Sweetie Belle never felt anything so intense before... She had been so worried that she wouldn't have been prepared for what was coming. At long last, the drake and young mare are now expressing their passion for each other, beyond the kisses and hugs and cuddles... This was true intimate passion, and Sweetie Belle wouldn't have shared such a moment with no pony else.

"You know something Spike..."

"What is it?" The drake asked.

The young mare pressed a kiss on his cheek. "I once walked in on Rarity... With a colt... I was lucky to not have been caught but..." She stopped herself so she wouldn't upset Spike, reminding him of how he was put to second best by having to choose Sweetie Belle. It made her doubt herself, that she will never be as good as Rarity... As much as she understood that her sister as stolen the spotlight for the sake of her, Spike was the best thing she could ever want in her life. She was Spike's marefriend, but was she worth his true love...?

He noticed the grimace and assured her he was fine. "I know that look..."

"What look...?" She asked.

The dragon smiled as he returned the favour with a kiss on the lips. "We never liked each other that much when we were younger, did we?" He chuckled and continued on: "I know I had a crush on Rarity and I put everything on to that crush... Even so... That doesn't mean it would've happened..." There was a pause, a moment of silence. The two continued to stare at each other, making eye contact for a good minute or so... Felt like five...

"But do you still-" She was about to ask the important question, but she wasn't allowed to finish as she found her mouth ravished by a kiss that the drake stole... A kiss he didn't break for a good few seconds... The kiss was more passionate than any of the kisses she had before; it was full of need, full of meaning... After the kiss broke, Sweetie Belle felt herself trying to salvage the taste of his thin but tasteful tongue...

He predicted her question once again... She could see the question in his eyes: 'Does that answer your question?'

There was a question in her eyes... 'Am I yours forever...?'

"No..." Spike said but added: "I'm yours forever... I'm giving you a part of my heart and soul... I trust you more than anyone right now to bear it."

It was a responsibility that was so heavy, yet for him... She will endure the weight. "On one condition... I will give you a part of my heart and soul too..."

The drake considered it for a moment... He was scared that he may fail to bear the burden of his new responsibility... But if Sweetie Belle was willing to uphold what he is willing to give up, then he will do the same. It's only fair.

No experience, yet instinct was more important at this moment. He needed to relax her, inch her to the pleasures of love making, at the same time he also needed to take it slow for the same reasons. The drake's tongue searched for the sweet spots, sliding against them to lap up the flavour from it... The first sweet spot was the plump flesh; his tongue was thin, precise and strong to wrap around the hardened nub. At the same time, he had his paw squeezing the desirable flesh softly...

The mare took deep, gasping breaths at the feelings... Part of her wanted to compliment on how her lover can wrap his tongue around her nipples and pinch them, but the other part of her was occupied with the overwhelming feeling of soreness... That she grew fond of as it continued. "Nnggh... Spikey... Wi... Wikey..." It was hard to form words when she was still trying to adapt to the new pleasures.

"I want you..." He said with a hint of desperation.

"Then take me..." She said almost breathlessly.

It started off simple, slow and gentle. Neither were experienced, but after some adjusting to the feel, the pleasure of accomplishment and body pleasure as well, the initial pain had turned into pleasure for Sweetie Belle. As for Spike, the tightness of her walls was something he'd never felt before, but it felt great! Every gentle thrust, every withdrawal tingled his senses. It drove him forwards, hungry for more!

But the true motivation was from his dear mare's muffled cries of pleasure. He just couldn't help himself at this point. He held on tightly to Sweetie Belle as he continued to thrust, his pace fastening instinctively. "Oh Celestia..." He muffled under his breath. As the drake continued to work himself, grinding his thick member against the walls of her sex, Spike felt Sweetie Belle wrap her legs around him and anchor him deep into her.

"Sweetie..." He breathed as the pleasure building up within him became intense, overwhelming his body and at the same time his will and thoughts. All he could think about was his lovely mare, the one who he truly loved... Rarity was just a phase, a crush that he put a lot of time in to, but the reason why Sweetie Belle was his true love? Because it didn't take long to really fall for her... It was love at first sight for the both of them.

The mare tightened her hug and wrapped legs on Spike, unable to control the overwhelming senses within her... It was amazing! It was unlike anything she had ever experienced before! "Spike..." She breathed.

"Sweetie Belle..."

"Spike!" She cried again, hugging her tightest. His thick member, so deep within her... She never thought it could fit. He was well sized, just about comparable to a typical stallion. To think that it could fit and reach so deep, yet feel so right... "Oh Spike!" She said once again, trying to catch her breath. But as much as she tried to take as much air in, she couldn't help but cry out in pleasure, making her breathless!

The pleasure, the overwhelming pleasure was changing her... She was becoming addicted to it; it was a drug!

In the heat of the moment, Sweetie had turned the tables and was now on top. The young mare was having far too much fun, she just wanted more. "Oh Spike..." Despite the lack of experience, she let instinct guide her...

"Sweetie Belle..."

Slowly she set herself down on his member once again. He quiet breath escaped her lips, and she couldn't hide the smile of satisfaction. Her palm pressed above her rump, supporting her as she arched her back."Ahn! Yes..." She was in charge now, and somehow it still felt right. Spike didn't complain, instead he just held on to her hips to support her. Sweetie wiped the sweat trickling down her cheek and forehead, and smiled at her dragon. The young mare leaned forwards and kissed her drake with strong passion.

The drake was enjoying it as much as she was, and he also wiped the sweat off his face. He was speechless, though not quiet as the mare slammed her rump down on him. For a young pony, she probably made a lot of other mares jealous with her curvy figure, well sized breasts and great rump... At first it was a joke; before he used to compliment her with: 'Nice ass' or anything along those lines... But now he meant it. "You have a nice plot..."

"Is that all?" She slowed her movement, calming her nerves which were almost taxed from all the pleasure.

The dragon smiled. There were some many features he could comment on, but he didn't know where to begin. After a moment, he started with: "You have a great body... I bet a lot of mares would kill just to have a body like that."

"Your body is great too... Well toned, good muscles and... Ngh... 'Big'..."

"You're tight..."

With those words alone, Sweetie Belle smiled and continued at fast pace. Both were starting to lose breath again, as their bodies raced ahead of their threshold. The intense feeling started to grow stronger, beyond the pleasure she had felt from his powerful thrusts... "Ngh! Spike!" She cried out aloud.

The drake followed her rhythm, thrusting upwards as he felt his body race ahead at its fastest! The dragon could not hold himself, and tightly held on to the mare's hips as he continued to thrust upward his fastest and hardest! "Sweetie Belle!" He cried out!

"Spike!" She responded.

Both stiffened and cried out their loudest, as they both reached mutual climax! He filled her with his hot musky seed as her flower gushed... Their rapture, the true pleasure behind it... But it wasn't the pleasure that was the best part about this session... It was the intimate passion shared between the two. They were breathless, tired and taxed, but it was all worth it...

"I love you." The dragon said with a genuine smile.

The mare smiled. "You're my dragon forever..."

Adrian was sharpening the arrows for his bow. They were custom made balanced bolts, with a thin tip but still sharp. He formally used to use a traditional bow, but due to the fact that his clan have started to abandon 'primitive' weapons in favour of firearms and modern weaponry. He does use a pistol, but doesn't like to use any other firearm beyond that. His bow has served him well so far.

The bow he uses now is a modern form, known as the Predator bow. It has superior launching capabilities than a typical bow, allowing for faster arrows and superior stopping power against targets. To add more effectiveness to the fearsome weapon, he prefers to use carbon-impact arrows, which emit a sonic pulse.

Adrian prefers not to use modern technology to fight his enemies, but he considers his trusty bow and technological arrows as an exception.

Sundance embraced the introduction of firearms as the standard weapon of the Elite Guard, and Royal Guard for the matter. With threats towards Equestria becoming more powerful and difficult to overcome with magic and swords and arrows alone, the evolution of combat was now.

"So what's going on today?" Adrian asked.

Shining Armour shrugged. "I don't know. Princess Celestia told me that she'd like to see us and Spike." He found the request odd. Normally if she wanted to see Spike, he'd be called alone, but he had a feeling that something was wrong. Cadance was to stay behind and help Luna in organising the Royal Guard.

"Where is the dragon anyways?" Sundance asked as she bolted her Kalashnikov. "He should've been here by now."

Armour didn't exactly know the time, but when he last checked not too long ago, it was only ten past ten. But Spike knew his training schedule and he should've been at the camp by six; perhaps he slept in due to a late night. Another theory was that Spike was sleeping in because it was a night to remember for him and Sweetie Belle. It reminded him of how he and Cadance had their first and how he and her slept in for the next day.

Some people may find that Spike and Sweetie Belle as a couple wouldn't work, since Sweetie Belle was a pony and Spike was a dragon. But from experience, Armour knew that interspecies relationships work out well just like any other relationship. If Adrian and Sundance are able to be a happy couple of different species, then of course the dragon and his mare can share that same happiness themselves.

"He'll be here soon. I'll wait for him. You go on ahead." The Captain proposed. The other two nodded and didn't hesitate to leave the Captain behind.

Whilst he was alone, he continued to contemplate what would happen next for the new young couple. There were many different scenarios that he could picture, some seem absurd and others seemed more plausible. One scenario is that the couple will continue to be happy together, however, Spike had impregnated Sweetie Belle and both would eventually be fairly young parents. That scenario did seem plausible, but Shining Armour never heard of a dragon/mare crossbreed before, let alone a cross-bred mare. Perhaps it is possible...

Another scenario was that the couple would go down the same path as he and Cadance did, a happy couple but both addicted to sex. That wasn't a bad thing, at least when you put it into the context of he and his wife.

He doubted that the drake would leave his lover, he's far to enticed with her to just leave her for no reason. Of course, it's cliché to think that the two would be together forever like a fairy tale, but he believed that the two are capable for eternal love. Speaking of eternal love, he wondered if Celestia or Luna had ever fallen in love once.

Many ponies in Canterlot would consider it blasphemy to think about such a thing, but since he is part of the Royal family by technicality, he saw Celestia and Luna more or less as sister's in law rather than Princesses. Celestia and Luna are fairly casual when not in any Royal duties, but still he shows as much respect as he can as he is still only a Royal Guard.

Which was ironic, owing to the fact that he got his cutie mark for being an expert in board games such as Dungeons and Dragons and so forth, he never thought it really meant he was capable of enduring a real fight as a knight of some form. From high school nerd to one of the most revered soldiers of Equestrian history, Shining Armour had come a really long way.

After a while, the dragon and Captain had finally entered the throne room by Celestia's request, although a bit late due to Spike. However, neither were scorned by Celestia who sat on her throne, delighted to see that her student and friend had finally arrived. She stood and greeted the two as the approached. "It's good to see you both, Spike, Shining Armour."

Cadance and Luna were there too. All three of the Princesses wore fairly casual clothing, which was unusual since they would wear more formal garments. Celestia herself wore a denim jacket accompanied with a white polo shirt and denim jeans with short length boots. At the very least she wore her crown, but it still didn't seem natural for Celestia to be wearing something other than her royal outfits. Luna wore a black leather jacket, accompanied with a navy blue polo shirt and a black pair of trousers and black trousers. It matched her dark fur and mane. Cadance was no stranger to wearing casual clothing, and today she wore pink jogging pants and a pink hoodie to match.

"Don't mind what we're wearing today. I'll explain in detail." Celestia said. "I called you four here because I sense a great danger... The invasion is only a front to something far more greater..." She walked over to one of the blank windows to overlook the kingdom she and the other Princesses looked after... "I fear the worst..."

"What is it we need to do?" Spike asked, determined to serve his cause.

Luna stepped in for her older sister: "Have you ever heard of the secret of the 'Tree of Harmony'? The deep dark secret that it holds? That few ponies know?" None of the others responded. Princess Luna produced a black crystal, similar to a crystal that Sombra could spawn. Most fragments of the black rock was destroyed years ago, but Luna right now held one. "Sombra did not become evil for nothing..."

Shining Armour acknowledged the fact, but was also confused. "Does this mean Sombra had something to do with the Tree of Harmony?"

Celestia turned back to her subjects, and nodded in response to their question. She continued for Luna: "The Tree of Harmony was formed by very powerful creatures... In our youth, Luna and I were told stories of wonders, of powerful beings known as Angels and Demons... The many hundreds of years they fought each other for dominance... The different plains of existence they fought within... But we thought they were stories..."

"But we were wrong... Angels and Demons exist, and they can exist through us ponies, and other creatures too. Perhaps any one of us here could be an Angel, or a Demon..." Luna suggested.

"Angels and Demons...?" The stories of the two contrasting creatures have been passed down many generations of almost all families of Equestria. However, few believe the stories despite the acceptance of magic and all sorts of mysterious happenings that come over Equestria from time to time. Some considered such creatures to be far too strong to be real.

Celestia made it clear that she feared the worse... A being more powerful than she, her sister, the Sparkle family including Cadance, and Discord was very intimidating. But perhaps such creatures could help bring balance towards the whole of Equestria... Celestia was once very powerful, but as time passed, slowly, her powers weakened, and sooner or later she could not hope to defend even Canterlot alone... Her sister's younger age allowed her to keep her powers for longer, but it is inevitable that they will lose their powers.

There was nothing that Celestia feared more than losing the kingdom, or even the loss of hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of ponies... "The 'forbidden element' had been sealed off for years within the tree of harmony..."

"Why had it been sealed off?"

Celestia was quiet for a moment, but then she looked at Shining Armour in particular. "You love your sister, don't you...?" She didn't receive a verbal response, but rather a simple nod. She continued: "Your sister is the heart of the elements of harmony, spiritually linked to the tree of harmony... The forbidden element was sealed off, along with its properties. However, whoever finds it may be able to obtain its power. It refused to link with the Tree of harmony, and it is shrouded in darkness... Who knows what it is capable of." One of the more horrid scenarios would be Tirek discovering the power. Had Twilight and her friends not dispatched him with the power within the box, then Equestria would've been doomed.

Cadance stepped in: "It was sealed off because it was unpredictable. We suspect because this particular 'element' was formed by a demon..." Twilight's magic stem from light and good, but she had some experience with her darker side. The problem was that the 'forbidden element' provides untold powers that may change Twilight, or whoever attempts to gain its dangerous power. "We plan to retrieve it but continue to seal it off... But even then, there is no guarantee that we will continue to seal it off if Twilight is in danger. Even more so, we cannot allow anyone to take its power." Among others who sought out its power, the power the box had was not as destructive as Demonic or Angelic power.

The drake contemplated, and looked at Shining Armour who found the news a little worrying. Spike knew that his friend was very strong, but there was only so much she could handle even with support. If anyone were to get their hands on whatever Twilight was linked to, not only would they gain power, but she could lose her powers. "So what's the plan?" The drake asked. Adrian, Shining Armour and Sundance all agreed on the task at hand.

The three princesses smiled. "We'll leave at noon. The train to ponyville will be ready beforehand. Don't be late."

The soldiers all agreed to the plan. The Princesses all stood and lead the way to the exit. Adrian greeted the Royal Guards, but felt that there was something odd about the second guard. He did not respond like the other one, and his aura...

"Adrian, come on."

"Oh. Right!" He caught up with the others. But the changeling still couldn't shake the feeling that the guard he noticed was... Different. He had the perfect features of a Royal Guard: the strong muscles and proud look, but also the seriousness was slapped upon his face. For a colt, he was fairly attractive, and no doubt he could win many mare's hearts.

But that's when things started to feel even more out of place: his eyes, those emerald green eyes he stared into showed powerful devotion, but not to the Princess since he did not bow in her presence. If he remembers, he also caught a glimpse of what seems to be the edge of a tattoo on this left wrist. It reminded him of something, be he couldn't remember what...

The powerful stare, the seriousness on his face, the attractive features and perfect posture... Perfect... Too perfect...

Her army marched and continued to train under her influence... It was everything she dreamed of... There was nothing more desirable than the need for power. For years she harboured a grudge against the ponies... How they could freely love without the worry of hurting the one they fall for. She didn't believe a changeling could love a pony without the pony who loved the changeling easing their life force away. It was unheard of...

Even more so, why is her empire cast off into the depths of this wasteland!? Why did the ponies deserve everything good and her empire was given nothing!? The empire was once a peaceful settlement, but it grew too fast and the demand for food and important resources became too high. Unable to cope with the dwindling supplies, and even more so the lack of emotions to absorb, she staged multiple attacks to different areas of Equestria, but even when they were able to gather enough townspeople and use them as continuous cattle, the demand still outnumbered the supply available. The major attack on Canterlot was an attempt to remedy such demand, but the subsequent failure lead to the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of changeling warriors, and further years of suffering.

Eventually, she decided that 'those who serve the cause' deserve the necessary food and water and emotions... And now her people continue to suffer, yet all she could do is watch...

"Is something bothering you my dear...?"

A voice echoed across the throne room. The Queen turned and saw a figure standing tall. "Nothing at all dear..." She feared to love a pony, but she dared to love something else... A changeling who has the love of a creature of such a high rank, or even Celestia, would never fall to the effects of their feeding, even if the whole army were to feed on their emotions. Shining Armour's love for Princess Mia Mora Cadenza was strong, but his resilience only lasted for so long.

The figure took a few steps closer, and allowed the moonlight to shine upon his face. He had the figure of a colt, but the eyes told different by the blood red pupils and the unnerving stare, that even Chrysalis found intimidating if she stared at them for too long.

The Queen fell for him years ago, and knew he was no mortal pony. But the emotions he keeps sending, she couldn't properly understand whether they were love or something else... She didn't understand him very well.

"Your kingdom will be fine. Why should you be worried?"

"My kingdom is suffering... Azazel..."

"Then what are you going to do about it?" He asked sternly. His stare shot through Chrysalis, as if he was staring into her soul... Azazel had this uncanny ability to persuade Chrysalis to do things that she doubt would succeed. She had become far too desperate to find a remedy to her dying kingdom, that she is starting to doubt whether any attempt to attack Equestria would actually work. No matter how strong her army was, there still was the possibility that they would fail.

But Azazel would never allow her to say no... But he was always affectionate towards her, at least it seems so. She couldn't tell... But with the strong emotions that he continues to feed her with, it seems like love... Is this what love feels like?

Azazel repeated his question: "What are you going to do about it?" He closed the distance, holding her chin up gently and keeping her gaze on to his face.

"I'll... I'll save it... No matter the cost..." She vowed.

"Good." Azazel smiled as he left her alone. A servant passed him, but was intimidated by his presence alone. The servant hurried to his Queen, whilst Azazel exited the throne room.

The Queen did not notice the servant entering the room, but was rather entranced by the marching of her soldiers; the rhythm of their footsteps in sync and it can be heard from afar. It wasn't just the marching, it was how all these soldiers joined, and were willing to die for her... How many changelings have died for her? How many names were written down and carved on gravestones and coffins? How many more would she have to remember...?

Years ago she would never question her actions, regardless of the consequences, but the loss of the many changelings, and the guilt of how much she had done to feed her kingdom was starting to catch on. When the footsteps had become audible, her attention turned to the servant. "Speak." She demanded, though her tone was soft.

The servant kneeled in respect: "We have a lead on the forbidden element. We are retrieving it as we speak."

"Is that all?" The Queen asked.

The servant shook his head. With a sincere look, he raised his head and looked directly at her. "We've received word that... 'She'..."

He did not complete his sentence as hesitated, but Chrysalis knew more than any pony whom the servant spoke about. She gasped in surprise and her look returned to the view of her kingdom. "She's alive?" When she heard that her daughter had fled to the portal, Chrysalis genuinely feared her daughter would've been hurt or worse... A changeling could never be accepted by a pony, not after what has happened.

"And she was seen with a few ponies... In particular, she was with this one pony..."

This intrigued the Queen very much... No doubt that her daughter is angered with her and the changeling empire... She would have no choice but to confront her. The changeling rebels meddling use to just corrupt imperial supply lines or demoralise them, but now that Crystal had returned, the might of the rebels may increase ten-fold.

The most interesting part of the news was how Crystal and a particular colt was mentioned, how they were seen together. "Where were they last seen?"

"Fled to the sewers, my Queen. Should I order a search party?"

The Queen shook her head. "No... I'll gather the men myself."

Erich was loading bullets into spare magazines for his M1911. It was quite a popular weapon around the town, even though many of the models on sale were illegally imported or crafted from stolen blueprints. Almost every changeling he saw carried a gun, men and women, though the children and teenagers didn't for obvious reasons. It seemed as though the changeling rebels were always worried of an unexpected attack, and would carry even a pistol just in case. He noted that other ponies lived within the town, and were former prisoners/cattle to the empire. They were rescued luckily by the rebellion who nobly risked their lives to save theirs.

They were friendly towards the ponies, and in turn, the ponies returned the kindness. The ponies were surprised by how well organised the underground town was and what facilities they have: Applejack helped tend the orchards, which was interesting since they were placed underground. The apple orchards were maintained through artificial UV lights and the sewer water, however, the crafty engineers found ways to purify the water for the town.

Fluttershy was interested in the animal care facilities, also rescued from captivity. The animals were tended to, and cared for. Some were given to others as pets and companions to others. Fluttershy really loved animals. But Crystal didn't want to mention that some animals such as chickens or cows, once they grow slightly old, are killed off and sold as meat for food.

Rarity, despite the slightly harsh conditions of the town, was excited by what the town had to offer. A market place! There were different stalls, some selling food and drink, some selling weapons, others selling jewels, and more importantly, garments!Clothing was well stocked with elegant dresses of different styles. Some were admittedly stolen, and others were crafted from stolen materials. Even so, she tried many different garments on. For the most part, few wore actual dresses, most changelings and the few ponies who lived here wore casual clothes with some extra combat padding and gear. Wanting to join the trend, she bought herself a holster and selected black combat trousers and an expensive long-sleeve blouse. In all honesty, she preferred her own styles, but for all practicality, the trend here was a logical choice.

She tried them on, but it didn't feel complete. She requested that the combats be encrusted with Sapphire. She personally bought from the jewel stall a hearty amount of Sapphire. After some time, Sapphire was encrusted around the upper left thigh of the left leg and right leg. It was fairly impressive, even for her standards.

Rainbow Dash found her form of entertainment with the races around the sewer, and of course the fastest is always the best! But after every race, she would check on Applejack and help a little bit with the underground orchards. Often they would 'disappear' when Twilight and Erich come to check up on them. Erich would remind her to check back later, and half an hour later the two would return.

Pinkie Pie was helping out at a bar, as usual, finding a way to bring the party out to others. In the state most of the dwellers were in, they were willing to party without question! Changelings and ponies come here to celebrate, to drown their sorrows and have fun for what it's worth! But with Pinkie's presence, it seems as though the party may even spread to the whole town! Hopefully that doesn't, otherwise they might attract unwanted attention.

The Princess smiled as the town she examined was the perfect example of harmony between pony and changelings. She'd have to write to Celestia as soon as possible!

Crystal herself was amazed by how strong the rebellion had grown. She was sceptical when she first found out of their existence, but now they have built a fully functioning underground home town, a fortress! And now they look to her as their true leader to lead them to liberty, salvation from Chrysalis' rule... She doubted whether she could be a ruler.

"Something wrong?" Twilight asked.

Crystal couldn’t deny it: even though she was very enthusiastic about helping the rebellion defeat the changeling empire, once they are defeated, can she be the perfect ruler? “How could I save the kingdom? How can I help them back up on to their feet? I don’t know how I… How I can rule all of it…?” She was no Queen, she was nothing but a changeling in disguise, a guitar player.

The Princess swayed her purple mane to its side and closed in on Crystal, lending a friendly hand to her shoulder. She smiled at the changeling, and that alone was reassuring. “I promise that I will do everything in my power to bring unity between our kingdoms… I couldn't rule alone, I had my friends to be there when I need it. So I will be there for you too.”

“Pinkie swear?”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Sparkle made promises several times before, and had failed very few of them. But this was important, far more important than any promise she had made before. Not only a friendship is on the line but the safety of both pony kind and changeling kind.

To swerve away from the grim subject, Twilight thought about how Erich and Crystal have not tried to talk to each other. Perhaps revealing their deepest and darkest vice of their love for each other was too embarrassing for them. “So…”

Crystal raised a brow.

“Have you spoken to Erich yet?”

The Rock Queen immediately shook her head. The change of subject was very welcome however. Turning to Twilight, Crystal formed a heart shape out of her thumbs and index fingers. “He’s my special somepony… I really have to talk to him.”

The Princess agreed, considering she was the only one to notice that Crystal and Erich were avoiding each other since yesterday. But she didn’t know how she could help; Twilight never had a ‘special somepony’ before and never in her life thought about it. Celestia and Luna certainly never had one to begin with, did they…? Cadance had Twilight’s BBBFF as her own eternal lover, and it was Twilight that helped bring them together. Perhaps one would be happier with somepony special to love. Cadance did claim that she does get bored of life at the Crystal Empire, but not bored of Shining Armour’s presence.

Twilight would like to know what it felt like to REALLY fall in love. She had a crush once, but she didn't know whether it was real love or not. Love seemed much more difficult to maintain, some were driven mad for losing it and others changed because of it. Her attention returned to the view of the city. "This is the start of something special." She didn't receive any form of response and eventually she realised that Crystal had already left.

Sweetie Belle was escorted to the train station by a colt going by the name of 'Black Gryph0n'. She received a scroll in advance about his arrival, courtesy of Spikey-Wikey. The colt helped to carry the small luggage that Sweetie Belle and Spike brought to the VIP room, whilst he carried his own heavy looking bag. The young mare wanted to help but Black claimed that he was fine.

It seemed so, since the extra labour didn't seem to faze the colt. They arrived at the train station not too long ago and were waiting on Spike. They would be returning to ponyville tonight, though she did wish they could've stayed a little longer. It's been a while since the drake had returned to his birth town and just like Rarity had said: "Canterlot is the perfect place for ponies like us." One day she'll come back again. This was the first proper visit to Canterlot in a very long time, and she would miss it.

It's not like she couldn't afford to go back and forth, it was just that her life, her identity, was formed in ponyville. She couldn't leave behind her friends and family, even if Rarity does travel a lot. The young mare wondered how Rarity was as of now...

"Sweetie Belle!" Hearing the drake's call, Sweetie Belle turned and happily greeted her love with an affectionate hug. After a tight hug, she then realised that there were others coming. Though they wore casual clothing and tried to disguise themselves but she could tell it was the Princesses (excluding Twilight Sparkle)!

Celestia and the other Princesses were surprisingly able to fool the other ponies who were at the train station. Their disguises weren't the best since they still preferred to wear clothes with their preferable colour schemes. There were even hints of their cutie mark sowed on to different garments that they wore, such as their trousers or jacket. Sometimes Sweetie Belle wondered how others fail to recognise people in disguise despite it being obvious it is them.

"It's a nice hot day today..." Celestia commented, who shot a quick glance to the sun with squinted eyes. Though she was able to control the sun, she couldn't exactly control how hot it should be. "I could really use a drink." She almost forgot that it was summer. The heat never really bothered her that much, but even so, she was parched.

"There should be drinks aboard the train. It is a long way to Ponyville, sister." Luna commented. She was pretty parched herself, and a cold drink would be very nice. It would be a lot cooler in the train too. A cold glass of lemonade with ice (not from concentrate) or perhaps an ice cold can of cola! It was cooler in the castle, but duty calls and she'll have to leave it for the while. The hot day reminded her of how cool the Crystal Empire stays even during the hottest of summers, and often Luna would go all the way there to stay for the season.

To some extent, Luna and Celestia were both a little jealous of Cadance, for different reasons. Princess Luna found herself jealous at the fact that Cadance had a special somepony to live with and love for the rest of her life. Celestia wished she had a special somepony. Luna did not have a special somepony, at least that's what Celestia knows of... But of course, there couldn't be somepony Luna had feelings for, she never really came out during the day!

Well now she doesn't. During Twilight Sparkle's earlier Princess days, Luna had to come out during the day to help with ceremonies and to support Sparkle whenever she needed it. Eventually however the young Princess had learned to handle herself, and the Princess of the night didn't bother to visit or even wake up during the day. She still did attend ceremonies, formal parties and her favourite night, 'nightmare night'. Celestia had to stay up late to converse with her dear sister, additionally they even shared tea and snacks like glutinous rice balls.

The Princess of the sun would always try to talk about things, 'girly things' as what they call it. They have lived very long and yet neither of them can say they had somepony they could share their affections with.

Somehow Celestia had lost track of time being distracted with all those thoughts. When she realised that she and the others boarded the train, she shook her head to snap out of her trance. It usually didn't take more than a few hours to fly to Ponyville, but the train ride would take longer due to the many stops in between. It would be too risky to take it to the air however, since she would be very vulnerable. Luna and Cadance may not be at risk as much as Celestia since they were younger and their magic was more powerful. Even so, they couldn't gain any unwanted attention, so this was the best solution to get to ponyville.

It had been a good few hours, but the train was still a little far from Ponyville. Celestia was able to catch some extra sleep during the train ride. It was relaxing that there wasn't anything stressful to hassle her, even for such a short period. It was surprising that she was able to get some sleep at all in such a shaky ride.

Like her, the others had fallen asleep in their seats, particularly Spike who was cuddled up with Sweetie Belle. It was cute, very cute. It surprised both her and Luna that the drake picked Sweetie Belle for his love. Her sister knew all about his infatuation and it continued to motivate the young dragon until he turned fifteen... The details are sketchy but both sisters believe it was something to do with Rarity finding another lover or turning the dragon down. Luna kept watch over the student for a while, monitoring his dreams of which were filled to the brim with sadness and despair. Eventually, the reptile accepted it was never meant to be and had moved on, continuing with his studies and life. But they must've missed some important details of how he was able to fall for the young mare.

They didn't need to know however, since the couple were happy to be together. Everypony is happy in their own way. In all honesty, the Princess considered the dragon to be far more luckier than either of the sisters, just like Cadance he had a special somepony. 'Lucky Bastard' She thought to herself, but even so she still thought highly of her student.

Sweetie Belle was very lucky as a blank flank to even have love. Most blank flanks are usually out-casted by others, even though she is against this and always encouraging her subjects to stop subjugating the blank flanks... She cannot bring herself to be aggressive to her subjects for such a small offence. But the support that Sweetie Belle receives from her drake is motivating, and from what she can see, the young mare has a lot of potential. Perhaps she could continue to live without a cutie-mark, and continue to live as a free pony without a specific talent but rather be the jack of all trades. Cutie marks can be restricting, but with society so indoctrinated with the idea that it is a require staple to be accepted, the young mare will still be rejected by others.

Controversially, the Princesses had made the dragon their student and though it has never been considered before, they had made the dragon eligible for royalty like Twilight Sparkle was as a student. The ponies may object to the idea of a dragon being of royal status, she is confident that Spike is capable of such royal duties akin to the fact he was very responsible as Twilight's former assistant. As her own assistant and student, he is very helpful when keeping track of things in ponyville and the Everfree forest.

Realising that she had distracted herself with a volley of thoughts, she shook her head and stood from her seat. Not wanting to wake the others, she slowly made her way out of the passenger car to the next one, and continued to make her way down the train, passing by many passengers who did not suspect that Princess Celestia had passed them.

Making her way to the next cabin she noticed how it was empty, and looking down to the next one it was empty as well. Something felt odd, the stench was different too. She put the thought aside, the parched tongue had irritated her enough. The next cabin down is where all the food and drink was kept, some ponies stay in to eat whilst others proceed to bring food back to their seats which may be a few cabins away. Empty as well.

As much as something felt wrong, she had already helped herself to a croissant and a can of soda behind the counter, her hands shaky out of nervousness. She looked out one of the windows, and from the top of her vision she felt she had saw something skim by. It was like a dark figure running past a doorway. It still didn't stop her from consuming but she slowly backed away to her cabin when she noticed more of the same phenomenon.

The sound of hoofsteps produced but it was slightly muffled as they came from the roof of the train! Panicked, the Princess ran back to her cabin when it felt like there were many pursuing her. Finally she made it, but she had to wake the others! "Wake up!! Wake up!"

Groaning at first, Adrian was first to awake before everyone else followed. It wasn't long before they realised the loud noise coming from the roof of the train... "What is that...?" The changeling in disguise said. Shining Armour decided to take a look for himself, moving to the back of the train with Adrian, he took a peek over the roof... "Oh my Celestia..." He dropped down and ran back to the cabin. "Changelings!!"

Just as he shouted that, the changeling hostiles quickly ripped open the ceiling. Spike quickly had Sweetie Belle behind him whilst picking up one of the bags of equipment. "We have to go!"

Adrian quickly opened another bag of equipment and threw an Assault Rifle to Sundance and Armour before picking out a pistol for himself. He picked up the bag and alongside his comrades, fired at the invaders. "The front! Get to the front!"

Celestia hurried Luna and Cadance first, also to be followed by Spike and Sweetie Belle. Urging the soldiers to retreat, she took the last bag of equipment. To stem the flow of changelings she attacked with a beam of light, but that did very little since they swarmed like a hive of insects. Finally the soldiers came through and she closed the door behind her as they ran through the next cabin. The hostiles were in hot pursuit! Closing the door of the next cabin, she improvised and disconnected it from the train.

It did slow them down, but the changelings could fly. "I only asked for a snack!" Celestia shouted as she continued her way to the front of the train.

Spike had Sweetie Belle go with Cadance and Luna to the front, but there was no conductor! The dragon quickly took arms his new toy and fired at the first hoofstep he hears up on the roof. It wasn't long before they punctured more holes in the ceiling to swarm.

Luna had no time to think and fired energy beams at the swarm, but some had magical barriers impervious to her own magic. Cadance and Luna had no choice but to search the bags. Finally getting her hands on one of the AA-12's with the imprint: "Big Daddy", she quickly joined the drake and fired a barrage of 12 Gauge.

Cadance took a pistol and accompanied Sweetie Belle. "Do you know how to work this?"

"No, this wasn't part of Twilight's lessons!" The young mare responded, randomly pressing buttons and switches in panic.

Gryph0n received word about a commotion on the train line that Shining Armour was on. He decided to investigate, only to see that the train was in peril. "Whoa!" Spotted by a few awaiting on top of the train, some changelings went after the Pegasus. He had to keep up with the train, so doing a loop around and flying back towards its direction he sped through in pursuit of the train. Just as he closed in, he saw one of the trams blown off by an explosion, sending it off the tracks. Barely avoiding the giant debris, he was able to cut a few of his pursuers off.

He was able to catch up to the train but so did they. Making his way to the front, he banged on a window when he saw Shining Armour and his posse shooting guns. "Let me in!" He cried. Luckily he did catch the stallion's attention, and so he shot through the window to shatter it. He quickly hurled himself into the cabin.

Adrian made short work of the oncoming changelings coming from the window but they were still being pursued. Sundance handed over her rifle to the Pegasus. "Glad you came but you should've stayed in Canterlot!" She procured a converted and chopped HK94. Bolt-slapping the weapon, she quickly looked out at the damage created by the grenade she stuck on to the hinge.

"Sorry for my abrupt entrance Princess!" Gryph0n apologised.

The Princess shrugged and ordered a retreat, taking the last weapon of the bag and a belt of 40mm grenades. An M79 Grenade Launcher, today it is a girl's best friend. "This is dangerous. But this is now mine." Making her way to the front end of the next cart she prepared to fire. "I'd advice to keep your long faces down!" Channelling her energy in to the weapon she fired the grenade down range, obliterating the cart and clearing another way of changelings.

They were down to the last two carts, both of them were being attacked heavily. Closed in, they were down to fists and brute strength. Celestia and Luna cleared the crowed with a powerful combined beam. The few who were left were the elites who were able to withstand the attack. "You have to be kidding me!" Luna exclaimed.

Shining Armour rushed the first one who was a large changeling, but the stallion's strength was enough to carry him and throw him through the hole of the roof. He made his way on to the roof to finish the fight. "Gonna send him a hundred metres!" He had a record to break that his wife holds. The two tussled together, despite his smaller figure his raw strength allowed him to hold his own against the large changeling.

The two's grip on each other broke apart, but this stumbled Shining Armour near to the edge of the train. Regaining his balance, he charged again, throwing his fist left and right at the large insect-like pony. Failing to even hit the creature, he attempted to use magic against his opponent. Able to conjure up a spell, it charged up his fists and they were burning with energy!

Again the two returned to fist fighting, but with this magic doing its job, the Captain was able regain the advantage. His punches were far more tougher than the changeling's, and he finally threw a strong uppercut to stun his opponent. "G'bye!!!" Grabbing the changeling by his chest, he span around before throwing him away like a javelin. Though it wasn't as good as his last hurl, it was a very good attempt nonetheless.

They couldn't hold forever and seeing no station in sight, they were as good as dead. Celestia however felt strange... A strong feeling in her gut. She made her way to the front of the train and looked on from the windshield that a figure stood there.

"Should we stop the train!?" Sweetie Belle asked in panic.

Celestia felt her mind enter a trance, as if she heard a voice calling out to her... But it was just whispers, incoherent voices trying to reach her. She couldn't make sense of any of it... As the train closed in on the figure she thought whoever stood there unaffected by the intimidating bullet speed of the train is suicidal.

It was then that she realised that this figure was there to stop the train as he produced a large scythe that he had mounted on his back. With one smooth swipe, he swung towards the train with a powerful shockwave, sending the hordes of changelings far away and at the same time, the train and its passengers flying above him.

The only pony who had a good look at this figure was Celestia... "You're... Not a pony." She deemed before the cart flew over and crashed away from the train tracks. The figure, clad in a red long coat and jester hat hid his face as he walked away from the crash site, leaving a rose behind...

Author's Note

Well it's been a while and finally I post a new chapter of a story that no one probably gives a toss about but whatever. :3
Very lazy with this chapter...