> Equestria and The Land of Patriam
>  by k00l
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> The Beginning of the Adventure
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Twilight was in her room at the castle, she had her saddlebags packed for a long adventure she had planned out. Spike enters her room to see if she needs any more help with packing.

"Hey Twilight, are you all set for tomorrow?" Asked Spike. Twilight turns her head and smiles at the little dragon.

"Yes I believe so." Said Twilight. Spike approaches her and stands next to her.

"Are you sure you want to go alone as well?" Spike looks up at Twilight. a bit of a worried expression on his face.

"Yes, most definitely. It would be safer If I traveled alone. Besides, I'll be back in two days. I will be safe enough for two days." Twilight gives him a reassuring smile.

"I'm just making sure, it's called the Undiscovered West for a reason." Spike warns, taking another step towards Twilight.

"I know, but... I can't just forget about the humans." Twilight sighs and looks out the window.

"Why? They have shown they want nothing to do with us." Said Spike. "Humans have stayed where they are and haven't even attempted to leave their homeland, and they drive away anypony who comes near them. In worst case scenario, some haven't even returned at all." Twilight sighs again and then turns to look at Spike with a smile.

"I know you are concerned for my safety Spike, and I appreciate that. But you must understand my reasoning. All most everycreature has made peace with each other. The dragons, changelings, griffons, hippogriffs, yaks, and ponies have made peace and friendship with each other. There is one race left that is left out, the humans. As the Princess of Friendship, I just can't ignore them. Imagine if the west was explored, and humans joined us in friendship. Everywhere would be safe for all creatures. Everyone getting along, no more war, no more darkness. Only peace." Twilight smiles as she daydream about a peaceful future. Spike relents, he understood Twilight's motive, and respects her decision.

"I understand Twilight, I still think you should have somepony join you." Spike taps his claws together and looks towards the floor.

"If the west is as dangerous as everypony else says it is. I will be able to hide and get away from trouble on my own much faster, I do have magic after all. If I am gone longer than 3 or 4 days, then you can come look for me." Twilight joked as she messed up Spike's head scales. Spike chuckles and pushes her hoof away. He was now smiling and he hugs Twilight. Twilight hugs him back comfortably.

"I'll miss you Twilight." Said Spike

"Oh Spike, it's only two days." Said Twilight.

"I'll still miss you." Said Spike. Twilight rolls her eyes while keeping her smile.

"I'll miss you too Spike." Said Twilight. After a while they pull away, Spike says good night and leaves twilight's room. Twilight then approaches her window and looks out at. So many things for her to discover out there. She made sure to bring plenty of journals and books for her to write down what she sees, as well as a couple of books containing the main human languages, just in case she runs into any and needs to communicate with them. She made sure to pack plenty of food and water for the trip. She yawns, getting sleepy and then approaches her bed. She lays down and closes her eyes, she could hardly wait till tomorrow.
> Deciever
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After a half a day of walking after getting off the train, Twilight enters the undiscovered west, deep within the land of Humans. Despite all the rumors of the humans' hostility, she was very optimistic about the journey. The land was beautiful with flora surrounding the paths she trotted. Some of the flowers were so pretty she took a second to illustrate them in one of the many journals she brought along. She walks deeper and deeper into the land of the humans, so long that night begins to fall. As Celestia's sun sits, she is about to stop for the time being and set up camp, until she notices something in the distance. It's a bright, flickering light shining through some bushes up ahead. curiosity sits in and she has to investigate.

She steps closer towards the light, her hooves trotting on the path till she hears something that causes her to freeze, voices. A lot of voices could be heard coming from the source of the light. She slows her pace and tries her best to soften her hoof steps. She gets right up to the bushes and just barely peeks through, there they are, Humans. A lot of Humans. There were tents everywhere with humans in full knight armor everywhere. The source of the light was a campfire just a few feet away from her. Their armor was impressive, it covered every part of the human body, protecting it from anything, she sketches quickly how the armor looks in her journal. 





There, at least 5 or six knights were around the campfire, conversing with one another. They were talking in a language mostly unknown by ponies, but Twilight isn't most ponies. She recognises the dialect and begins searching through her books trying to identify the Language as they spoke. It sounded bizzare, yet oddly familiar. She could tell by the way they spoke, that it was romanticized.

"Notre heure est venue mes frères. Notre matriarche prépare ce raid depuis deux semaines. (Our time has come my brothers. Our matriarch has been preparing this raid for two weeks.)" Said one of the knight. Finally, Twilight identifies the language, French. The knights were speaking French.

Twilight then starts to scan the book to try and identify some of the words spoken. She was able to translate a few words she heard being "Frustrated" "Methods" and "Matriarch." However, two words stood out, "War" and "Raid." After identifying enough words, she was able to understand what these humans were about to do, it's a raid party. She listens in to see if she could get any more info on these humans.

"Le moment venu, nous tuerons ces salauds et brûlerons leurs maisons." Said another knight.

"Kill... and burn houses?" Twilight translates.

"Ces chiens obtiennent tout ce qui leur arrive! C'est pour leur attaque contre notre village il y a un mois!" said another knight.

"Attack a month ago?... This is a revenge raid!" Said Twilight a little too loud.

"Ca c'était quoi!? J'ai entendu une voix! (What was that!? I heard a voice!)" Yelled one of the knight. Many of them stand up, and the distinct sound of unsheathing of blades is heard. The hair on Twilight's back stands on end and her heart rate increases. She grabs her books with her magic and quickly darts off. She spots a huge oak tree and without hesitation starts climbing it. She clings onto a branch and looks down below. Three Knights step through the bushes with their swords drawn, looking all round for the source of Twilight's voice. 

"Je ne les vois pas, si c'était notre ennemi, leur armure serait trop lourde pour qu'ils s'enfuient si vite. (I don't see them, if it was our enemy, their armor would be too heavy for them to run away so quickly.)" Said one of the knights.

"Nous aurions aussi entendu le bruit des armures. (We would also have heard the sound of armor.)" Said the second.

"Quelqu'un était ici, regarde un livre. (Someone was hear, look, there is a book.)" Said the third as he picks up one of Twilight's forgotten books.

"Crap!" Twilight whispered to herself. It was a Ponish dictionary. The knights begin to look through it, they look at eachother confused, obviously not recognizing the language.

"Ha... Haar-Mon-Nee?" Said the knight trying to sound out one of the words. "Quelle langue est-ce? c'est allemand? (What language is this? Is it German?)"

"Non, ça ne ressemble pas du tout à l'allemand. (No, it doesn't sound like German at all.)" Said the second knight, pointing to the words in the book.

"La matriarche doit le voir, nous avons peut-être été découverts par l'ennemi. (The matriarch must see it, we may have been discovered by the enemy.)" Said the third knight. The knights turn and walk back through the bushes, taking the ponish dictionary with them.

"No... oh no! I need to get my book back!'' Said Twilight. She begins climbing up the tree, hoping to get to the very top to see the entire camp. Once she makes it to the top, she is amazed by what she sees. The Camp was huge, there had to be at least 100 tents. What stood out the most was in the center of camp, a tent that was almost 3 times bigger than the other tents. She was lucky to have spotted it, because she noticed the three knights from before entering it. She watches the tent for a bit and after a while, the three knights walk out, without the book. Ok, so that's where she needs to go to get her book back. One problem, the camp was huge and crawling with humans. Getting to the center and getting out would be a problem. She had to wait till it was dark before she even had a chance to get the book. She decided to wait in the tree till most of them had gone to bed. She pulls out her journal and begins writing in it.

Entry Number 4: I cannot believe I have gone and done this, this was reckless even for somepony like Pinkie. I had come across my first group of Humans, it seemed like a war camp. From the rumors I heard of Humans, they are military experts and are far more skilled in combat than any other creature. Standing at approximately 6 feet tall and with their hands being able to grip their weapons is no surprise. I tried listening to these Humans to try and Identify which of the three regions they come from. From their language I believe I found the French tribe of Humans. I listened in more and discovered their reason for camping out here, to my surprise I alerted three of them. I was forced to hide but left my Ponish Dictionary to be discovered. They took it back to their camp and I must get it back. I can't let the Humans know I am here just yet. If the Humans are as territorial as most say they are, I won't be able to get in a single word to them before... Well, I don't want to think about that! I must get the book, Celestia help me!

Twilight then puts the journal back in her saddle bag and waits for the night to get darker. She waits around 3 hours, by this time all campfires have been out, and the humans have entered their tents for the night, except for a few number of them guarding the camp. Twilight climbs down to the ground, she looks at the bush and takes a deep long breath to calm her nerves before stepping through the bush. She was at the campfire where the knights were talking. The fire was snuffed but still smoking. She slowly makes her way deeper into the camp, her body close to the ground. She sees a guard coming her way, so she hides behind some barrels. The smell of alcohol emanating from the barrels was strong, maybe that could hide her scent. How good are human noses anyway? Best not try and find out at the moment. The guard walks past without any thought of any intruder at the camp. Twilight sneaks back out and continues on her way to the center tent. The ground was muddy as Twilight, leaving hoof prints in them. She is so close to the tent, she could see one of the flaps was already open. She looks left and right, no guards. She quickly dives into the tent, hoping to Celestia nopony saw her.

Inside the tent was a cot with a chest next to it, with a large table in the very back. The table is taller than her, ontop was a candle and what appeared to be her book. Funny thing however, the bed was empty. She sighs thinking that whoever's tent this is, they are on guard duty. She walked towards the table, she had to get up on her hind legs just to see what was on top. She puts her front hooves on top of the table and examines it. There was a large map on the table, it mapped the whole area of the Undiscovered west. On the top of the map said "Carte Patriam '' Twilight couldn't help but smile, the whole area is mapped. How she wanted to steal this map, but such an act could alert the Humans once it was discovered missing. She grabs her book with her teeth, and just before she was about to turn and leave, a voice is heard.

"Donc, vous venez enfin équin, pour votre livre. (So, you finally come equine, for your book.)" Said a female voice. The hair on Twilight's neck stands on end. Slowly, Twilight turns around to see who it was. To her horror, a Human was standing just behind the folded flap of the tent, as if she was expecting Twilight to come for the book. The female's armor was drastically different from the others. The blue color was much darker, she had spikes on her pauldrons, and her helmet was in the shape of a human skull. And yet, her sky blue eyes shone through the helmet like gemstones. she lets the tent flap drop, revealing her claymore, it was almost doubled the size of Twilight, with spikes in place of her hand guard. Twilight begins to panic as she thought this would be the end of her life, right here, right now. The Human female steps closer in an intimidating way.

"Tu n'aurais pas dû venir ici mon poney, ne sais-tu pas que ton espèce sera accueillie avec effusion de sang? (You shouldn't have come here my pony, don't you know your kind will be met with bloodshed?)" Said the human in a deep, but still feminine tone. Twilight goes back to all fours on the ground and cowers, her book drops from her mouth and she shield her head with her hooves.

"P-p-please dont hurt me! I-I-I j-just w-wanted my b-book back!" Cried Twilight almost in tears. Her please was only met by chuckles. The Human female stops directly in front of Twilight who cowers at her metal boots. The female then stabs the blade into the ground next to Twilight, causing her to jump and then cowar more. She shook as if she was in a blizzard, terrified for her own life.

"... You creatures are entertaining." Said the Human in perfect Ponish, but with a french accent. Twilight's eyes widened, shocked to see that even one human knows Ponish. She looks up at the towering human staring down at her.

"...Y-you can understand me?" Asked Twilight, in a more than surprised tone.

"You believe me to put stupid?" Said the human, her helmet hiding her expression.

"N-NO! O-o-of-of Course not!" Said Twilight. The human then starts to laugh.

"So amusing." Said the human. She grabs a chair next to the table, pulls it closer to her and sits down. Now that she wasn't as tall, she was less intimidating. But she kept the skull shaped helmet on, preventing the intimidation from completely subsiding. Twilight slowly begins to stand up straight, as straight for a pony that is. The sitting human was now only a foot taller than her as she now turned her body around completely to face her.

"What are you doing here equine? Don't you know your kind is not welcomed here?" Said the human.

"I...I know that. But, times are changing and my kingdom wants to reach out to the humans, extend our hooves of friendship to you." Replied Twilight. Seeing how the human's eyes never changed made her feel like that statement meant nothing to her.

"My dear lost little pony. If the three human tribes can't even get along with each other, what makes you think we have any interest with you and your kind?" Replied the human in a cold tone.

"Interested? Well... You're speaking my language for starters! You had to have shown some interest to learn it." Said Twilight. The human chuckled in response.

"Sound argument pony." Said the human. She then reaches up and surprises Twilight by reaching for her helmet. She slowly takes it off, revealing her face. The first human face she has seen since arriving here. She had bright blonde hair that fell to her shoulders upon taking off her helmet. her cheeks were rosey and her skin was clear. She was young, almost too young for a soldier. She then rests her helmet on the hilt of her sword that was sticking straight out of the ground and looks at Twilight.

"Je m'appelle, My name is Léone" Said the Human.

"...I'm Twilight." She replied. "Why... Why are you being so nice to me? If ponies are not welcomed in your homeland, Then why are you treating me so nice."

"Despite how many of my men would like to prove you right, not all humans are bloodthirsty monsters." Said Léone. "Some of us more educated humans know the importance of diplomacy."

Twilight sighs in relief, knowing that she wasn't about to be cut in half. However, she doesn't fully let her guard down, Léone is still armed, and she would be surprised that she has already taken lives with that sword. This was a raid party by the way.

"That's a relief. That's such a relief. Then how about a formal introduction." Said Twilight trying to stand as regal as she can, but ends up exaggerating it. "My full name is Princess Twilight Sparkle." Léone's eyes widened.

"Princess huh? Très intéressant." Said Léone, a soft smile forming on her face. "I am Princess Léone Trompeur, War Maiden of the Fluer-De-Lis Army. I serve my Father, King François Trompeur in the destruction of our enemies."

"A fellow princess! This is so exciting! If we form a friendship, maybe you people will listen to us and form peace between our kingdoms!" Twilight sat on her haunches and taps her front hooves together excitedly.

"You may have a point Princess. That sounds so good to me." Said Léone. She then stands up. "Tomorrow I will announce to my men of this, and we can begin step one of our new alliance Princess."

"Fantastic!" Twilight gives her a huge smile. She was only here to observe, but now it seems that forming an alliance with the humans was already happening! It was almost too good to be true.

"Are you hungry Princess? May I get you something to eat?" Asked Léone. Twilight now realizes she skipped dinner because she was inside the tree.

"Well... I am a bit hungry. I brought food with me in my travel bag." Twilight takes off her saddlebag and was about to open it.

"Please, I insist. Try our Human food, if you want to learn more from us." Said Léone.

"You know what, that's a good point. What do you have?" Twilight stomach growls, though she was eager to try something new from the humsans.
"We have salmon steaks, pork chops, and chicken broth." Said Léone. Twilight literally feels her stomach turn. Meat, disgusting.

"Bleh... no offense, but we ponies don't eat meat." Twilight was trying her best to maintain a polite additude.

"My apologies. The only other thing we have available is porridge." Léone lowers her head.

"That sounds good." Said Twilight. Léone Approaches the tent flaps and whistles. Very soon one of the guards are at the tent's opening.

"Oui mon Liège." Said the guard.

"Apportez-moi un bol de porridge et une bouteille de mon meilleur vin. (Bring me a bowl of porridge and a bottle of my best wine.)" Said Léone.

"Ma... Ma matriarche. Quelle est cette chose là?" Asked the Guard while pointing at Twilight. Twilight, feeling a little uncomfortable, looks down at the guard's feet, not wanting to look him in the eye, She didn't need a book to know what he said, "What is that thing there?".

"C'est mon invitée. Maintenant, fais ce que je dis. (She is my guest. Now do as I say.)" Léone said quite sternly.

"...Oui Madame." Said the guard before exiting. It only took the guard about 5 minutes to retrieve a bowl of porridge, and by request of Léone, a bottle of wine. Léone takes both and dismisses the guard and turns back to Twilight, setting the bowl down in front of her.

"I also have a spoon for you, but I fail to see... how you... will... use it?" Léone's voice trailed off as Twilight uses her magic to take the spoon gently out of Léone's hand. She then begins to eat the bowl of porridge. It was bland but filling, and Twilight was in no mood to complain. Léone sits back down, intrigued by the magic. She reaches for two glasses on the table and then opens the bottle, she then sniffs the aroma coming from the wine. "Ah La Fleur Petrus, exquisite." Said Léone as she poured two glasses of wine. she takes one and sips it, offering the other to Twilight. Twilight takes it gratefully and takes a sip.

"Mmm... Delicious. what kind of wine is this?" Twilight licks her lips and examines the wine in the glass.

"It's a Merlot, one of the best of its kind." Léone took another sip, savoring the flavor.

"It's really good. Thank you!" Said Twilight with a smile.

"It pleases me that you like it." Said Léone as she finished her drink. She stands up once again and picks up her helmet. "Pardon my rudeness, but I have some duties to take care of. Please feel free to sleep in my tent Princess, we can discuss our cultures tomorrow."

"Thank you for your Generosity Princess Léone. I honestly cannot thank you enough. No other pony has ever gotten this opportunity before!" Said Twilight excitedly.

"Nor has any Human. Please don't wait for me to come back. I could be up all night." Said Léone as she puts her Helmet back on. The helmet was still very intimidating to Twilight. Léone soon steps out of her tent. she can be heard talking to someone, probably more guards. Twilight couldn't make out what she said as it was in Léone's language. Twilight soon finishes her bowl of porridge and her glass of wine, and then neatly places the dirty dishes on the table. She pulls off her sleeping bag that was on her saddle bag and lays it out. Thankfully, there was no mud in the tent. Twilight's head was a little dizzy for some reason, almost too dizzy. However, she snuggles in her sleeping bag with a smile and pulls out her journal once again and begins scribbling.

Entry Number 5: Wonderful news! I encountered a human who can speak fluent Ponish! This is amazing! Her name is Princess Léone, that's right, PRINCESS!!! My first ever meeting with a human, and it was with a diplomat. I was expecting this trip to be much worse. I almost feel bad about my assumptions though. Léone was so nice, but all the stories I have heard from previous explorers have either been bad, or worse. Heck, some explorers haven't even returned at all, or have returned in more than one piece. Maybe what we have been told was wrong about humans.

That was all she could write before her dizziness was almost too much. Was it the wine? Was it that much stronger than the kind back in Equestria? She closes her eyes and trying to fight the dizziness before slowly slipping into sleep. The next thing she knew, she was being woken up by Léone. She was still in full armor, and the sun was just barely peeking over the horizon.

"Princess Twilight, please, I need you awake." There was some urgency in Léone's voice.

"P-Princess Léone? What time is it?" Asked Twilight. The dizziness was now very faint compared to when she fell asleep. Outside she could hear a lot of movement.

"It's early, I need you urgently." Léone nudges her to try and get her to stand up.
"For what?" Twilight asked, slowly getting out of her Sleeping bag.

"I want to introduce you to my army, so that they all know not to hurt you. After all, your kind isn't welcomed here, remember?" Léone warned, turning to face the opening of the tent.

"Of-of course... I understand. I would like to meet your army... army... WAIT! I almost forgot! This is a raid party! I heard your soldiers! I almost completely forgot! Your army is wanting to raid a nearby village!" Twilight sprang up from the ground and looks up at Léone.

"Mon amie, you are mistaken. I promise you, we are not raiding a village, we are raiding the scum who raided our home first." Léone turned to look at Twilight, her brilliant blue eyes shining like diamonds through her helmet.

"What? What do you mean?" Twilight raises an eyebrow.

"My home, the Kingdom of Gallia." Said Léone  "Is at war between the other two kingdoms, Germania, and Italia. A few weeks ago, the dogs from  house of Drachenkopf, in the land of Germania, attacked our village and stole our food, our livestock, and some of our people. We are on our way to get them back."

It was too early in the morning for a bomb to be dropped like that to be dropped on Twilight. She knew the Humans were quick to war, but an all out war between all three kingdoms? To her, this place needed friendship more than ever. She rubs the sleep from her eyes and looks back up at Léone.

"Ok, I want to help in any way I can. Help you and all humans unite in friendship. War is a terrible thing that only brings suffering. With friendship, you can find peace." Twilight began to preach.

"Exactly my idea. When I introduce you to my men, I'll have them understand this goal, and humans can enter an era of peace. Come Princess." Said Léone. Léone Leads Twilight out of the tent. Knights were all over the place, they towered over Twilight. Some look down at her and are shocked to see her. Some act like this is their first time seeing a pony before. She gets closer to Léone out of fear of being stepped on. Léone leads her to a wooden platform resembling a stage and ushers her to join her. With a loud whistle, all the knights stop in place to look up at Léone. Now all of them can see Twilight, and many didn't have their helmets on, and Twilight could see their disgusted faces.

"Attention, les sujets les plus fidèles!" Léone began to speak, her words were in French, so Twilight was left oblivious to what she was saying.  Her knights look at each other and begin discussing amongst themselves. Twilight watches them intently, she then remembered she forgot her books, she has no way of translating any of Léone's speech. "Avec le poney Princess, notre glorieuse conquête de toutes les terres peut commencer!" The knights start smiling and smirking, some even let out a few cheers. "Je vais la forcer à révéler ses secrets de magie, et nous triompherons ! VIVE LA MAISON TROMPEUR!!!"

"VIVE LA MAISON TROMPEUR!!! VIVE LA MATRIARCHE!!!" All the knights shout and thrust their swords in the air, repeating the phrase over and over again. Twilight couldn't help but smile, they all looked happy. She didn't know what was said, but every single knight was cheering for their Princess. 

"Maintenant, réduisez ce village en cendres en guise de message à Johannes Drachenkopf! Pour Gallia! Charge!" Said Léone as she thrusts her sword into the air. Her Knights then charge, running past her and out of the camp, yelling and chanting in rhythm.

"Wow Léone, that was incredible! What did you say to them?" Twilight looks up at Léone who takes in a large breath.

"Exactly what I told you earlier. You are here to end all the wars in our land, and usher us into a world of peace and kindness." Said Léone, again her helmet hiding her expressions.

"Wow! This is exciting! Here one day and I may have already started to end age old conflicts! This is almost too good to be true!" Said Twilight with the biggest.

"Yes... almost." Léone softly chuckles to herself. "Come, we have much to discuss. In my war tent, we shall begin the process of integration by sharing our cultures."

"Oh Yes! I have many questions!" Said Twilight as they were led back into the tent. Léone grabbed a second chair for Twilight and set it in front of the second chair. Twilight quickly sits down and uses her magic to levitate a pencil and a notepad.

"May I start with the questions?" Asked Twilight.

"Of course Mon Amie." Replied Léone. Twilight smiles wide and her eyes sparkle. her cheeks even start to hurt by how much she is smiling.

"First question, What do you call this land? For us back home, we just call it the undiscovered west as no pony has been able to properly identify anything from here before being chased off." Twilight asked, writing down her question on the pad.

"We call this land Patriam." Said Léone as Twilight begins writing down her words. "In the land of Patriam there are three Kingdoms. There is Germania, home of the Allemands. They are brutes and will attack anyone on sight that is not one of them. The second is Italia, They are just as bad as the Allemands. They are quick to anger and will attack anyone they don't recognize. Finally us, the Kingdom of Gallia. We have been under the thumb of oppression from the other two kingdoms. We fight to for justice and we fight to survive." Twilight has a weird look on her face as Léone spoke. She had a strange case of Deja Vu. The way Léone spoke about the other two kingdoms, it was identical to the three pony tribes before they united. This both excited and saddened her. She hoped the similar situation could be resolved in the same way the Pony tribes did, on the other hoof, all the wars the humans fought, all their deaths would make negotiations difficult.

"Ok, What about your History? How did your 3 kingdoms form?" Asked Twilight.

"Truth be told, we were all united once. All under one Kingdom." Léone answered.

"You were? What happened? How long ago was it? Please don't spare any details." Twilight continued to scribble down notes.

"The Kingdom was called Regnum Patriae. From the old language, it means Kingdom of the Fatherland. It's also where we get the name of our land. Patriam, Patriae. Patriae turned into Patriam, which means Country in the old language. When the kingdom fell, we decided to keep the name to describe all the lands." Said Léone as Twilight wrote down every word. "The last king of Patriae was King Hadrianus. He was a tyrant, working our people to the bone. He was a descendant from House Drachenkopf, a noble Germanique family. Then a traitor by the name of Carlo Santamano, of House Santamano of the Italias, slade the tyrant king. My descendant, Thierry Trompeur, was the Thane of the throne. He tried to stop Carlo, but was severely wounded. This sparked outrage between the three tribes. before a new king could be crowned to seek peace, all out civil war began, and Patriae split and ceased to be."

Twilight wrote down every bit of the story, it was an enthralling story. The story seemed to be taken right from a novel, a story of betrayal and pain. It was poetic in a way. Somepony who saw himself as a liberator, brought war instead. That's when Twilight's ear began to twitch. She could hear something, far in the distance, it was high pitched. She turns her head in the direction she could hear it. only the wall of the tent stood there.

"What... What is that." Asked Twilight, leaning to the side to look at the entrance of the tent.
"What is what?" Léone never moved an inch.

"That... noise. It sounds like it's coming from outside the tent... it sounds... it sounds like..." Twilight tried to pinpoint what excatly the sound was.

"Don't worry about it, it may be some birds that are not native to your land. Please, ask me another question." Léone was quick to advert her attention. Twilight slowly turns back towards Léone and sighs.

"Ok, Well, my next question involves magic. Do humans use magic?" Asked Twilight, part of her mind was still focussing on the noise.

"Both yes and no. We cannot harness magic like you seem to be doing, levitating that pencil. What we have is far different. Instead, we have literal pools of pure mana. We are unsure where they came from, or how they were made, but these pools are full with liquid mana. With these pools, we can use them to enchant our armor, our weapons, and artifacts. but if we ever dip any part of our bodies in without protection, it literally causes us to turn to ash." Léone explained.

"Interesting, I've heard of magic pools. We have one in Equestria that allows you to clone yourself. But this sounds different, It does sound like a pool of raw magic. But humans sound like they are unable to bear the magic, destroying your bodies. Interesting!" Twilight was fully distracted once again and continued her notes. Léone then leans forward as Twilight was writing. Twilight then looks up, her eyes meeting Léone's as she still wore her helmet.

"That's enough about my land for now, may I inquire about your homeland now? Your land, your kingdom, and your history?" Asked Léone.

"Of course, how rude of me. I believe it's your turn to ask me about my culture now." Said Twilight. Léone asked the same questions Twilight asked earlier, how Equestria was founded by Clover the Clever and the other pony tribes, she tells her about the Changelings, the Griffons, the dragons and the other creatures back home. She talked about Celestia and Luna and their history. But all the questions were leading up to the big one, the main question Léone  wanted to know.

"Tell me Twilight, how is your race able to use magic? It seems very powerful, and you can use it without any problems." Léone leans forward a bit more closer. she was eager to know.

"Not entirely true, magic is complex." Said Twilight. "Inside every creature is magic, think of it like your soul. It is in your body, swimming around inside you. Unicorns, and Alicorns, are able to extract the magic with our horns, and perform spells with them."

"All creatures have magic dwelling within them huh? And your horn gives you access to this magic?" Léone crosses her arms and she leans back in her seat.

"Yes, but magic is everywhere. Not just inside creatures, Magic is in nature, and inside our world itself. With our horns, which is essentially just a large bone in our skulls, we are able to draw the magic out. Think of it like a lighting rod, The Horn hones in on Magic, allowing it to manipulate, cast, or even redirect magic." Twilight levitates her notepad once again for emphasis.

"Interesting... very very interesting." Said Léone with a smirk, but it was hidden by her helmet. As they were wrapping up, one of Léone's knights burst into the tent.

"Ma Matriarche!" Said the knight, he was covered in blood, this caused Twilight's eyes to widen.

"Pourquoi nous dérangez-vous? Why are you disturbing us?" Said Léone coldly.

"Mes excuses, mais le village a été anéanti. Nous sommes prêts à retourner au château de Pierre Noire!" Said the Knight. Léone stands up still facing Twilight.

"The village has fallen? Mareilleux." Said Léone. "Commencez à emballer, nous partons immédiatement"

"Wh-what’s going on?" Asked Twilight.

"We are heading back home, to Blackstone Castle, my home." Said Léone.

"Your home. Sounds great. I'll head back to Equestria myself. I will send a letter to you to have you knights escort me and a larger party on my second expedition." Twilight was begining to pack up.

"Or you can come to my castle with me, we shall have a feast." Léone offered, but twilight had to respctufully refuse.

"I'm so sorry Léone, but this expedition was only meant to be 2 or 3 days. I need to start heading back before my friends start to worry." said Twilight. Léone stood quietly for a moment as she watched Twilight gather her things and put on her saddlebag. Léone then reaches behind her.

"Very well, then at least accept this, as a gift of our new friendship." Léone then pulls out a ring. It had a bright red jewel encrusted on it, with the Fluer-de-lis symbol on it.

"Oh wow Léone! It's pretty, but I can't accept it, I have no gift for you." Twilight looks at the gorgeous looking ring.

"Then bring one on your way back. Please, I insist." Léone held the ring out closer to her.

"Well... ok." Said Twilight. Her horn began to glow as she was about to pick it up.

"Allow me, please." Said Léone. She approaches Twilight and gently slides the ring on her horn. "Beautiful."

"Geez, thanks Léone, I will treasure this ring!" Twilight smiles at her. "Bye for now Léone!"

"Bye." Said Léone as Twilight walks past her. Twilight opens the flaps of the tent with her hoof and steps out. Almost immediately as she steps out, three knights stand in front of her, with their weapons drawn and blood all over them. Disturbed, Twilight tries walking past them but one of them quickly gets back in her way.

"Arrêtez racaille de poney! (Halt pony scum!)" yelled the knight.

"Huh? I'm sorry sir, I can't understand you. I am taking my leave with Léone's blessing. Talk to her about it." Said Twilight as she tries stepping around him.

"Je t'ai dit d'arrêter!!! (I told you to halt!!!)" Yelled the knight even louder, using his foot to forcefully kick her to the ground.

"OUCH!!!" Twilight yelled landing in the dirt. "HEY! What gives!....oh... my..." More knights surround her with their weapons drawn, getting closer and closer to her. "L-L-Léone! Help!" Slowly, Léone steps out of the tent and sonders her way to Twilight, but she doesn't interfere.

"Y-Your soldiers! Tell them to back away please!" Begged a terrified Twilight.

"I'm sorry Princess, but I cannot do that." Léone spoke coldly. Twilight's eyes widen and her heart quickens its pace.

"What... what do you mean?" Twilight looks up at Léone with her large and sadened eyes.

"Unfortunately Princess, you are our prisoner, and we cannot allow you to leave." Léone chuckles darkly. Twilight feels her heart go into her throat, she looks all around her for a way to escape. She then closes her eyes and tries to focus, she attempts to teleport away from the knights but... nothing happens, she is locked out of her magic.

"What! Why can't I teleport!? Why can't I use magic!? Why can't.... THE RING!" Yelled Twilight in realization, looking up and towards her horn.

"The enchanted ring actually." Léone took a step closer to her. "Hommes, attrapez-la et enchaînez-la." Two knights step forward and forcefully grab Twilight, picking her up. They then put Shackles on her feet, preventing her from getting away.

"Why Léone!? I thought we were friends!?" Said Twilight now tearing up.

"There is a lot about me you do not know Twilight." Said Léone as she approached a now sobbing Twilight. Her skull helmet nearly inches away from her face. "We are not good humans. Au château, et n'ayez pas peur d'être dur avec elle." Said Léone as she turns her back on Twilight. "To the Castle, and don't be afraid of being to rough with her."

The two knights holding her then take her around the back of the camp, they throw her into a cage forcefully. Twilight stands up quickly and tries to charge them, but she is then punched hard by one of the knights. The punch was hard, causing her vision to go blurry and knocking her to the ground. She shakes her head and immediately gets a headache. She slowly lifts her head with a groan, then the two knights walk away. She could hear crying and voices next to her. She looks over and sees a bunch of other humans in cages, but these were not knights. They had old mid century clothing, most of them were women and children. They were bruised, muddy, and bleeding. Twilight couldn't believe what she was seeing. One woman looks at her, she holds a child in her arms and she scoots closer to the bars and begins talking through her tears.

"Bitte! Hilf mir bitte! (Please. Help me please!" She begged in a completely different language.

"I'm... I'm sorry... I don't understand you." Twilight said in defeat.

"Sie müssen uns helfen! Bitte! (You must help us! Please!)" She begged again. Twilight sighs defeated and then lays her head down. She couldn't understand what the human was saying. Tears then begin to flow from her own eyes. How could she be this stupid to let her guard down around the humans. She heard the rumors and thought that was all they were, rumors. She now knows she was wrong. She knew this was all too good to be true.
> Quest to Save The Kidnapped Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been 5 days since Twilight left for the unexplored west. As expected, Spike and the rest of her friends have become increasingly worried. They all decide to hold a meeting in the map room to discuss amongst themselves of what they should do. They all sat at their thrones around the map. Rarity uses her magic to zoom in on the unexplored west. The problem, since it was unexplored, the map was unable to reveal anything important about the west. The shape of the land and some mountains is all it had, no towns, landmarks, nothing.

"This is all the map is able to show us?" Applejack looks at the map in shock and distain. "How could we possibly look for Twilight when there is nothin to help us navigate?"

"It's been five days since she left, she could be anywhere in there. That is if the humans hadn't gotten to her first." Rainbow Dash furrowed her brow as she glares at the map.

"What do you mean by that, Dashie?" Asked Pinkie meekly.

"Ignore her sugarcube, she is already thinking of the worst case scenario. Twilight is just fine." Promised Applejack before shooting the rainbow maned pegasus a scowl. Dash in response rolls her eyes.

"If she has been gone this long however, there is a large chance that she isn't coming back anytime soon, we need to go in ourselves and look for her." Dash punches her hooves together for emphasis.

"Did you two agree that she could be anywhere in there by now?" Rarity shifts her eyes between Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"We have to at least try, Twilight could be in a lot of trouble." Spike said sternly, placing his hands firmly on the map. The room grew quiet as the six looked at each other and then the map. The blankness of it did nothing to boost their morale, but one thing was certain, Spike was right. They needed to try, they needed to go into the west to find Twilight. The chances of her being in trouble was far too great to just sit on it in hopes she would return on her own.

"Alright everypony, show of hooves, who is willing to venture into the undiscovered west to find Twilight." Asked Applejack. Immediately Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Spike raised their hooves/claws. Then one by one, Pinkie, and Rarity then rose hers. It took Fluttershy the longest, but eventually she raised her hoof as well. She had remained mysteriously quiet the entire time.

"Well, then I suppose that settles it. We are heading into the west, tomorrow." Applejack proclaimed loudly.

"T-Tomorrow?" Fluttershy stuttered, shrinking down in her seat and began to shiver.

"Yes, Tomorrow." Applejack reafirmed by looking at her. Fluttershy starts to shake and a look of fear is all over her face. "Y'all, get to packing, No telling how long we'll be gone."

"W-Wait!" Yelled Fluttershy. Everypony looks at Fluttershy, who then blushes upon yelling so loud. "Don't... don't we need permission from Celestia? By how dangerous the west is, it's illegal to go in without strict permission."

"No problem, we'll have Spike send her a letter. I can't imagine her saying no because she would be just as worried for Twilight as we are." Applejack answered.

"Yeah! It's no biggie Fluttershy." Pinkie cheerfully spoke. Fluttershy only gulps in fear.

"Spike, go write a letter to Celestia and then once you are done, you need to start packing." Said Dash. "Same for the rest of us, pack the essentials."

"Who will watch the castle while we are gone?" Asked Rarity. 

"Perhaps Starlight and Discord could." Suggested Spike.

"Starlight won't like that." Dash snickered, leaning back in her throne.

"No, but she'll have to deal with it. Y'all, see ya tomorrow morning." Said Applejack. They all then step off of their thrones so that they may begin packing

.





Twilight had to of passed out, because when she raises her head and blinks, she is no longer next to the captured humans. She was in a very dimly lit room made out of darkened stone bricks. She tries to move but finds that she is chained to the wall. She then forces herself to move but she is only able to rattle the chains.

"Tu es réveillé. You are awake, good." Said a male voice. Twilight looks up to where the voice came from. She could see a large wooden door with metal bars. On the other side of the bars was a human male, he had short red hair, and he had brown eyes. He opens the door and steps inside. He had a large scar on the side of his head, going from his temple down to his chin.

"How are you feeling, pony? Comfortable? Non? Good." The human smirks at her.

"Oh great, another ponish speaking human." Said Twilight not looking him in the eyes.

"What's wrong mon amie? Patriam not what you expected?" Asked the human, placing his hands on his hips.

"No, it's exactly what I expected." Said Twilight turning her head to look at him. "Humans are nothing more than stupid brutish bastards!" 

"Comment oses-tu me parler comme ça! (How dare you talk to me that way!)" The human backhands her hard across the face. "You will learn respect!" Twilight kept her face to the side as she was slapped. Her cheek stung and grew warm, the human slapped her hard. She could feel a tear form in her eye. "You do as we say, you will find comfort, if not, you will stay here till you rot."

"Pierre, que fais-tu à notre invité? (Pierre, what are you doing to our guest?)." said a familiar voice. Twilight's ears twitch recognizing the voice. Soon the door opens, and stepping through, was a familiar female knight, with the skull shaped helmet.

"Ma matriarche, vient de casser le prisonnier. (My Matriarch, just breaking in the prisoner.)" Said the human supposedly named Pierre, bowing his head to Léone.

"Ne lui fais pas trop de mal, je veux qu'elle garde assez longtemps l'espoir, comme ça ça fait plus mal quand elle le perd. (Don't hurt her too much, I want her to keep her hope long enough, so it hurts more when she loses it)." Said Léone. Twilight again doesn't turn her head, she didn't want to look at Léone, the human she trusted.

"Princess Twilight, I apologize for my Subordinate's behavior." Said Léone, Twilight doesn't react. "You must know that I could not allow you to leave. You are far too important to me."

"...So why treat me like this?" Twilight looks up at Léone with pleading eyes.

"Because, there was no way I could get you to do what I want willingly." Said Léone as she approaches Twilight. "But If I break you, You will sing like a canary."

"...What is it you want?" Twilight lowered herself closer to the ground as Léone stepped closer.

"It's simple really, I want to find a way to siphon your magic, use it to crush my enemies and form the Trompeur Imperium! And Empire in my name." Said Léone. "Then once Patriam is taken, then Equestria, Yakyakistan, The Changeling Hive, The Crystal Empire, Mt. Aris, The Dragon Homelands, and Griffonstone. All the lands will bow before me." Twilight grew much more fearful of Léone, her plan is pure evil.

"Why... Why do you want to do all that?" Asked Twilight.

"My dear poor little pony. It's because it's my birthright, OUR birthright. Take a good look at all the races, who stands out the most? Humans." Léone's lood down her nose at Twilight as she begins her rant. "We are taller, stronger, and more superior in every way. You are below us, and we deserve to rule over you all. Ponies and Yaks would work well in our society, pulling our wagons and tilling our fields. Hippogriffs and Griffons, the perfect construction workers for assembling our houses and war weapons like the marvelous trebuchet... Mon Dieu... It shall be glorious. " Twilight couldn't believe what she was hearing, Léone wanted to enslave all the other races to benefit humanity. How could anypony, or anyone, be so cruel?

"You're... you're insane!" yelled Twilight.

"No my little pony, I am resourceful." Said Léone, before looking at her jailor. "Pierre, laisse-la tranquille ici. Affamez-la pendant un certain temps et voyez si elle est prête à parler demain. (Pierre, leave her alone here. Starve her for a while and see if she's ready to talk tomorrow.)"

"Oui ma matriarche." Said Pierre as he and Léone turn their backs on Twilight and close the cell door, leaving her there, chained, alone, and cold. She hangs her head, and then begins to sob silently to herself. All she wanted was to see her friend's faces again.





The next day, a train stops at a train station in the white tail woods, around 30 minutes from the border between Equestria and the unexplored west. That's when the 5 counting Spike hop off the train. Spike takes out and looks at a paper version of the map they were able to make before they left. Rarity had on a huge hat with a mosquito net hanging from it, and pinkie pie had so many balloons tied to her saddlebag, that she was just barely hovering off the ground, while still acting like she was walking.

"Alright everypony. We go this way to enter the unexplored west." Said Applejack. "Spike, can you read off Celestia's response one more time?" 

"Of course." Said Spike, reaching into his bag and pulling out Celestia's letter she sent back. "Dear you six, I give you my utmost permission to venture into the west to retrieve Twilight. She must be recovered at all cost if she happens to be in danger. To assist you in your journey, I am also sending in my most loyal guards in case you all run into the same kind of danger, they will meet you at the border. Keep me updated. Sincerely, Princess Celestia." This news sent relief to all of them. Some of the Royal guard will be going in with them. 

"We'll have some of the guards with us? What a relief! We'll have strong, handsome stallions taking care of us." Swooned Rarity.

"Awesome, We'll have a fighting chance if we encounter those violent hairless monkeys." Rainbow Dash boasted loudly.

"Our goal isn't to fight them Dash." Applejack nudges Rainbow in the side. "Twilight wanted to make peace with them. I Believe she would still like to keep that plan. That would be much harder if we just haphazardly attack humans."

"We won't have a choice if they attack us first." Rainbow Dash countered. Applejack rolled her eyes as they continued to walk. Not too long after, they begin to approach the board fence that separates the west from Equestria. As stated by Celestia, lounging around a campsite were some of the royal Guard, at least 10 of them . They begin to approach them as the guards notice them, quickly standing at attention. One of the guards they recognise immediately, It was Twilight's brother, Shining Armor.

"Whoa, hey there Shining Armor! What are you doing here!? You're supposed to be in the Crystal Empire." Rarity spoke first as the group met up with him.

"Hey girls, Hi Spike. Celestia informed me and Cadence of what is going on with Twiley, I had to come with you to go get her. I can't stand the thought of her being alone in there with those brutes." Shining Armor puffs his chest out a bit. He was wearing his purple royale armor.

"Wasn't it a long trip for you?" Asked Dash.

"Of course it was, but it didn't matter, I need to be here. I can't just sit on my butt knowing Twily isn't home safe. I promised Twily when we were little kids that I would always protect her." Shining Armor had the look of determination in his eyes, he meant every word he said.

"That's very noble of you Shining." Rarity swooned a bit. "Are you and the others ready?"

"Almost, were waiting on Professor Feather Quill." Said Shining

"Who?" Asked Pinkie.

"Me dearie!" Said a voice behind the girls. Behind them, an older unicorn stallion with a white mane and mustache steps out of his tent. He had a maroon coat as well as a brown tartan tweed hat with a black bowtie. His most distinct feature was a feather pen in an inkwell which made up his cutie mark.

"Cool, we got that guy coming with us!... Uh, who exactly are you?" Pinkie scratched the back of her head with her hoof. Feather Quill rolls his eyes.

"My dear lady, I am a scholar. I was appointed by the princess herself to assist you in your daring venture." Feather Quill spoke sophisticatedly.

"Scholar of what exactly?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

"Hmpf! I will be acting as your interpreter." Said Feather Quill.

"Interpreter, well, That would be useful." Applejack smiled, offering the professor a hoofshake.

"So you speak Human?" Asked Rarity rubbing her chin with her hoof.

"Nonsense, Humans have at least 3 different dialects. French, Italian, and German. These three languages are all different. I am one of the only few who knows all three." Feather Quill boasted as he straightened his bowtie.

"That's good to know..." Said Dash unenthusiastically with an unamused face.

"Are you ready to go Feather Quill?" Asked Shining Armor turning his head to the professor.

"Yes, I have gathered my books, and re-read through my notes. Tally-Ho! As the adventurous ones say now-a-days." Said Feather Quill turning towards the forest. Shining Armor looks at the rest of the knights who then stand at attention.

"Alright, Listen up. Just because I have sat my flank up in the Crystal Empire doesn't change anything. I was head of the guards once, and I still have a lot of experience under my saddle. I still have my way around a battalion and I will not tolerate any cowardice. So If you feel like leaving now, The train station is that way!" Yelled Shining Armor to the guard ponies. He points in the direction of the train station. "But before you step away, I want you to keep this in mind, It's my Baby Sister we are after. Not only will you be turning your back on one of your princesses, you are turning your back on me. No, if you can't handle this and have no problem sleeping at night with all of that on your conscience, you may leave now." Thankfully, no one stepped away "Very well, then let's go in there, and bring Princess Twilight Home!" 

"SIR YES SIR!!!" All the guards yell in unison before turning and crossing the border into the west.

"Alright ladies, and Spike." Said Shining Armor.

"AHEM!" Feather Quil cleared his throat loudlyl.

"...And Feather Quill. My Guards will travel ahead of us, and scout for danger. You all will be safe with them." Said Shining. Armor.

"Thanks, Shining." Said Applejack with a grateful nod. The guards were only a few feet up ahead as the group moved deeper into the west, hoping to find any traces of Twilight. It was mostly a quiet trip till Spike, who was walking next to Feather Quill decided to speak up.

"So... Are you able to speak all 3 of the human languages?" Asked Spike with genuine interest.

"I may be exaggerating a bit, I know all 3, but I am not fluent in all 3. But I know enough about all of them to be able to help you out in any situation we come across." Feather Quill assured with a smile, patting the small dragon on the head.

"Can you give an insight into all three of them?" Asked Spike.

"Of course, always a pleasure to lecture." chuckled Feather Quill. Spike as well as the others could see Twilight getting along great with this guy. "A long time ago tere were two human tribes who had two different languages. When they united, they decided to use one language to communicate with each other. This language is now refered to as the 'Old Language' . It is considered dead and none of the humans use it in everyday speech. The Language died a few hundred years after the collapse of the first human empire, at that time there were three distinct human kingdoms. The first two took the Old Language as their base for a new language that they developed. These Kingdoms are Italia and Gallia, The languages would become Italian, and French. Then the third group decided to use the second long forgotten language that was native to only their ancestors for the base for their new language, the kingdom of Germania would develop German." 

"Wow... Interesting. One question however. Why would any pony study this? We never interacted with humans until recently. Why spend your time studying their language when exploration for their land would take decades?" Spike's question drew in the interest from the others who began to listen more closely.

"Throughout my Life, many explorers have tried to come out here. Those who were able to come back brought enough material for the creation of the study of Human Culture to be form in case of future human explorations. Not to mention, many of us who study the Language specifically have made a shocking discovery. All three Human languages, despite being so different, all seemed to have influenced Modern Ponish!" Said Feather Quill. Many look at Feather Quill in awe and disbeliefe by that statement, especially Shining Armor who lets out a quick chuckle.

"You mean to tell me, professor, that our language came from the humans?" Asked Shining Armor sarcastically.

"I cannot say for certain my dear boy, but the facts do not lie. Many language experts have been studying this theory for years. It's almost jarring when you notice how some words are practically the same. The word "Interesting" bares a striking resemblance to the German translation "Interessant." Then the italian translation is "interessante." And finally the french translation of "intéressant." The theory has not been confirmed, but the evidence is building day by day." Said Feather Quill.

"Humans would have had to of spent a lot of time with ponies in order for the languages to cross." Shining Armor said sternly, not believing the theory at all. "History says otherwise."

"Remarkable critical thinking my boy, but this counter has already been brought up in my field of study. The most common response to that is simple. Do we truly know ALL of our history?" Asked Feather Quill. Shining armor turns his head about to respond when one of the guards from up front quickly makes his way to the group. It was a female pegasus with a light dark green coat and a white mane.

"Sir, important update sir." She saluted.

"What is it Corporal?" Asked Shining as he and the group quickly stop.

"We discovered a clearing not too far ahead. It looks to be an old campsite, the Sarg believes it is worth taking a look at." She informed to which Shining nods his head.

"Very well, go on up ahead and let him know that we'll be up there shortly." Said Shining. the Corporal salutes and quickly rins back up ahead. Shining then looks back at Feather Quill. "We'll finish this talk later." As the group catches up to the guards, they have seemed to have cut through a bush which lead to a huge clearing. It was obvious that it had indeed been used as an old campsite. It had old fire pits filled with ash, The earth had been eroded as if used as foot paths and old clothes for tents were strung all over. After a short look around, Shining calls over the Sargent. The Sargent was a large earth pony with a white coat, and bright blood red mane and eyes.

"Reporting Sir." Said the Sergeant, saluting Shining.

"Sargent Crimson, I have to insist that this little side trip was a waste of time. This is obviously not Twily's camp. It's much too big" Said Shining.

"My apologies sir, I simply thought Princess Twilight, if she came through here, would have investigated this place as well." Sargent Crimson stated his reasoning.

"Any proof she was here?" Asked Shining.

"No Sir. Yet" Responded  Crimson.

"Then let's get moving again. The sun will set in a few hours." Shining tapped Crimson's chest Armor as he spoke.

"Hey! I found something!" Said the Corporal who was in the center of the site. Shining and Crimson move to her position so that they may examine what the Corporal had found.

"Corporal Swift Strike, What is it?" Asked Crimson.

"Look at these, in the hardened dirt. it appears to be hoofprints." Said Swift Strike. Both Shining and Crimson look at it. Immediately, Shining recognises them.

"Yes, those are Twileys! She was here!" Shining's eyes light up upon seeing them.

"Are you absolutely sure sir?" Crimson looks down at the prints before turning to look at Shining again.

"I'm positive, I just know that they're her's." Said Shining. As they were talking, two more guards approached, and they saluted quickly.

"Sir, we found a village not too far from her, just more west to our current location." Said one of them.

"What's our next move Sir?" Crimson asked Shining.

"We keep moving Sargent, into the village. But keep a low profile, and do not enter the village directly. We don't want to spook the humans." Shining ordered.

"Very well, Allow us to move in first, gives us some time before moving up yourselves so we can guarantee your safety,"  Crimson saluted again.

"My safety is of no concern to me, it's the others I am worried about." Said Shining.

"Of course Sir." Said Crimson before trudging off with his fellow guards ponies. Shining returns to the group who had been looking for clues as well.

"Well, What did we find here?" Asked Dash impatiently.

"We found evidence of Twily being here, we found her hoof prints." Shining stated to which the group all smile at this news.

"So she was here, at least we know we could be on the right track." Applejack looks to her friends with the biggest smile on her face.

"Yes. Now I need you all to follow me, we found a village not too far from here. Professor, stay up front with me, I may need you for negotiations if we are compromised." Shining points to Feather Quill.

"Very well." Said Feather Quill, stepping forward. The group then turns and follows the path the guard took to scout the village. Luckily for them, they didn't had to sneak, for upon entering the village, it had appeared to be abandoned. Well, not just abandoned, but abandoned for a reason. Many houses had burned down, and the whole place looked like a wreck. The air even stunk with the smell that smelled... rotten.

"Eugh... what is this place?" Rarity covers her muzzle with her hoof to block out the stench.

"I don't know, Professor?" Shining turns to Feather Quill, hoping to get some input from him.

"I am at a loss, the sign was damaged on our way in. Couldn't make a lick of it." Feather Quill was looking around, feeling a bit sad at the shables the houses were in.

"You think Twilight has been through here?" Asked Fluttershy meekly.

"No idea Sugarcube, this place looks awful." Applejack takes her hat off to show some kind of respect.

"I wonder if this place was like this when Twilight was around here." Pondered Shining.

"Sir, I do not believe we should stay here. We need to keep moving." Said Crimson approaching the group once again.

"I believe you to be right Sargent, the last thing I want to do is stay-" Said Shining before being cut off by something terrifying. A hatchet had been thrown and stuck into the wall the was to the side of both Shining and Crimson, as if it had been tossed and went between them. They both slowly turn to look at it. before their mind could process it, loud screaming could be heard from the tree line. A small army of Humans emerged from the trees, yelling battle cries and swinging their swords. They were cladded in full armor with white cloaks with a very noticeable black cross on it. 






"SHIT!!! We're under attack! Protect the unarmed!" Shouted Crimson as he quickly picks up his spear. Shining quickly turns and darts for the group so that he may protect them. A small skirmish breaks out between the humans and the guards. The guards mostly play a defensive battle as the humans quickly step in with a quick strike before backing off. Shining armor Stood next to Swift Strike  as he uses his magic to hold a sword as she uses a spear. The unarmed group quickly hides in one of the burnt houses to watch the fight. Two Humans approach them Shining and Swift Strike, one who holds a long sword and shield, and the other with a large morning star.

"Stay back you hairless ape!" Shouted Shining, pointing his sword at them with a scowl on his face.

"Ich werde dich bluten lassen, Pony! (I'll make you bleed pony!)" Said the human with a sword as he quickly steps forward and swings his sword. Shining twists his sword sideways and blocks it. The human with a morning star then goes for a killing blow on Shining while clashing with the first human. But Swift Strike uses her spear to strike the Morning Star before the human could bring it down, knocking him off balance. Shining glides his sword to the side and then goes in for another swing, the human blocks it with his shield.

"Raus aus meiner Heimat! (Get out of my homeland!)" Shouted the human in anger. Shining says nothing in response. Swift Strike is able to hold her own with the human with the morning star. The weapon was heavy and slow while she was quick and agile. She had many opportunities to land a fatal stab with her spear, but she finds herself hesitating too often. As the human goes for one more overhead strike, She sees an opportunity to disarm him. She thrusts her spear upward to try and knock the weapon away, but the human side steps and turns the overhead swing into a side swing. This throws Swift Strike off guard and he lands a hard hit to her side. She cries out in pain as her armor is crushed and she is knocked to the ground.

"Corporal!" Yells Shining, Still locked in a battle with the human with a sword. As The Human goes for another swing of his sword, Shining ducks and tucks into a roll to where the Corporal laid. The Human with the Morning star was about to crush her head with one final smash, but Shining slices the back of his leg with one swipe. The human cried out in pain as he dropped the morning Star, Shining gets in front of him and bucks hard, kicking him in the chest and sending him flying. He lands on his back as the human with a sword approaches. The human had an anger in his eyes which almost seemed to glow out of his helmet. He raises his sword and points it at Shining Armor. 

"Bete deinen Gott Pony! Du wirst ihn bald treffen für das, was du hier getan hast! (Pray your god Pony! You shall be meeting him soon for what you had done here!)" The human spat his words out like venom depsite Shining being unable to understand him.

"Where is Twilight! I know you have her monster! Give her to us!" Yelled Shining hopping in vain the human would understand him.

"Das ist dein Ende! Bekämpfe mich! (This is your end! Fight me!)" Yelled the human as he charged Shining Armor. Once again they clash swords as they continue their fight. With each swing was met by a clash, each one trying to get the one up on each other. Shining instead of fighting defensively, fights aggressively. He backs the human up quite a bit with offensive attacks, the human using his sword and shield to block the incoming attacks. Just as Shining had the advantage, the human ducks under a swing and bashes Shining with his shield, causing him to stumble. The human then kicks him hard, knocking him to the ground. The Human then stands over the top of him ready to stab him. "Stirb Hund! (Die dog!)"

"WARTE!!!" Yelled Feather Quill as he quickly steps out of the house. The human stops and turns his head to Feather Quill, puzzled by his ablity to speak German.

"Entschuldigung, hast du gerade Deutsch gesprochen? (Excuse me, did you just speak German?)" Said the Human, slowly lowering his sword.

"Jawohl! Steh unter! Das ist ein Fehler! (Yes indeed! Stand down! This is a mistake!)" Said Feather Quill. Before another word is said, Shining quickly trips the human, kicking him hard in the knee. He uses his magic to take the human's sword and then he stands ontop of his sheild.

"Got ya you dirty piece of Shit! Now Where is Twiley before I kill you!" Shining growled, pointing his sword at the face of the human.

"Arschloch! (Asshole!)" Yelled the Human in response.

"Shining, Quit being a brute for one second!" Yelled Feather Quill as he approached.

"I'm the brute!? These bastards ran out of the tree with weapons clashing before we could even say a word!" Shining argued, never taking his angry eyes off the human.

"Get off of him now son." Feather Quill spoke calmly trying to defuse the tension.

"Tell him to call off his soldiers and then I Will let him up!" Said Shining. Feather Quill rolls his eyes.

"Mein guter Mann, bitte stoppen Sie Ihren Angriff, wir sind kein Feind. (My good man, please stop your attack, we are not an enemy.)" Said Feather Quill. The human merely looks at Feather quill, still shocked how he is able to speak his language. He ponders for a moment before stopping.

"...Halt! Halten Sie Ihre Waffen! (Stop! Hold your Weapons!)" Yelled the Human. Almost immediately, the humans freeze in place before looking at the downed human. He must be the one in charge for all the knights to have listened to him. "hör auf anzugreifen! (Stop Attacking!)" Shining then slowly gets off the human's shield and allows him to stand up.

"Wie heißen Sie? Warum kommst du hier rein?" The human began asking.

"What did he say, Professor?" Shining Armor turned his head to the professor.

"He is speaking in German, he wants to know who we are and why we are here?" Said Feather Quill.

"He doesn't need to know." Shining shot back, narrowing his eyes.

"I would say he does. We are in his homeland remember? We're trespassing." Feather Quill stated a matter-of-factly.

"Unbelievable." Shining Armor threw his head back in annoyance.

"Ich heiße Feather Quill. Das ist Shining Armor. Wie heißen Sie?" Asked Feather Quill.

"Ich heiße Gerhard." The human responded.

"His name is Gerhard." Said Feather Quill.

"I don't care." Shining narrowed his eyes, turning his back on them. Shining approaches the corporal who was still on the ground but thankfully still alive. However, the side of her armor was crushed, and she appeared to be in pain.

"Swift Strike, are you ok?" asked Shining, helping her up.

"I think so, just bruised, really." Swift Strike rubs her side, causing her to wince. As Feather Quill and Gerhard get more acquainted. it is soon discovered that no side suffered any deaths, just a bunch of scratches and bruising. Even the human who had the morning star only had the cut to his leg. Eventually tension dies down as Feather Quill is able to talk the humans down to where they all seem to sheath their weapons. soon the rest of the group stepped out of the burnt house as all fighting seemed to have ceased.

"Is everypony ok?" Asked Applejack as she and the others approached Shining Armor.

"Yes, everything is fine, no casualties." Said Shining.

"Oh Thank Celestia! I didn't want to see anypony die." Rarity barely peeking out of the rubble.
 
"What about the Corporal, is she ok?" Asked Spike.

"Yes, just a bruised wing and a small cut. One of the spikes on that weapon did pierce her armor a bit, but it's nothing serious." Shining gave him a reassuring smile.

"I didn't know humans could fight like that. I can see a whole army taken on Equestria. I can see why Twilight wanted to make friends so badly." Rainbow had her eyes locked on the humans as she spoke.

"Yeah, it would be a horrible war." Said Shining. "Where is Fluttershy?" 

"She is fine, just awfully scared." Said Pinkie Pie pointing behind her. Hiding behind Rarity, Fluttershy had her face buried in her hooves.

"Take care of her. This was only day one of our journey." Said Shining.

"Shining Armor, Come here please." Shouts Feather Quill. Shining looks over at Feather Quill, who was still standing with the human who called himself Gerhard, he now had his helmet off.  He had gray hair with a short full gray beard. He looks over At Shining as he approaches them.

"What is it, professor?" Shining was barely giving him his attention, not wanting to associate with these humans.

"I have just been conversing with our new friend Gerhard here, and he-" Said Feather Quill before being interrupted by Shining Armor.

"He is not a friend, he attacked us." Said Shining sternly, stamping his hoof for emphasis.

"I promise you my boy, it was a misunderstanding. He thought we were a part of their war." Feather Quill had his hoof outstretched towards Gerhard.

"Their war!? Tell me, professor, do we look like humans!? Last time I checked I walked on 4 legs! I'm not wasting my time with this!" Said Shining as he turned and was about to walk off.

"The reason why he thought we were involved was because his men had seen another pony with the army that destroyed this town!" Feather Quill called to him, causing Shining to freeze in place.

"Another pony? Was it Twiley?" Asked Shining turning his head. "Ask him!"

"Können Sie das Pony beschreiben, das Ihre Männer gesehen haben? (Can you describe the pony your men saw?)" Asked Feather Quill turning his head to Gerhard again.

"Ja, das werde ich, es war lila. Es hatte ein Horn sowie Flügel an seiner Seite." Gerhard explained, also using his hands to try and describe her.

"Purple, it was purple, with a horn, as well as wings. It was an alicorn." Feather Quill translated.

"Twiley!" Shouted Shining. "That matches Twiley to a T! Ask him where they seen her!"

"Wo war sie, als Ihre Männer sie gesehen haben? (Where was she when your men saw her?)" Feather Quill urgently asked.

"Sie war im feindlichen Lager. Wir haben sie mit dieser verdammten Fotze Léone gesehen, bevor sie den Angriff auf unser Dorf befahl!" There was some bitterness in Gerhard's speech.

"They saw her next to a... nope not repeating that...  Anyway, they saw her next to i guess the leader of the camp as she ordered the attack on this specific village." Said Feather Quill. Shining was now smiling, His sister was spotted here, but as the bigger picture started to become clear, Shining now understood the situation.

"Since he saw Twily with the people who attacked this village, I can understand now why they attacked us on sight." Said Shining rubbing his chin.

"I believe I do too." Feather Quill began nodding in agreement.

"Tell him we are not here to fight, but to recover Twily. Ask him where he may believe Twiley will be now." Said Shining.

"Haben Sie eine Ahnung, wohin diese Gruppe jetzt unterwegs ist? (Do you have any idea where that group is headed now?) asked Feather Quill.

"Meine Vermutung geht auf ihre Heimatstadt in Blackstone zurück." Said Gerhard.

"He believes they headed back home, in Blackstone." Said Feather Quill.

"Then that's where we are headed. Tell him to give us directions." Said Shining

"Wie kommen wir nach Blackstone? (How do we get to Blackstone?)" Asked Feather Quill.

"Tut mir leid, ich habe keine Ahnung." Said Gerhard, causing Feather Quill to let out a sigh.

"He doesn't know." Said Feather Quill looking to Shining.

"What? Then how do we find out?" Asked Shining.

"Wer kennt den Weg? (Who knows the way?)" Feather Quill relayed his question.

"Mein Monarch, Johannes Drachenkopf." Gerhard responded

"His monarch knows. Fellow by the name Johannes Drachenkopf." Said Feather Quill.

"Great, now we need to appear before a human king just to get the information we want! What makes you think they'll even take us to their king?" Shining was getting more and more frustrated with his talk with the human. He felt if they were to be taken to a human king, they would be arrested on the spot.

"Du würdest uns in Frieden zu deinem König bringen? (You would take us to your king in peace?)" Asked Feather Quill.

"Dafür, dass ich mein Leben verschont habe und dass ich das Leben meiner Männer verschont habe, werde ich es tun." Replied Gerhard.

"Shining. These humans have indeed agreed to take us to their king." Feather Quill was smiling, but it quickly fades when he sees Shining's scowl.

"And how do we know this isn't a trap!?" Shining barked at him.

"He gave us his word, for sparing his life and leaving them with no casualties." Feather Quill turned his whole body to look at him as the two began to argue.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think i trust his word." Shining huffed loudly.

"What other choice do we have at the moment my boy! Think! We may have an exact idea where Princess Twilight is, and you are just going to ignore it!?" Feather Quill snapped back. Shining grits his teeth, in his gut he felt like this was wrong, till he felt a hoof gently touch his back. He looks behind him and sees Applejack and the rest of the group.

"Shining, I know this is risky, but we have been listening to the entire conversation. If this the only way to twilight, we need to take it." Said Applejack. Shining looks at her and the rest of the group and then sighs heavily.

"Fine, We'll go. but one wrong move and I not hesitate to cut him down." Shining narrows his eyes at Gerhard, who gives him a hardened look back.

"Bitte bringen Sie uns zu ihm. Bei uns werden Sie keine Probleme sehen. (Please take us to him. You won't see any problems with us.) Said Feather Quill.

"Sehr gut, wir werden morgen früh aufbrechen." Said Gerhard as he then turns to join his men.

"We leave tomorrow." Said Feather Quill. By now, the rest of the guards join up with Shining to fill in on their next move.

"Alright, everypony settle in. We will be sharing a campsite with our new... acquaintances. They will aid us in finding Princess Twilight on the soul reason that no lives were lost today. You don't have to nice to them, but you must get along for now. Hopefully tomorrow we will know where Princess Twilight is. Start setting up camp!" Said Shining to the guards. They all then break away to set up their own tents. The rest of the group does the same, leaving Shining in alone. He places his hoof over his face and sighs heavily. "Wherever you are Twiley, I hope you're safe. Big bro is coming."
> The Dragon's Head
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight groggily wakes up in her cell, she groans as she opens her eyes. Her whole body ached from the abuse she had taken from the past week. Her stomach growled as she had only been fed morsels every other day. Dried tears have matted the fur on her face. Being locked in the cell has also thrown off her sense of time, she has no idea if its day time, or night time, or even what day it was. She just spends her time chained to the wall, wondering if she is even going to see Celestia's sun ever again. She could hear footsteps approaching her cell, she mentally prepares herself to be hit again, they do every time they visit her. Her cell door opens to see Pierre with a shit eating grin on his face.

"And how is our majesty doing today?" He asks in a teasing tone. Twilight remains silent, not playing in his twisted games. "I asked you a question, if you don't want me to get angry, you will answer me." Said Pierre.

"...Fuck off." She responded. She could see out of the corner of her eyes the grin on his face disappearing and turning into a scowl. He raises his hand to beat her again, Twilight closes her eyes and preps herself. However, he didn't lay a finger on her. 

"You are very lucky i'm in a good mood today pony." Said Pierre. He then reaches over and places more chains on her. She looks down at the chains and then at Pierre who places a heavy metal collar on her and attaches the chains to it. Finally, he released her from the chains on the wall. She is given instant relief to not be attached to the wall anymore and can now freely move, or as freely as the other chains will allow her. "Now follow me, I have two more guards with me so if you try to run, we'll kill you. Understand?" Twilight only nodded in response.

Pierre then turns and steps out of the cell with Twilight close behind. As soon as she steps out, she sees two knights waiting for them, each wielding a halberd. Twilight cringes upon seeing the weapon and does as she is told, staying close and following Pierre. Twilight could now see she had been held in a dungeon as she passed multiple rooms where she could hear the groans of prisoners inside. They even pass by a human being stretched on some sort of table or rack. She gasps upon seeing such a devise strictly used for torture. How could anyone make such a device? Eventually, Pierre leads her to a room with a table in the center of the room with two chairs on either end.

"Step in and sit down." Said Pierre. Twilight slowly walked past him till she was in the room. Pierre slams the door behind her causing her to flinch. The sound of Pierre locking the door echoes in the room. Twilight looks at the table and chairs and approaches them, taking a seat in one of the chairs. She stays seated for around 10 minutes before the door starts to unlock again. She looks over at it and watches a human she hasn't seen before walk in. instead of wearing armor, he was wearing a suit. He approaches the opposite seat that Twilight was sitting at and dusts it off. He then takes out a large napkin and places it on the table. Just then a second suited human wheels in a cart into the room. The first human takes a bowl out and puts it on the napkin and starts putting silverware around it. The human opens the cart and then starts filling the bowl with a stew. the smell was intoxicating for Twilight and her stomach growls painfully. She didn't care if there was meat in it, she was so hungry she would choke it down. They finish up by setting down different breads and a bottle of wine. The two humans then step back from the table, but they do not leave. Twilight back at the bowl of food and then back at the two humans.

"...May... May I please have some?" She asked being as polite as she could. The humans do not even acknowledge her presence. "Please...I'm begging you...I'm so hungry..." Twilight continued to plead. Tears formed in her eyes as the sight and smell of the food was almost unbearable to her.

Not too long after however, she sees the one who captured her in the first place enter, Léone. She still had on her helmet as she entered and she elegantly sat down in the chair across from Twilight, the one with food. She takes off her helmet with a sigh as one of the suited humans steps forward and uncorks the wine bottle, pouring her a glass. Léone wastes no time in digging into the bowl of food, making it very clear that she is enjoying it.

"Mmmm... Pot-au-feu, Mon préféré, My favorite." Léone had the look of pleasure on her face, enjoying the meal. Twilight's stomach growls more as she watches Léone eat. Her mouth salivates and she leans in closer. Finally, Léone speaks to her.
"Have you ever tasted human cuisine before Princess Twilight?"

"....No." She replied, her eyes locked on Léone's bowl. Léone then takes a bite of one of the curved fluffy bread rolls in front of her.

"Would you like to?" asked Léone. Twilight's eyes immediately widen as Léone then snaps her fingers. One of the suited humans opened the cart again to reveal a dish, it was circular and almost looked like a pie if it was savory.

"It's a quiche. Made with eggs, cheese, spinach, and onions. Completly vegetarian friendly, and it's all yours Princess." Léone gives her a untrusting smile.

"R-Really?" Twilight asked as she knew this was too good to be true. Looking to Léone with a raised eyebrow. "What's the catch?"

"You really are smart huh Princess? Fine, the catch is I want information." Léone let out a soft chuckle, eating more of her stew.

"What kind of Information? I would have told you anything." Twilight leaned forward, her eyes sad and pleading.

"No you wouldn't have, you wouldn't tell me more about the source of your magic." Léone points her spoon at Twilight.

"I already told you about magic back at the camp." Twilight whined, looking back at the quiche as her stomach drowls painfully.

"You only told me the basics Twilight, I am not stupid. There is something about it you are not telling me." Said Léone. Twilight looks at Léone blankly as she remembers her plan to use magic to conquer the lands. To reveal the secrets of magic to her would be treason, or would it? Twilight smirks and then leans back.

"Fine Léone, I'll play your game. But I'm not speaking until you feed me." Said Twilight.

"Are we negotiating now?" Léone couldn't help but smirk at Twilight. "Very well, Majordome, donne-lui la moitié de la quiche." One of the suited humans lays a plate in front of Twilight while the second uses a knife to cut the quiche in half. He then approaches Twilight and sets it down on her plate. She doesn't even wait for the human to back away before she starts scarfing it down. She was so hungry she didn't care about manners.  She finishes it within seconds, and burps in satisfaction. It was delicious, so delicious. She wanted more, she wasn't fully satisfied yet.

"There, I fed you, now talk." Said Léone.

"I'm still hungry, I'm not full." Twilight complained looking to Léone.

"Your stipulation was to feed you, I have. You said nothing about filling you up. Give me the info I want and you can have the rest." Léone spoke sternly. Twilight looks at the other half of the quiche, she licks her lips wanting more. She sighs and looks back at Léone. 

"Very well, Listen closely." Said Twilight as Léone leans in closer 

"Magic, it's the essence of our world. It funnels out in more ways than one. Every creature, every object, everything has magic dwelling within it. My species, ponies, are able to use magic. Earthponies funnel their magic within themselves to give them unnatural strength and agricultural abilities. Pegasi casts a certain spell to aid them in flight, without it they wouldn't be able to get off the ground. Unicorns are able use their horn to concentrate raw magic. They use it to manipulate the world around them, all thanks to their horn. Alicorns, like myself, are the strongest when it comes to harnessing magic, as we use all three forms of magic. This is why humans will never ever be able to use magic." Twilight lectured as Léone slowly leans back in her seat.

"What do you mean?" Asked Léone.

"You explained to me earlier that humans exposed to raw magic are unable to handle it. Their bodies break down when exposed to it. Magic is not natural to you, or at least you never used it. If I were to guess, your magic has been decreased for the simple fact it was unnecessary for your species. You don't fly, you are already strong, and hands can do what most magic can do. Your magic within you has weakened due to the fact you don't need it or use it at all. If you were able to find a way to grow a horn, or manipulate yourselves to grow a body part that will aid you in funneling magic, there is no way you can use it." Twilight finished with a firm head nod.

"...I see." Léone's voice was soft, and her face void of emotions.

"Yes, your plan was failed from the start." Twilight said sternly. Léone stayed quiet for a moment before standing up.

"Excuse me for a moment." Said Léone. She passes by her servants and whispers in their ears. They bow and then proceed to give Twilight the other half of her meal. This time she eats it with a little more manners, smirking as if she believes she had the one up on her captures. Léone then steps out of the room to meet Pierre waiting on the other side.

"Ma Matriarche, avez-vous obtenu les informations dont vous aviez besoin? (My Matriarch, did you get the information you needed?)" Asked Pierre.

"En effet je l'ai fait. Elle m'a révélé plus que je n'aurais pu espérer. (Indeed I did. She revealed more to me than I could have hoped for.)" Said Léone with a smirk. She then slowly puts her helmet back on and looks back at Pierre. "Demain, tout Patriam sera à nous. (Tomorrow, all Patriam will be ours.)"






By Mid-day, The group was already on the trail leading back to the German king. Feather Quill stayed next to Gerhard as they had been conversing nonstop. Shining Armor stayed back with the other ponies as his guard separated them from the other humans.

"How far are we from the Human capital professor?" Shouted Shining Armor. Feather Quill quickly askes Gerhard who responds to him.

"About a half hour if we take this short cut. Gerhard also says stay close as this shortcut crosses over into a different human kingdom!" Feather Quill shouted back. Shining groaned as he really didn't feel like making any more humans mad and starting another fight.

"Humans... Can't they all just be one kingdom?" Shining disgruntled.

"Awfully funny coming from mister prince of the Crystal Empire." Said Applejack as the others giggle.

"Hey, the Crystal Empire may be its own entity, but we act as if we are one." Shining shot her a glance bakwards. The group continues moving through the back countries of Patriam. The roads were covered in foliage, indicating that they were not traveled as often. They then suddenly come to an abrupt halt as the humans suddenly stop. 

"Hey, What's the hold up!?" Shining yelled from the back. When he doesn't get a response he then rolls his eyes and then begins to move to the front. When he gets to Gerhard and Feather Quill, he sees what has stopped them. In front of them are a whole new set of humans, at least 10 of them clad in a different type of armor.



"Che ci fai qui, tedesco? (What are you doing here, German?)" Said one of the Knights. Feather Quill's eyes widen, recognising the language from the other human kingdom.

"What's going on professor, who are they?" Asked Shining Armor in a whisper.

"I think we are in Italia now, he just spoke Italian." Feather Quill whispered back.

"They friendly?" Asked Shining.

"Rispondimi tedesco! Stai sconfinando! (Answer me German! You are trespassing!)" Yelled the Knight.

"I highly doubt it." gulped hard Feather Quill.

"Ich spreche kein Italienisch. (I do not speak Italian.)" Responded Gerhard sternly, not backing down or showing imtimidation.

"Feather Quill do something!" Shining ushured, nudging the professor in the side.

"Out of all the human languages, my Italian is the most imperfect!" Feather Quill responded.

"You have to do something! You are the only one who can translate!" Said Shining as he pushed Feather Quill forward causing him to stumble towards the knight. The Italian knight shifts's his sight towards Feather Quill who looks up at him. Feather Quill shakes a bit as he was a little intimidated.

"Ma stai scherzando? Ci sono anche i pony nella nostra patria!? (Are you kidding me? There are also ponies in our homeland!?)" The Knight yelled, getting more angry.

"Mi dispiace tanto... Veniamo in pace. (I'm so sorry... We come in peace.)" Feather Quill bowed his head, trying to show respect.

"Stai sconfinando! Questo è il Regno d'Italia! (You are trespassing! This is the Kingdom of Italia!)" The Knight then crosses his arms.

"Stiamo solo cercando di tornare in Germania. Non intendevamo fare del male. (We are just trying to go back to Germania. We meant no harm.)" Said Feather Quill. The Knight turns towards his fellow soldiers and begins discussing among themselves.

"Questo è il tuo unico avvertimento, feccia di pony. È meglio che tu e quei cani tedeschi ve ne andiate da qui. Se ti rivedo, ti ammazziamo. Comprendere? (This is your only warning, pony scum. You and those German dogs better get out of here. If I see you again, we'll kill you. Understand?). The growls at them.

"Sì! Grazie! (Yup! Thank you!)" Said Feather Quill. The knight then raises his hand behind him to signify to the others to step aside and let them pass. 

"Komm schon, sie lassen uns durch." Feather Quill said to Gerhard before then looking at Shining. "Come on, they're letting us through." The group then silently continues passing the Italian knights as they glare down the group with hate in their eyes. Most of them look unhappy with the group being allowed through. The ponies try to avoid eye contact with them as they pass. Eventually they all get past them without any further incident as they cross back over into Germania. The group walks a bit further as Gerhard looks around, he seems to recognise where he is at. He picks up his pace as he looks back at Feather Quill and Shining.

"Komm schnell, die Hauptstadt liegt gleich hinter dem Hügel." Said Gerhard.

"What did he say?" Asked Shining.

"He wants to come quickly, their capital is just over the hill." Said Feather Quill. Shining Armor ears perk up upon hearing that as he quickened his pace alongside Gerhard as they reached the top of the hill. That's when he sees it, the capital of the Kingdom of Germania. It was a decent size city with a castle directly in the middle. The Castle had massive towers that overlooked the entire city, as humans were going about their day inside the town.

"Das ist die Hauptstadt, Safehaven" Gerhard points to the grand city.

"Wow..." Said Shining, genuinely impressed by the human capital.

"Komm, wir bringen dich zum König. (Come on, we'll take you to the king.) '' Said Gerhard. As he then begins to walk down the hill. The group follows close to him as they walk through the streets towards the castle. Many of the human civilians stare at the ponies intently as many of them have never seen a pony before. This has become very awkward to the ponies as they feel as if they are being paraded. They soon get to the castle as the group is then stopped by two guards wielding giant axes. They quickly block the way inside and look at the group.

"Halt! Wer geht dahin!? (Stop, Who goes there!?)" One of them said in a hefty voice.

"Ich heiße Gerhard. Ich suche eine Audienz bei König Drachenkopf (I am Gerhard. I seek an audience with King Drachenkopf.)" Said Gerhard.

"Du wagst es, diese Kreaturen in Drachenkopf Castle zu bringen!? (You dare bring these creatures into Drachenkopf Castle!?)" Said the second.

"Sie sind vorerst unsere Gefangenen. Der König entscheidet, was mit ihnen geschehen soll. (They are our prisoners for now. The king decides what to do with them.)" Said Gerhard, which causes Feather Quill to quickly shout.

"Prisoners!?" Yelled Feather Quill.

"Vertrau mir. (Trust me.)" Gerhard tried to shush him. The two guards then look at each other for a bit before looking back at Gerhard. They then slowly pull back their axes to allow them to pass through. The group then slowly pass them and quickly go inside the castle. They quickly turn and enter the throne room where a man sat on a throne talking to someone who had a checklist in his hands. The Man on the throne, presumably the king turns his head towards the group that enters. He scowls upon seeing the ponies enter with the humans.

"Mein Lüttich. (My Liege.)" Said Gerhard as he and all the humans bow.

"Wer bist du und warum hast du mir diese ... diese Ponys gebracht? (Who are you and why did you bring me these...these ponies?)" Said the King. The ponies got a good look at him, he looked very young, almost too young for a king.

"Ich heiße Gerhard und ich- (I am Gerhard and I-)" Said Gerhard, before he is then cut off.

"Es ist mir wirklich egal! Was ich wissen möchte, ist, warum es in Germania Ponys gibt! (I really don't care! What I want to know is why there are ponies in Germania!) Yelled the king as he then sat forward.

"He seems like a swell guy." Said Shining sarcastically looking to Feather Quill.

"You insult me equine!?" Said the king in perfect Ponish, shocking all the ponies there

"You speak Ponish?" Asked Feather Quill, looking to the human king in awe. The king looked at him. He had a fire in his eyes, a fire of anger and hatred as he looked upon the ponies.

"Yes I can, and you are to leave my kingdom immediately." Said the King with a wave of his hand.

"We came here for a reason!" Argued Shining.

"A reason I do not care to hear about." Said the King." Now leave on your own terms before I have my guards forcefully kick you out!"

"My name is Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire and I will NOT be forced to turn around from my long journey until I get answers to my questions! You WILL hear us out, and you WILL listen to us!" Demanded Shining stepping forward in defiance. The King then stands up from his throne. Instead of being clothed in white and black like all the other knights, the King wore black and red armor. He wore a long cloak that went down to his calves. He steps forward until he is a few feet away from Shining.

"You will show me respect Pony, while you stand in MY castle!" The King narrowed his eyes.

"Then listen to me. I came a long way to retrieve one thing, then we shall leave you and your kingdom alone." Said Shining. The King took a while to respond.

"...Fine, but make it quick." Said the King. Shining takes a deep breath, as he prepares to tell the king everything.

"As I stated, I am Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire." Said Shining.

"I am Johannes Drachenkopf, Son of Johann Drachenkopf, King of Germania. You are in our capital, Safehaven" Said Johannes.

"I am merely looking for my sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle. She ventured into these lands not too long ago. She was last seen with an army that had attacked a village near you easternmost borders." Said Shining.

"Your sister was with an attacking army? Do you insult me!?" Johannes began to raise his voice again.

"Excuse me?" asked Shining.

"Your Princess was seen with our enemy, and now you stand before me? Are you trying to seek a Pardon!? You shall receive none! If you are involved in our war I'll slay you where you stand!" Johannes clenches his fist tightly.

"No! That's not... We believe she may have been captured by them. I just want to know how to get to blackstone and save her." Shining explained. The king then seems to calm down by that statement.

"Then you have my condolences." Johannes then turns his back on him.

"What is that supposed to mean!?" Shining huffed and took a step forward.

"If she was captured by Queen Léone Trompeur, then you will never see her again." Said Johannes. That comment left a pit in Shining's stomach. It saddened him but also quite agitated him.

"I want to get her back!" Shining stomped his hoof.

"That's suicide." Johannes quickly turned back towards him. "Blackstone is a fortress of a city."

"Then I'll die trying, I'm not leaving this place without her!" Shining was gritting his teeth, he refused to back down.

"Listen you fool! My armies have been beaten mercilessly by her invading forces! My borders shrink with every attack she leads! She has slain our best warriors... Even my father." Johannes took a threatening step towards shining. "King Johan was killed 6 months ago, making me king before I was even ready. If my father, a battle hardened warrior couldn't defeat her, what makes you think I can!? Your sister cannot be saved! Not by you, and not by Me! Come to peace with this, she might as well be dead."  Johannes then turns his back to head back to his throne as Shining stands there as the weight of Johannes's words begin to weigh down on him. Tears of anger and sadness flood his eyes as he begins to grit his teeth harder.

"No!" Shining Shouted, stopping Johannes in his tracks. "I am not giving up because you told me too! I refuse to let Twily sit and die in a foreign land, begging for somepony to save her as I just sit on my flank and mourn! That's not the kind of Pony I am! It may be the kind of man you are, but not me! I am going to try my hardest to save her until I draw my last breath, with or without your help! You won't stop me, your words mean nothing to me! You may see me as a fool, but the one who flat out gives up without trying is the biggest fool in the room, and that fool is YOU!!!"  Shining's voice echoes through the throne room, eventually leaving it silent. Slowly, Johannes turns his head back towards Shining, the fire in his eyes now gone.

"You are brave, I will give you that. But my statement stands. She is doomed." Johannes spoke calmly. "If you want my help, you are going to do something for me." 

"I will not be an errand pony!" Shining barked back.

"If you do this correctly, then It will benefit both of us. If you want your Princess back, while keeping your life at the same time, then you must do this." Said Johannes. Shining rolls his eyes before responding.

"What is it? It better not be tedious." Shining warned.

"Go to Sanctuary, the capital of the Kingdom of Italia, and speak to their king, Gabriele Santamano. Be my messenger of peace, and convince him to ally with my kingdom." Said Johannes.

"And why would I go all that way to do that for you!?" asked Shining.

"Italia has signed a pact with Gallia to not attack each other. Santamano is a fool, he is unaware that once Trompeur annexes my kingdom, he will be next. Convince him to join my side of the war, and we both can beat Gallia before it conquers all our land. Do this for me, and I will even send an army with you to Blackstone to retrieve your Princess, as we would finally have a fighting chance."  Shining perks up upon hearing that. He looks back at his own group for any kind of acknowledgment. All of them nod in agreement, Shining then looks back at Johannes.

"If I do this, then you must swear upon your own life that you will uphold the second half of that statement." Shining remained tense, waiting for his answer.

"On my father's grave I will honor that promise. However, you fail to convince him, you might as well return home." Said Johannes as he sits back upon his throne. "You may rest here for the rest of the day as it will be night soon, and the venture to Sanctuary will take you a whole 8 hours." 

"Very well. Thank you." Shining finally began to relax his muscles.

"Steward, zeigen Sie ihnen die Gästezimmer. (Steward, show them the guest rooms.)" Said Johannes to the human standing next to the throne.

"Ja mein Lüttich. (Yes my liege) He said. The Steward then approaches the ponies. "Komm, komm." The Ponies then leave the humans they came with to follow the Steward. They are all led to a hall filled with guest bedrooms. The Guard ponies all bunked together in groups of 3. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie bunked together while Rarity, Spike, and Fluttershy bunked together. Shining then shared a room with Feather Quill. as Feather Quill was getting comfortable, Shining was standing in front of a big window that overlooked the capital Safehaven.

"Well my boy, I must say this has been going swimmingly I must say." Said Feather Quill testing the bed's comfort with his hoof.

"You think this has been a successful trip so far? We haven't accomplished anything yet, except getting ourselves deeper into this Celestia forsaken land." Shining Armor didn't turn, continuing to glare out the window.

"Not true. We have a lead to where Princess Twilight is, and we may have assistance getting her. This is turning out to be better than expected. I mean, I wasn't expecting the king to know Ponish! I guess the nobles are more educated in these lands." Said Feather Quill. Shining remained quiet as Feather Quill rambled. He continued to stare out the window. Feather Quill then slowly approaches him.

"My boy, I know you are worried. But stubbornness won't rescue her faster." Feather Quillplaces his hoof on Shining's withers.

"With each day that passes, I worry more and more. I feel like we are wasting time, I just want to go and rescue her now." Shining slowly looks at him. There was pain in Shining's eyes, not physical pain, but emotional.

"I know. But if the humans of Gallia are as dangerous as King Johannes Drachenkopf said they are, then we are going to need their help." Said Feather Quill. Shining Armor sighs heavily as tears begin to form in his eyes again.

"I know you are worried my boy, but you need to stay strong, strong for yourselves as well as the others. If you break, we all break." Said Feather Quill. "The best thing you can do to make sure we save Princess Twilight faster, is to stay strong. Understand my boy?"

"...yeah, I do. Thank you Professor." Said Shining Armor turning his attntion to back out the window.

"Excellent. Try to relax. I am going to see if the king will provide us with a meal." Said Feather Quill as he then exits the room, leaving Shining still in front of the window. Shining looks up at Luna's moon, and wonders if Twilight is even looking up at the same moon herself.
> How the Human Kingdom Fell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was around 8:00 At castle Drachenkopf, the king had agreed to feed the group of ponies for the night. Each one of them was summoned to the table by an escort. Everyone sat around a big table full of food. There was a whole roasted hog, a turkey, and most importantly the sausages. But the King had shown his knowledge of pony kind by also having fruits, vegetables, breads, and other vegetarian friendly foods at the table. Except for the steward, Shining sat closest to the king as the ponies sat at the table on one side while other human knights sat on the other.

"Once again, I must offer you a thousand thanks for feeding us King Drachenkopf." Feather Quill Spoke up, looking to the king.

"Though to the dismay of others, you are guests while at my castle. You are also traveling to Italia tomorrow, the least I can do is give you a hardy meal." Said Johannes as he took a healthy bite of a turkey leg. Shining uses his magic to fill his plate, he then looks over at a tankard next to him. He lifts it up and smells it, smelled like beer. He takes a drink and his eyes widen from the taste. He sets it down and begins to cough.

"What's wrong? Don't you have beer in Equestria?" Asked Johannes with a slight smirk on his face.

"We do, but this, it's so strong." Said Shining. To everyone's surprise, the king let out a chuckle.

"Yes, the people of Germania love beer, and we are picky about it." Said Johannes took a big gulp from his own tankard.

"Mr... uh, King Dra- Draken...cough?" Said Applejack trying to pronounce his name.

"Just call me Johannes for now, even 6 months after my coronation, it still feels weird for others to call me king." Said Johannes.

"ok, Johannes." Applejack Said. "I don't think We have been properly introduced, you only know Shining here by name."  The king looks up at her and to the rest of the group, he slowly lowers his tankard and lets out a soft sigh.

"Of course, you are right. Please, tell me, what are your names?" Said Johannes, giving his Equestrian guests his full attention

"I'm Applejack, this is Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Spike." Said Applejack introducing all her friends as they wave or nod at the king.

"You already know me so I'm skipping, This soldier next to me is Sargent Crimson, next to him is our Interpreter Professor Feather Quill." Said Shining, guestering his hoof to the sargent and professor.

"It's a pleasure." Said Johannes before turning to the humans sittinf next to him. "This is my Steward, Heinz."
"Hallo." Said Heinz with a nod.

"And next to him is my Champion, Volker." Said Johannes.

"Grüß gott." Said the knight in heavy armor as he places his armored fist to his chest.

"Well, I must say I am glad we are finally taking things to a more diplomatic direction compared to when we first got here!" Said Feather Quill with a smile. "If I may ask, where is that Gerhard fellow we came here with?" 

"He is a soldier, so he has returned to the barracks here in Safehaven." Said Johannes.

"Shame, I would have liked to have seen him again. Quite the nice fellow I must say." Said Feather Quill. Shining looking heavily annoyed decided to finally speak up.

"Is it really up to me to state the obvious here!?" Shouted, Shining as all eyes laid on him.

"Shining my boy, What do you mean?" Asked Feather Quill.

"Don't play dumb professor, you are smarter than that!" Shining narrowed his eyes at the professor.

"Then by all means Prince of the Crystal Empire, please state what is going over everyone's heads." Said Johannes.

"It's you!" Said Shining pointing his hoof at the king, and then the table of food. "And this, all of this!"

"What are you talking about?" Asked Johannes raising an eyebrow.

"Not but 2 hours ago, you were incredibly hostile to me and my party. Every human has treated us with hostility as their initial reaction to seeing us! But now, you're feeding us!? You know our diet, that we are vegetarians, but that's not the weirdest part! You're speaking perfect Ponish! How!? How can a land so hostile to ponies, but at the same time have a decent understanding of us! There is something you are not telling me, why else would you request me to perform this quest for you to travel to another kingdom! Nothing makes sense! I can't come up with a single conclusion that makes sense!" Said Shining. The others slowly go from looking at Shining to Johannes, as Shining raised a good point. Going from being treated as invaders to guests within hours was odd, not to mention how the king seemed to be educated about ponykind. The king looked at the group, he himself also looked a little puzzled.

"To be honest, I found it odd that you all know so little of humans." Said Johannes.

"Everytime we set foot in this land, we are chased off or attacked." Shining argued.

"I'm not surprised by that either, but don't you have anything from the olden times?" Asked Johannes.

"What in Equestria are you talking about?" Asked Shining.

"Have you forgotten our history together?" Said Johannes as he leans forward.

"May I interject, I am a scholar, and even I don't know what you mean." Said Feather Quill, placing his hoof on his chest. Johannes looks at the ponies in his presence, he wipes his mouth with a napkin before letting out a long sigh.

"I assumed you would remember this about your history, as every human, including the peasants, would never forget what happened to Regnum Patriae." Said Johannes, looking down into his tankard.

"What's Patriae?" Asked Shining, his hostility now dying.

"It was the united kingdom of all humans. When it fell, the formation of the three kingdoms formed from its ashes. For many years, the humans could never come to peace as to who was to blame for the fall of a once great kingdom." Said Johannes. The ponies leaned in closer, prepared to hear a long story. "It is a tale every human knows, it's what fuels the anger of all humans. Allow me to start from the beginning, at a point of history I know every creature knows." Johannes took one last gulp of his drink before starting his tale.

"It all begins during the time of Grogar. The horrid monster terrorized all with the nightmarish creatures he created. Of course, that all ended when the couragous Gusty the Great defeated him and took his horrid bell." Johannes started.

"You know of Gusty the Great!?" Feather Quill exclaimed quite loudly.

"Of course, Why wouldn't I?" Asked Johannes.

"Well, she was a unicorn, a pony!" Said Feather Quill. 

"I know, but we all suffered under Grogar, and we were all freed by her bravery." Said Johannes.

"Gusty der Große ist ein Held!" Said Volker in German.

"Ja, Indeed, a hero." Said Johannes.

"This... Is incredible! Please continue." Feather Quill was excited to learn more.

"Soon after the defeat of Grogar, many of the creatures soon kept to themselves, Humans with humans, Yaks with yaks, and Griffons with griffons." Said Johannes. His knowledge of the world outside his own kingdom was impressive to the ponies. " There were two human tribes, the Latinus and the Germanisch. Each had their own language and had difficulties mixing. However, the ponies had the most trouble as they never united, separating into the three groups of Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies. But us humans stuck together. We knew if we were to survive, we had to stick together. Settling away in the west, we formed our first civilization.  Humans tried their best to keep in contact with the other tribes of creatures as we knew our interests aligned now that we were all on our own. Though rocky at first, Humans made a slight alliance with the unicorn kingdom. With Gusty being a unicorn herself, the humans were gracious and humble to the unicorns, seeing them as all powerful because of their ability to use magic." Johannes paused for a second to analyze the ponies at the table. They all grew quiet and were leaning in closer as he continued his story.


"When a foul winter hit the lands to the east, not much contact could be formed with the ponies. Because of this, Humans focussed on our own needs, rapidly accelerating our progress into a mighty nation!" Johannes started to sound proud while telling the story. "We called our home, Patriea, Regnum Patriea! Our Kingdom grew very powerful very fast. But as quickly as the winter storms formed, they just as quickly passed, and now the ponies were united into the Land of Equestria. Patriea saw the rise of this new kingdom as an ally, and quickly set up an alliance with Equestria. Both Kingdoms elected an Ambassador to represent our own kind. For the humans, that man was Carlo Santamano. House Santamano was a noble family, and Carlo was Thane to the throne. For the ponies, they chose a unicorn named Clover the Clever."

"Clover the Clever!?" Feather Quill yelled excitedly. "But, nowhere in our history ever mentioned Clover interacting with any humans!"

"I do not know why this history is lost to your kind, But I can assure you that this is indeed our history." Replied Johannes. All the ponies were staring at Johannes with extreme curiosity. How could a human king know who Gusty the Great and Clover the Clever were? His explanation for knowing Gusty made sense, but there should have been no way he would know about Clover, as she was known for furthering peace amongst ponies and developing advanced pony magic.

"As I was saying." Johannes continued. "Santamano and Clover became close friends. Each of which would travel to each other's kingdoms to share their culture and language. Santamano shared the two languages that the humans had developed. The first was Latin, a language that most spoke, and Altgermanisch. The two languages represented the two tribes, but Clover had shown the Humans their one shared language of Old Ponish. The humans scholars noticed how underdeveloped Old Ponish was and offered both the human languages as a reference to help develop the language into a more complex language." Johannes paused for a moment, as a sad look soon fell over his face. "But... It wasn't soon after that the humans were struck with a tragedy. The current king of Patriea, Hadrianus Drachenkopf, my ancestor, was assassinated by the traitor Thierry Trompeur!"vThe King's sadness soon turned to anger as he started to ball his hands into fists.

"The King was loved by all, and his murder shook the kingdom to its very foundation! Carlo Santamano, who was Thane to the Throne, the King's champion, was not present to save him, he was in Equestria at the time of his death. Already a split in Patriea formed as those loyal to House Drachenkopf alienated House Trompeur and those loyal to it as well. House Santamano was angered by the king's killing as well, but also found itself turned on by House Drachenkopf for its failure to protect the king. The Three Houses had their supporters, and tensions rose until an all out civil war broke out, and brother turned against brother. The marbled streets of the capital were stained with blood and littered with bodies. The Houses had no choice but to split out of fear of our mutual destruction. House Trompeur and Santamano formed their own kingdoms, and so did House Drachenkopf. Naming our Kingdoms accordingly, Gallia, Italia, and Germania. The three kingdoms have been warring ever since. This current one happened when the previous king of Gallia died, and his successor launched an all out brutal war against me and my people. Italia declared neutrality, still recovering from their war against us 2 years ago." The king seemed to be wrapping up his story, but there was one question remaining among the ponies.

"Uh, sir, what happened between the relations between Equestria and Patriea?" Asked Spike. Causing Johannes looked up at him.

"Each one of the three kingdoms looked upon Equestria for its support. But Equestria was not interested in choosing a side for war, Equestria sent a reprimand to the kingdoms and scolded them on their actions. Refusing to support any kind of war, Equestria even withheld all it's exports to the kingdoms as well. The kingdoms were outraged, and each one separated all diplomatic relations with the kingdom, some even declaring war. But the wars ended soon as Equestria showed it's might with its use of magic, leveling any human army as it entered Equestria. Because of this, Humans have feared magic and the ponies as one unicorn has the potential to wipe out a platoon. We have sealed ourselves away from the east, and ran off any who dared come near." The King then slumps back in his seat, as his story concludes. "Since we are no longer one nation, Rengum Patriea is no more, so now we only call our lands Patriam, in hopes of one day uniting once more. If, such a thing is even possible, there is too much bad blood..." The mood in the room had seemed to change, all the humans grew quiet. Shining looks among the other ponies. There were still a lot of unanswered questions, but now they all now had a clearer picture of the mentality of the people in this foreign land.

"May I ask one final question, King Drachenkopf?" Asked Shining, his voice much softer now.

"Of course." Said Johannes looking at him.

"I can tell that by your story, many humans want to unite into one kingdom once more. But there is a lot of anger present which is getting in the way of progress. That is why you want us to help you in forming an alliance with Italia. With their help in ending this war, diplomacy will open up between your two kingdoms. Is that right?" Asked Shining.

"...Indeed, it is." Said Johannes.

"Then why not send humans? If Ponies are as feared and hated as you say we are because of our abilities in magic, wouldn't it make much more sense to send humans? I don't think we would be trusted." Said Shining.

"I never said I wouldn't be sending humans at all. You will be escorted." Said Johannes. "The sight of our men with you will catch the eyes of the nobles of Italia. The sight of you will be intimidating, while the sight of humans with you will intrigue them. If we could make peace with you, we could make peace with them." Shining thought about that idea for a bit. He had to admit it sounded like a decent plan. 

"Very well." Shining finally said." We do this for you, you help us save Twily, and bring peace to a troubled land." Johannes gives him a weak smile, before raising his tankard.

"Für die Zukunft, For the future! For man, and pony! For the people of Germania! Für Mensch und Pony, Für die Menschen in Germania. For the hope of the return of peace!" Yelled Johannes.

"JA!" Yelled all the human knights raising their cups in the air.

"AYE!" Yelled the pony soldiers, doing the same. Surprisingly, Even Shining Armor raised his cup.






Ever since yesterday when Twilight was interrogated, her treatment has changed to be a more merciful one. Though still in the dungeon, she was being well fed up until Léone could officially release her. She had waited all day until Pierre, her jailor finally came to retrieve her.

"Are you finally ready to leave princess?" Asked Pierre, his snake like grin plastard on his face.

"Yes, yes I am." Said Twilight Sternly.

"Good, then follow me, and Ma Matriarche will remove the ring from your horn, and you can leave." Said Pierre as he opened the door. Twilight was let out and was led down a hallway by Pierre and two other knights. As she walked she kept thinking to herself.

"Now they are just letting me go? After all of what they put me through? Is this just how humans treat all prisoners? I can't imagine Princess Celestia being too happy about this. If I told her that I was hit and starved in a human dungeon, she would be livid. She would want answers on my treatment here, would she punish Léone for her cruelty?" Twilight's trail of thought ended when they entered a new room. 

It was dark except for one skylight illuminating the middle of the room. The light was shining onto a square rock in the middle of the room. Twilight looked confused as she slowly approached it. She got right up to it and looked down at it. Slowly her eyes began to widen. Pierre was directly behind her, his presence looming over her. She slowly turns her head to look at him, his facial expression was a twisted grin, caked with pleasure. The same kind of grin the devil would give to the damned. Before she could respond, he placed his foot on top of her back and forced her to the ground painfully. She immediately began to squirm trying to get up as the other two knights quickly pounced on her, one of them grabbed her head to hold it still on the block.

"No! Nonono!!! Let me go!" Yelled Twilight. She looks up to see that Léone had been standing back in the darkness. Her helmet was on, only showing her eyes. Her eyes were cold yet glowing with a fire within them. Behind her, a wooden trap door was visible. "Léone! Léone, please don't do this! Please!"

Twilight was begging for her life as tears started heavily forming in her eyes. Léone only sat there and watched her, not moving. Yet it was almost as if you could see her smirk under her helmet. Eventually, a huge human, wearing a hood and wielding a giant curved ax enters the room and approaches Twilight. She was sobbing at this point as she continued to struggle. The hooded human stands over her for a few seconds before slowly lifting the ax above his head. Twilight closed her eyes tight and prepares for the impact. By Celestia, she was not ready to die, then the ax came down, hard. A loud crack is heard, and all the humans release their grip on Twilight who forcefully pushes herself away and lands on the floor. 

She was crying heavily as the fear of death was overwhelming. She reaches up with her hooves, she could feel her head was still attached. She opens her eyes and looks down at her body, she was in fact still in one piece. Though breathing a sigh of relief, fear still racked her. She rubs her head trying to collect herself, and that's when she noticed it. Her eyes widened and looked back towards the block, there laid her horn, cut off and detached from her head. Léone slowly steps forward towards the block, she bends over and picks up Twilight's horn in her grasp and examines it. She uses her other hand to slide the ring off of it, now examining the whole thing.

"Wh-Wh-What h-have you d-d-done!?" Twilight yelled through her tears. Léone snaps her head towards the destrought princess, her eyes still cold and burning with desire. "You c-cut off m-my horn! MY HORN! H-How could y-you do s-s-such a thing!?"

"This... This is the second step to my plan." Said Léone, her voice void of all emotions. "Step one, capture a unicorn. Fortune smiled upon me by giving me an Alicorn princess instead. Step two, learn how they use magic. And you gave me more than what I needed." 

"But you can't use it! You yourself! You don't have a horn! I told you because I knew you would never be able to use magic!" Yelled Twilight. Léone only stares at her.

"Why do you think I cut off yours?" Léone softly said. Twilight looked confused for a moment before it finally clicked with her. The others present, including Pierre, looked confused. They either did not know what she meant, or she didn't fill them in completely on her plan.

"And now... it's time for step three!" Yelled Léone  as she turned behind her and forcefully opened the trap door. What was inside shocked everyone, it was one of the pools of pure raw magic that Léone had mentioned. It was a deep dark blue and appeared to be boiling as it was severely unstable.

"Léone!... You're insane! Your body cannot handle raw magic! You will be destroyed!" Yelled Twilight. Léone Turned around till her back was facing the pool. She out stretches her arms to the sides

"That is a risk I am willing to take... for the glory." Said Léone. She slowly falls backwards and plunges herself into the pool of magic.

"MA MATRIARCHE!!!" Yelled Pierre as he ran towards the pool as it began to thrash around violently.

Everyone watches the pool as it thrash and boils uncontrollably. The two knights that came with Pierra also run to the pool and get right up to it hoping to save Léone. But as the pool splashes, some of the raw magic splashes onto the knights. Immediately, they both begin to scream as if they were splashed with acid. Their armor goes limp as smoke spews out of the cracks. Soon the armor drops to the floor and sinks as if no person had even worn them. Pierre and the hooded human back away, fearful of being splashed as well. After what appears to be 5 minutes something miraculous happens. A large mass began rising from the pool. Everyone holds their breath as the face of a skull rises out of the blue pool getting taller. It was Léone's helmet and she slowly crawls out of the pool and gets on all fours with her face looking towards the ground. Pierre kneels down but is afraid to touch. Slowly, she rises to her feet and raises her head. Twilight gasps at the sight she sees, her own horn was sticking out of Léone's head, going through her helmet. She raises her hands to her head and removes her helmet. Once its off, it is revealed that Twilight's horn has fused to Léone's forehead. Léone looks at Pierre and then to Twilight. Slowly she smirks as the look of horror and awe are outstretched on both of their faces.

"L-Léone...you...you..." Twilight stuttered.

"Ma Matriarche, You have a horn." Said Pierre his eyes widened, hardly believing what he was seeing.

"Indeed, I do." Said Léone as she reaches up and feels the new horn on her head. Her gaze is then switched to the hooded human with the Ax who was now practically against the back wall. Léone narrows her eyes and slowly lifts her hand to him. In unison, her eyes and her new horn begin to glow a dark crimson red. Around the hooded human's throat, the same red aura forms around his throat. Immediately he starts gagging as he is slowly levitated into the air. Pierre and Twilight were left in total shock as the hooded human is being pulled towards Léone, seemingly by magic. The hooded human is now gasping for air as he clenches his own throat. Léone only cocks her head to the side, as if she was examining her own work. Then she suddenly clenches her fist, and a sickening crack is heard from the hooded human as he goes limp. She then swings her arm and sends the corpse flying into the wall. Léone then turns back to look at Pierre, he was shaking but he managed to get onto his knees and bow before Léone. Léone gives him a pleasing yet sinister grin of approval.

Léone then looks at Twilight who has also backed herself away into the wall. With the exact same motion she did before, she raises her hand and her eyes and horn begin to glow. Twilight herself is also lifted up by the throat and is dragged towards Léone. Twilight struggles to breathe as she is pulled towards Léone. Eventually they were face to face, their noses were almost touching.

"...plea....don't....kill....me..." Twilight managed to choke out. She was met with soft chuckling in response.

"Don't worry, my poor little pony. You were most helpful in making this whole thing a reality. Your reward is that you shall be spared, for now at least." Said Léone as she brings her hand down fast and slams Twilight into the ground. The magic releases and Twilight sucks in a big clump of air before Léone suddenly stomps on her chest, causing the fresh gulp of air to leave her lungs once more. "You will be spared for last. If you submit to me, you may live out the rest of your pathetic life. Refuse, and you will perish." Twilight looks up at Léone, she was far more fearful of the human now more than she ever was before. "Pierre!"

"Oui! Ma Matriarche!" Pierre said Standing up as fast as he can.

"Ramenez-la dans sa cellule. Return her to her cell." Léone said with a chuckle “I must practice my new abilities before I make my debut to the world."
> Saint's Hand
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, the ponies were just outside the gates of Safehaven, Germania's capital. All of them have prepared for their venture to the human kingdom of Italia to seek aid from them in the current war between Gallia and Germania. The ponies were waiting for their escorts to show up to help them on their way to the Kingdom of Italia.
"How do you feel, Professor?" Asked Shining approaching Feather Quill.
"Never better my boy! Yesterday has really opened my eyes on this land." Said Feather Quill. "I have many notes that will be most useful in the department of human studies back home." 
"I'm glad." Said Shining with a smile.
"And you, my boy, seem to be in a better mood." Said Feather Quill.
"Well, I suppose. I can't help but feel some sympathy to these humans, but we still have our quest to get Twily." Said Shining.
"Maybe she isn't in any danger. If these humans were cordial with us, can we assume the same for Princess Twilight?" Asked Feather Quill.
"No, I do not think she is being treated the same, she wouldn't be missing without any notice if that was true." Said Shining.

As they were talking, a group of humans were approaching them, their escorts by assumption. It was a small group of only about 7 humans. They stop in front of the ponies and the one in front removes his helmet to reveal a familiar face.
"Gerhard my boy! Wie bist du? (How are you?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"Alles gut mir. (I'm fine.)" Gerhard said with a smile. "Ich habe gehört, du wolltest nach Italia. Ich habe mich freiwillig gemeldet, eine Ihrer Begleitpersonen zu sein. (I heard you were going to Italia. I have volunteered to be one of your escorts.)"
"Wunderbar! Shining, Gerhard volunteered to help us." Said Feather Quill turning to Shining.
"Give him my thanks." Said Shining.
"Wir danken Ihnen, Gerhard." Said Feather Quill.
"Es ist alles gut mein Freund.(It's all good my friend.)" Said Gerhard. "Sollen wir die Reise antreten? (Shall we start the journey?)"
"Ja, Komm sofort. (yes, Come quickly.)" Said Feather Quill.

The group, after double checking their supplies, soon head off towards the Kingdom of Italia. Feather Quill walked next to Gerhard as the two talked as if they had been lifelong friends while Shining hangs back and walks next to Applejack.
"How you holding up Shining?" Asked Applejack.
"I'm managing, why do you ask?" Shining questioned.
"We're all worried about Twilight, She's our friend, but she's your sister." Said Applejack. Shining lets out a long sigh before answering.
"If you're wanting a straightforward answer, then I won't lie to you. I'm terrified." Said Shining. "You'd think King Drachenkopf's hospitality would have made me feel better, it actually does the opposite."
"What do you mean? If these humans treated us nicely, why wouldn't the others?" Asked Applejack.
"Because we were allowed to leave, We have heard nothing from Twilight since she came here a week ago. The only reason she would disappear and us to hear nothing from her can only mean she is being held captive." Said Shining. "It only makes sense in my mind that she is a prisoner... and that scares me."

Applejack felt his reasonings were sound. The humans were a hardened species, she hate to think of the kind of hostility they may be showing Twilight at the moment. The group continued to walk till the sun was at its highest point in the sky. That's when the group slows to a stop.
"Professor, Why are we stopping?" Asked Shining.
"Gerhard says now is a perfect time to take a small break. Sit down and re-energize." Said Feather Quill from the front. Everyone takes a moment to sit down, most opening their cantines to take a drink of water. Everyone sits down for a few minutes to rest up. Gerhard actually sat down with the ponies as he was enjoying their company.
"Fortfahren Gerhard, Wie wir geübt haben. (Go ahead Gerhard, as we have practiced.)" Said Feather Quill sitting next to Gerhard.

Gerhard looks at the ponies as he removes his helmet once again, His gray hair indicating he is older than most other humans. 
"Uh... Hello... My name... is...Gerhard." Said Gerhard in Ponish. A bunch of smiles form on the ponies faces.
"Hello Gerhard!" Said Rarity.
"Howdy Gerhard!" Said Applejack.
"Nice to meet you Gerhard." Said Fluttershy who was breaking out of her comfort zone.
"Hey professor, How do we introduce ourselves in his language?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"Easy my dear, just say 'Ich heiße' and then your name." Said Feather Quill.
"Heya Professor Quilly, how do we pronounce that weird symbol that looks like a B?" Asked Pinkie.
"It's called an Eszett, and it takes the form of two S's. So just pronounce it as an s." Said Feather Quill. "... Wait... my dear, how do you know what an eszett looks like?" 
"Oh, I could see it in the text of this chapter." Said Pinkie.
"The text? My Dear we are verbally talking to each other. And what do you mean chapter?" Asked Feather Quill.
"It's best not to question it Professor, it's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." Said Rainbow Dash. Applejack rolls her eyes and looks at Gerhard.
"Ich heiße Applejack." Said Applejack as Gerhard Smiles at her.
"Applejack, interessant." Said Gerhard. As the others began introducing themselves as well.

Feather Quill then looks over at Shining Armor who has remained surprisingly quiet. Shining looks over at the Professor who was staring at him.
"What?" Asked Shining.
"Maybe you should introduce yourself aswell my boy." Said Feather Quill.
"I already have." Said Shining.
"But not to Gerhard, and he has been putting in the effort to try to get to know us better." Said Feather Quill.
"Do I really have too?" Shining whined.
"It would be cordial if you did. After All, You two have fought each other, now is the time to settle any remaining quarrels you two have." Said Feather Quill. Shining looks at Gerhard who looks back at him. Shining lets out a sigh before speaking.
"Ich heiße Shining Armor." Said Shining.
"Es ist ein Vergnügen. (It's a pleasure.)" Said Gerhard. Feather Quill smiles at them as he takes a drink of water from his canteen. 

That's when a powerful force knocks the canteen from his hoof. In shock everyone looked down at the canteen and their eyes widened, an arrow had pierced straight through it. Gerhard quickly hops up as he knew what was about to happen.
"Hinterhalt! Männer, auf die Beine und bereiten Sie sich auf den Kampf vor! (Ambush! Men, get on your feet and prepare for battle!)" Yelled Gerhard. He looks down at the ponies, all but Feather Quill look confused. "Attacke!" Shining looks at the guard ponies now understanding the situation.
"Sergeant Crimson, Get the guards up, we're under attack!" Yelled Shining.
"Yes sir!" Yelled Crimson. Just as he did, a group of familiar looking knights charge out from the direction of the arrow, yelling in anger at the group.
"Contact! Engage! Hurt but don't kill!" yelled Shining using his magic to unsheathe his sword. 
"Attacke, aber nicht töten! (Attack, but don't kill them!)" Yelled Gerhard as he charged into battle.

The Guard ponies and the German knights all arm themselves and quickly start defending themselves from the charging knights. A knight clad in darker colored armor steps forth towards Shining and unsheathes his blade. Without hesitation He swings it at Shining who blocks it with ease. 
"Ti ho avvertito! Ti ho detto di andartene, ora muori! (I warned you! I told you to leave, now die!)" Said the Knight. Shining, unable to speak the language remains quiet as he uses his magic to forcefully shove the knight away.
"Professor! What language are they speaking?" Yelled Shining.
"It sounded like Italian my boy! I think these are the same knights we ran into on our way to see the German king!" Yelled Feather Quill.
"Italian? They are the ones we need to speak to! Quick, tell them we mean no harm!" Said Shining as the Knight approached Shining again and then goes in for a stab that Shining luckily side steps.
"I... I told you, my skill in Italian is not as strong as the other languages I know!" Said Feather Quill.
"Then find a way to communicate!" Yelled Shining.

Shining Charges the knight swinging his sword using his magic. Him and the knight clash their swords engaging in a duel. The human is able to repel Shining's strikes and then steps in with his own swing, just barely missing Shining. With another overhead strike from the knight, him and shining lock swords.
"Stop! We are not here to fight!" Yelled Shining.
"Hehehe, Qui è dove muori pony! (This is where you die pony!)" Said the knight using his other hand to unsheath a second sword. Shining's eyes widen upon seeing it and then closes them tightly as he sees it being brought down. Instead of being hit, Shining hears the sword clash, He slowly opens his eyes to see a sword had intercepted the second sword. He looks to his side to see Gerhard had protected him from being struck. With his other hand wielding a shield, he uses it to bash the Italian knight, knocking him backwards.
"Schritt zurück italienisch! Wir sind nicht gekommen, um zu kämpfen! (Step back Italian! We didn't come to fight!)" Yelled Gerhard.
"State insieme, morirete insieme! (You stand together, you die together!)" Yelled the knight rushing both Gerhard and Shining.

The Italian knight surprises both Shining and Gerhard by how well he is able to hold his own against the two opponents at the same time. The italian knight blocks a swing made by shining and then steps into him to avoid a swing by Gerhard. The knight pushes away from Shining and then swings at Gerhard who is able to block it with his shield. Then the knight swiftly uses his other sword to go around Gerhard's shield and stabs him in the shoulder, causing Gerhard to cry out and then start grunting.
"Gerhard!" Yelled Shining as he swings his sword again. The Knight blocks it with ease and shoves Shining away. The knight then kicks Gerhard and forces him off of his sword, causing Gerhard to land on his back. The Knight then turns towards Shining as blood drips from one of his blades.
"Quando avrò finito di sventrarti, finirò il tuo amico qui. Combattimi pony! (When I'm done gutting you, I'll finish off your friend here. Fight me pony!)" Said the knight as he held up both of his blades.
"I will not kill you, But I will make you pay for that!" Said Shining holding up his own blade with his magic.

Shining and the knight clash once more, Shining trying his best to keep track of each one of the knight's swords. As soon as he blocks one he dodges the other, or he parries the first strike and blocks the second. The knight on the other hand keeps on the offensive, not risking Shining to have a chance at using his magic against him. Shining continues to block the attacks as the human continues his aggressive attack, every time he deflects the human's attack, he swings his second sword too fast for him to strike.
"Shining!... Das wird helfen!... (This will help!)" Yells Gerhard while on a knee. Shining looks over at Gerhard who then tosses his sword in the air at Shining. Shining shoves the knight hard and quickly rolls towards the sword, getting to his hooves in time to catch the sword in his mouth. When the knight catches his footing he goes back for Shining with an overhead swing. Shining blocks the attack easily with the sword in his mouth. The Knight goes for a second attack, and with the sword Shining is holding with his magic, blocks it again. Now having both swords occupied, Shining sees an opening. He rotates his head upward using the sword in his mouth to widen up the human so that he has a clear shot to his chest. Shining then spins around quickly and bucks the human hard in the chest, denting the chest plate and knocking the swords out of his hands.

The human lands hard on his back and lets out a loud gasp as all the air in his lungs were forced out.  Shining drops the sword in his mouth and wastes no time in standing over the human, pointing his own sword directly at his face.
"Mi...Mi hai battuto? (You beat me?)" Said the human who then gently lays his head on the grass. "Sbrigati pony, non voglio soffrire. (Hurry up pony, I don't want to suffer.)" Shining then thrusts his sword forward causing the human to close his eyes. However, the sword never struck them. As the human opens his eyes, he sees that the sword had been stabbed into the ground next to his head. He quickly looks back at shining in confusion.
"I am not your enemy! We wish to speak to Gabriele Santamano!" Said Shining.
"Re Santamano??? Come fai a conoscere il re!? (How do you know the king!?)" Said the knight in confusion.
"Understood me there did ya!" Said Shining pulling his sword out of the ground and pointing it back at his face. "call off your men! We need to speak to Gabriele Santamano, now!" The Knight literally not knowing what Shining said, was getting the point. He didn't know why, or how, but the pony knew the king.
"Ferma l'attacco! Fermare! (Stop the attack! Stop!) yelled the knight to his allies. Just like when they first encountered Gerhard, all the humans halted at the command of their officer.

The pony soldiers and the German Knights quickly back off, holding their ground. As they did, the italian knights then began to look at each other.
"Perché sono seduti lì? Perché non contrattaccano? (Why are they sitting there? Why don't they fight back?) Asked one of the knights to his fellow knight.
"Perché... Non sono venuti per combattere. (Because... They didn't come to fight.) Said the knight on the ground, slowly realizing the situation. Shining sheathes his blade and then backs off of the knight. Shining then holds out his hoof, offering to help the knight to his feet. The knight looks confused at first, but then slowly takes a hold of Shining's hoof and is then helped to his feet. The human stumbles, the buck had quite literally knocked him silly.
"Professor! What's taking you so long!" Yelled Shining.
"I'm coming now my boy!" Yelled Feather Quill, approaching Shining while levitating three books at the same time. Shining rolls his eyes, wondering why this couldn't have been done sooner.
"Ciao, veniamo in pace mio buon uomo. (Hello, we come in peace my good man.)" Said Feather Quill.
"Cosa stai facendo qui dietro? Ti abbiamo detto di andartene. (What are you doing back here? We told you to leave.)" Said the knight. Feather Quill looks at the books before responding.
"Chiediamo udienza al re, Gabriele Santamano. (We ask for an audience with the king, Gabriele Santamano.)" Feather Quill Responded.

The knight looked to his fellow soldiers who were now looking at him, just as confused as he was.
"Come conosci il re? (How do you know the king?)" Ask the knight.
"Johannes Drachenkopf." Said Feather Quill. "Perché altrimenti viaggiamo con i tedeschi? (Why else are we traveling with the Germans?)" The knight seemed to accept this answer, looking back at his fellow soldiers again. "Sono Feather Quill, come ti chiami? (I'm Feather Quill, what's your name?)" The knight looks back over at Feather Quill. He slowly removes his helmet to reveal short black hair, and gorgeous green eyes. He looked younger than Gerhard, but older than Johannes.
"Mi chiamo Lorenzo." Said the Knight.
"His name is Lorenzo." Said Feather Quill looking at Shining. Shining only nods as both of them turn back to Lorenzo. 
"Shining Armor." Said Shining, Only getting a nod in response. "Tell him we have an urgent message to king Santamano."
"Potresti portarci dal tuo re? (Could you take us to your king?)" Asked Feather Quill. Immediately Lorenzo started to laugh, and his soldiers also started chuckling.
"I'm guessing that is a no." Said Shining looking unamuzed.
"Perché in tutto Patriam dovremmo portarti al Santuario per parlare con il re? (Why in all Patriam should we take you to Sanctuary to talk to the king?)" Said Lorenzo as he continued to laugh.
"Un'alleanza con Germania. (An alliance with Germania.)" Said Feather Quill. Almost Immediately, all the knights stop laughing.

Shining and Feather Quill look up at Lorenzo who had an expression that was everything except amusement.
"Pensi che sia uno scherzo? Perché dovremmo allearci con quei ratti!? (Do you think this is a joke? Why should we team up with those rats!?)" Said Lorenzo, spitting the words out like poison.
"What did he say, Professor?" Asked Shining.
"Well... he finds it insulting that the Germans want an alliance." Said Feather Quill.
"The King did mention they had a war two years ago. Must still be bad blood there." Said Shining as he takes a moment to think. "I think I may have came up with a compromise."
"What is it my boy?" Asked Feather Quill.
"We offer ourselves as prisoners." Said Shining.
"WHAT!?" Feather Quill Blurted out.
"Easy there Professor, don't blow out your hip. We simply offer ourselves as Prisoners, giving our good buddy pal Lorenzo here all the glory. That should butter him up and will also get him to take us to Italia's capital Sanctuary." Explained Shining.

Feather Quill thought about it for a moment before speaking.
"Well... I cannot argue with that logic. It does seem like the last thing they want to do is take us to their king on good terms." Said Feather Quill.
"Good, Go ahead and relay all of this to Lorenzo." Said Shining.
"Mio buon uomo, che ne dici di un compromesso? (My good man, how about a compromise?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"Che tipo di compromesso? (What kind of compromise?)" Responded Lorenzo, crossing his arms.
"Ci accettiamo umilmente come vostri prigionieri. Puoi portarci dal tuo re, mostrargli la tua vittoria e possiamo parlargli sotto la tua supervisione. Mostra al tuo re come ci hai catturato e otteniamo un'udienza con il re. È onestamente uno scenario vantaggioso per tutti. (We humbly accept ourselves as your prisoners. You can take us to your king, show him your victory and we can talk to him under your supervision. Show your king how you captured us and we get an audience with the king. It's honestly a win-win scenario.)" Explained Feather Quill. Lorenzo certainly looked interested for a moment, Rubbing his chin with his index finger and thumb.
"Ottimo. Ma resterai sempre con noi. (Great. But you will always stay with us.)" Said Lorenzo sternly.
"He has accepted, but We must stay by him at all times." Said Feather Quill to Shining.
"Deal." Said Shining.

Lorenzo turned, placing his helmet back on his head to shout some orders at his soldiers, Shining does the same.
"Alright ladies and gentlecolts, Stay calm. We came to a compromise, We are to act like prisoners. No one stand out of place ok?" Said Shining. After getting some skeptical looks, Shining turned his attention to Sargent Crimson. "Any Casualties in that last skirmish Sargent?"
"No sir, only a few cuts and bruises. These humans show no mercy to their enemies." Said Crimson.
"That reminds me... Make sure my orders have reached everypony. we cannot risk messing up now while we have this uneasy agreement." Said Shining.
"Yes Sir." Said Crimson as he saluted. Shining then approached Feather Quill who was next to Gerhard who was still kneeling on the ground. 
"How is he Professor?" Asked Shining.
"Could be better. I had to help him give out the same orders to his own men. He is bleeding quite badly." Said Feather Quill.
"Ich bin stark... ich kann damit umgehen... (I'm strong, I can handle it.)" Said Gerhard weakly.
"Nein, du brauchst Hilfe. (No, you need help.)" Said Feather Quill now turing to Shining. "The blade went all the way through his shoulder, he cant make this journey unless we do something about the bleeding." 

Shining looks at Gerhard, he had his helmet off. His entire arm was stained red from the blood as it started to pool under him. The color also started to drain from his face, without help, Gerhard would bleed out.
"Lorenzo! Lorenzo, Get over here!" Shining yelled out to the knight. Begrudgingly, Lorenzo walked over to the three.
"Cos'è ora!? (What is it now!?)" Said Lorenzo crossing his arms again.
"Tell him to help patch up Gerhard, now." Said Shining to the professor.
"Il nostro amico è gravemente ferito, puoi aiutarci? (Our friend is seriously injured, can you help us?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"Ovviamente no!" Responded Lorenzo.
"Che cosa!? Perchè no!? (What!? Why not!?)" Asked Feather Quill. 
"È stato ferito in battaglia, non mi interessa se vive o muore. (He was wounded in battle, I don't care if he lives or dies.)" Lorenzo said with a chuckle.
"He is refusing to help!" Feather Quill said to Shining.
"What!? How come!?" Replied Shining.
"He doesn't care! I have read about human cruelty... I don't know what would change his mind..." Said Feather quill sounding defeated. Gerhard places a hand on Feather quill's back. He didn't know entirely what was going on, but he knew that he was being denied first aid.
"Es ist in Ordnung, mein Freund, ich sterbe einen edlen Tod... (It's all right my friend, I die a noble death.)" Said Gerhard with a weak smile.
"N-Nein!" Yelled the professor.

Shining looks at Gerhard and then back up at Lorenzo. The knight still had his arms crossed, unwilling to help. Shining lets out a long sigh before lighting up his horn. His sword began to glow with a magical aura, spooked by the magic the knight took a step back before reaching for his own weapon. But to his surprise, Shining levitates his sword, sheath and all towards Lorenzo in a friendly manner.
"Cosa stai facendo?" Asked Lorenzo.
"My boy, what on earth are you doing?" Asked Feather Quill.
"If he gives Gerhard first aid, then he can have my sword as a prize." Said Shining. Feather Quill's eyes widened.
"My boy!?!?!? You can't give out that sword! It is an Equestrian artifact! The symbol of your authority as prince to the Crystal Empire!" Exclaimed Feather Quill.
"I know... I know. But if Gerhard dies, the chance of the two kingdoms forming an alliance dies with him! The kingdoms won't be able to handle another death between them. Then we lose the chance of saving Twily... And I would give up my own life just to get her back home safely..." Said Shining.

The Professor grows quiet for a moment, staring at Shining in disbelief. He couldn't think of a logical explanation of giving away such a cherished artifact, but he understood the reason. He gives Shining a sad look and surrenders his argument.
"Tell him what I just told you. So we can finally get moving again..." Said Shining in a sad tone.
"...Il Principe ti offre la sua spada dell'autorità. La spada dell'Impero di Cristallo, se aiuti il ​​nostro amico. (The Prince offers you his sword of authority. The sword of the Crystal Empire, if you help our friend.)" Said Feather Quill.
"Principe eh? Spada dell'autorità? (Prince huh? Sword of authority?)" Said Lorenzo looking at the sheath.
"...Sì, un tesoro del nostro paese. (Yes, a treasure of our country.)" Responded Feather Quill. Lorenzo grabs the hilt of the sword before pulling it out and examining it. He looks over it thoroughly before looking back at the ponies. You could practically see his shit eating grin under his helmet.
"Tale maestria! Molto bene, il nostro dottore sul campo lo vestirà. Se una vita patetica vale così tanto per te. (Such mastery! Very well, our field doctor will dress him. If a pathetic life is worth that much to you.)" Said Lorenzo as he then turns his back on them.





After the medic quickly patches up Gerhard and gets him stable, they are all soon ready to move. The Italian knights watch over the ponies and the German knights like hawks as they lead them down a dirt road towards Italia's capital. The ponies were marched in a straight line as they marched for hours. Eventually however, they soon approach a city, with a large castle in the center of the town. It was rather different compared to Safehaven, but roughly looked similar with the castle being directly in the middle of the town. The ponies were rudely rushed into the town where the peasants turned and watched them. It was as if they were being paraded through the town as scowls formed on many of the peasant's faces.
"Can't say they are happy to see us." Said Spike Sarcastically.
"Nope." Applejack said Plainly as they were all then escorted into the castle.

This castle was more ornate, as the walls seemed to be marble, and the drapes made of fine silk.
"Oh my, well this king certainly knows how to make his castle homely." Commented Rarity.
"Shh! We aren't here to admire decor, we are on a mission." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Can't one do both at the same time?" Said Rarity not taking her eyes off her surroundings. They soon approach a rather large throne with who appeared to be the king sitting on it. While Johannes was buff and wearing armor, The king of Italia seemed to be heavy set, wearing rather flamboyant robes. Sitting behind him and to his left was a beautiful looking young girl with brown hair and gray tinted eyes. The Italian knights then kneel before their king.

"Mio re, ti portiamo i nostri invasori. Sono stato in grado di catturarli senza perdere un solo uomo. (My king, we bring you our invaders. I was able to capture them without losing a single man.)" Said Lorenzo graciously.
"Perché hai portato gli animali nella mia sala del trono? Avrò bisogno che i pavimenti vengano puliti immediatamente! (Why did you bring the animals into my throne room? I will need the floors cleaned immediately!)" Said the King.
"Hanno chiesto di parlare con te. (They asked to speak to you.)" Responded Lorenzo.
"Non hanno tale diritto. Portali fuori di qui. (They have no such right. Get them out of here.)" Said the King using his hand to shoo them away.
"Sì mio re. (Yes my King.)" Said Lorenzo rising and now ushering the ponies and Germans out.
"Hey! We haven't gotten to speak with him yet!" Argued Shining.
"Non vuole parlare con te! (He doesn't want to talk to you!)" Said Lorenzo ignoring his protests.
"But we had a deal!" Yelled Shining as he starts to fight back.
"What kind of deal did you have?" Said a very soft spoken voice.

All struggling ceased as everyone turned to the source of the voice. The young girl was now standing and looking at the group of ponies.
"Figlia, non sprecare fiato con gli animali. (Daughter, don't waste your breath on animals.)" Said the King as he then pulls out a fan and begins to fan himself.
"Padre, ti prego, hanno dovuto fare molta strada solo per parlare con noi. (Father, please, they had to come a long way just to talk to us.)" Said the young girl.
"...Gli darò cinque minuti. (I'll give them five minutes.)" Said the King. The young woman approaches them, causing Lorenzo to step aside.
"Hello, My name is Princess Aurora. How may I be of service?" Aurora asked with a gentle smile.
"My name is Prince Shining Armor. This is Professor Feather Quill, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike. The rest are the royal guards of Equestria, we come here to deliver a message from King Johannes DrachenKopf."
"Johannes?" Aurora said as her smile grew larger.
"Drachenkopf! Fuori! Fuori! Portali fuori di qui! (Out! Out! Get them out of here!)" The King yelled, getting upset.
"Padre!" The Girl yelled behind her to calm the king before turning back to Shining.

She was extremely gentle and soft spoken. So much so that even Fluttershy slowly started to peak out from behind Pinkie Pie.
"You must excuse my father, he does not like House Drachenkopf too much." Said Aurora.
"I have... noticed. The message we have from King Johannes is urgent." Said Shining.
"You mean Prince Johannes. Johan is the King of Germania." Said Aurora.
"...No miss, Johannes is king. He has been king for 6 months." Said Shining. Aurora reacted to that by placing a hand to her mouth. Her eyes began to glisten as if she was holding back tears.
"Oh... I see. Poor Johannes, his father must have... nevermind. What is his message?" Asked Aurora.
"You see. He wants to form an alliance with Italia, so that we all can attack Gallia." Said Shining.
"Alliance? To fight Gallia? My my, I don't know. I do not think such a thing will be possible. Many here would rather die than to aid Germania." Said Aurora.
"We understand that. But Johannes believes once Gallia has taken out Germania, Italia will be next to taste Gallia's wrath. You won't stand a chance, but together you could decimate them and maybe finally open up to peace."

Aurora nods and then stands up to her full height. She goes to the king and presumably begins to translate their conversation. The king gets extremely upset during the entirety of the conversation, but then is calmed down. By the end of it, he does seem interested. He whispers something back to her and she makes her return to the ponies.
"My Father has agreed to talk to Johannes, as he has a list of demands before he even considers negotiations for an alliance." Said Aurora.
"That's great! Will you be coming to Safehaven?" Asked Shining.
"No, we will meet halfway, at a meeting point called The Scarlet Meadow. There, my father will meet Johannes. Tell Johannes to meet him there tomorrow." Said Aurora.
"Tomorrow! In a few hours it will be night! How do you expect me to get this message to him and have him be prepared to meet tomorrow!?" Exclaimed Shining.
"I am so sorry, but my father is final on that notion. I failed to convince him otherwise." Said Aurora regretfully.

Shining looks back at his party, many were tired from the journey, and others were hurting. They were unfit to make a second journey back home tonight.
"Alright... I will return to Johannes, but let my party rest here for the night. They are in no shape to make a long journey like that a second time tonight." Said Shining. Aurora relays that to her father, he thinks about it for a moment before responding.
"He said he will allow it. They will stay here and rest up. He is only doing this, because you also had the concern of his own kingdom while coming here." said Aurora.
"Thank you, Thank you so much!" Said Shining.
"And please, give this to Johannes for me." Said Aurora as she leant down and kissed Shining on the cheek. A small blush formed across his face.
"Uh... ok. I will be quick." Said Shining as he then turned to face his party.
"You guys are going to stay here and rest up. Make sure you come with the king tomorrow as we'll be meeting back up there.
"You sure that's a good Idea Sugar Cube? We don't know this place." Said Applejack.
"The king gave us his word. Besides, with that princess giving us our only friendly greeting since we came here, I'd stay with her." Said Shining.
"I'm still not sure about this Shining Armor." Said Rainbow Dash.
"I... I trust her." Said Fluttershy, speaking up. They all turn towards her as she then meekly retreats.
"Well... If Fluttershy trusts her, then it shouldn't hurt to stay here for the night." Said Rarity.
"Good. I'll see you tomorrow." Said Shining,
"Stay Safe Shiny!" Said Pinkie. As Shining nods and then turns and quickly runs out.

Shining runs out of the castle and soon out of the city as he makes a b-line back the way he came. Alone, he could be a lot faster than he could without anypony else falling behind. He also hoped not to run into any animals or any other humans as he was now unarmed. He would have to resort to magic if he needed to protect himself, but doing so would wear him out faster. He would only use it if absolutely necessary. As he ran, only one thought was on his mind.
"Just hold out just a little bit more Twily. Big brother's coming... by Celestia please please PLEEEEEEASE be ok!"
> The Scarlet Meadows
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Warning, this chapter may be a little disturbing.

The sun had long set as Shining Armor approached the city of Safehaven, capital of Germania. The Moonlight cascading on the city walls illuminates the soldiers patrolling around the tops. Shining had been running for hours trying to get from Sanctuary to Safehaven. His heart was thumping as he was extremely exhausted. 
"Almost there, just a few more yards. Then I can rest, just gotta get to the castle first." Shining thought to himself. He continues to run at full speed down the hill he was on and towards the city. He makes it past the city gates and towards the castle, despite the noises of screaming guards behind him. 
"Halt! Halt! Komm zurück! (Stop! Stop! Come back here!)" Yelled one of the guards as they gave chase. Shining didn't respond as he didn't want to waste any of his breath talking. The two castle guards interlock their axes to try and deter Shining from barging his way in.
"Halt! Im Namen des Königs! (Stop! In the name of the King!)" Yelled one of them. Shining Once again ignores them and slides in the small gap between the axes. 

The two guards then join in the chase to stop Shining. Johannes was standing in the middle of the throne room talking to Heinz, his steward. As Shining comes barging in.
"Johannes! King Johannes!" Yelles Shining as he slowed his pace causing both Johnnes and Heinz to quickly look at him.
"Shining? What are you doing back so late!?" Said Johannes as multiple of his gaurd to barge in behind Shining, one of them coming up behind Shining and forcefully shoving him to the ground with his foot.
"Ich habe dir gesagt, du sollst aufhören, Arschloch! (I told you to stop Asshole!)" Said the Guard. Shining fell to the ground, actually finding the cold stone floor relaxing. He was breathing heavily and was on the verge of passing out from exhaustion.
"Wie kannst du es wagen! (How dare you!)" Yelled Johannes to the guard who quickly looks at him. "Wenn du ihn noch einmal trittst, hast du keinen Fuß mehr, mit dem du treten kannst! (You kick him again, you won't have a foot to kick with!)"
"Mein König, tut mir leid. Er würde aufhören, wenn ich es ihm sagte! (My king, I'm sorry. He wouldn't stop when i told him too!)" Said the Guard as he quickly knelt to the king.

Johannes shifts his eyes from the guard to Shining who remained on the ground. Johannes quickly got down on his knees and placed a hand on his back.
"Shining, are you alright? What are you doing back here so late? I was just turning in for bed." Said Johannes. Shining struggled to talk as his throat and muscles ached from running non stop.
"Made... it... to... Italia..." Said Shining through his heavy breathing. Johannes waves at one of his guards to bring him some water. One of the guards hand him a tankard full of water, Johannes takes it to where he holds it to Shining's mouth who takes very greedy gulps.
"Easy, not so fast, you will get sick." Said Johannes.
"Thank you..." Shining said as he takes a few more gulps of water. The cold water burned down his throat in a satisfying way.
"Take your time, don't hurt yourself." Said Johannes.
"We made it to Italia... after getting ambushed by some Italian knights..." Said Shining.
"Any casualties?" Asked Johannes.
"No... I bested the leader and he took us to King Santamano... But Gerhard got injured in the fight... he is fine though." Said Shining. 

Johannes only nodded, erging him to continue.
"King... Santamano is willing to negotiate... tomorrow... at Scarlet Meadow..." Said Shining.
"Tomorrow!? Bastard! That barely gives me time to prepare! No wonder you came back here in such a hurry." Said Johannes. "Heinz!"
"Ja, mein König?" Replied Heinz.
"Ich möchte, dass Ihr gleich morgen früh meine vertrauenswürdigsten Soldaten herbeiruft und ihnen sagt, dass sie mich zu den Scharlachroten Wiesen eskortieren sollen. (I want you to summon my most trusted soldiers first thing in the morning and tell them to escort me to the Scarlet Meadows.)" Said Johannes.
"Ja, mein König!" Replied Heinz.
"Soldat! (Soldier!)" Said Johannes to the knight who was still kneeling.
"Ja, mein König?" Said the Soldier.
"Bring ihn in mein bestes Gästezimmer und bring ihn ins Bett. Er braucht jetzt Ruhe.(Take him to my best spare room and put him to bed. He needs rest now.)" Said Johannes, motioning towards Shining.
"Ja mein König!" Said the soldier as he stood up and then gently picked up Shining Armor. The Soldier made loud grunts as Shining was a little too heavy for him. Shining could only meekly smirk as the soldier struggled to carry him.
"Serves you right... dickhead." Said Shining as he was taken to a guest room and set on the bed. Shining fell asleep almost instantly, finally taking a moment to rest.





Back at Sanctuary, it was dinner time. Only Feather Quill, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike were allowed to sit at the table as the knights and Equestrian Guards were sent to eat in the barracks. Princess Aurora Sat next to her father as the table was bountiful with many different types of food. Some they actually recognize.
"We are quite honored that you agreed to have us join you for Dinner, King Santamano." Said Feather Quill. Gabriele only waved him off, only showing the bare amount of respect.
"It's an honor to have you here. I don't think a pony has ever sat at our table before." Said Aurora with a smile.
"Man Shining is missing out! look at all of this food!" Said Rainbow Dash.
"I know right, it looks amazing!" Said Spike as his mouth watered.
"I can't help but notice though." Said Applejack picking up a bowl of pasta. "I know some of these foods."
"You do? How curious." Said Aurora.
"Actually, it makes perfect sense." Said Feather Quill as most turn to look at him.

"Remember what Johannes told us yesterday?" Asked Feather Quill.
"He said a lot of things yesterday Professor, you need to be more specific." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Whenever he talked about our two kingdoms being allies, there were two ambassadors who shared their cultures with each other. One was Clover the Clever, the other was..." Said Feather Quill. Almost all of them gasp in realization.
"... Carlo Santamano!" They all said in unison.
"You know of my ancestor?" Asked Aurora. Even the King looked at them with an interested look.
"Yes! Yes we do! Carlo Santamano was friends with a Unicorn! A Unicorn named-" Said Applejack before being cut off.
"Clover the Clever. Yes, I know of that." Said Aurora.
"They had to of shared their cuisine with each other all those years ago, that has to be why we know a lot of these foods! Look, there is Spaghetti, Alfredo, Pizza..." Said Rarity.
"Do they have Pineapple Pizza?" Asked Fluttershy.
"ANANAS!? DIOS MIO!" Said the King being overly dramatic and acting as if he was about to pass out. Aurora couldn't help but chuckle.
"We better get to eating. We half to walk to the Scarlet Meadow tomorrow" Said Feather Quill.





It was early the next morning and Johannes and a small army of around fifty of his most loyal Soldiers had begun the trip to the Scarlet Meadows to meet with Gabriele Santamano to negotiate some kind of truce to take down Gallia. Johannes led the march as Volker, his champion, walked on one side of him, while Shining Armor walked along the other side. Shining was limping pretty hard as he was extremely sore.
"Are you sure you can make this journey Prince Armor?" Asked Johannes. Shining looks up at him, a little taken back by his formality.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I'm just a little sore from overworking my muscles." Said Shining, causing a slight chuckle from Johannes.
"Not to mention the amount of food you ate at breakfast. You could out eat some of my largest soldiers." Joked Johannes.
"I was so hungry." Said Shining.
"I could imagine. You probably used up a majority of your energy by sprinting non-stop." Said Johannes.

They both grew quiet as they continued to march down the countryside of Patriam. Shining had to admit, it was beautiful to look at. That thought alone reminded him of a question he had.
"King Drachenkopf, can I ask you a question?" Asked Shining.
"Of course, go ahead." Said Johannes.
"Why is it called the Scarlet Meadow?" Asked Shining. Johanes sighed as he turned his head to look at him.
"It is a sad story if you'd like to listen." Said Johannes. Shining nodded as Johannes turned his head back down the path. "It's called the Scarlet Meadow because it is full of Red Poppies. As far as your eye can see, red poppies everywhere. It's beautiful actually, but it houses one of the greatest tragedies. They say 500 years ago, the poppies were white. But then a huge battle between Germania, and Italia took place there. Our armies equaled around 600,000. By the end of the battle, only around 10,000 total soldiers were left. I do not know if the numbers are really true. But they say that so much death happened in that one day, the flowers soaked up the blood from the ground and stained them red." 

Shining couldn't help but paint a mental picture in his head. Real or not, that was an incredible story.
"Wow... that's very poetic. In a gruesome kind of way." Said Shining, prompting Johannes to snicker a bit.
"Yes, yes it does." Said Johannes. 
"Which kingdom does the Meadows lie in?" Asked Shining,
"Currently, the meadows fall within my borders of Germania. No doubt one of the reasons Santamano wants to meet here is because he wants them a part of his kingdom." Said Johannes. As they spoke they were getting close to their destination, as a few red poppies were already starting to litter the ground.
"We are getting closer. Over the top of that hill, we'll be in the meadows. They march getting closer to the top of the hill till they finally see the meadows, the sight alone was enough to take your breath away.



"Woooow..." Shining said aloud taking in all the scenery. It was more beautiful than he could ever imagine. He could see himself bringing Cadence here along with Flurry Heart. Having a nice day and a picnic overlooking the meadow as the wind softly brushes against their coats. Shining could see Cadence's smile already if he were to bring her here. The thought alone causes Shining to smile. Slowly however he began to tear up, as he knew Twilight would love to see this as well. Wherever she is, it was nothing like this. He feels his heart ache just thinking about Twilight being locked up, and not at a beautiful scenery like this. He hurries further into the meadow, motivation quickly overwhelming him again. He needed to free his baby sister even if it killed him. Johannes quickly follows Shining as well as their army. Eventually, they could see a large group of humans standing in the middle of the path. It has to be the Italians as Shining could also see his guards and the others standing with them. 

Shining quickened his pace till he was now sprinting towards them. He gets right up to them as Applejack and the others swarm up to hug him.
"Shining! Thank Celestia you're alright." Said Applejack.
"You made it! I was so scared you wouldn't make it in time!" Said Rarity worryingly.
"I'm fine, though I cannot say it was pleasant." Said Shining as he turned and Glared at Gabriele Santamano who was fanning himself. Johannes and his armies slowly and carefully walked up to them. Shining could see the eyes of all the knights present. All of them glared at the opposing sides with hate and malice in their eyes. Many of them did not look happy to be there. They could hear some of them whispering to themselves.
"Italienisches Schwein"
"Cani Tedeschi"
These were some of the words they could hear amongst the knights. Finally, Johannes stepped forward. 
"Out of respect for everyone present, so that all parties can understand each other, I propose we conduct the negotiations in Ponish!" Said Johannes. Gabriele whispers something into Aurora's ear.
"The King of Italia agrees." Said Aurora. Johannes Smiles at her who promptly smiles back at him. "Hello Johannes..."
"... Hello Aurora." Said Johannes.
"I... I'm so sorry about your father... he... he was a good man." Said Aurora almost tearing up.
"Thank you... he was a good man." Responded Johannes.

Shining then stepped forward and acted as a mediator between the two.
"I Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire will aid in these negotiations. I Hope we all can reach some common ground." Said Shining. "We shall do this in the most diplomatic way possible, so that everyone understands each other, and no one will be insulted. King Drachenkopf of Germania, you sought out King Santamano, what do you seek from Italia?"
"I, King Drachenkopf, wish for the Kingdom of Italia to join forces with the Kingdom of Germania to unite as one against the growing strength of Kingdom Gallia!" Said Johannes. Shining looks to Gabriele Santamano who once again whispered something into Aurora's ear.
"The King of Italia, Gabriele Santamano, acknowledged your request, King Drachenkopf. What do you offer Italia?" Said Aurora.
"What is it you seek Santamano? Gold? Land?" Asked Drachenkopf. Aurora listens to her father again, her eyes widening at what he said. Aurora slowly turns back to Johannes and takes a second before responding.
"...The... The King of Italia demands all land conquered by Germania in the last war to be returned to Italia." Said Aurora.
"Fine, you can have it." Said Johannes. But Aurora looked as if she wasn't done.
"...and... and he wants all the land east of Safehaven... all the way to the Equestrian border." Said Aurora.
"WHAT!?" Yelled Johannes. "That's more than 50% of my land!"

The German knights could sense their king getting angry. Johannes looked back and relayed the cost to his men, instantly there was outrage as the knights began yelling at the Italians. Some of them even pulled out their weapons, insulted by the offer.
"There is no way in hell I would accept that offer! That causes us to forfiet 75% of our farm lands! We'll starve!" Said Johannes. Gabriele Santamano only chuckles in response.
"You think that's funny fatass!" Said Johannes. Gabriele's smirk quickly fades.
"Johannes, please calm down... These are negotiations for a reason! My father is only trying to get a rise out of you." Said Aurora. 
"Well your father has a fucked up sense of humor!" Said Johannes. 
"Easy, I need you to calm down Johannes. Insults will not get us anywhere." Said Shining. Johannes looks at him before taking in a deep breath.
"Ok... Counter offer. You can have the Scarlet Meadows, the lands Germania took from you, and lands in the east all the way to Gallia's borders. That gives you a decent chunk out of my home, and you will receive one third of the total land you initially asked for." Said Johannes.

Gabriele certainly looked interested in the deal, placing his fingers on his chin as too ponder the offer. He then whispers back in Aurora's ear.
"The King also request's around 50 pounds of gold and it's a deal." Said Aurora.
Johannes looks behind him towards his men. He lets out a small sigh as relays the final offer to them. Most of them seem unhappy, but it was a far better deal than before.
"Alright, that is a deal I can agree on. Now for the Equestrians side." Said Johannes.
"I don't want that much, all I want is for a full fledge assault on Blackstone. There, One of our Princesses, the Princess of Friendship... and my little sister, is being held captive. From What I've learned the most strategic point to attack Gallia's capital from is through Italia. King Santamano, I offer you riches and treasures, close to 250 pounds of gold and jewels if you were to allow my forces, as well as the forces of Germania to march through your homeland and even join your forces with ours to assault Blackstone! Your army as well as Germania's army will assault the capital as me and my army go in and retrieve our Princess!" Said Shining. Gabriele's eyes widened at the total amount offered by Shining Armor. He claps joyfully and chuckles.
"The King accepts." Said Aurora.
"Very well..." Said Shining. "We've all come to a deal." Johannes Steps forward and him, Shining, and Aurora exchange hand/hoof shakes.
"Shining Armor, you and your army may come back to Germania with me, we shall prepare to finally take down that bitch Léone Trompeur! We will launch our assault in two days." Shining noded. Just two more days, and then Twilight will be free.

As discussions were beginning to wrap up, all the ponies and the German escorts who stayed in Italia for the night went back over their fellow soldiers Gerhard was making his way back to Johannes when something catches from the corner of his eyes, he sees a human quickly stand and run across the meadows of poppies. by the time he looks back over to where he saw it, they were gone. He shrugs his shoulders and approaches Johannes, finally hoping to go back home.





Within a blink of an eye, Léone uses her magic to teleport from the Scarlet Meadows, back into her war room. Her generals stare at her both in curiosity, and intrigue. Pierre then approached her and bowed before her.
"Ma Matriarche! Ce que disent nos espions est-il vrai? (My Matriarch! Is what our spies say true?)" Said Pierre. Léone reaches up to gently rub her new horn with pleasure before looking down at Pierre. She smirks under her helmet before placing her hand on his head.
"Elles sont. Germania et Italia se sont rencontrées dans les Scarlet Meadows. Ils ont des forces alliées pour attaquer Blackstone. (They are. Germania and Italia met in the Scarlet Meadows. They have allied forces to attack Blackstone.) The generals immediately began discussing among themselves, trying to come up with the perfect counter attack.
"Que ferons-nous Ma Matriarche? (What shall we do My Matriarch?)" Asked Piere.
"Pas une seule chose. (Not a single thing.)" Said Léone. All the generals grew quiet and looked at her in confusion. Even Pierre looks up at her.
"M... Ma Matriarche?" Asked Pierre.
"Permettez-leur d'amener leurs armées ici. Quand ils le font, ils laissent leurs propres capitales grandes ouvertes. Avec ma nouvelle magie, je décimerai leurs armées d'un simple geste de la main! Quand leurs armées seront parties, les nôtres se lèveront et riposteront! Nous attaquons Safehaven et Sanctuary en même temps et les deux royaumes tomberont! (Allow them to bring their armies here. When they do, they leave their own capitals wide open. With my new magic, I will decimate their armies with the wave of my hand! When their armies are gone, ours will rise and fight back! We attack Safehaven and Sanctuary at the same time and both Kingdoms will fall!)" Said Léone.

The generals break out in applause for the fantastic plan. Léone looks at them and tells them to prepare for the invasion as she turns her backs on them and leaves the war room. She uses her magic to teleport herself to the dungeon and in front of a specific cell door. She approaches it and opens it. Inside, Twilight is curled into the fetal position in one of the back corners.
"And how is our little princess doing today?" Asked Léone. Twilight slowly turns her head to look at her. Her fur was matted and dried tears stained her face. She hadn't stopped crying since they had chopped off her horn.
"You know, I am a fast learner. I have mastered teleportation and telekinesis in two days." Bragged Léone. "Perhaps I could rival you now, if you had a horn left."
"...Go away." Said Twilight as she turns her head back. From the sound of her voice, it sounded as if her will had been broken.
"What if I told you you could leave now?" Asked Léone. Twilight never moved a muscle. "Suffering from Stockholms syndrome now are we?"
"No... you're lying... Please leave me alone..." Said Twilight curling into a ball even more.
"Come now Princess don't get like that." Said Léone. Twilight began sobbing again. 
"Haven't you mentally tortured me enough!?... please go away!" Said Twilight.

Léone got closer and knelt down to her.
"I actually do bring good news to you Princess. You can chose to believe me or not." Said Léone. Twilight continued to sob to herself. "During my reconnaissance, I believe I discovered something.  To be honest I'm rather disappointed in you Princess. We were supposed to tell each other everything. But you never told me you had a brother." Twilight stopped crying for a moment.
"Sh-shining? H-H-How do you know about him?" Asked Twilight.
"He's here Princess, in Patriam" Said Léone. twilight quickly looks back over at Léone as fresh boiling hot tears were still flowing down her cheeks.
"Sh-Shining Armor?" Said Twilight.
"Yes, he is here. He has done the unthinkable. He's rallied my enemies together. They're coming here to attack me Twilight. He's coming to save you." Said Léone. Twilight could feel her heart beating faster as more tears flooded down her cheeks.
"Sh-Shiny!" Twilight cried out. She began to sit up when she was caught in Léone's magic again. She chokes as Léone lifts her up by the throat again.
"Oh, but don't expect to see him! Your brother has organized a deadly assault that is going to kill a lot of my people! He will never reach you Princess, As I'm going to kill him!" Said Léone.
"Ack ...N...N...N-No..." Said Twilight as she feels the magic tighten around her neck.
"Oh Yes! I'm going to kill him, Princess!" Said Léone as she pulled Twilight closer till Twilight's forehead was against her helmet. Twilight peered right into her eyes as they burned with hellfire. "I'm going to kill him! I will use my new magic to rip the head from his body! Pulling out his spine in the process!"

Léone then shoves Twilight back into the wall and releases her magic. Twilight let out a loud gasp for air as she quickly crawled back into her corner, curling her body like a scared wounded animal. Léone lets out a devilish chuckle. She was enjoying every minute of Twilight's torment.
"Maybe I'll let you see his head before I bury him and the rest of your pathetic friends in a mass grave. That's my mercy I'm willing to give you Princess. Now Sleep tight. He'll be here in two days to try and save your sorry ass." Said Léone as she exited the cell and relocking the door. She walked down the hall chuckling to herself again as Twilight was shaking violently in the corner. Her sobbing turned into a full meltdown as she cried into her hooves.
"Sh-Shiny... p-p-please c-come quickly... g-get me out of here!" Cried Twilight as she buried her face into her hooves.
> Siege of Blackstone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 days have passed since the meeting in the Scarlet Meadows. A campsite has been set up, Deep in a forest that surrounds Blackstone. There, all the forces prepare for their momentous attack on Gallia's Capital. The three leaders met in a single tent so that they could discuss their final attack plans. Johannes stood with his champion Volker, explaining his side of the attack.

"From what we know of Blackstone, it is not structured like Safehaven or Sanctuary. Where our castles are set in the middle of the town so that it is protected from all sides, Blackstone can only be attacked from one side." Johannes explained as he placed his hands on the table in front of him, leaning forward.

"What do you mean it can only be attacked from one side?" Asked Shining, putting his hoof to his chin. Standing next to Shining was Sargent Crimson.

"The capital is built at the base of a massive mountain, the biggest mountain in all of Patriam. The Castle was literally carved from the side of the mountain, it sits in the very back of the city, guaranteeing it can only be attacked from one side, the front." Johannes furrowed his brow as he placed his finger and thumb onto his chin. Princess Aurora looked down at the map of Blackstone, she grimaced at the thought of sending her armies directly from the front. Lorenzo who stood next to her attempted to comfort her, but she assured him she was fine.

"A full frontal assault on the city seems like our only option." Aurora drooped her shoulders as she spoke. "Logic dictates their strongest defenses will be put up at the front gates to repel attacks. Their second strongest defenses will be right here in front of the castle. If we can just break through the gates, and push them back, getting to the castle will be easy. Getting inside the castle will be a different chore." Aurora explained as the other two listened closely. Shining nods his head in agreement to Aurora's Observation.

"I believe you are right Princess Aurora, that is how it is back home in Canterlot. Our castle is built on a ledge, we have our best defenses at the gate and the castle to protect the castle at all costs. But that doesn't mean in the middle will be a walk in the park. We have plans that once the gate has been breached, the gate forces retreat halfway to slow down progressing forces before meeting up with castle defenses. I feel it will be safe to assume that this will be their plan as well to try and prevent any of us from getting to the castle.`` Shining's input was met with nods and agreement.

"Thank you for sharing Prince Armor, this tactic must be considered in case our enemy does the same. Now the big question, as a straightforward attack is our only option, which army will attack first?" Asked Johannes looked at both the leaders. Aurora and Shining look at each other, They all knew the Equestrians were out of the question as there were only around 20 of them in total. That left Johannes and Aurora, they both looking at each other, giving themselves sorrowful faces.

"My father brought an army around 3,000 strong Johannes, it is smaller compared to yours." Aurora announced.

"Though my army is larger with around 4,500 men, we are already sacrificing a lot of our land just for you to be here." Argued Johannes, stating a matter-of-factly. Aurora looks at the ground before looking back up at him. 

"Gallia's is mostly on the offensive Johannes, most of their armies are out camped along our country sides. Their defending forces should be weakened. Your larger forces will be overwhelming, plowing an entrance for my forces to enter and attack the castle." Aurora had a perfect counter argument, but Johannes was still largely unsure.

"Aurora, I'm already going to be disadvantaged after this battle anyway. I'm going to lose a ton of land, and this plan will cause me to lose a bunch of soldiers, we will be permanently weakened if we follow through this plan." The two were at an impasse, Aurora was out for the best of her soldiers, while Johannes was thinking about his country as a whole. Shining sat back and listened to both sides, finally coming to his own solution. 

"The size of the forces won't matter, I think I have a plan. We send in an army to attack head on, make it smaller to make the defending forces think they have the greater number. Finally, after a bit of fighting, conduct a retreat. This part will be left to chance, but hopefully the defending forces, pumped from their small victory will advance out to destroy the retreating army. Then from both sides we flank with two forces hudled against the walls from both sides as they come out. We'll catch them off guard and we'll cut them down, giving us a straight shot to the castle!" Shining slams his hoof onto the table. Johannes and Aurora quickly look at each other, both nodding in agreement.

"That could work." Said Johannes.

"What if the defending forces stay at their posts?" Asked Aurora.

"Then the flanking forces will have no choice but to attack head on. But I'm sure that if we stroke their ego, they most certainly will advance." Said Shining. Though far from the perfect plan, they really didn't have anything else. They quickly discuss who will take what position as they prepare for the assault, early the next morning. The leaders then left the war camp to go to their own sides of the camp.

Shining walks over to where his soldiers were, along the others. Surprisingly, Gerhard was sitting with them, next to Feather Quill. Shining approaches them and all the guard ponies stand at attention.
"Sir, What's our attack plan?" Asked Sargent Crimson.

"We are going to try and coax them out of their walls by hitting them in the front, then swiftly retreating. Once they come out to eliminate the 'attacking force,' a much larger flanking force will attack them at the sides and force our way in." Shining explained, as he removed his helmet. "Humans are leading the initial attack force, then we lead the attack inside the city. Our main objective is getting inside the castle. From there, we can find Twilight, and hopefully end war in this land for good."

"Hell of a plan my boy." Feather quill commented, before relaying what Shining just said to Gerhard. After listening to Feather Quill, Gerhard stood up. He had a bunch of bandages on his arm, yet he was still willing to fight. He then approaches shining and bows his head.

"Du bist ein tapferer Krieger. Ich bin froh, dich kennengelernt zu haben, Shining Armor." Gerhard would say, Shining gives him a smile, he didn't need a translation to know Gerhard was giving him his respects.

"You're brave Gerhard, braver than most of my ponies back home. It's an honor that we have met." Shining replied, bowing his own head. Gerhard would soon go back to where his platoon was camping. Shining approached his group and sat down.

"What are you thinking Shining?" Asked Applejack who he sat next too.

"Just worried. I hope Twilight is alright." He said as he stared into a campfire they had built.

"Twilight is tough, I'm more than confident she is alright." Rainbow said as she leaned up against a log, relaxing her body.

"That's why I'm worried, Twilight is tough, she is an Alicorn Princess. Her magic alone should have freed her, then why hasn't she done so!?" Shining Asked. "If she was safe, she would have sent a letter. I just... I just have a horrible feeling she isn't safe." Everyone gives him a concerned look. Despite trying to keep high spirits, Shining was right. Just how much trouble was Twilight in?





Léone stood on the highest balcony of her castle, overlooking the city of Blackstone, and the forest that surrounds it. She had two knight bodyguards wielding halberds. The sun was setting, turning day into night. She had her helmet on, and had the tip of her claymore stabbed into the ground, resting her hands on the hilt. She hears footsteps behind her, she doesn't need to turn to know it was Pierre. He kneels before speaking.

"Ma Matriarche, nos troupes sont installées comme vous l'avez ordonné. Nous attendons l'attaque entrante de Germania et Itallia. (My Matriarch, our troops are stationed as you ordered. We await the incoming attack from Germania and Itallia.)" Pierre informed with his head still facing towards the ground.

"Les imbéciles vont faire le jeu entre nos mains. Nous leur ferons croire que leur attaque nous a pris au dépourvu, mais une fois qu'ils penseront avoir le dessus, je détruirai leurs armées d'un geste de la main. Et avec nos armées offensives attaquant leurs capitales, tout Patriam sera à moi. (Fools will play the game in our hands. We'll make them think their attack caught us off guard, but once they think they've got the upper hand, I'll destroy their armies with the wave of my hand. And with our offensive armies ready to attack their capitals, all Patriam will be mine.)" Léone boasted from her balcony with her arms outstretched. Pierre slowly stands up, holding his helmet in one arm, as Léone holds her arms out to the heavens. Léone then slowly turns to look at Pierre, her devilish gaze falling upon him. She smirks under her helmet before approaching him. "Tu as été bon pour moi Pierre, très fidèle. Vous devriez être récompensé pour votre fidélité. (You have been good to me Pierre, very loyal. You should be rewarded for your loyalty)." Léone's horn began to glow hellish red. Pierre took a few steps back, fearful of what Léone was about to do. Before he could react, Léone shot out a beam of magic from her horn, striking Pierre. He groans as the spell slowly began To swirl around him like an aura. His armor darkened to a pitch black color, his hair turned into a pale white, and his eyes began to glow a crimson red. The aura seeps into him, his skin turning from a pale tan, to the color of ash. Pierre finally looks down at his own hands, his transformation complete.

"Ma Matriarche... Je... Je me sens... (My Matriarch... I... I feel...)." Pierre then looks to one of Léone's bodyguards, who was shaking in fear. Pierre grabbed the knight's throat with inhuman speed. The knight grabbed Pierre's wrists as he choked, trying to free himself. Pierre grined malevolently, as he hoisted the knight in the air by his throat with one hand, as if he were weightless. The knight tries to fight back, but with inhuman strength, Pierre crushes the knight's throat and neck, with a powerful squeeze. The sickening crack made Léone smirk under her helmet. 
"Je me sens... Puissant! (I feel powerful!)"

"Excellent! Tu repousseras les envahisseurs après que je les ai décimés avec ma magie, mon Chevalier Noir! (Excellent! You will repel the invaders after I decimate them with my magic, my Black Knight!)" Léone chuckled like the devil as Pierre places his helmet on his head.

"Comme tu veux, ma Matriarche. (As you wish, my Matriarch.)" Pierre said with a low Growl in his voice.





It was early the next morning, so early the sun had yet to peek over the horizon. The three armies stood at the treeline of the forest, ready to attack. Shining stood next to the three monarchs, King Johannes Drachenkopf, and King Gabriele Santamano. Next to king Santamano was his daughter Princess Aurora, all clad in battle armor. Shining was accompanied by Feather Quill, and Twilight's friends. They were wearing armor, but no weapon as it was mainly for protection.

"Any words before battle Prince Shining Armor?" Asked Johannes, turning towards the brave pony knight. Shining lets out a loud sigh before speaking.

"To many, this is a war against aggressors, for many, it's a war to weaken an enemy. For my soldiers, it's to rescue our Princess... For me, it's to rescue a loved one. We all set aside out differences to be here today, to accomplish one goal! Despite the different reasons we are here, we share the same goal! To stop Gallia, and they're brutality! We may be separate, but today we fight as one!" Shining yelled, loudly. Johannes and Aurora quickly translate Shining's words, pumping up all the knights and rallying them up. many shouting to the sky and raising their weapons.

"Prince Shining Armor, before we begin, I have a gift for you." Said Aurora, stepping towards Shining. He looks to her, as she seems to wave someone over.
"Lorenzo, Vieni qui adesso. (Come here now)." Shining sees the knight him and Gerhard fought a few days ago approach them. He steps up to Shining and then quickly unsheathe a sword, the Sword Shining gave him to save Gerhard's life.

"Principe Shining Armor, Non è saggio che un guerriero ci guidi in battaglia, senza essere adeguatamente equipaggiato. (Prince Shining Armor, It is not wise for a warrior to lead us into battle, without being properly equipped)." Lorenzo lays the Sword of the Crystal Empire in his hands and offers it back to Shining Armor. Shining uses his magic to take the sword and the sheath back. He examines the sword before giving it an approving nod.

"Thank you Lorenzo." Shining thanked him as lorenzo got back in formation. Shining ties the sheath to his side and holds the sword high, and shouting in the royal Crystal Empire Voice.
"Everyone! We unite as one to face a dreaded enemy! We shall now charge and bring them to their knees!!!"

ATTACK!

ATTACKE!

ATTACCO!

As the three leaders shout their orders for attack, all soldiers in unison let out loud battle cries. All of which could be heard at the castle. A rather large force then charges out of the tree line and begins to run for the city walls. They split in three directions as the smaller group of the three run directly into the city doors. The doors flew open at the force of the impact, Surprisingly, the large city doors were not barred shut. On the other side of the door was a small army of Gallian knights. They let out a battle cry and charged the attacking force of Italia and Germania knights.

Shining waits on the other side of the wall, waiting for the squad to make their retreat. He was standing next to Johannes, who wielded a doubled-sided battle ax. After a good few minutes of fighting, the attacking force announced their retreat and began to run back outside the gates.

"Ils reculent! Poursuivez-les et achevez-les! (They are retreating! Pursue them and finish them off!)" A Gallian knight is heard yelling. A large force of knights charged out. Once a large portion of them ran out, they decided to strike.

"NOW! ATTACK NOW!" Yelled Shining as two giant forces crash together the bottle-necked Gallian forces. Johannes lifts his massive ax in the air, and brings it down hard onto one of the poor unsuspecting knights. Shining stayed with the unarmed members of his group, keeping them protected. He never landed any fatal blows, but he did his best to defend himself with his sword. After a short skirmish, Most of Gallia's attack force was wiped out, giving them a straight shot into the city.

"Die Gelegenheit ist unsere! Springen Sie in Aktion und bringen Sie diese Stadt in die Knie! (The opportunity is ours! Jump into action and bring this city to its knees!)" Johannes yelled out as he and the whole invading force ran inside. Majority of the knights split off, but the human monarchs stay with the ponies as they rush towards the castle. Fighting off any opposing knights who dare get in their way. They run towards the castle, expecting a huge fight, but when they get to the castle doors, they are surprised to see the guarding knights were already in a skirmish... with themselves? It appeared some of the Gallian Knights have turned on each other, slaying many of the castle guards.  They approach the still standing Gallian knights, who just looked at their invaders, many wearing a strange symbol on their armor.


"Arrêtez, n'attaquez pas!" One of the knights yelled. Holding up his hand to signify them to stop.

"It's a trick! Never trust the Gallians!" Said Johannes, holding up his sword.

"Easy Johannes, We have a translator! Feather Quill! Check this guy out, what is he saying? Why did he attack his own men?" Shining Instructed. Feather Quill stepped out from behind the group and approached the still standing knights.

"Salutations les plus glorieuses. Qui êtes-vous et pourquoi avez-vous attaqué vos propres soldats? (Most glorious greetings. Who are you and why did you attack your own soldiers?)" Feather Quill spoke elegantly.

"Ce ne sont pas nos soldats ! Nous sommes la Résistance! (These are not our soldiers! We are the Resistance!)" The Soldier yelled with a balled fist.

"Résistance!?" Feather Quill said in shock. "They are a resistance!"

"Resistance!? Against Gallia!?" Shining asked in surprise.

"Léone n'est pas notre vraie reine! C'est un tyran qui nous a entraînés dans une guerre sanglante sans raison. Notre résistance a surgi pour résister au tyran Léone! (Léone is not our real queen! She is a tyrant who dragged us into a bloody war for no reason. Our resistance has arisen to resist the tyrant Léone!) The Knight yelled, flailing his sword in the air.

"No, They want the Queen of Gallia dead, they don't want this war against Germania!" Feather Quill said to the group.

"Get any at all information from him, I need to know I can trust him." Shining demanded, pointing his sword at the Gallian. Feather quill looked back at him before speaking.

"Quel est ton nom? (What is your name?" Feather asked him cautiously.

"Je m'appelle Blanche Trompeur!" He responded as he removed his helmet, to reveal that it was actually a female. The group was taken back, by her appearance and name.

"Trompeur!? That's Léone's last name!" Yelled Aurora stepping forward. "Why did she call herself Trompeur!?" Feather Quill relayed the question to Blanche.

"C'est ma sœur, j'étais censée être la prochaine sur le trône, mais elle a froidement assassiné notre père pour me voler le trône, puis m'a expulsé de ma patrie. (She's my sister, I was supposed to be next on the throne, but she coldly murdered our father to steal the throne from me, then kicked me out of my homeland.)" Blanche explained. Feather Quill's jaw practically fell to the floor.

"Léone is her sister!" Feather Quill shouted, shocking the entire group.

"She is a sibling to that witch!? Ask her how we can possibly trust her now!?" Johannes Demanded balling his fists.

"Je sais qui tu cherches, ce poney violet. Je peux vous aider à la libérer et à tuer ma sœur meurtrière. (I know who you're looking for, that purple pony. I can help you free her and kill my murderous sister.)" Blanche then sheathed her sword, and offered her hand to the group.

"She said she knows about Princess Twilight and will help us free her, and stop Léone." Feather Quill repeated. Most of the group was unsure, it was far too convient. But to their surprise, Shining stepped forward and took ahold of her hand with his hoof.

"If she is willing to help Twily, I trust her." Said Shining, giving an affirming nod to blanche who gives him one back. She places her helmet back on and looks at the group. Many were still somewhat skeptical of this new ally.

"Viens, je connais un passage secret. (Come, I know a secret passage.)" Her armor hid all her feminine features, including her helmet muffling her voice to sound more masculine. She then turned and ran towards the castle, as everyone quickly followed. She ran up to part of the mountain and began to run her fingers across it. The group was a bit confused until she found a small crack, she placed a hand on a rock jutting out from the side, she pushed it in and a large hidden door began to open, surprising everyone.
"Venir! Nous devons nous dépêcher! (Come! We must hurry!)"

"Whoa shit... Impressive." Said Shining, giving the passage a once over. He gets an uneasy feeling, so he looks over to one of his subordinates.
"Corporal Swift Strike, you and three others remain here at the entrance so no one follows us."

"Figlia, resto con le nostre truppe. Entrerai e assicurerai la nostra vittoria.(Daughter, I stay with our troops. You will enter and secure our victory.)" Gabriele Santamano turned to Aurora and placed his hands on her shoulders. Aurora nods and hugs him tight, as he hugs her back.

"Yes sir." Swift Strike saluted as the rest of the group entered the passage. The path leads far into the mountain, the air getting cold. But eventually, it started to get warm again. After around 5 minutes of walking, they approach an archway, and step out of the pathway. They stepped into a large stone brick hallway, there were two directions to go. The group looks at the two possible directions to go and they look to Blanche.

"Où vont ces deux chemins (Where do these two paths go?)" Asked Feather Quill, quickly shifting his head towards both directions.

"Ici en bas mène au donjon." Blanche points towards the left. "Ce chemin mènera à la salle du trône." She then points to the right.

"That way is the dungeon, and that way leads to the throne." Feather Quill relayed the directions.

"I'm ending this now, Léone is mine!" Said Johannes as he turned to the right.

"I'm going to the dungeon, I'm looking for Twily!" Shining said, turning to the left.
"Crimson, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Spike with me! The rest of you go with Johannes, She'll be guarded pretty heavily." The group agreed and quickly split off.

Johannes along with Aurora, Blanche, Gerhard, and Lorenzo with the rest of the soldiers rushed to the right and began heading upwards. They see a door and barge through it. Many guards stood ready at the throne room and quickly engaged the invaders. Johannes spearheaded the attack with a massive side swing with his ax, knocking many of the guards back and giving them room. An all out battle ensues in the throne room, each side taking casualties. Gerhard, Despite being Injured, is able to use his shield efficiently and go in with deadly strikes with his sword. Lorenzo dual wields his swords, overwhelming his opponents with a barrage of offensive attacks. Blanche wielded a longsword and a dagger, as she blocked and parried with her sword, she dealt killing blows with her dagger. Aurora stood back to back with Johannes, defending each other from incoming attacks. For the pony guardsmen, they stood in formation with their spears. At first they were dealing non lethal blows. But after a large group of guards rammed into them, they broke their formation. A guard was knocked down before a human guard quickly stabbed him in his soft underbelly, twisting his sword to ensure the kill. The pony guards see the death of their fellow guardsman. They all let out a battle cry before charging the Human guards, their spears now aiming for killing blows. After a hard fought fight, only a handful of survivors stood. Johannes, Aurora, Gerhard, Lorenzo, Blanche, and around 5 remaining pony guards. They look around, they quickly mourn their fallen before turning towards the throne, but that's when they notice something shocking, something they didn't notice before because they were fighting. The throne was empty, Léone wasn't there.




Shining and the others race downstairs, Shining and Crimson with their weapons out. They race into the dungeon, and begin to look frantically around for Twilight. They would pass by multiple torture equipment, praying to Celestia none of it was used on Twilight. After looking for 10 minutes, Shining comes across a wooden door. He tried to open it, but it was locked up pretty good. He shoves his sword near the lock and begins to use it as a crowbar. Using his own strength and magic to pry the door open. He finally does and looks inside, in the dark corner, he sees something move. It was curled into a ball, and... purple.

"Twily?..." He asked, stepping into the dark room. the ball seemed to unravel, slowly rolling over. Shining armor holds his breath as he soon meets the wide pained purple eyes.

"...sh-shiny...?" A soft shaky voice responds. Shining Armor feels his heart ache upon hearing the weakness in the voice. He steps closer, as his eyes get used to the darkness, on the ground, looking up at him was Twilight. He falls to all four of his knees and hugs her close. Twilight scrambles to get closer to him, fully embracing him and burying her face in his shoulder. Shining Armor wraps his hooves around her, not noticing her missing horn yet, he could feel how dirty her coat was... and how thin she was. She was cold, damp, dirty, and light. She had been neglected for awhile.

"Twily...Are you...?" Shining began to ask, but he was interrupted as Twilight began to sob into his shoulder, her sobbing turned into crying, and her crying then turned into wailing. Twilight was crying hard in her brother's arms, a cry that carried a lot of pain and suffering with it. Shining feels himself tear up as he holds his poor baby sister. He rubs her back to comfort her, as his own tears drop from his chin. He was silently promising to her that he would never let her go.

"Sh-Sh-Shi... Shi-Shiny!... P-pl-please get... me... o-out of here!... I wanna go home!" She continued to cry, completely soaking Shining's shoulder. He could hear crying behind him, he looks back and sees all of Twilight's friends had entered the room, seeing the scene themselves too made their hearts heavy. He motions them to join him, one by one they approach. All of them embracing Twilight in a soft hug, trying to comfort the broken spirit.

"S-Sir! Come here!" Sargent Crimson's voice rang out. Shining looking back at the entrance, he could see Sargent Crimson looking off with widened eyes. He reluctantly pulls away from Twilight, after begging him to not let her go. He assures her he wasn't going far. He exits the door and looks to the sargent, who is still looking off in fear.

"Sargent, what is wrong?" Shining asked, as Twilight's friends helped her to her feet, and aided her in walking out of the room. Crimson only pointed where he was looking, and Shining shifted his eyes and held his breath at what he saw. A lone human, wielding a massive sword. The helmet, that of a skull. 


Twilight sees it, and immediately she lets out a horrible scream, a scream of fear. She tried to pull away from her friends so she could get away, but they held her and tried to calm her down. Shining could swear he heard the human chuckle at seeing the fear she had wrought. Shining, noticing how his sister was reacting, glared at the human. He pointed his sword at them, and his voice rang out.
"You! What have you done to my sister!?" He demanded. The human only stepped forward, allowing Shining to get a better look at them. He soon notices the horn sticking out from her head, it was purple in color. Shining narrows his eyes at it, before turning back to Twilight. He could now notice her horn was gone.
"You... You fucking monster! How dare you!" He turned back towards knight, gritting his teeth. The human then let out a soft, evil laughter.

"I did what I had too." You could practically see the evil smile under her helmet. "It's so good to finally meet you, Prince Shining Armor."

"And who the fuck are you!" He demanded, thrusting his sword in her direction.

"I am Léone Trompeur! Queen of all of Gallia, and soon Empress of all of Patriam, and the world!" She boasted loudly. Many of the ponies took a few steps back, intimidated by her. They hear massive footsteps behind them, they look and see a human, with glowing red eyes, and black armor approaching from behind. They all gasp, but Sargent Crimson quickly turns, and holds up his spear to the new adversary.
"You must know by now that I have no plans in letting you leave here alive, Prince Shining Armor." Léone picked up her sword, and she got into a battle stance.

"I expected as such." Shining growled at her. After a brief moment of silence, both Shining and Léone lunge at each other, their swords clash, sparking wildly. The human in black armor unsheathes a sword and attacks Crimson, to which he defended himself. Twilight and her friends could only watch as the two fights went on. Léone would swing her sword over her head, clashing it with Shining's sword once again. Shining had to back away as Léone's sword was massive. Shining uses his sword to get in a quick stab, but a red magical shield blocks it, Shining notices Léone using magic, to block the attack. His eyes widened upon seeing her magic. She rams her shoulder into him, and swings again. Shining redirected the strike and once again went for a strike, But Léone uses her magic to shove him back. He grits his teeth and swings his sword, and he and Léone lock swords. Shining hears a loud crack, he turns behind him and sees the human in black, snapping Sargent Crimson's spear with a hard swing of his sword. Crimson looks on in awe, as the human swung his sword again, slicing right through Crimson's neck.
"Sargent!" Shining yelled, as Crimson just stood there, not moving. After some time, the head of Sargent Crimson fell to the floor, his body collapsing soon after.
"NO!!!" Shining focuses the magic in his horn to fire a large magical blast, hitting the human in black right in the chest and knocking him backwards. Léone took that opportunity to shove Shining backwards, but he retains his hoofing , but as he turns back, Léone slashes her sword. A loud clang is heard, along with a pained scream by Shining. Twilight looks to her brother, seeing his helmet flying off his head. Shining falls to the ground, and places his hoof over the left side of his face.

"Shining Armor!!!" Twilight yelled out in horror, seeing blood pouring out of Shining's face. He held his hoof to his face as he looked up at Léone, she was ready to stab him and end him, but she hesitated. Like she heard something. She quickly turns around just in time to block a massive attack, delivered by Johannes.

"King Drachenkopf!" Twilight's friends yell, as Johannes forces Léone backwards. She raises her sword to him, but she could see a whole attack force behind him. Seeing as she was outnumbered, she decided it was her time to end this battle.

"King Drachenkopf, You may have me out numbered, but not for long. It's time to decimate the invading forces outside, and claim my birthright." Léone said as her horn began to glow and she then swiftly teleported.

"Coward! Face me!" Yelled Johannes, before seeing Shining on the ground. Twilight and her Friends approach him, He slowly begins to stand, still holding onto his face.
"Prince Armor! What happened?"

"Fucking Bitch... got me good! Check on Crimson! Is he ok!?" He asked, hoping in vain he really didn't watch him die. Crimson's body laid in his own blood, and the black knight was no where to be found.

"Prince Armor, he is dead. We must get you and your company out of here!" Johannes yelled, as the remaining Royal guard went to assist Shining Armor. They began to exit the dungeon, running back into the path where Swift Strike stood guard.  She had the look of horror on her face as the group came back out.

"Finally! We must leave! The invasion was a failure! We are retreating!" Swift Strike cried, Johannes gave her a surprised look.

"But we had the advantage! Why should... we... retreat?" As Johannes Spoke, they all could see the carnage. Their soldiers littered the ground of Blackstone, pools of blood everywhere.
"What... the..."

"It was this crazy human with Magic! She levitated her sword and began to cut us down with ease!" Swift Strike Cried, panic filled her voice.

"Léone!? But she couldn't have been out here longer than 5 minutes!?" Aurora yelled, as it had taken them that long to get out of the dungeon. In the distance, they could hear the pained screams of their men. They all quickly run towards its source, ending up near the front gates. There stood 5 knights, standing defensively, against Léone. She raises her sword with her magic, and in one hard strike, was able to cut them all in half with a single strike. The group watches on both in amazement and horror. Her skills in magic were horrifyingly impressive. From the side, a single human stood. He charged Léone, but She grabbed him with her magic and levitated him. It was the King of Italia, Gabriele Santamano.

"Padre!!!" Aurora yelled, causing the king to look at her. He reaches for her, begging for help, but it is too late. Léone uses her magic to plunge her sword all the way through his chest. Aurora screams in terror as her father's body goes limp and falls to the ground.

"I have done it, I have killed all three monarchs! I killed my father, King of Gallia. Johan Drachenkopf, King of Germania. Finally Gabriele Santamano, King of Italia!" Léone cried to the heavens before turning to look at the group. "And as your capitals were left undefended, they burn! Burning to the ground! PATRIAM IS MINE!!!" The group takes a few steps back, as Léone holds her hand out, using her magic to bring her sword back into her hand. A loud stomp is heard behind them, The black knight was back, covered in blood and covering their flanks. Both the knight and Léone began to step closer, with the intention of destroying the rest of them. Shining, seeing now way out, began to funnel all his magic into his horn, it began to grow bright, catching Léone off guard. In one powerful flash, the whole group disappears. Leaving the black knight and Léone alone.

"Ma Matriarche, ils se sont téléportés! Nous devons les trouver! (My Matriarch, they teleported! We have to find them!)" The knight growled as he clenched his fist.

"...Non, Pierre." Léone said, lowering her sword. The knight gave her a weird look before she spoke again. "Je vais leur permettre de partir, ils n'auront nulle part où aller sauf Equestria. Ils seront mes messagers pour le reste des royaumes. Que je viens les conquérir tous. (I will allow them to leave, they will have nowhere to go but Equestria. They will be my messengers to the rest of the kingdoms. That I come to conquer them all.)" Léone would chuckle to herself, eager to start her conquest.





The whole group teleported back to the camp, there was a handful of knights there who had retreated. many of the humans collapse, not use to teleportation. Shining collapsed due to exhaustion. As he was no longer holding his face, his wound was obvious. A large slash over the left side of his face, destroying his left eye. After the humans get over their dizziness, they stand up and begin to assess their situation. Johannes comforted a distraught Aurora, who just watched her father die. Feather Quill and Swift Strike would help up Shining Armor, and began to address his wound, cleaning it and wrapping it with bandages. Shining quickly looks over at Twilight with his good eye, she was finally free. Once his bandage was on he approached her, pulling her into a hug, one she accepted greedily. As if she was trying shield herself from the world with his body.

"Twily... Are... are you ok"" He asked her gently, rubbing her back. She was shivering, not used to the outside cold.

"I... I am now..." She nuzzles her face into his chest before looking up at him, his bandaged face causing her to tear up again.
"Shiny... your eye..." She whimpered.

"Don't worry about me... What happened to you? Where is your horn?" 

"That monster... that horrible horrible monster cut it off... and took it... she found a way to... to..." She began to cry again, causing Shining to pull her head into his chest again to comfort her.

"It's ok Twilight... you can explain once we get home." Shining whispered into Twilight's ear, causing her to relax. As the sun began to rise higher, the sky filled with smoke. Many of them look up to see two large plumes of smoke rising, on each side of the country. Johannes knew exactly where they were coming from.

"Oh my god... Safehaven... Sanctuary... Léone wasn't bluffing. Our cities are on fire!' Johannes exclaimed as the smoke rose higher and higher in the air from the direction of the two cities. 
"She played us... She wanted us to attack... it left us wide open...

"Johannes... what do we do?" Aurora asked through her tears, Johannes hugs her tight.

"I...I don't know..." The sound of defeat in his voice. "I... I have failed my people..."

"Come with us..." Shining's voice spoke up. Both the humans looked at him, he was still holding Twilight close. He had a serious look on his face. 
"Come to Equestria with us. We'll shelter you, and we will work together and bring down Léone." Johannes looked at Shining Armor, This was the first time Johannes stoic expression broke. His face was full of sorrow and sadness.

"Thank you Prince... Thank you." Was all he responded with.

"Spike, Send a letter to Princess Celestia. Tell her to meet us at the boarder with as many soldiers as she can bring. We'll pick up anyone else fleeing along the way." Shining Said. He looked at who was left standing. A feeling of dread fills him, it would only be a matter of time before he and Léone would meet in battle again.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


By the end of the day





Celestia along with Luna and Cadence stood a few feet away from the border between Equestria and Patriam. A thick tree line full of foliage blocked them from seeing too deep into the mysterious land. Surrounding the Princesses were both Equestrian and Crystal Empire soldiers. They had been told to wait there as instructed by Twilight's letter. After a while, they hear a bunch of rustling, coming through the foliage. The soldiers quickly aim their spears forward and stand in formation, waiting for whatever was moving to come out. Finally, to their surprise, a human knight steps through. He looks at the pony soldiers and immediately begins to hold up his hands. 

"Nicht angreifen! Bitte nicht angreifen!" The human said in his strange tongue. The pony soldiers look at each other in confusion. Celestia held up her hoof, to signify her soldiers to stand down. She then takes a few steps forward, and shocked almost everyone there by speaking.

"Hallo, ich heiße Princess Celestia, Frauscherin von Equestria. Wie heißen Sie?" Princess Celestia said fluently. The soldiers were a bit shocked to see Celestia use the human language so fluently. The human in turn slowly began to lower his arms, finding some comfort in knowing someone spoke his language.

"...Ich... Ich heiße Gerhard... Aus Germania" He said. Celestia stepped forward a bit close to examine the human. He felt his intimidation rising again. Celestia was the first pony he had seen that met him at eye level.

"Gerhard, Warum bist Sie hier? (Why are  you here?)" She asked him, her voice soft and gentle.

"Mein... mein König und meine Landsleute fliehen! Wir... Wir brauchen Ihre Hilfe. Bitte. (My... my king and my countrymen are fleeing! We... We need your help. Please)" Gerhard, was practically begging. As they talked, two more knights stepped through both wearing drastically different armor from each other.

"Tedesco! Hai trovato aiuto!? (German! Did you find help!?)" One of them barked at Gerhard.

"Whoa... Putain de merde. C'est un énorme poney... (Whoa... Holy shit. That's a huge pony...)" Said the third. Celestia looks at the two other humans, a bit taken back at how they all spoke a different language. Though it wasn't a difficult task for her.

"Facile umano. Sono qui per aiutarti. (Easy human. I'm here to help.)" Celestia said to the second human before turning to the third. "Comment observateur de votre part. (How observant of you.)" She chuckled. She greeted herself in both of their languages as she did for Gerhard, asking for their names as well.

"Lorenzo D'Italia!" Responded the second human. 

"Blanche De Gallia." Said the third. Celestia looked all of them over.

"Gerhard, Lorenzo, and Blanche. You are all three from the different kingdoms. How interesting you are all together." Celestia said to herself. "Why are you all here?" She asked the other two in their respective languages. They pretty much repeated what Gerhard had said, proving none of them were lying, since it appears they have no way of communicating with each other because of their language barrier.

"Very well. I will assist you three. Pray tell, were there any other ponies accompanying you?" Celestia asked in all three languages.

"Intendi il Principe Shining Armor? (You mean Prince Shining Armor?)" Lorenzo would ask. Cadence's head shot up, hearing her husband's name.

"Shining Armor? He knows my husband?" She asked her aunt. Celestia gives her a nod before looking back at Lorenzo.

"Hai con te il Principe dell'Impero di Cristallo? Dov'è lui adesso? (Do you have the Prince of the Crystal Empire with you? Where is he now?)" Celestia asked him, urgency was in her voice.

"È laggiù con la mia regina. È un guerriero coraggioso. (He's over there with my queen. He is a brave warrior.)" Lorenzo responded, crossing his arms.

"Altri pony che lo accompagnano? (Other ponies accompanying him?)"

"SÌ. parecchi. (Yes, Several)"

Celestia breathes a long sigh of relief. She instructs one of them to bring their group forward. Blanche volunteers and heads back through the foliage. The rest of them wait for the group to finally get through, and pass into Equestria. Slowly, one by one, humans began to flood out of the foliage. One of the figures who pass, was Johannes. He notices Celestia pretty quickly, and approaches her, bowing his head.

"You must be the ruler of this peaceful land. I am King Johannes Drachenkopf, ruler of Germania." He said, bowing his head out of respect. Celestia raised her eyes at him, returning with a head bow of her own.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, It has been a very very long time since a Drachenkopf has entered Equestria." Celestia Said, To which Johannes gave her a quick nod. Aurora would step through next, to which Johannes quickly went to her, she was still very much distraught. Finally the ponies started to walk through. Celestia was surprised to see the number of Guards return, only one third of the guards she sent with shining were left. Finally Applejack, followed by Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and finally Spike, all looked depressed and upset. Celestia watches as after a while, Shining Armor walks through, carrying a weak Twilight on his back. Cadence quickly approaches them, before gasping, seeing Shining's head wrapped in bandages. Celestia steps forward and helps Twilight off of Shining's back. Celestia is horrified at the condition Twilight was in. So thin her ribcaged showed, her fur dirty and matted, her bloodshot eyes, and worse of all, her missing horn. Celestia feels her eyes fill with tears seeing the poor princess in such a condition. She saw Twilight as a daughter, and seeing her in such poor condition... broke her heart.

"Twilight... What did they do to you?"