was automatically frightened into paralysis.

who are these ponies? Where are they taking me? Where are they taking these other mares? Why are they doing it? she thought frantically.

“Lycomedes,” somepony called, “We have nearly arrived.”

“Good,” replied another, “I hope to make a good profit here.”

“The king Leonidas would likely pay well for that new addition.”

“That is what I thought as well,” Lycomedes said, “It almost seems a shame to sell her.”

The two laughed heartily. Luna began to struggle as best she could, only to be struck hard on the cheek.

“Keep still slave.”

Luna obeyed, she stopped struggling and tried to look around. She saw some wheat fields with mountains a bit farther away. There were several stallions working the fields of wheat, with some mares hauling harvested wheat. Luna felt something uncomfortably tight around her neck, she very quickly understood what was happening.

they plan to sell me and these other mares! she thought panicked. im their slave now. How did this happen? What did I do to deserve this?

Then they came into a town of stone buildings. There was not much going on except for mares going about doing chores. But these mares were not ponies, no they were much larger.

War horses Luna realized.

The cart stopped and Luna was lifted by magic along with the other mares. Luna was still facing the ground when she was floated along with the other mares, but looking up she saw a few other carts that were unloading stallions. Luna was taken into a cellar of sorts, there she was laid down next to another mare who looked just as frightened as she was. Their gags were removed and the mare next to her began to cry. Luna tried to comfort the mare, it seemed to work a little. Luna was glad that she could help the mare even though she could not help herself, it was a good thing to her. Then the stallion Lycomedes entered the room and many mares shrunk back in fear.

“Hello there slaves,” Lycomedes said to them, “Here you will be sold to respective masters, you will address them as such once sold. If you don’t the punishment will be severe. Is that clear?”

All of them nodded, even Luna.

“Good,” Lycomedes said tauntingly, “Here comes the first round of buyers.”

Lycomedes opened the door of the cellar to admit a large crowd of Warhorse stallions. They began to walk around the large chamber looking at mares and stallions alike, they seized one of the enslaved ponies if they wished to buy and payed Lycomedes on their way out. Many of them came and looked at Luna and asked Lycomedes about how much she cost as they said she looked expensive.

“She is,” Lycomedes would say, “She is the best catch I have ever seen, I would say about... nine thousand drachma.”

“Normally I would complain,” One stallion said, “But for a mare like that it seems a fair price.”

Luna kept getting worried when some horse came up and asked about how much she cost. While she knew she was now nothing more than property she didn’t want to know how slaves were treated. There was nearly no more “buyers” and not too many more ponies to be bought when another Warhorse stallion came up to her.He was a unicorn, he had a red cloak over a bronze chest plate, his back hooves were protected by bronze greaves though oddly enough he did not have shoulder protectors or bracers to protect his front hooves, on his head was a helm with a red plume. The helm covered every part of his face and head save for his mouth, the cheek plates went out to the end of his muzzle and a nose guard came down almost as far (Spartan helm). At his hip was a sword.

“Do you wish to buy her?” Lycomedes inquired.

“How much?”

“Nine thousand drachma.”

“Done,” The armored stallion said dropping a large bag of coins on the ground.

Lunas ears folded back against her head, she had just been sold to some soldier. Her new master undid her binds with his magic but left the collar on, then beckoned her up with a wing.

wait, he has wings and a horn. Like me. Luna thought.

Luna got up on weak legs and followed her master out. Luna kept her head down as she followed her master to a large building, it was of marble and pillars lined the outside, while rather simple it was grand in every sense of the word. She followed him inside, where some other Warhorse struck her. Her master spun to see a drunk stallion that just looked angry.

“You,” He said to the stallion, “What reason did you have to strike that mare?”

“I wasn’t aiming for her majesty,” The drunk responded, he nodded in another stallions direction, right on the other side of the door. “I was trying to hit him. Me and him have a score to settle.”

“Well take your fight away from here,” Her master ordered.

“Yes your majesty.” The drunk said bowing.

The two stallions left to fight elsewhere. Her master approached her and she shrunk back in fear thinking he would strike her as the drunk did, however he simply offered his hoof to help her up. Luna was taken by surprise, didn’t expect him to care if she was struck, she certainly didn’t expect him to help her up. She reluctantly took his hoof and he helped her up, he then beckoned her along with a wing. Luna followed him.

what just happened? Luna asked herself. I thought that he would be a cruel master. This, I don’t understand this. Why would he show me such kindness? He quite literally just bought me, perhaps its just concern for ones property.

But Luna wasn’t absolutely sure, he had just taken ownership of her yet seemed to worry about her wellbeing. Luna followed her master to another side of the building to begin her new life as a slave.
> What Now?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna followed her master into a room of beds.

“This is where you will be sleeping,” Her master said, “You will be the ninth on the right.”

“Yes master.” She replied quietly.

Her master sighed. “Go on in, rest for a bit. Tomorrow you will be assigned tasks, after an assessment of your abilities. Sleep well.”

With that her master turned and left through the door, just before a large group of sixteen maybe seventeen mares came in chattering. They saw Luna there and went up to her for introductions.

“Hey there newbie,” One said, “How do you find this place?”

Luna just looked at her, she stuttered for a minute, “I-I dont k-k-know what to think.”

“There’s no shame in that,” another said, “We were all surprised as you are now when we first got here. It is impossible to expect such kindness.”

Luna only nodded in agreement, she was confused and scared. These were slaves like her from what she guessed, but they act more like hired servants than anything. Luna was actually somewhat intimidated by them.

“Well it sure seems like you had a long day,” One of the mares said, “Where are you from?”

Luna looked down, “I cant really remember anything besides my name. I dont know where I’m from or how I got here.”

“And what is your name?”

“L-Luna”

“That’s a beautiful name.” 

“Th-thanks.”

“I can tell you’re tired, go get some sleep. They wont put you to work yet, and even when they do it wont be too much, maybe cleaning or preparing meals. That’s pretty much all there is for us to do.”

Luna nodded silently. A Pegasus mare nudged her to her bed.


*****


Luna woke up the next morning feeling well rested, she was a little more relaxed that morning. Her collar had remained on as she did not think her master would want it removed, she hadn’t touched it. She sat up to see that dawn had just come, it was a beautiful sight on the horizon.

Luna heard a door being opened and she saw her master enter the room. She got up and cast her eyes down. He came up to her and told her to follow him. Luna obliged and stayed close behind him as he lead her down a hallway. Luna took the opportunity to take in her masters size, he was massive, he was covered in muscle and nearly twice her size. He was big by Warhorse standards.

He stopped at a small oaken door, he pushed the door open and walked in with Luna close behind. Inside there was a large wooden strut that would fit over a pony’s shoulders with buckets on both sides, used for hauling water.

“I need you to go to the well and draw water then bring it back here,” her master said giving her the tool.

“Yes master,” She said simply.

“The well is out back, just follow the hallway down and you will get there. Bring the water here then leave it, after that return to the quarters you were put in and await further instructions.”

“Yes master,” She replied.

Luna then took the strut on her shoulders and walked along the hallway as her master instructed. She found the well easily and drew water from it, filling the two buckets with water she then carefully put the strut across her shoulders and walked back slowly as to not spill any of the water. She returned to the room and left the water there as her master instructed and went back to the sleeping quarters. There she saw some of the mares already there, and they were chattering like crazy.

“Oh hi there Luna,” One of the mares said, “There are foreign dignitaries arriving soon and we need to prepare a banquet. You will be one of those serving at the masters table.”

Lunas ears folded back in worry, “But how do i do that? I dont know how things work here, I dont know if there is a specific way to do it or how severe the punishment will be if done wrong.”

“Oh dont worry about that,” The mare said, “I mean you will be taking the dirty dishes down to the kitchen for cleaning. I can show you the way.”


*****


Luna had been sent to the slaves quarters after she had brought some dirty plates and cups to the kitchen. She laid down on her assigned bed to rest. She honestly thought that it would be worse than is was. She smiled as sleep came to her, this may not be that bad after all.

3 months later

Luna had grown used to the layout and inner workings of her masters household. She had been doing set chores for several weeks now and she did them with very good efficiency. One night she was sitting by the well looking at the moon and stars, they just seemed so close to her. She heard someone behind her and she jumped around to face them. It was just her master.

“Oh my apologies master, is something wrong?” She asked timidly.

“No nothing is wrong,” He said, “I didn’t know you were into astronomy.”

“I don’t know what you mean master,” She said quietly, “I just enjoy looking at the moon and stars.”

“Well that much is apparent,” Her master said, “What’s keeping you up?”

“I dont know master,” Luna said honestly, “I just couldn’t sleep.”

He came up next to her, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong,” She said nervously, “I guess I’m still trying to remember what I’ve forgotten.”

“I heard,” he said gently, “I cant imagine what that’s like.”

“Confusing mostly, I dont know what to expect from my past. If I end up being a different pony than I am now I dont know if I will like who I am.”

He chuckled, “Well many of those you have met, myself included, like who you are now. In fact, I cant think of anyone who doesn’t like you.”

Luna looked at him to see a gentle smile on his face, Luna couldn’t help but smile back with a light blush on her muzzle. Then she and her master looked at the moon for a while, and slowly his wing came around her shoulders. Very soon Luna fell asleep alongside her master.
> Master?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna woke with the dawn, she always did. She opened her eyes and was lightly confused to see the courtyard with the well instead of the slaves quarters. She shifted lightly and felt feathers on her back. Then she remembered, her master came up behind her and simply tried to be friendly, and now she was sleeping with him. Fear stabbed at her heart, what kind of punishment does this elicit? She had no idea, nor did she wish to find out. She went to get out of her masters embrace but stopped, he did put his wing there in the first place.

“Are you alright,” He asked.

Luna got up and backed away, “I-I’m sorry that was most improper of me.”

“No need to be concerned,” he said, “Honestly I rather enjoyed it.”

Luna blushed slightly, “S-Still, I shouldn’t have done that.”

“You didn’t do anything,” He said getting up.

Luna opened her mouth to reply but stopped, she looked down and nodded, “Yes master.”

Her master sighed, “Please, you need only call me that in public, when alone call me Leonidas.”

“But that is most improper,” Luna said, “I am still your property be it in public or no.”

“But that means that I can grant you any freedom I wish,” he told her a mischievous grin on his face.

She truly did want to agree, and she did, but she was afraid of how it would turn out. She had grown fond of her master and him fond of her, but still she was nervous. Luna relented.

“O-okay then,” she said, “I-I need to get to my chores.”

Leonidas watched her leave, and smiled. She looked just as nervous as he felt, he had never in his immortal life approached a mare like that. He had only slept by her side, but still that had scared him. One of the bad things about her being his slave was that she felt as though his wish was her command. He didn’t want that, he wanted her to feel like his equal. She still had not removed the collar, he didn’t necessarily mind, to him it just added to her beauty, but still it inquired that she was owned. He had taken notice that she was an alicorn like him, meaning she was immortal like him.

He rose and went to the drill yard for the daily training that all Spartans above the age of seven were subject too. Leonidas being much larger than all other Warhorses in Sparta and maybe even Greece was unfazed by even the challenges that brings some Spartans to their knees. First was an obstacle course that required a lot of moving around quickly in full battle armor, shield and spear included. Second was a test of endurance, see how long you could hold yourself in a half down push-up position in full armor with another fully armored spartan standing on your back. Leonidas had done this test enough that they had simply started piling anvils on his back, still he did not go down until about twenty minutes later. The Third and final exercise was battle practice, use your shield as a weapon, not just your spear and sword. Considering any spartan trainee could reduce a dragons skull to powder by striking with their shield once, you did not want to be on the wrong side of the shield Leonidas carried.

Once the daily morning exercises were complete Leonidas went down to the barracks to study where the next enemy would come from. Athens seemed like it would be a thorn in the side but no real threat, still, it would be a good warm up round. The real threat would be the Thebes, they had been pushing towards Sparta for a while now and showed signs of wanting to conquer them. That wasn’t going to happen.

He had sent a group of eight hundred Spartans to face them, they returned with no casualties and victorious. Thebes still showed signs of aggression but were more weary now, after all, eight hundred had defeated nine thousand, and that wasn’t even close to a quarter of Spartas force. He had received a message from Thebes saying that if they surrendered then mercy would be shown. He had replied with a simple statement, ‘no such thing as surrender’.


*****


Luna went about her chores as normal, but now her mind was elsewhere. What had happened last night? Why had she slept with her master? She was just so confused, that wasn’t how this worked. She does not seduce her master she obeys him. But she didn’t think she had seduced him, if she had she did not mean to.

Luna went to bed at the regular time hoping to clear her head, but sleep never came. After hours of tossing and turning she finally decided to get up and go to the well as she had the night before. She sat down next to it and looked at the gibbous moon for a time trying to calm herself. It worked, somewhat, she still couldn’t stop thinking about the previous night but it wasn’t as vexing as before.

“Here again?” Her master said coming up behind her.

“Yes,” Luna replied meekly, “I just cant get my mind off... that.”

He nodded knowing what she meant, “You really shouldn’t be too concerned. It was after all, my decision as well as yours. If you think you have crossed any lines you are wrong.”

He gently lifted her head up with his hoof under her chin. Luna saw a gentle smile on his face, and she had to smile back. He embraced her and she returned the embrace. He rested his chin on her head just behind her horn, and rested hers on his excessively muscular chest. She felt safe there, his embrace was warm and welcoming. A realization hit Luna like a wrecking ball, she had developed feelings for her owner. This realization did not stop her from nuzzling her master lovingly, a gesture he returned. Soon they entered sleep.
> Who Are These Spartans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia stood on the deck of the ship the slaver had brought out of the Athens harbor. He had told her that the city was called Athens before they left and explained that it was the center of trade for the entire area of Greece. He had told her of the basic workings of the area that it was built up of many city states that controlled some smaller villages around them. She had also been told of the cruelty of the Spartans, how all of their stallions were turned into soldiers from seven up. But she still had not been told everything. She approached the slaver they had scared into taking them to Sparta.

“More questions.” He said.

“Yes,” Celestia said flatly, “I want to know as much about these Spartans as I can.”

“Well its actually rather simple,” The slaver said, “They kill the weak among them, they dont show mercy, they are the most powerful fighters in all of Greece, and they don’t surrender. They fight to the last.”

“I mean how do they treat their slaves?” Celestia asked.

“That actually depends on the individual Spartan, some are cruel to the point the slave dies on the first day, others are simply harsh. Though I have heard that King Leonidas goes soft on his slaves, yet he is the most feared of the Spartans.”

“Isn’t that who you sold her to?” Celestia asked slightly hopeful.

“Yes, I sold her to King Leonidas. As it turns out, she has been there for almost a year, I would be surprised if she isn’t completely broken by the time we get there.”

Celestia glared at him, “Is there anything else I need to know?” She said venomously.

“Yes,” he said, “She has likely become his personal bucktoy. If not then she is lucky. We should be there in a few days, then you can be certain.”

Celestia bit back a growl, her sister, a bucktoy?! Perish the thought, it couldn’t happen. Celestia turned and went belowdecks to meet with the other seven. She found them already conversing.

“What do we do when we find her?” Rarity questioned.

“We assess her situation and devise a plan to get her out.” Twilight said.

“We also need to know the basic layout of the city and the surrounding area.” Rainbow said. “That way we can plan a successful getaway.”

“So you can learn,” Twilight mused.

“I have a brain Twilight, contrary to popular belief.” Rainbow snapped.

“Don’t take it so personally Raimbow,” Twilight said, “It was just a joke.”

Rainbow realized what she just did and sighed, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know, don’t worry about it.”

“So we find Princess Luna, plan a rescue, restore her memories, and find a way back to Equestria and kick that sorry horses hinee.”

“It may be more complex than that,” Celestia said emerging from the shadows, “It turns out Luna has been here for almost a full year. Whomever bought her likely has complete control over her now.”

“That could be a problem,” Spike rumbled, “If they have complete control over her she may resist rescue. Heck she may just be frightened enough to call for help. That would be catastrophic for us.”

“Indeed,” Celestia said thoughtfully, “We need to tread carefully from now on. If we make a wrong move, it could just end all hope for us and Luna.”

They all nodded at this grim fact, this could cost lives. They all understood that, but they did not think they were prepared for it. Spike had taken a large tree branch to be used as a club if necessary, the rest were unarmed.

“We will arrive in a few days, at least thats what the slaver told me.” Celestia said.

“And why should we trust him?” Twilight asked.

“Because, we have little choice at the moment, two he saw spike in his real form, that should scare him enough that he wont double cross us.”

“That’s a good point,” Fluttershy said, “I mean, if you were faced by a dragon like that backed by seven ponies, you would likely be scared out of your wits.”

They all looked at her, she hadn’t said anything the entire time. She ducked down to hide. Spike then heard something, it was faint but there. He followed the sound to one particular spot on the floor to find a square of boards loose. He pulled up the boards and gaped at what he saw. Under the boards was a mare, bound and gagged. She was green of coat with a brown mane, both of which were covered in blood. She looked at Spike with fear in her eyes, she didn’t want to be taken by another slaver after being promised her freedom. 

“Spike,” Twilight called, “what is it?”

“It’s a mare.” He said, “and she looks really beat up.”

The seven ponies came to see, and the mare shrunk back in fear. Celestia had an anger in her eyes like nothing Twilight had ever seen. She turned and stormed to the slaver abovedecks.

“We weren’t aware you had a slave onboard,” She said angry, “Why? What is your purpose?”

“It’s how i make a living.” He responded calmly, “This is all I’ve ever known and I dont know how to do anything else. I grew up this way, my father did it to feed his family, and now I’m doing the same.”

“But this isn’t okay,” She roared, “Ponies are not property. If you were in their place how would you like it?”

“I have been in their place.” He said, “I was sold into slavery by my mother, the slaver that took me took pity and raised me as a son instead. His wife was overjoyed, she had always wanted a child but had thus far failed. She took me in without hesitation and very soon I began to call her mother, and him father. While at first I agreed with what you are saying, it was the only trade he could teach me. So I made do and got good at it, now my adoptive parents are too old to care for themselves, my wife stays with them to care for them while I bring in funds so that our family can live. I have two children that depend on the money I make in the slave trade. I dont exactly enjoy it but it doesn’t seem as bad anymore, I suppose one gets used to it.”

Celestia was stunned by his sudden outburst, and the content it had. “I’m sorry I had no idea.”

“No need to apologize,” He said, “She’s the only one down there and I promised her her freedom. She will be released in the port after Sparta.”

Celestia nodded approvingly, so he would release that poor mare.

“It’s good to see you have a heart,” She said.

“For the longest time it wasn’t there.” He said regret in his voice, “I’m just glad I finally grew one.”

Celestia left and went belowdecks to rejoin the others and tell them that she would be released.
> How?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna woke up with the dawn, again. And again she felt her masters wing on her shoulder, but this time she was returning the embrace. Her hooves and head were resting on his chest while her wings came out under his to hug him. Her master on the other hoof had his chin on her head, his wings and hooves went around her in a protective way. In other words, she was in the submissive position of the embrace. Luna did not leave however, she would wait until Leonidas woke up.

wait, she thought, since when do I call him Leonidas and not master?

Luna continued to ponder this for a few minutes when she felt her master move. His eyes fluttered open and he pulled back slightly to look down at her. She looked back up and him and blushed. He chuckled pulling her close once again and she let him. They stayed there for a few more minutes, but duty called them both away. He went for the morning exercises and war management while she went to work keeping the house running. The day passed quickly for them both and every night they would meet up by the well in the courtyard, there they would sleep until dawn. Pretty soon fall turned into winter and snow fell, that was when Leonidas made a bold move.

“Luna,” He said to her privately.

“Yes master what is it,” she asked quietly.

“When night falls come to my chambers, only if you wish to. This is not an order but a request that you are in rights to refuse.”

Luna was taken aback by his boldness, she stuttered for a minute before awnsering, “O-of course, I-I’d love to.”

He smiled at her, “Alright then, I need to get back to managing a war at the moment but dont forget when night falls.”

Luna had then proceeded to finish her chores a little dumbstruck. Her master had just requested her to come to his chambers come nightfall. While she really would love it she was a little nervous, what if she did something wrong? Some of her fellow slave mares noticed her distractedness and asked what was bothering her. She simply said that there was nothing bothering her, she was just still confused about how she ended up there. They didn’t buy it but did not press on.

Once the sun set Luna did not go to her quarters, although she had not done so for months now, this time she headed up to her masters bedchamber. She knocked on the door lightly, it didn’t take long for him to reply. 

“Come in,” Her master called.

She did so slowly. She opened the door and entered a well lit room. She closed the door behind her and she looked around. To the left of her in the corner was an armor stand holding her masters cloak, armor, helm, greaves, sword, spear and shield. To her right was a rack of spears, a rack of swords and a rack of shields. A bit away from the racks and along the same wall was a bed, it wasn’t as grand as she thought it would be as her master was a king. It was a simple bed without furnishings of any kind with just enough space for two ponies. Or as the case was soon to be, a Warhorse and a pony. Directly across from the door was a balcony, where her master sat as naked as she was, on his flank was a spartan helm with a spear running through it. He turned to see Luna in the room and smiled, he then gestured at the bed with one of his wings, then used his magic to close the balcony curtains. Luna went to the bed when he gestured to it and lay on it, he soon followed.

He embraced her as they had been doing for so long, he began stroking her mane.

“Have you been well of late?” He asked.

“I have,” She replied, “I hope you have been of similar wellbeing.”

He chuckled, “I have been. I can tell you are nervous.”

“Wouldn’t you be if you were in my position?”

He thought for a moment, “I suppose you are correct.”

Luna giggled, “Well you are certainly subtle now aren’t you?’

He looked at her in mock surprise, “How did you know?”

Luna giggled again, “I dont know.”

He chuckled at her humor. “Have my fellow Spartans been treating you fairly?”

“They have,” she said.

He moved to talk again but her hoof came to his lips to silence him. Luna smiled and leaned in, their lips met. Leonidas was surprised at her move but did not complain, in fact he began to kiss back very quickly. Her lips were soft and warm, like that of a flower petal with warmth. Very soon he got on top of her and she rolled onto her back. He pulled away momentarily, and he looked down on Luna whose eyes now shone with joy. Her back legs spread for him in a meek way.

“Be gentle master,” was all she said.

And so he was, he moved slowly and gently but he still got into her. She felt pleasure flood through her as her master began to rut her as a stallion should his mate. He bagan to thrust ever so slowly and gently, Luna moaned in response. He leaned down and bagan kissing her again, this time his tounge invaded her mouth and hers twined with his. Her heart raced under his dominance and her mane flapped more frantically as she gave herself to him. His grey coat and red mane were soon matted in sweat, she was no different. The couple kept up their affair for a while.

Luna then gasped in pain.

“Luna are you alright,” Her master asked concerned.

“Yes I’m fine.” She said.

Luna looked down to see what happened. She looked back up into her masters grinning face. She threw all caution into the wind at that stage. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“Please master... Harder.”

He was a little surprised but happy to oblige.
> Foreign Messanger
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leonidas stirred a bit later than usual, he felt something warm pressed against his chest and under his chin. The beautiful mare sleeping beside him was still fast asleep, they did have an exhausting night. He nuzzled her gently and she nuzzled back. Leonidas finally got her to see him as an equal, at least temporarily. He ran a hoof along her neck, still she had not removed the collar. While he thought she looked good in one it still said that she was nothing more than property, and she was more than a slave to him. To him Luna was a good and kind mare that did not deserve to be owned. He was glad that she ended up in his house as most Spartans would have abused her. 

Luna moved, she opened her eyes and looked up at him. She smiled at him and he smiled back before pulling her into an even tighter embrace. Luna happily curled into him and allowed herself to be taken. She felt his breath on her back and his hoof on her neck. She bagan to nuzzle him lovingly as his hoof stroked her neck. But it could not last forever as she wanted it to, they both had work to do. Leonidas got up and Luna followed suit.

Leonidas donned his armor and cloak while Luna kissed him goodbye and went about her daily chores. Leonidas put on his helm and went down to the barracks to plan the next strategy they were going to use. He looked down on the map of Greece to see how far Thebes had come in their direction. Thebes had conquered much of Greece and were continuously pushing towards Sparta. Leonidas was really getting tired of their games and decided that they would send three fourths of their entire force to annihilate the Thebes and send them a message. Don’t f@ck with Sparta.

“Your majesty,” a soldier said coming into the barracks.

“Yes soldier, what is it?” Leonidas asked looking up.

“It’s a Thebes messenger, he demands to speak with you.”

Leonidas looked more annoyed than surprised, he expected Thebes to send a message demanding their surrender.

“Where?”

“In your courtyard sir.”

Leonidas wasted no time, he left the barracks and headed for the courtyard. He walked down the streets to see many of the Spartan citizens tense or ready for a fight. Even the mares were angry at first second and third glance. He went up into his courtyard where a crowd of Spartan Warhorses were gathered, he saw Luna among those gathered but she was just trying to get to the well to draw water.

Leonidas stopped in front of a group of ponies most of them wearing hoplite armor and carrying spears, shields and swords. One of them was not armored but armed with a sword. This stallion was the actual messenger and the others were escorts. The messenger quickly bowed politely before handing him a scroll.

“Greetings King Leonidas of Sparta,” The messenger said, “I am Kadmos of Thebes and I am here on behalf of my king. He has demanded your emmediate and unconditional surrender. We have been pressing on against you and so far have only been slowed slightly. I suggest you take it.”

Leonidas looked around at his citizens, to the left many of them nodded, he looked behind him, they nodded to. Finally he looked to his right to see Luna standing there, the stallions around her nodded and she did the same.do it.

Leonidas did not need further convincing, he turned to the messenger and smiled. He reached across and drew his sword, decapitating the messenger in the same motion. The hoplite escort barely registered what happened before they were being hacked to peices by the other Spartans. Short and bloody.

“Thebes has our awnser,” Leonidas said.

He then turned to the Spartans around him, “Thebes believes that it can just conquer us and have no trouble. That means that they will be a lot cockier than normal, giving us the advantage. In two weeks time we march into Thebes, and we will paint their streets red with their blood.”

The crowd of Spartans cheered. Leonidas looked at Luna, who was smiling in approval.

*****

The ship came into the Spartan harbor discreetly. It wasn’t that hard as all the inhabitants seemed to be at the center of the city, and they all seemed to be cheering. Celestia was a little surprised to find that Sparta had no walls for all their military prowess. The eight of them got off the ship and went to the forest outside of Sparta to plan their next move. They went far enough in that their presence would be obscured but not so far as they lost sight of the road. They sat in a circle to develop a plan.

“First things first,” Twilight said, “Scouting. Rainbow, can you fly overhead and look for Princess Luna but also take note of the city’s layout. It would prove useful.”

“Consider it done.” RB said.

“The rest of us can stick to the outskirts of the city and look for Luna there,” Celestia added, “We also need to asses her situation and then work on a rescue plan accordingly. Twilight, you still remember that memory restoration spell right?”

“Yes I do.”

“Good because we will need it.”

“After that we need to get as far from this place as possible. From there we can try to find a way home.” Twilight concluded.

So Rainbow took off into the sky to study to city from above. She looked at the ponies inhabiting the city, they weren’t ponies, they were too big. They looked to be about twice her size from that distance, generally speaking. She did a couple rounds around the city and still there was no sign of Princess Luna. She was about to give up when she saw a blue mare with a waving blue mane and tail. Rainbow flew in closer to make sure, it was Luna. She was drawing water from a well in the middle of a courtyard of stone, off to her left was a lot of blood.
> She’s there alright.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow dash entered the trees to hide wile she watched Princess Luna. It did not seem like much was happening, she was just taking water from a well. Princess Luna did not have her regalia, crown or shoes that she usually had in public, she did however have what looked like a leather collar around her neck. She filled two buckets that were on opposite ends of a wooden strut for carrying, she put the strut across her shoulders and brought the water inside a marble building. Rainbow began circling the building. She took note of Princess Lunas movements and what she did, she also noted that Princess Luna seemed somewhat happy. There was a smile on her face as she went about working, repairing training equipment mostly. She kept doing that until nightfall. When night came around she returned to the courtyard and sat by the well.

Rainbow returned to the trees to watch her in a hidden place. Princess Luna sat there for a few minutes before a large grey alicorn Warhorse came up behind her. He had a red cloak on but that was it. Luna turned to look at him and smiled, but she saw the concern on his face.

“Is something bothering you master?” She asked.

MASTER!!! Rainbow thought in shock.

“I’m just concerned,” he told her, “If Sparta loses this war...”

“We wont lose the war,” Luna said, “Sparta has not lost once in its history, I dont think it will start now.”

“Still, they have a good deal of territory and they have greater trade than we do. We are off at a disadvantage.”

“You forget that you have one hundred thousand Spartans to fight with, and every one Spartan is worth fifty of Thebes soldiers. I repair training equipment so I have a pretty good idea of what any one Spartan is capable of when holding back.”

He chuckled and sat next to her, “I suppose you’re right.”

“I’m just surprised I had to remind you that all Spartans are in the very least good with a weapon. Considering you actually have seen your Spartans in action.”

He smiled then drew her close with a wing and Rainbow gagged. Things were getting a little too spicy for her and she decided to leave and tell the others of what she had seen. She flew to where she had last met up with the group and landed there. Twilight came from the trees and backoned her to follow. She lead Rainbow through the underbrush and bushes until they came to a small cave in which the others had set up camp. The others were gathered around a fire made by Spike she assumed.

“Hello there Rainbow Dash,” Celestia said to her, “What did you see?”

“Well,” Rainbow said a little hesitant, “I saw Princess Luna. She’s still the Spartan kings slave, but it looks like they’ve developed feelings for one another. In fact, just before I came back I witnessed those two making out.”

This caught the entire group by surprise. Then came an uproar. They all began to just express their disapproval at once. Celestia held up a wing to silence them, although they could tell she felt the same way. She looked at Rainbow.

“Did they speak of anything?” She asked barely containing her anger.

“Yes, they did. It turns out that Sparta is at war with a nation called Thebes, it sounded like he was going off to fight. This could be a good opportunity for us, if he goes off to war then he will be gone for an untold amount of time. But the odd thing is he’s an alicorn like you and Princess Luna.”

Rainbow had not believed that they could look more surprised than when they heard of Lunas affair with the king, yet somehow they did. This time though they weren’t angry but instead curious. Very soon they realized that this could be bad for them as alicorns were immortal with uncanny abilities, but him going off to war would be beneficial to their rescue attempt.

“We will speak more in the morning,” Celestia said, “Get some rest, I’ll take first watch.”

So the six ponies and Spike lay down to sleep while Celestia went outside of the cave. She cast a cloaking spell on the cave and herself then flew to the city. She began to circle the large building in search of her sister, it wasn’t that she didn’t trust rainbow, she just wanted to be sure. She found a balcony that definitely belonged to the kings chambers, she wouldn’t have given it a second glance of not for what her hypersensitive ears heard. It was a soft moan, she barely heard it but it was there. She landed on the balcony and peered inside, what she saw nearly stopped her heart.

There were several things in the room but she only noted the bed and the two alicorns on it. One was larger than she was and five times as thick, there was no part of him not ripping with excessive muscle mass and his wingspan dwarfed her own. His horn was as long as hers but it seemed as though he preferred to use it for stabbing instead of casting magic. His coat was grey and his mane was deep red. The other one could only be her sister.

Celestia watched at a loss for even the simplest of thoughts. The stallion and her sister embraced one another and kissed. Luna simply submitted to him, he on the other hoof was not so dormant. He pushed his tounge into her mouth, she seemed to enjoy it. But Celestia saw more than that, the stallion ran his hooves up and down her figure finding them in places that were questionable at best. But what got Celestia the most was that Luna seemed to enjoy this, being subject to non-consensual sex and she liked it?!

Celestia wanted to go in and kill that stallion then and there, but she knew better. They had to get Luna out and away from here without arousing a chase too soon. Still she could not look away for the longest time, until things began to escalate, at which point she left in fear of losing her supper. Both in anger and disgust. She returned to the cave entrance and remained there until daybreak.
> Confusion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a week before the Spartan army marched into Thebes, Luna had been assigned to loading extra weapons and rations into carts to be taken with them. She had sorted spears into bundles of twenty, as well as piled swords and shields into piles making certain that each armory cart had the same amount of swords, spears and shields. The rations were simply dried and preserved wheat stalks put into leather pouches to protect them from weather. Luna had spent the whole day doing this and was actually rather impressed with the Spartan weapons supply.There was another slave mare with her doing this job, and this mare wanted to talk to her about a certain something.

“Hey,” She said, “My name is North Star, What’s yours?”

“Luna,” She replied, “Nice to meet you North Star.”

“You know there’s a rumor going around about you.”

“Oh is there now? Care to elaborate?”

“Oh its just a little something I heard from a friend.”

“Will you tell me what this supposed rumor is?”

“Oh yes,” She leaned in and whispered in her ear, “That you and the master have been going at it.”

Luna recoiled,SHE KNOWS!!!

“So,” North Star pressed, “is it true? Did the master plow the plot?”

“W-what?! No I-I wouldn’t, how could I?” Luna fumbled her face turning red.

North Star was grinning widely, “He did didn’t he? Oh this is too good. You got into the masters bed.”

North Star started laughing uncontrollably in delight and Lunas face only got redder.

“If you tell anyone,” Luna threatened, “I will pull out your intestines and strangle you with them.”

“Don’t worry,” North Star said genuinely scared, “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Good,” Luna said before returning to work.

Luna got all her work done early as usual and was given permission to take a walk in the forest surrounding Sparta. So she went out via the east road and entered the underbrush.  She examined the forest for a long time, taking in all of the details of the the tranquil place. Very soon she came into a clearing, the grass was growing a little taller here than in other parts of the forest. She stopped and her eyes widened.

There in the middle of the clearing was a green and purple dragon, it was heavily muscled and about five times her hieght and contained one hundred times her mass. The dragon turned to look at her.

“Luna?”

Luna stood there in shock, It knows my name?!

Fear got the best of her and she galloped away, she had to get back and warn her master that there was a drake in the woods.

“Luna wait!”

The drake took off after her and fast it quickly gained on her. Luna did not stop running she almost made it to the road. She heard the rush of massive wings beating and the snapping of several large branches. The sound reverberated like a thunderclap, loud enough for a deaf pony on the other side of Sparta to hear. Then the dragon landed on her and held a claw over her mouth to keep her from screaming. She tried to struggle but the drake held her firm. He bagan to bring her deeper into the woods. Luna struggled the entire time trying desperately to get away from the drake, it was all in vain. The drake continued to drag her ever deeper into the forest that she now regretted entering.



Leonidas heard what sounded like thunder, but it was too loud and it was a clear day so thunder was not possible. He located the direction from which the sound came, it was the forest and the same general area Luna had gone into.

“Excuse me,” he said to his strategists, “I must investigate that.”

They all nodded and he flew in the direction of the woods after donning his helm, he flew to the exact spot the sound originated from to find several trees snapped in half, and bipedal claw prints. He looked around more and saw that the deepest claw prints were around hoof prints too small to be any Spartan. The hoof prints stopped there and the claw prints turned around he took off in the direction the prints lead.

I hope I’m not too late



Spike had taken the opportunity, maybe he shouldn’t have but he did. Luna was struggling in his grip in obvious fear of what he had planned for her. He didn’t like scaring her, she was a friend of his so how could he? Still he held her firm and took her to the cave the others were in discussing their next move. The cave came into view and he saw Twilight sitting down at the entrance looking alert.

“Twilight,” he bellowed.

She looked at him and saw who he was carrying, her eyes widened in disbelief. She called to the others saying that Spike had her. Spike reached the entrance to the cave at the same time the others did, and Luna hung in his grip frozen in fear her ears folded back against her head.

“Bring her in,” Celestia said.

Spike entered the cave and laid Luna down at the back of it, she emmediately started scooting back against the back of the cave.

“Wh-what do y-y-you want?” Luna stuttered terrified.

“For you to remember dear sister.” Celestia said, she then nodded to twilight, “Do it.”

With that Twilights horn lit up charging the memory restoration spell making Luna flinch back. Luna continued to press against the back wall, and Twilight released the spell.



Leonidas approached a cave that was the seemed destination of the claw tracks, he slowed down and peeked inside. What she saw was a group of small ponies with one almost as big as he was and a middle aged bipedal dragon backing Luna up against the back wall. There were two unicorns, two Pegasi and to earth ponies, the one near his size was an alicorn as well. The purple unicorn then cast a spell on Luna that put her to sleep, at first he thought they killed her but then noticed that she was still breathing. He slowly drew his sword from its sheath and readied his shield for a fight, before he could leap out and attack Luna opened her eyes and the other alicorn knelt down next to her.

“How are you Luna?” She asked genuinely concerned.

Luna groaned, “Celestia?”

“Yes sister, how are you?’

“I-I don’t know, one minute I’m being kidnapped by a drake and cornered by a group of strangers then the next I can remember their names and everything else.”

Leonidas chose that moment to enter the cave. He hovered in the air and the group turned to look at him.

“What is the meaning of this?” He demanded.
> Explanations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leonidas hovered there his sword and shield at the ready, he had expected hostile movement already. The group of ponies were facing him with Luna backed against the cave wall. He was However confused as to how Luna knew the name of the white alicorn, assuming that was her name she had uttered. Leonidas was angry but he wasn’t always the kill first ask questions later kind of stallion, he was a reasonable horse. Luna looked up at him with a new light in her eyes.

“Leonidas this isn’t what you think it is.” She told him.

“How do you know what I think it is?” He countered.

“Just a guess, but please, put the sword away and lets talk.”

Leonidas slowly lowered his sword and shield to a more relaxed position. Sheathing his sword he landed using his shield for support. The other ponies and dragon relaxed as well.

“Thank you,” Luna said getting up.

“First off who are you?” Leonidas asked the ponies.

“I am Celestia, Lunas elder sister.”

“I was not aware she had a sister.”

“She couldn’t have told you, her memory was wiped by a maniac.”

“I suppose that explains her lack of memory.” He looked at her, “Until now at least.”

“You seem to believe us pretty easily,” Twilight said.

“I have been faced with enough madhorses to know the difference between crazy, lying and honest. This does not seem like a lie to me so I will believe you for now.”

“Ok,” Twilight said.

“Anyway,” Celestia continued, “We have a few questions for you. One, how did you come to “own” my sister?”

“Simple enough,” He said, “I was heading toward the barracks when I heard some of my men say something about an extremely expensive mare in the slavers collection. Now I understand that the more expensive a mare is the more likely that she will be abused by her owner. I always try to keep as many mares like that safe from such treatment so I went to see who it was. I found her in there and bought her, from there I brought her to my home and allowed her a day of rest.”

“I have a hard time believing that.” Celestia said.

“He’s not lying Celestia,” Luna told her, “He bought me, took me to his home and allowed me to rest.”

“Well I suppose that takes away doubt.” Twilight said unsure.

“What did she do in your service?” Celestia asked.

“I repaired training equipment, took in water from the well and assisted in the kitchen.” Luna awnsered for him.

He nodded in confirmation.

“What happened to her during her servitude?” Celestia asked worried.

He just shrugged, “Nothing much really, besides about a week ago she encouraged me along with the rest of my subjects to kill a Thebes messenger party for demanding our surrender.”

Celestias eyes went wide as she looked at her sister who did nothing to deny it. She looked at the others, they looked at him in shocked disbelief.

“There is one more thing I would like to discuss with you,” Celestia said, she glanced at the group, “Alone.”

Luna gulped, the six ponies and the dragon left the cave. Luna went to follow but her sister stopped her.

“This involves you to Luna.”

Lunas blood froze, she was not aware about what her sister knew but she was sure it would not be good, not for her and Leonidas anyway. She went and sat by Leonidas who removed his helm and set it on the ground next to him. Celestia sat opposite them and stared them down, mostly Leonidas though he remained unfazed. Luna however shivered at the intensity of her sisters glare.

“I am aware of the... relationship between you two. I want to know how it happened, and dont lie.”

Luna sat frozen, she had never been as scared of her sister as she was now, good thing Leonidas wasn’t.

“It’s actually rather simple,” He said, “I found her staring into the sky one night in the courtyard. I asked if something was wrong, she told me no and she continued to look at the stars. We converced a bit and eventually fell asleep, same thing the next night, and the next. So it continued for a while until it became a regular thing, until winter rolled around.”

Luna continued for him, “At which point it was too cold to be sleeping outside. One night he asked me to come to his chambers at night. He gave me full permission to refuse, but I went anyway.”

“So thats how it happened?” Celestia asked once more.

The two alicorns across from her nodded.

Celestia sighed, “I had thought you forced her to do it with you.”

Leonidas looked hurt that she would assume such a thing, “Wh... I would NEVER!!!”

“You did technically own her at the time so it wasn’t an unreasonable assumption. Besides, you said it yourself, some masters abuse their slaves.”

Leonidas wanted to argue but she had a point, it wasn’t an unreasonable assumption. He looked out of the cave, it was almost dusk.

“I should return to the city,” He said getting up, he looked at Luna, “Will you be staying here or coming back with me? It’s your choice.”

Luna bagan to think, she didn’t know.

“I-I dont know, I know these ponies well yes, but I have also begun to call Sparta my home. I dont know what to decide.”

Celestia spoke up, “Do you have guest rooms in your home?”

“I do.”

“Well perhaps we could all come back to Sparta with you and stay there, that way Luna isn’t having a headache over not being able to decide.”

Leonidas thought for a minute, “I suppose it will work. Though you will have to disguise yourself and the dragon.”

“Not a problem.”

“Well then, let me show you to my home.”


*****


Leonidas, Luna and the group were walking back into the city of Sparta to see it very busy stacking shields and weapons into carts, they were preparing for war. Celestia and the others were given a guest room across the hall from Leonidas’ bedchamber. Therefore he put a silencing spell on the room as to keep the noise from reaching their guests. Luna got into the bed while Lycomedes removed his armor and stored his arms. He then got into the bed with Luna, whom was already smiling with the knowledge of what was to happen.
> City Defense
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna woke to a growling horn call. It was still the middle of the night but the City outside was already bursting with activity. She had guessed what the call was but didn’t want to believe it. Leonidas leapt out of the bed and emmediately began donning his armor while Luna grabbed his shield and spear. She gave them to him quickly and he nodded his thanks before flying out to see what was happening. Luna was rather astonished that he could have gotten into his armor so quickly, he was obviously strong enough to carry it but even then speed was difficult if not impossible in plate armor. She went to the balcony to see what was transpiring, and the chamber doors opened to reveal a surprised and still sleepy group of visitors.

“What was that,” Twilight asked.

“The Thebes war horn, they are assaulting the city,” Luna told them quickly.

That is actually what was happening, the Spartans had their wives or children light beacons on the roofs of their houses as to light the battle. What they saw scared the willies out of all of them, they saw all of the Spartans lined up in rows with their shields locked to form a phalanx and their spears out to impale anyone stupid enough to come close. They did something similar in the air, except they didn’t lock shields, they simply stood on guard far enough away from one another to fly but not so far away that it would be possible to get through. Facing them was a massive army of hoplites with similar armor, but they wore shoulder plates and their shields were decorated with the mark of Thebes, the lion.

The group sat next to Luna and decided to see how it played out, after all they were about to see these Spartans in action. They sat back and watched. Then Thebes charged at the Spartan line, the Spartans waited for them to get there then smacked the front row with their shields simultaneously with enough force to shatter their skulls, with or without the helmets protecting their heads. Celestia and Luna winced in sympathy for the poor Thebes soldiers, they have bee hit in the face with shields before and knew that it hurt. Before the second row of Thebes soldiers could attack the Spartans they returned to phalanx position with practiced ease. Leonidas was in the front lines like a true king, in fact he was right in the middle where most of the Thebes army was focused. The enemy pushed against the wall of shields and spears, and found the flying Spartans come down on them without mercy. The Spartan flyers dove into the enemy’s ranks and simply stabbed anyone they came across, the phalanx broke in the first two lines and they began to brutally slaughter the Thebes soldiers.

The group focused on Leonidas himself, his spear had broken in one enemy and he was now fighting with his sword. He threw an enemy over him with his shield and he landed on his comrades spear, Leonidas cut the guts out of one before removing his head, another he stabbed in the face, the next he smacked with his shield so hard it crushed his helm into a disk like shape and sent the stallion flying back a few hundred feet. 

“Dang,” Rainbow exclamed loudly.

“Well aren’t you glad you didn’t get on his bad side,” Luna mused to her sister who could only nod, never before had she seen such a display of violence come from one pony.

Leonidas helped his men finish off the rest of the Thebes soldiers. It was the absolute shortest battle Luna had ever seen. The quick and easy way these Spartans dealt with enemies was more than intimidating, Luna was actually rather terrified.
The Spartans dragged the bodies and threw them in the sea when they were done, and they bagan to return to their homes as though nothing happened. Leonidas flew up to them and laughed when he saw their faces.

“You should see yourselves right now, so afraid.” He said landing by them. “I assure you that you are safe. We will not harm you.”

They knew this but couldn’t help but be afraid, save for the two sisters, they had seen and done much worse in the past. He bid them return to their room, and bagan to remove his armor and Luna helped him smiling. He looked at her amused.

“Impressed?” 

“Very,” She told him before pulling him in for a kiss then returning to his armor.

He chuckled as he undid the other side and put the armor on the stand, he put his sword near a grindstone in the far corner that Luna had not noticed before. He put his shield, which lacked dents of any kind, on the rack. Luna allowed him to bathe while she cleaned the blood from his armor. The amount of it was impressive, she would be willing to bet that he had killed more enemies than any other Spartan. As she cleaned she began to think, what would happen to them? If they found a way back to equestria what would happen? Would he come with her? Would she stay with him? Would they see one another again?

As Luna continued to think tears bagan to form in her eyes but she fought them down. She couldn’t allow such things to get in the way, if they never saw each other after they returned to equestria then she had better enjoy the time she had with him now. She continued to clean his chest plate and he came in now cleaned off, he noticed Lunas moist eyes.

“What’s wrong Luna,” He asked kindly.

“I was just thinking,” She told him, “What will happen to us if me and the group return to equestria.”

“I’m guessing equestria is your homeland.”

“It is. What will happen to us if we find our way back, I want to go home but I dont know where home is anymore. Is it here or is it there? Will you come with me? Will I stay with you?” She bagan to choke, “Will I ever see you again?”

He rushed up to her and held her to his chest to let her cry, he began to stroke her mane.

“I dont know the awnser Luna, but I do know that no matter what happens I will never stop loving you. If you do go back, we are both immortal so we both have an eternity to find one another again.”

He lifted her head gently to meet her gaze, and leaned down to meet her in a kiss. Once again they were overwhelmed by passion, they fell onto the bed and stayed there until morning.
> Meanwhile
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Sombra, now king of equestria had to find himself a more loyal army than the one that Equestria already had. He had gone into the northern mountains and brought four guards at random, and in his saddlebags were what he needed to make this army and its general.

The guards followed him into a cave he knew well. The cave was lit by dim crystals on the walls, the red glow put the guards on edge. They entered a cavern that had a smooth floor, save for grooves that ran in a complex pattern then met in a small bowl shaped indent just large enough for a pony to lie down in. The indent was right in the middle of the pattern and looked rather intimidating, it felt of dark magic. 

King Sombra ordered each of the guards to stand on the North, East, South, and West points of the circle. They obeyed but didn’t think that they would survive this, they were right. Sombra put a helm, a chestpeice and a broken black horn in the bowl. Instantly black crystal spikes shot from the floor and impaled the guards, their blood emmediately ran through the groove pattern and began to fill the bowl.

Sombra was chanting in a pagan language the entire time, the blood began to burn in black fire. Very soon the room pulsed with energy, and something began to rise from the pool of blood. It had a long black horn and a helm of silver on its head, it had a silver chestpiece in front of its black torso, on its hooves were silver armored boots. It opened its eyes, which were catlike slits.

Nightmare Moon rose from the bowl blood dripping off her coat and wings. She looked around and saw Sombra standing there.

“Who are you?” She demanded, “and how did I get here?”

“I am Sombra, I have taken equestria from the alicorn sisters. But I lack a loyal army, so I called you here. I want you to be my general, you will have all the respect you deserve and a place of influence.”

“And why should I join you, I can just kill you and take your place.”

“Actually you cant, I brought you back into this world. Meaning I control exactly how much power you have. You can try to kill me, but you will fail and I will find another just as powerful as you.”

Nightmare Moon believed him, she felt her magic restraints controlling her, controlled by the king. She thought for a minute, she could easily be content here, she didn’t want absolute power, only respect. She smiled.

“Well it seems I have little choice.” She said. “Where is this army you want me to lead?”

“Come with me and we will make it.”

Nightmare Moon was confused but obliged, she followed him deeper into the cavern. They passed a few empty caves before arriving at their destination. It was a large cave at the back of the system, and on the floor was a large pentogram surrounded and covered in runes that glowed angrily. Sombra began to put energy into the pentagram and chant under his breath in a demonic language. Nightmare Moon could understand it well.

”Come dwellers of the realm of death. Come those whose rage cannot be quelled. Come those of you who wish to see your tormentors brought to their knees. I will lead you, give me your allegiance and vengeance will be yours for the taking.  Awnser this call, the power of the void compels you. Awnser and taste the blood of your captors.”

The pentagram began to glow and a red fire began to glow just above the floor, it began to grow in size. Through the fire came massive amounts of horrifying creatures, they lacked skin of any kind and showed bare flesh everywhere. The creatures jaws were larger than necessary and filled with crooked fangs that sent a shiver down Nightmare Moon’s spine.

The cavern they were in was nearly five hundred feet in diameter, and the demons overflowed it quickly and still more came out.

“Behold,” Sombra said, “The legions of Hell.”

“How many are there?” She asked breathlessly.

“Nine hundred thousand strong, and they make more daily.” He told her. “This army will be infinite.”

“What are your orders?” She asked.

“Reign terror on the citizens, keep them under control.”

“It will be done.”

*****

Big Macintosh was in the middle of harvesting apples for the season, when he heard an unholy shrieking coming from the north. He looked and saw something that made his gut clench, he turned and ran like crazy, he had warn the village.



Nightmare Moon lead the massive army of demons to the small town of Ponyvill. She was instructed to raze the town, and she would be happy to do so. She lead the charge herself, she would slaughter any pony she came across and destroy any building she touched.

The shrieking demons behind and beside her charged wildly, she smiled. She looked at the village in front of her, about two leagues away. She would get there within half an hour.



The town of ponyvill was in panic. Macintosh had informed them of what came for them, they needed to evacuate to the forest quickly. And so they did in a wild panic, everyone grabbing tools that could be used to defend themselves. It took a while but the mayor got them calm and lead them into the forest while keeping them quiet. They got in just in time to miss the army of demons.

The citizens watched in horror as their home was torn apart by demons and the nemesis they believed to be dead, Nightmare Moon blasted the buildings apart looking for ponies but finding none. She roared in rage and citizens moved deeper into the forest. They marched until they reached the old castle, there they decided to take shelter. That was their home now.
> History
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna had accompanied the group to the library to aid in the search for a way back to Equestria. She doubted that there was one to be found from the library but it was worth a shot. She and the rest dug through scrolls and books of spells and enchantments for awhile when Twilight found a book on Spartan history. She opened it and began reading, as she read her eyes grew wide with shock and disbelief. Luna noticed this and approached her.

“What did you find?” She asked.

“The history of Sparta.” Twilight said, “It is quite violent.”

“Equestrian history was very violent in the early ages,” Luna said, “They are in a violent age right now and their culture is very martial. In all honesty I dont think there is any part of them that isn’t violent.”

“You mean besides what they do in bed,” Celestia said with a teasing look at her sister.

“No, that is pretty violent to,” Luna giggled, the place between her legs still a bit sore from the remorseless pounding it had received the previous night, not to say she didn’t enjoy it.

Celestia looked at her a bit shocked, “do I want to know?”

“That is for you to decide.”

“I will never understand how you fell for such a ruffian.” Rarity said.

Twilight put a stop to that conversation before it could progress any farther, “anyway, I think that we should know this. I could read it aloud if you want to hear it.”

“Well do it already, I want to know more about these Spartans.” Rainbow said.

“Ahem...” Twilight said beginning.





The first time Sparta was recognized as a city state was during the golden age of the gods, during the titan war. Sparta was built by the followers of the god Ares as sanctuary for his worshipers. This was during a time when most of the gods were against Ares and therefore decided that Sparta must fall, so they assaulted the city. It was the first time that mortals ever fought with a god directly, most of the gods for that matter. Sparta had already developed a highly militarized culture because of their devotion to Ares, so they were more prepared than any. Ares himself was on the front lines and fought with the king of the gods Zeus. The Spartans fought vigorously and actually wounded the gods enough to force a retreat, Ares dwelled in Sparta for the next few centuries and had a son with a minor goddess, the child’s name was Leonidas who rules Sparta to this day. Leonidas was born of divine blood and carried the strength of his father and the caring nature of his mother. His mother was the goddess Gaea, the goddess of earth, nature and fertility, she was known for a caring nature and loving nearly everything she saw. Some of this trait was passed to her son Leonidas, so the good king is known for his kindness to those he does not consider an enemy.

Leonidas lead Sparta to victory, he never started a war in his immortal life but he does not shrink from one. First the towns around Sparta decided to attempt to sack the city. Leonidas responded very quickly, he fought off the raiders then assembled the Spartan army to invade the attackers lands. After several battles, all of them in favor of Sparta, they took the entirety of the land they lived in then proceeded to halt their movements. Then the kingdom of Crete decided to invade Sparta seeing it as a major threat, they landed on Spartan shores and their entire army was removed from the realm of the living. Sparta took their ships and invaded Crete, from there they proceeded to lay waste to the nation for ten straight years before returning home and leaving almost nothing but ash behind. Crete never bothered them again, neither did any of the other nations of Greece until Athens either got enough of a backbone or enough stupidity to try their luck. And despite Sparta having leveled the city on nine occasions Athens continues to provoke Sparta.

Then comes the Thebes Empire, they have been growing in power for about three generations and have conquered much of Greece. Sparta has reduced many of their larger armies to piles of corpses within the space of three hours with as little as one tenth their number. Thebes has continued to expand and is now surrounding Sparta on all sides. Ten years ago they ordered a surrender from the Spartans, and for an awnser they got a message that said ‘Surrender is for the weak’.
Five years later Thebes sent a message threatening the spartan populace with slavery should they win the war that would come, the Spartan king Leonidas replied with one word ‘if’. 





There was a slight pause.

“Well he certainly knows how to leave a nation at a loss for words,” Celestia commented.

“You said it,” Twilight said, “This is just the overall history up to today, in other words this is just a summary.”

“I wonder what the detailed version will say,” Luna said intrigued.

“Well that is a bit too violent for me to hold my stomach while reading,” Twilight said.

“Well its about time we got back to looking for a way out of this world,” Celestia told them. “I would like to speak with Luna for a minute however.”

“Of course,” Twilight said.





Leonidas stood in the barracks planning exactly how they would march on Thebes. He then had an idea, he bagan to move the pieces around the board to show how it would be done. He prayed to posidon that he would allow them safe passage.





Nightmare Moon stood next to King Sombra intent on getting information from him. The question had been bothering her for days and she had to have an awnser. 

“My king,” she said, “I wish to know something.”

“Ask what you will,” Sombra replied.

“How did you subdue the princesses and those pesky mares that defeated both of us?” She asked.

“I banished them.”
> A New Enemy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“To where?” Nightmare Moon asked.

“Another world, I stripped your former host of her memories and she arrived a bit over a year before the rest did.” Sombra.

“Why not go there ourselves and kill them?” Nightmare moon inquired, “We have both the power and forces necessary to do so, and we may just be able to have interdimentional rule.”

Sombra thought for a minute, the idea appealed to him, and they did have an army of demons as well as enough power to kill or at least strike comatose upon the two sisters and their loyal brats. He then nodded in approval, this was a good idea.

“Very well,” He said to his general, “We will go and end them.”





Ibycos stood before the altar to the god Hades, as the high priest he was sworn to care for it and sate the gods hunger for blood. There he was, sacrificing a young calf to the dark god, when a black screen appeared in front of him. From it stepped a grey hoof with iron boots for armor. Then came the head, it was a unicorn with a horn curved back like that of a Persian beast and stained red from the blood it drew, the eyes were serpentine and red and his mouth had fangs that reached past his bottom jaw. He wore an iron chestplate and a red cape flew behind him. Hades.

Ibycos emmediately fell to the floor prostrating himself saying, “Lord Hades, welcome.”

Then a pony came up behind Hades, a black alicorn mare in silver armor. She looked at the stallion now bowing to Sombra, then saw that the entire horde of ponies present were doing the same. 

“Lord Hades, we have eagerly awaited your arrival, so that you may deliver us from the Spartan plague. Please lord, lead our armies and our nation to victory against the heathans that would tear down your temples.”

Sombra glanced at Nightmare moon who gave an encouraging nod. Sombra smiled, this would be easier than he thought.





Luna sat up in bed, she felt something, a disturbance. She looked next to her to see Leonidas wasn’t in bed with her, instead at the window and appearing deep in thought. Luna knew he was bothered, so she didn’t add to it a lay down to try and return to sleep.

Leonidas looked back to see the beautiful mare that had stolen his heart sleeping soundly in a space he usually shared with her. He approached the bed and sat beside Luna while affectionately rubbing his hoof along her exposed back. Luna stirred and looked at him smiling.

“Perhaps your lips can finish what your hooves have started,” Luna teased.

He wanted to, but he was too bothered.

“Or have the circumstances robbed you of your desire as well,” Luna said her mood dampening a bit.

He chuckled, “Luna, there is nothing in heaven or earth that could rob me of my desire for you.”

“Then why so distant?”

“This war is bothering, we may have good chances but we may not win, if that happens...”

“Is this why my king looses sleep and is forced from the warmth of his bed?”

“It is,” Leonidas sighed.

“Leonidas,” Luna said sitting up, “Sparta has the fiercest of any warriors in Greece and likely the world. You defeated the Persians at the red gates, three hundred against two million. If soldiers like that couldn’t beat Thebes in a war, I dont think they will ever fall.”

Leonidas sighed and smiled, “You’re right Luna, thank you.”

Luna smiled, and lay on her back, ready for him.





Celestia felt something, a magical disturbance. She didn’t know what it was or where it came from, but she knew it was bad. She used her massive probing spells to detect where it came from and what it was. She had to wait a while but it finally showed. Sombra, Nightmare Moon and a massive army of pale and bloody creatures leading an army with the Thebes banner.

She had to inform Luna about this. But she’s in bed right now, with Leonidas. Celestia still felt no small amount of anger at the thought, but knew that she could do nothing about it, they both wanted this and Celestia couldn’t stop them. Besides she had more important things to worry about.

When morning finally came she pulled Luna aside.

“Is this another “talk”?” She asked.

“No,” Celestia told her, “This is serious. Or at least more emmediate. You felt that disturbance last night didn’t you?”

“Yes, I asked Leonidas about it and he said that he felt it too. He was a bit concerned about it, as I am sure you are. Do you know what it is?”

“Yes, my probing spells allowed me a glimpse of it. it’s Sombra, leading an army of monsters and the Thebes army.”

“They may think he is Hades,” Luna said, “Thebes is sacred to Hades, the god of the dead. If they think he is Hades then he has complete control over the nation of Thebes.”

“This is disturbing.” Leonidas said making Celestia jump.

“Why were you eavesdropping?” Celestia demanded. 

“Not eavesdropping if you aren’t bothering to hide what you are saying. Also the mention of Hades caught my attention as he is sacred to Thebes.”

“Fair point,” Celestia admitted.

“Wait,” Luna said, “If King Sombra is here we can easily get the spell to travel between here and Equestria. We wont need to search the books, and we can always break into his mind and take it from him. And it’s guaranteed to be there.”

The other two thought for a minute, she was right. “Well then, I trust you have had experience with this King Sombra fellow. If that is the case we may need some insight, would you two like to join us on the march?”

“I thought only stallions go to war.” Celestia said, “at least here.”

“No, just they prefer the mares be left here as it is safer. It is after all a stallions instinct to protect his mare.”

Luna and Celestia glanced at the other, Celestia knew Luna would go with him, so she would go to keep an eye on those two. So they nodded in unison. Luna then left to do whatever it was that she did during the day and Celestia stopped Leonidas before he could go.

“Be careful not to extend your family.” Celestia said.

“If we both desire it it will happen.” Leonidas said unfazed. “You need to understand that I am not your enemy, nor would I do anything to harm Luna. In fact I am rather hesitant to have her involved in this war, I would defend her just as you would. I can respect that you wish to protect your sister, but you cant dictate what happens in her life, especially if she decides to do something.”
> March to the Drums
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna walked with Leonidas to get herself fitted with some armor, she would be in the war zone. Leonidas had asked her a few questions concerning how capable she was in battle along the way.

“Do you have any training in combat?” He asked.

“Yes, but not the kind you are accustomed to.” Luna said. “I fight with a two handed sword and no shield. Usually heavy plate armor. You dont have the advanced armors that I am accustomed to and I usually would weave my way through the enemy dragging my longsword through the soldiers I passed. You really dont have anything I am used to using.”

“What was the two handed sword like?” Leonidas asked curious.

“Well, it was a long sword that ranged from four point nine pounds to six point two pounds, depending on the length and thickness of the blade. It ranged from forty seven to fifty five inches in length and was famous for its lethality. There have been recordings of it going through inch thick steel plate armor with little effort, and it has been said to go straight through the head of one stallion and through another. Or rather, two decapitated enemies, one blow.”

“Truly?” Leonidas asked stunned. A weapon like that would be formidable indeed.

“Truly. However, to those not used to wielding one it was hard to use and inexperienced users were rather clumsy with the weapon. Also because of its weight it usually surprised those younger trainees. The one I used weighed about forty pounds and was considerably thicker than the more commonly used ones.”

“And what of the armor?” Leonidas questioned.

“It was a series of complex plates strapped to the wearer. It took about an hour to put on and those without magic needed help putting it on. I had used such heavy armor for so long that I could run as fast as our fastest fliers in it. Considering your armor is likely much lighter I will probably be able to move much more and a lot faster.”

“We could have one of the blacksmiths here make this sword.” Leonidas offered.

Luna shook her head. “You use bronze and iron for your weapons and armor. Such a long weapon would be to brittle if made by those materials.”

Having an idea Luna lit up her horn and summoned an image of the longsword. She then explained how steel was made and that the sword would be made entirely of this material. Leonidas grinned as he heard the ingredients.

“We have plenty of all those recourses.” He said. “We can make you that sword.”

Luna looked at him. “I dont want you to be troubled with it.”

“And knowing you you will find a way to get yourself involved in every battle you come within earshot of. If you are wielding a familiar weapon you will have a greater chance at survival.” He said.

Luna opened her mouth to argue.

“And your sister will likely want you to have the greatest chance at survival possible so providing you with this is necessary for keeping her out of trouble.”

Luna sighed in defeat. “Very well.”





In three hours Luna had been given a set of spartan armor and they had forged a claymore for her. She was taken to the training grounds to asses her ability with the weapon, and the weapons ability. Luna approached the training dummy, gripping the claymore in both hooves while balancing on her back legs. She swung a backhoof strike with the back edge of the blade, and cut the oaken training dummy clean in half.

Leonidas watched in awe as his mate destroyed dummy after dummy with blows that cut them in twine from all angles. Her sword looked like a burning wheel of light instead of a straight weapon. Eventually she stopped and placed the point of the weapon in the dirt and rested her front hooves on the hilt, not having broken a sweat.

Leonidas stared, impressed.

“Remind me not to make you angry.” He said to her.

She giggled, “I dont think that will happen anytime soon.”

So Luna, Leonidas, Celestia and Spike marched with the Spartan army. They marched north to meet the army of Thebes and King Sombra. They marched for three days and three nights before they arrived in the place they planned to face them. There they set up a camp to wait for the enemy. 

Luna and her sister spent much of their time with the spartan soldiers. They usually conversed a bit, and Luna was lightly teased for sleeping with the king. She knew it was a joke and always gave an embarrassed smile. Celestia was a bit more protective of Luna and would typically tell them it wasn’t their business. Luna decided that this had gone on long enough and pulled her sister aside.

“Celestia,” Luna told her, “You need to get used to the fact that this is happening. There will be talk of it and a few jokes told to both me and Leonidas. You should expect some too. But stop giving every curious pony the stink eye or you wont develop a good reputation amongst these ponies. Everyone knows this is happening but some want to make absolute sure. Is it their business? No, it isn’t. But they will ask anyway and it isn’t that big of a deal. Let them joke about it Celestia, you may just find a few of them funny yourself. But you must also learn that Leonidas is not your enemy, neither are the Spartans. Just accept that this is happening and move on. You will have a much happier life.”

“Luna I worry about you.”

“I know you do and that is the problem. You worry when there is no cause to.” Luna said. “Besides, I have high hopes for me and him.”

“You don’t mean...”

“That is exactly what I mean Celestia. Me and Leonidas have talked about it and we agree that we will try for it.” Luna said calmly. “And it may happen soon.”
> The Front
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna had slept with Leonidas, again. Celestia couldn’t help it, she hardly knew the stallion, yet her sister said that they were considering a child. The audacity! She had displayed a lot of self control by not attempting to kill the stallion already. But the idea of Luna bearing him a child, it put the word angry to shame. But there was a part of her that knew her sister was right. It wasn’t her business, and she also knew that she would be absolutely annihilated by Leonidas in a fight. Celestia tried to get her thoughts straight, Luna was in a consensual relationship with a stallion, she should feel happy for her. And the idea of a niece or nephew that wasn’t from distant relatives or adoptive relationships.

She sighed, “I have been a little hard on him haven’t I?” She said to herself. “I really dont know why I’m so against this. This is healthy for both of them, it could result in something good, and it isn’t bad for anyone.”

“You mean besides Sombra.”

Celestia jumped, it was just her sister. “You know I dont like it when you do that!”

“I know,” Luna said walking out of the corner of her tiny teepee tent. “It’s just so funny.”

“For you maybe.” Celestia muttered. “How did you sleep last night?”

“As well as I always do,” Luna said verbally jabbing at her sister.

“How much did you hear?” Celestia said nervously.

“All of it,” Luna said, “that took quite a bit of courage sister. Admitting when you’re wrong is hard.”

“I know.” Celestia replied. “I need to apologize to him for how I’ve been acting.”

“Well apology accepted because we have bigger problems.” Leonidas said appearing behind Celestia. “The fronts here.”







Celestia was dumbstruck by the sheer number of ponies and... creatures they were up against. They had most certainly seemed to be almost four times the number of Spartans, yet the Spartans were calm, bored even. There was no indication of fear or concern, nor even excitement, save for the stallion next to Celestia. He was grinning like a fool.

“Why do you smile?” She asked him.

He looked at her, “Equestrian, I have fought countless times. Yet in all my life I have never once met an adversary that could offer me what we Spartans call a beautiful death. I can only hope that with the armies of Hades himself against us that there is one down there, thats up to the task.”

The slaver was right, Spartans really were mental. Celestia wasn’t sure what scared her more, the enemy in front of them or the Spartans words. She just shook it out of her head and focused on the enemy in front of them. She and Luna were instructed to watch the lines and should any major breach happen they were to fly in, slaughter all enemies in the breach and hold them off until the phalanx could recover. It wasn’t likely to happen but it was always better to be sure. 

They saw the army of demons begin to advance in a run, not caring to stay in any formation. The Spartans waited until there was ten feet between them and the enemy before bracing. The impact took several spears out of commission, and a lot more demons besides. They pounded the wall of shields with reckless abandon, not noticing that it would cause their downfall. Eventually their numbers and constant pounding faltered, which the Spartans took advantage of.

The front four rows broke formation and began slaughtering the demons with everything they had, horns, shields, spears, swords even hooves. The Spartans were indeed the perfect soldiers, they tore through the enemy without hesitation or mercy. That was their way of life, no mercy, mercy is weakness, no retreat, retreat is cowardice, no surrender, surrender is treason.

Celestia was so deep in envy that she didn’t notice that the far side of the phalanx had been weakened and was currently being locked in a fight with demons. Luna had taken off the minute she saw it and brandishing her claymore she began to use her deadly grace. She wove her way through the demons with little effort and dragged the blade of her sword with her, cleaving and cutting demons as she passed. The demons soon began to flee from her in fear. The spartan line recovered quickly during Luna’s counterattack and stared in awe at her skill and grace. Many stared curiously at the sword she used as they were not familiar with it.

Luna flew back to her watch position and looked at her sister, amused by her look of shock. She giggled. “Why Tia’ I dont believe that face is very dignified.”

Celestia quickly shook the surprise from her and answered, “I dont believe I have seen you do something like that for thousands of years.”

“Well your turn is going to come next,” Luna said gesturing to the not so dire breach on the other side of the line.

Celestia flew off drawing her bound greataxe as she did. Unlike Luna, Celestia did not use such grace with heavy weapons, she certainly wasn’t clumsy or wild but she wasn’t as fluid as her sister was. Celestia simply cut the enemy down with her axe and began making the bodies pile on top of one another. The Spartans were certainly impressed by her skill, though not as much as they were with Luna’s. Celestia flew back to her post once that was taken care of.

She saw her sister glaring off into the distance, following her gaze she found the one who put them in the predicament they were currently in. King Sombra, and beside him was someone she had thought destroyed, Nightmare Moon. Behind them were even more demons, and a very large rift in space. On the other side they saw the plains of Equestria. Sombra seemed to be panicking, he ordered all of his troops to retreat back into the rift. They began to run away.

The Spartans ran after them but stayed in a solid formation. With Leonidas at the head of the army they ran in perfect formation with the two sisters following them in the air. What they didnt see was the drake carrying Rarity, Twilight, Applejack and pinkie pie on his back with two Pegasi following on either side. The Spartans, who numbered in the tens of thousands, charged into the rift after the demons, Luna and Celestia dove in with the six mares and spike close behind.
> Gift
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone emmediately knew they were in trouble when they reached the other side of the rift. Once everyone was through it closed, trapping them in Equestria. Once that was done they found themselves surrounded on all sides by Sombra’s demons. Sombra himself stood with his own unit of ponies he had recruited to his cause, among them was prince Blueblood.

“Lay down your weapons.” Blooblood called to them.

Leonidas replied, only not before sending a nonverbal message. He threw his spear, his aim was true, his spear embedded itself in Bluebloods chest, and he fell to the ground lifeless.

The Spartans then entered the phalanx formation in a perfect circle while facing all directions to compensate for the number of enemies and where they were.

Then he called out, “Come and get them!”

Sombra ordered his army to close in, then took half of his troops with him when he left. Spike dropped the ponies he was carrying earlier off in the center of the Spartan formation then took off to fight the demons himself. The mares were not idle however, Twilight and Rarity both used their magic to strike at demons from afar while Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow brought Spartans who were injured too much to fight back so that Fluttershy could treat them. Spike was a terror to behold as he flew down on the enemy scorching them with his fire and tearing through them with his claws.

The fight was a stalemate for some time, the scales slowly began tipping in the Spartans favor, too slowly. Spartans were dying left and right and for every demon slain two more took its place. Despite the predicament, the Spartans seemed to be enjoying themselves. They laughed often as though this was no more than a game.

Numbers dwindled on both sides, each one getting closer to annihilation. But in the end the Spartans came through, at a price. They had lost almost half their number and most of the others were injured, Leonidas was one of them. He had been injured in several places and his armor was useless now, the only armor he could still use was his helm, he had a slight limp as he walked and his left eye had been cut deep. 

Luna came to his side as soon as she found him and brought him to Fluttershy to be treated. All Spartans were trained to treat wounds and the best they had came to treat their leader. Luna slept alone that night, it wasn’t uncomfortable, it was just a little strange to be in a bed without the comfort of her lover next to her.

The next morning Leonidas was up and about, he was bandaged and he had a cloth tied around his head to keep his dead eye from bleeding out. Luna had been relieved to see him in such a good state, he healed quickly. However he wouldn’t need to because that night, he and Luna had a visitor.





Leonidas sensed rather than saw the pony behind him when he came into his and Luna’s tent. Reacting quickly he spun holding his sword in hoof and held the blade against the intruders throat. He was about to thrust when Luna stopped him.
Leonidas looked at the intruder and surprise entered his mind. It was an alicorn, a black alicorn with a galaxy on its flank, its wings were like that of a bat with the look of the night sky in the membrane. It’s eyes were dark blue like Luna’s coat, and its mane was like that of a black darker than any he had seen before.

“Hello father.” Luna said to the alicorn.

The alicorn replied with, “hello Luna, its good to see you’re safe.”

Leonidas sheathed his sword hurriedly and stepped back. He saw Luna embrace the alicorn she had called father. If he was her father, than Leonidas would have to speak with him.

“And this is Leonidas if I am not mistaking.” The alicorn said. “I am Galactus, pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Leonidas said.

“I am sorry but I dont have the time to get tied up in formalities. We have watched you Leonidas, ever since you... purchased our daughter.”

“Father, don’t...”

“I am not accusing him of anything. If anything I am quite pleased with his actions, and his actions yet to come.” Galactus told Luna. “I must ask you both to come with me.”

With that a rift opened into what appeared to be a world of the night sky and nothing else. They both followed Luna’s father into the rift and it closed behind them. Leonidas Looked around to see stars, nothing but stars, then his gaze landed on Luna, leaving him breathless.

Luna had seemed to grow in grace and beauty. Her mane no longer like that of a cloudless night but like that of a nebula full of stars. Her poise had somehow gotten more imposing and graceful than when she was on their world. Leonidas struggled to tear his gaze away before either of them could notice him staring. Luna managed to hide a giggle while Galactus grinned knowingly.

“You have come a long way Leonidas. Me and my wife Solara agree that you should be rewarded, and granted a boon to help you in your quest to liberate Greece and Equestria.”

Leonidas replied with, “You honor me sir. Though I must know, what have I done to deserve such kindness?”

Galactus looked at Luna and gestured for her to leave. Luna nodded and disappeared. “You have pulled our daughter out of a deep sorrow that she has carried for millennia. She was lonely Leonidas, lonelier than any has been before and for longer than any other than us immortals have been alive. She loves you Leonidas, and I know that you love her. She’s happy now Leonidas, no one has managed to make her so, not even us. This is our way of thanking you.”

“Sir...”

“I know what you intend to speak with me about, but it is not necessary. You two will be in union with each other, this I promise you.”

There was a sudden weight on Leonidas, it felt familiar. He looked down to see himself armored in a silver breastplate, silver helm, silver greaves and bracers, a silver shield by his side, a silver sword at his hip, and in his right hoof was a silver shafted and silver tipped spear. He heard a faint hum coming from each of the weapons. On his shoulders was a cape of blue feathers, he had a feeling they belonged to Luna.

“This is our gift to you Leonidas. These will not break, they will not fail. Each piece was forged in the heart of a dying star, and tempered in the heat therin. The cape is made from the feathers shed by the mare you have welcomed into your bed, these feathers are enchanted to give you great speed and strength, they wont break and they will not allow your back to be pierced. Now, I would appreciate if you waited for a few minutes.”
> Union
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joy, pure joy was what filled her heart. Luna had been told that she and Leonidas were to be joined by her father. She had also been made aware of the gifts her parents had given Leonidas, she could not think of anyone better to receive them. She approached Leonidas barely containing her happiness. They would be joined in the old way, it was not near a ceremonial as the modern things, but much more spiritual and direct. First they would swear oaths of loyalty, then they would be given a blessing by her father, then they would be given complete privacy for... well... that.

Once she and Leonidas had taken their oaths, and her father blessed them, he spoke. “I will now leave you to it.”

Leonidas looked confused, but Luna giggled to catch his attention. “Don’t worry its actually very simple.”

So she turned around, lifted her rear in the air and moved her tail out of the way. Leonidas blushed slightly but shook it off, they had already done this several times. So he climbed atop her, wrapped his hooves around her chest and getting into position. Luna spread her haunches as far as she could to welcome him. This would be a long night.





Leonidas woke up in his tent the next morning, with Luna curled into his chest. He wasn’t absolutely certain how the Equestrians did things, but from what he could guess, he and Luna were now married. It was a strange thought to him, to be married, he wasn’t complaining but it was still something to think about. Little did he know that a very similar thought was passing through Luna’s head at that exact moment. She opened her eyes and gazed up at him, and he met her eyes with his own gaze. Luna smiled meekly.

“Good morning.” She said.

“It certainly is.” He said back, nuzzling her gently.

It wasn’t but a second later that Celestia came into the tent with a wide grin on her features. “Well, well. It looks like the two lovebirds are up. I heard about what happened last night.”

“Celestia...” Luna began thinking she would say something against this.

“Congratulations.” Celestia finished. “I hope you two are going to wait for kids cause I dont think that we can handle that kind of trouble in this situation.”

Both of the alicorns in the sleeping bag looked surprised, then they began to giggle at the last statement.

“Celestia,” Luna said recovering, “I think that after a while we may just have our own little army of our children alone judging by how long we live.”

“We’ll save that for when we’ve put King Sombra in the grave.” Leonidas said rising.

Celestia also noticed the new armor in the corner of the tent, and the cape. “A fitting gift. And one that will serve you well Leonidas.”

“I dont doubt it.” He replied donning the armor and cape as well as belting on the sword. He picked up the spear and shield then left the tent, Luna and Celestia followed. “You know these lands better than I. Where is that wretched king likely to have run to?”

“Probably Canterlot.” Luna said shouldering her claymore. “It is a large fortress, its defenses are greater than that of any of Thebes walls or the walls of Troy even. You cannot hope to best it by direct assault.”

“I agree, though there are several hidden passes to the main courtyard, once there the defenses will be useless.” Celestia said in response. “Also, what is Troy?”

“The greatest fortress city in Greece.” Leonidas informed her. “It was the first time all of the nations in Greece rose against a common enemy, and even then it took ten years of constant fighting for the walls of Troy to fail. Though, if you can get us behind the defenses we can take the enemy by surprise and eliminate them.”

Luna thought this over. Leonidas had not lost a single battle in his life if the sources served correctly, so she had no reason to doubt him. Still, they were talking about how to take her home, it just felt strange to her. She didn’t want anyone innocent to get hurt, but at the same time she felt something she had not felt in eons, bloodlust. She wanted to be on the front lines slaughtering the hordes of enemies in front of her. And by the look in her sisters eye, she knew Celestia felt the same way. 

“You want to fight them.” Leonidas said knowingly. “I wont deny you. But do be careful, I would hate to see you hurt.”

“Don’t worry about us Leonidas.” Celestia assured him. “We’ve been in stickier situations than this. We can fight our way through this with ease. You need not be too worried. I understand your concern for Luna, but dont worry about her, she can handle herself.”

“Oh I believe it.” Leonidas chuckled. “I dont need to worry about her wellbeing, I just hope she leaves some of them for the rest of us, its no fun when you dont kill something.”

That earned chuckles from those present.

“Lead us to said fortress Celestia.” Leonidas said gesturing to the front of the gathering Spartans. “And lead us to victory.”

“That is your job Leonidas.” Celestia said. “I am just your guide.”





Big Macintosh was visiting the sick ponies in the castle of the two sisters when one of the scouts came by panting. “What is it?”

“An enormous army of strangers. Ponies larger than the demons who destroyed ponyvill, they march with the princesses and another alicorn at the head of the army. They stand taller and larger than you do. And my fellow scouts report thousands of dead demons piled and burned in a field not far behind this army. I saw a group of demons see this army and flee, only to be caught by flying spears launched by these strangers. I think that we are saved!”