A New Legend: Act 1

Typhoon groans as she opens her eyes and looks around before she sees Umbra sitting on a chair by her. "Uncle?"

Umbra smiles as he leans back in his seat. "Hey little filly. You feeling okay?"

"I feel like I have a headache." Typhoon says.

Umbra nods. "Yes, that is expected after what you went through. What do you remember?"

"A salad." Typhoon says unexpectedly.

Umbra sweatdropped as he gives a lopsided smile. "Want some breakfast?"

"Where is my brother?" Typhoon asks half awake.

Umbra sighs. "He's training with your father. You're going to do the same with me. He also said go to the training grounds when you woke up."

Typhoon looks around for a bit. "Now right?"

Umbra nods and helps her out. "Come on." He said putting her on the ground and leading her out. "Don't be jealous of your brother when you get out there."

"Ok, I'm going." Typhoon says.

Umbra smiles as he leads her out and they come across the training yard where Lightning and Rainbow were watching Talion meditate. "Dad?" Typhoon calls.

"Hey sweetheart." Lightning says pulling her into a hug.

Typhoon pushes him off a bit. "Dad, what happened?"

"I will explain later." Lightning says before Rainbow snatches her and hold her close.

"My baby." Rainbow said snuggling her.

"Mom?" Typhoon asks.

Rainbow looks her over. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, feel like I have a headache though." Typhoon says causing Rainbow to start petting her head.

Typhoon purrs as Talion awoke. "Sis!"

"Yeah brother." Typhoon says.

Talion rushes and jumps onto the bench as Rainbow puts her down and Talion hugs her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, have a little bit of a headache though." Typhoon says.

Talion smiles as he keeps hugging her. "Alright Talion. That's enough hugging your sister back to sleep. Back to training." Lightning said smiling.

Talion stops and turns to Lightning. "Yes father." He says as Lightning walks over and ruffles Typhoon's mane a bit.

Typhoon looks up to him. "Dad, what happened?" She asks as Talion goes back to his spot and started meditating again.

"Magic related. You will come to understand during your studies on it. Now Rainbow, I believe it is time for us to give Typhoon the introductory speech that we gave Talion." Lightning says.

Typhoon looks between the both of them. "What?"

"Your father has decided it is time for him to teach you both magic." Rainbow says.

Typhoon looks to Talion. "So…what am I going to do?"

"For now, listen to us." Lightning says before reciting the speech given to everypony that enrolls in the Winterhold College.

They both just tilt their head at him. "So what's next?" They both ask.

"A live demonstration." Lightning says before pointing his hoof at a target used for archery practice and shoots a bolt of lightning that obliterates most of the target and the remains were ablaze.

"Cool!" Typhoon cheers. "Let me try."

"You are not yet ready to call upon the apprentice level spell, Lightning Bolt, my excitable little filly." Lightning says smiling at her.

Umbra leans over to him. "You do realize that she can't do that, right?" He whispers.

Lightning pushes him away. "You got to learn the basics first like calling forth your magic." Lightning says.

Talion smiles. "How do we do that?"

"That is lesson number one." Lightning says smiling at them.

They both cheer and hop around as Rainbow smiles. "Wow, they are excited."

"Come on Rainbow, we got to teach them." Lightning says blowing Umbra away with a fan.

Umbra tries to swim after them. "Hey! Hey! Hey!"

Lightning chuckles as he walks away with his family.

Umbra growls. "Bastard! Shut it off!"

Lightning ignores him as they leave the room with Umbra still trapped in the fan's wind tunnel.

Typhoon looks back at him. "What's wrong with him?"

"He can't beat the fan of death." Lightning says smirking.

Typhoon giggles. "Uncle's funny."

"So you ready to meet with your half brother?" Lightning asks Talion and Typhoon who were dressed.

They both nods. "Uh huh." They both said. "But do we have to wear these?" Typhoon asks as she moves the dress a bit looser.

"Only for opening ceremony. After the greeting, we will move to the ballroom where you can change into something more comfortable." Lightning says petting her head.

Typhoon purrs. "So who is he?"

"Your older brother, Midnight." Lightning says.

They both smile and giggle as the horns sounded. "Look sharp." Lightning said standing straight as Twilight come out of the back room. "Sorry, had to get fitted for my stomach." She said standing by him.

"Don't worry, they have yet to enter the main gate yet." Lightning informs as she takes her seat on the other throne.

Both Talion and Typhoon couldn't keep themselves still as the door opened and some guards entered first before Midnight, grown up a bit and in regal clothes, came in. "Mr. and Mrs. Bolt. Pleasure to meet you." He said stopping at the steps to the throne.

"And pleasure to meet you crown prince of Saddle Arabia." Lightning says as both he and Midnight were desperately struggling to hold back so to not burst out laughing from this.

Midnight looks around and spies a few soldiers in the rafters. "How about we take this to the ballroom? I'm sure everypony is waiting for it." He said as most of the citizens there was chattering a bit quietly.

"Very well." Lightning says as he and Twilight got up and lead the way.

Midnight smiles as he follows them and sees Typhoon and Talion both grown up before they enter the ballroom. He quickly looks back and turns back to Lightning. "It's great to see you again dad."

"Same here son." Lightning says before giving him a hug before anyone could see them.

Midnight chuckles and looks to Typhoon and Talion and sees them rush off. "Well, time has passed."

"Yeah, they have already begun their training in magic. It only seems like yesterday me and Rainbow were changing their diapers." Lightning says letting go.

Midnight smiles. "So what has been going on?"

"Mostly whipping these ponies into shape, had to put down a mini rebellion with one of my patrol groups already." Lightning says.

Midnight leans over. "Didn't like your rule?"

"Too brainwashed to think their former ruler was a goddess." Lightning says simply.

Midnight smiles. "So where are they now?"

"I had them secretly executed." Lightning says.

Midnight looks to him. "I mean the old rulers."

"One is around, she has taken to a role in our diplomatic division. The other one is off living in a cabin enjoying herself." Lightning says.

Midnight chuckle. "Tell me one thing, how long has the one in the cabin been living without a partner?"

"Unknown." Lightning says.

Midnight shakes his head. "Took a couple of friends, didn't she?"

"An entire patrol group. So four squads." Lightning says.

Midnight smiled. "Oh well, at least she will enjoy life."

"So how have you been son?" Lightning asks.

Midnight sighs. "Here, there, everywhere."

"Crazy?" Lightning asks.

Midnight laughs. "Yeah, basically renewing the leases with everything we have. Since mom is bogged down a bit, I have go out." He said putting some papers quickly into Lightning's robe pocket.

"My agents have sent word you are now the commander of a thousand soldiers." Lightning says acting casual.

Midnight nods. "Yeah, but could do with some advisors and strategists. The ones I got are a little slow in some areas. Some of them are past their prime now."

"Don't underestimate the old my son." Lightning says.

Midnight smirks. "Like you?"

"Was going to say like Galleon." Lightning says, his jaw twitched once.

Midnight chuckles. "I miss you dad."

"You punk." Lightning says making Midnight laugh.

Midnight sighs. "Should we get eating or something?"

"You're too much like me son." Lightning says as Talion and Typhoon returns, wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the occasion.

Midnight smiles as he looks to them. "Hi Talion. Hi Typhoooooo…" He stops as he sees her necklace. "Um…why are you wearing that?"

"Don't ask in public." Lightning says to Midnight, immediately getting the meaning.

Midnight then smiles. "Hi Typhoon."

"Hi big brother." They say together.

Midnight smiles. "So how have you been?"

"We can do a little magic now." Typhoon says as Talion summons a very tiny whirlwind.

Midnight looks to it with a sweatdrop. "Um…work on that."

"They only have a week of learning so far." Lightning informs.

Midnight looks to him. "And you told me one time that you figured out how to make a wall in three days."

"Take into account the age, Talion and Typhoon are still foals and I was grown mostly. It's incredible for him to even make that." Lightning says.

Midnight nods. "Okay, now then, can we eat?"

"Sure son." Lightning says before they finally enter the ballroom.

Midnight sighs. "Okay, what threats?"

"I recently had the nobility informed they are to wear emblems, signifying their rank or for those in the military, their rank somewhere on their clothing." Lightning says.

'Ah, dad wants to test my observation skills.' Midnight says.

Talion smiles as he grabs Typhoon and pulls them away to the dining table. "Come on big bro." Talion calls.

Midnight smiles following, taking in every emblem or military rank he saw. "What do we got to eat?"

Talion hums as he looks over the food. "Only good things are these chocolate."

"No, they are cream brother." Typhoon says.

Talion looks to Midnight. "What do you like?"

"You eat little brother. I'll take care of myself." Midnight says smiling at him.

Typhoon giggles and grabs some sandwiches. "I got mine." She said eating away before stopping. "Tastes like expensive poop."

"Eat where dad is eating sister." Talion says.

Typhoon looks to him. "He's at the meat section."

Midnight grabs a piece of chicken from a tray nearby. "Tip, if you have sharp teeth, use em." He said taking a bite and looking around the room again.

"Come on sis." Talion says trying to get her to go over where their mom was.

Typhoon sighs and puts the sandwiches down. "Coming." She said getting off the tables and following him before someone steps in front of her.

"Excuse me, can you at least clean up the mess?" A pony asks as he looks down at her.

"You know, you are talking to king Lightning's daughter, right?" Midnight asks.

The pony looks to him. "Yes, but could you young ones at least clean up the mess."

"You know the last time somepony talked down to his daughter, I believe it made Lightning mad and he is looking at us, don't turn around." Midnight says whispering the last part.

The pony huffs. "At least clean up." He said through clenched teeth.

"Come on sis, take it to the garbage." Talion says.

Typhoon smiles and picks up the sandwiches and throws them in the trash. "Happy?" She asks smirking at the pony.

The pony nods slowly. "Yes." He said walking away.

"Mark that one to be watched." Lightning whispers to a pony.

The pony nods and walks away. "So dad, what else has been going on here?" Midnight asks chewing at his food.

"Mostly preparing for war." Lightning says.

Midnight nods. "Same here. Still working on the town."

"You been keeping up your studies?" Lightning asks.

Midnight groans. "Hate it, but yes."

"Scenario 38 is?" Lightning asks.

"Enemy has mistakenly taken a hill far from any natural water source. Solution, surround and besiege and slowly take it until they make a mistake and then swarm in and finish them." Midnight says.

Lightning smiles. "Nice. Work on it. The second one could have been just let them starve to death. Ponies can only survive for three days without water and their food won't be a substitute. Now then, let's enjoy the day away." He said before chomping on a cookie.

Talion quickly jumps up and takes the cookie. Lightning raises an eyebrow and grabs another before Typhoon does the same. "Alright you two, give daddy the cookies."

"Nope, eating. Mommy told us to." Talion says.

Lightning twitches an eye as they chomp down on their cookies. "Give daddy the cookies."

"No." They both said before taking another bite.

Lightning tries to smile. "Okay, here's how this is going to work out. You run away while I try to chase you." He said before they look to each other and put the cookies in their mouths and run off with Lightning chasing them. "Give me those cookies!" He yelled after them.

Midnight chuckles and looks to Twilight. "So how's…what was her name? Um…my other mother?"

"Twilight." Twilight says.

Midnight smiles. "I know you're name. I meant my other mother."

"You mean Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asks.

Midnight nods. "Yeah, her. How is she?"

"Over there laughing her flank off at that little show." Twilight says.

Midnight giggles as he sees Rainbow still laughing her flank off. "Wow, things have changed. But why did you mention your name?" He asks looking to her with a look.

"In case you forgot." Twilight says.

Midnight sighs. "At least times here hasn't changed much."

"And you look good. You remind me a little of your father, nephew." Spitfire says joining them.

Midnight looks to her. "Hi auntie."

"Hey my little nephew." Spitfire says before nooging him.

Midnight chuckles and hugs her back. "How are you?"

"Good, my boy is resting with your other siblings." Spitfire says.

Midnight tilts his head. "You have a son?"

"Yeah, he is a little ball of energy." Spitfire says.

Midnight smiles. "He must be great. Mom sends her regards to everypony here."

"Must be disappointed not to see Lightning." Spitfire jokes.

Midnight chuckles. "Try jumping off the walls worried."

"Oh, you're still her little baby colt, aren't you?" Spitfire teasingly whispers into his ear.

Midnight groans. "Yes."

Spitfire starts cracking up hearing that.

Midnight sighs. "Oh well. Who else am I going to meet?"

"General Kyou Kai of Stalliongrad is also here." Twilight says.

"What, Lightning's number two?" Midnight asks surprised.

Twilight nods. "Yes and…there was Daring Do and Silva."

Spitfire chuckles. "Yeah, Silva was a bit shocked at that. And then there's you."

Midnight looks a bit shocked. "So he didn't do it for the rule?"

"You mean marrying your mother?" Twilight asks.

Midnight shakes his head. "No, I mean he didn't marry you for the rule." He asks Twilight.

"Oh no, I asked him to marry me so Equestria wouldn't fall into civil war. If not for that, we may never have married." Twilight says.

Midnight sits a bit. "So it was never for love, just political?"

"Well on my part, I guess I fell for him, but without realizing it, I buried it deep within my heart and when Luna told me the situation through a dream that it was my duty I brought the matter to High King Ulfric." Twilight says.

Midnight just blinks. "You have been in love with my dad even before I met you?"

"I'm unsure. I can't tell when these feeling came about." Twilight says.

Spitfire chuckled and ruffle his mane. "Hey, fact of the matter is, she loves Lightning and he loves her as well. Let's live in the moment. Like they are." She said pointing to Lightning who had Talion and Typhoon in his hooves and having both cookies in his mouth.

"Oh don't look now Midnight, but you are getting a few looks from the young mares." Twilight says.

Midnight looks to the crowds and quickly looks away blushing a bit from the mares giggling. "I kinda like to know where um…Rainbow…came from. I kinda like those types."

"Cloudsdale, like me." Spitfire says.

Midnight sweatdrops. "I think I would look at it myself. Now where's that ramen?" He asks quickly walking off.

"Saving that in the private room. Your father will be introducing that with the next trade shipment." Twilight whispers.

Midnight stops as some of the mares get closer. "Is there a private room I have?" He asks quickly.

Lightning suddenly leans over. "Behind the thrones. Private room."

Midnight quickly rushes over and heads into the room as the guards cover the door.

"Very like my brother." Spitfire says smirking.

Twilight giggles. "Yeah, just as shy when he first met Rainbow."

Lightning chuckles as he finishes the cookies and the twins glare at him. "Oh just get more." He said to them.

They both huff and walk away. "Cheater." They called.

"Having fun?" Rainbow asks.

They both huff at her as Lightning chuckles. "Oh yeah. Had lots of fun. How are you feeling with all this trouble?"

Rainbow shrugs. "Fine."

Lightning smirks. "How about I get you to a private room and a chief for your food?"

Rainbow looks to him desperately. "Please."

"Ok, but you have to grab the foals." Lightning says.

Rainbow quickly grabs the twins and they both yelp before Rainbow rushes out and heads to the rooms in the back.

Lightning smiles as he follows.

Twilight smirks. "Have fun Lightning dear."

Lightning smirks as he smacks his tail in her face and she frowns at him before stopping and looking at his flank. "Twi, you're staring again." Spitfire said.

"It's so firm." She whispers.

Spitfire smirks and leans close. "Yeah and tough enough to send us crazy." She whispered.

"Yeah."

"Alright, talk. I know your mother sent you here for other things." Lightning said sitting in a chair and sipping at some tea.

Midnight sighs and leans back in his seat. "It's the papers I gave you."

Lightning quickly takes out the papers and looks them over. "Huh, soldiers at borders. Need reconnaissance."

Midnight nods. "Yes, but the area is too used to us. She needs ones that are completely new to the area and tell us how the area looks like. Soldiers and everything."

Lightning sighs. "Problem is we need to blend in and look normal. Which means…we need to place them in the culture of the area."

Midnight sighs. "Buy a slave?"

Lightning nods. "Yep. And I hate it. Entei, two squads of Specters."

Entei looks up from his meal. "Yes sir. But we need something more plausible. Something more into the area. Which is…how is it?"

Midnight looks to him. "Middle class, some businesses and farms. Still, scouts report slave auctions. Mostly the nobles of the area and surrounding ones are coming in."

Entei looks to Lightning. "I need a good young noble. Know anypony?"

Lightning thinks on that. "Maybe…I don't know. Most of the noble stallions and younger ones may be corrupted by this."

"What do you need help with?" Talion asks looking up from his meal.

"Hum…ah, I know. Eurum is young." Lightning says a plan forming.

Entei nods. "Yes, that might work. He is completely new to the area, right?"

Midnight shrugs. "Well I haven't seen him much. And mom makes me see most of the nobles around so if I hadn't seen him, then those towns might not have as well. Why not making it more convincing and send a younger brother, say he's buying a slave for him?"

Lightning nods. "Yes, young noble, training his younger brother in the ways of the culture. That would definitely work and we save a slave in the process or two if given the money."

Lightning suddenly feels a shiver from his back. "Your son, right?" He heard whispering in his ear.

Lightning smiles. "Talion can go, learn what he's up against if the time comes."

Talion looks up with some bread in his mouth.

Umbra growls. "I need to speed up your daughter's training. Don't worry, its stealth and some attacks in case of one."

Lightning nods. "Granted. Entei, get the squads together and send a letter to Eurum about this situation. Have him come over. I need to go talk to my foals for a bit. Thanks for bringing this Midnight, it's going to really help with some training I'm giving them."

Midnight smiles. "No problem."

"I'll be back soon son." Lightning says walking out.

Midnight watches as he leaves. "Sure thing dad."

"Kai." Lightning says in his study alone.

Kai comes in as she held a frown. "Yes?"

"First, come here." Lightning says pulling her into a hug and kisses her sneaking his tongue into her mouth.

Kai smiles into the kiss and giggles a little before she lets go. "Cutie. So what do you need?"

"You know what I will need." Lightning says going protective father.

Kai sighs. "I'll try to watch, but I'm going to need a pretty good makeup artist. Then there's the clothes."

"Not you specifically, send Entei and all his ghosts here." Lightning says.

Kai sighs and nods. "Sure, give me a sec." She said sitting down.

"Also, when all the foals are tucked in and sleeping. I want you, Daring, and Silva to report to my chambers." Lightning says.

Kai smirks. "Wow, you want all of us?"

"Yes, yes I do." Lightning says before kissing her.

Kai giggles into the kiss. "You sure are making us blush at times."

Lightning smirks. "I know, I'm awesome."

"You are good." Kai says leaning into him.

Lightning smiles and heads back to his desk. "Get them now. We got some big things in front of us."

"I know. We won't get much sleep for a while." Kai says before nuzzling his chest.

Lightning holds her and puts a hoof on her head and kisses her forehead. "Such a good mistress."

"So son, you have a mare of your own yet?" Lightning asks the next morning at breakfast causing Midnight to choke on his food a bit.

Midnight swallows the food now. "What makes you think that?"

"Just asking?" Lightning says curious about his reaction.

Midnight glares a bit. "Hey, my life and my business in love life."

"Just asking son." Lightning says, Rainbow sending him a smirk.

Midnight frowns. "There is no one." He said quietly.

"Oh?" Lightning asks.

Midnight sighs and pokes at his food. "How's…um…those earth ponies? What was their names?"

Lightning just sat there waiting with a smile.

Rainbow snickers into her hoof. "Apple Bloom." She whispers his way.

Midnight nods. "Yeah, her. Wonder what's going on with her?" He asks without noticing.

"Rainbow?" Lightning asks after leaning over.

"Got it." Rainbow says walking off with a smirk.

Midnight looks at her. "Where's she going?"

"An errand needs to be ran." Lightning says as Talion and Typhoon walk in sleepy.

Midnight smiles as he looks over to them. "Hey guys. What are you doing here?"

"Need food." Both say in unison.

Lightning chuckles. "Come and get it. We got exotic food now."

Both foals climb into their chairs and look to the food before starting to eat. Lightning smiles as they start trying the noodles as Midnight smiles too. "How long has it been since you left Saddle Arabia?" He asks.

"Not two months ago father." Midnight says.

Lightning smiles. "Yes, but have you seen anything different than last time you came here?"

"Well the Queen's Knights ran an inquisition to the people's shock on how many heretic death cultists were found and convicted." Midnight says.

Lightning smirks. "Good. Now how about here?"

"I'm just here as an envoy to help maintain our relationship with Equestria." Midnight says sounding official making Lightning smile.

Lightning nods. "Very good. Watch that tone though."

"I try." Midnight says smiling as he shrugged his shoulders making Lightning smirk at him.

Lightning chuckles. "Good boy. You still got a lot to learn."

"I know. So father will you teach me?" Midnight asks.

"Thought you would never ask." Lightning says smiling.

Typhoon hums as she looks up. "Learn what?"

"Everything I have to teach. Now finish up you two, we have a magic lesson today and I will start instructing you my son on what you want today." Lightning says.

Midnight grins. "Great. Now let's hurry." He said eating again.

Lightning chuckles as Twilight enters and takes the seat next to him. "The foals give you or Rainbow any trouble last night?" Lightning asks.

Twilight sighs. "No, just this one kicking." She said putting a hoof on her stomach.

"Oh, any unusual hunger for a certain food?" Lightning asks before nuzzling her.

Twilight smiles and nuzzles him back. "Yeah, you my stallion. What did I see in you?"

"Knowledge of magics you had no inkling that existed?" Lightning asks smirking.

Twilight giggles. "And what made me fall in love with you?"

"My wild and exciting ways?" Lightning asks.

Twilight smirks. "Maybe that thing that keeps you moving?" She suggested moving a hoof down his back.

"My heart?" Lightning asks leaning into her shoulder.

Twilight leans over to his ear. "That flank."

"And here I thought you loved my kind heart." Lightning says inhaling her scent.

Twilight grins. "There's that. You did treat me to a box of chocolates." She said hearing him sniff her.

"You're using a new shampoo and you want another?" Lightning asks.

Twilight nods. "Sure. Might be good."

"I also hear you have been requesting peaches." Lightning says smiling.

Twilight smirks. "You smell like them."

"Only because Rainbow had me switch out for that one because she is craving them." Lightning says.

Twilight smiles. "Can you?"

"Don't tell me you are also going into heat like Rainbow in her pregnancy?" Lightning whispers.

Twilight giggles. "No, just want a bath with you. Maybe using that new shampoo."

"Ok. Next time, ok?" Lightning asks petting her mane.

Twilight smiles and kisses his cheek. "Love you."

"Good, now eat for we have a magic lesson with the foals after breakfast." Lightning says smiling at her.

Twilight smiles. "Oh, what are you teaching?"

"The basics Twi." Lightning says.

Twilight tilts her head. "Can I watch?"

"You are going to be my assistant since Rainbow is running an errand." Lightning says.

Twilight smiles. "Thanks."

"Now eat your pancakes my queen so we can start soon." Lightning says.

Twilight giggles and nuzzles him before eating away.

After everypony had finished, Lightning lead them into a prepared indoor practice field. "Ok, where did we leave off last time?" Lightning asks, thinking.

Talion holds up a hoof. "The crazy thing about how it's all connected?"

"Ah yes, energy." Lightning says as he drags a chalkboard on wheels to behind him with his magic.

Twilight points to him. "Have you been taking lessons with Pinkie?"

"No, I had one placed here. This is a training area for new recruits and visual aids help teaching." Lightning says.

Twilight rolls her eyes. "Pinkie." She said under her breath.

Lightning's ear twitched. "Anyway, let's begin." He said picking up a piece of chalk with his magic and starts writing on the board.

"Wait, what about form six and beyond?" Twilight asks.

"A little more advance Twi. Let them get a grasp on these five then we will move on to those." Lightning says.

Twilight clicks her tongue. "Should do six." She said under her breath.

"Alright, alright. The sixth way to manipulate your magical energy is known as the herbology tree of magic. Basically, it is the magic one use on plant life. Tricky because plants are living things so sometimes they can be stubborn or refuse to do as asked." Lightning explains.

"Like you." Twilight quipped and made the foals laugh a little.

"Ha ha." Lightning says. "Now besides the sixth, which do you want to learn first? Fire, water, earth, air, or my personal favorite, lightning?" Lightning asks.

"Shocking that he likes that one." Twilight said with a smirk as the foals laugh again.

"Oh, why not give the foals an example of your favorite one and burn down that target dummy on the range?" Lightning asks.

Twilight smiles as she goes over before making a fireball form in her hoof and throws it at the dummy before it bursts into flames. "By the way, there will be one that you may not mention at all. And your tail is on fire." She said going back to the foals and sitting down.

Lightning licks his hoof and puts out the flame with said hoof, giving off the illusion to them that he put out the fire himself. "Avoiding that one because it is too advance for this stage Twi." Lighting says.

"Whatever you say hot flank." Twilight says.

"Back on track, which one you two want to learn about first?" Lightning asks.

Typhoon raises her hoof. "How about Shadow?" She asks as Twilight raises an eyebrow at her.

"Too advanced, that is number eight." Lightning repeats again.

Typhoon slouches in disappointment. Talion looks sadly to her before raising his own hoof. "Fire."

"You will learn it soon my little filly. Your daddy just wants to make sure you're ready." Twilight says petting Typhoon.

"Very well." Lightning says.

Typhoon whines. "But I want to learn it."

"Your father made me go through this this same thing when teaching me little one. Trust me, you will find them very valuable when it comes to learning that one. Think of these as the stepping stones to it." Twilight says petting her mane.

Typhoon just whines and slouches some more.

"Come on, you play games when learning this magic." Twilight says intriguing Typhoon as Lightning draws the rune for fire on the chalkboard.

Typhoon looks up to her. "Really?"

"Yeah." Twilight says smiling.

Typhoon smiles a little as she looks back to the lesson.

"Okay, you think you two can try and create a little fire ball?" Lightning asks as they both stood in separate magical seals drawn on the floor.

Talion thinks on focusing his magic before making a fireball appear in front of him as it held in midair like a campfire. While Typhoon was struggling to make one before making a tiny one appear in front of her that wavered.

Lightning walked over to her and puts his hooves on her shoulders. "Relax, don't try and force it. Fire doesn't like being forced." Lightning says.

Typhoon breathes carefully before sighing and makes the fireball bigger, but still wavering.

"Ok, now throw them at the targets my foals." Lightning says.

Talion holds the fireball in his hooves before pitching it to a dummy and makes it go up in flames. Typhoon thinks on it before making the fireball move on its own and then suddenly it drops and runs across the ground and slither across the ground before making it behind the dummy and rise up and hit it.

"Good, both of you. Most can't even throw them a few feet at first…or slither across the ground like that. How did you know to do that? Lightning says encouraging both.

Typhoon shrugs. "I don't know, it just…felt natural to me."

"You have a lot of raw talent with your affinities, that is why, but don't let that go to your head." Twilight warns.

They both just look to each other with troubled looks.

"Now let us keep practicing." Lightning says.

Talion looks to him. "Water?"

"We train in one at a time, keep practicing your fire magic you two. Twilight, supervise while I begin Midnight's lesson." Lightning says.

Twilight nods as Lightning walks up to Midnight. "Alright, you ready?" Lightning asks.

"Yes father. It seems magic flows strongly in our blood." Midnight says as the temperature around them dropped dramatically.

"My boy has the affinity of ice huh?" Lightning asks mirroring his son's new smirk.

Midnight chuckles. "Yep, mom helped out a bit."

"Surprising as she was ironically has an earth affinity." Lightning says.

Midnight shrugs. "Guess earth and lightning makes ice."

"No water and wind do my son." Lightning says sounding like he was back at the college in Stalliongrad.

Midnight lightly freezes his hooves to the ground. "Oh shut up. At least I got some experience so it's time to get to the good stuff."

"Is that anyway to talk to your teacher? Didn't your mother teach you manners?" Lightning asks teasing.

Midnight chuckles. "That went out the window when you two had me."

"I guess so." Lightning says snickering before both broke out in laughter.

Twilight smiles as she watches them laugh. "How's it going you two?" She asks turning back to them.

"We figured out where his lack of manners comes from." Lightning says.

Twilight grins. "Yeah, good looks from Eclipse and attitude from you."

"You think I'm bad, huh?" Lightning asks.

Twilight giggles. "Bad flanked maybe."

"Trust me, step mom and dad is nowhere near as ill-mannered as mom." Midnight says.

Twilight chuckles. "Wow, does he take after you more or her?" She asks Lightning.

"Well he got my good looks." Lightning jokes.

Twilight grins. "Yeah, looks that only those good fillies fall for."

"Quite literally if he tried, right son?" Lightning asks.

Midnight frowns. "I'm trying not to."

"See, he does take after me." Lightning says.

Twilight smirks. "Yeah, being shy and trying to stay hidden."

"Oi." Both father and son say in unison.

Twilight chuckles. "Told you. He likes to be you with being hidden."

"Moving on." Lightning says before starting Midnight's lesson while Twilight goes back to the other foals.

Twilight giggles and leans down to them. "Your father is kinda coo coo? Isn't he?"

"I thought that was all of you stepmom?" Talion asks.

Twilight nuzzles him. "We are moms and always will be. And no, he's the only one. The stuff we do is kinda sane by his standards."

"You mean none of you are insanely genius?" Talion asks remembering what his father told him.

Twilight thinks on that. "Actually, I might, but he's next in line."

"You are pretty smart." Talion says.

Twilight nods and looks to Typhoon to see her struggling. She sighs and puts her hooves on her shoulders and focuses the magic. "Try and find a funnel point instead of all over." She then leans down. "Careful on treating other elements like shadow."

"Yes stepmom." Typhoon says trying again making a bigger fireball.

Twilight frowns as it reaches her hooves. "Try and keep the distance. It protects you against licks of flames, but not itself unless you are good enough."

"Ok." Typhoon says pushing it further away.

"I smell a snack." A voice from the door says.

Twilight's eyes widen. "Shut it off. Shut it off." She said quickly to them.

The foals looked confused as Agni entered. "Mommy!" He called rushing over and hugs her.

Twilight sighs in relief. "Thank goodness. Next time, don't come in like that."

"Whatcha doing?" Agni asks.

Twilight smiles. "Teaching the foals here fire magic. Don't eat it." She said glaring at him.

"Oh, but you feed me yours as a snack." Agni whines a bit.

Twilight smiles. "That's right and you will get only mine so don't go eating around the other users like crazy."

"Oh mommy." Agni whines cutely making Twilight smile.

Twilight sighs. "Alright, go sit down and I'll feed you later."

"Ok…oh, I should go out. Belcross is waiting and he is too big to fit through the door." Agni says.

Twilight nods. "Go on. Spend time with him and Spike."

"Ok, go spend time with big brothers. Belcross we can go." Agni calls walking out and soon huge footsteps were heard walking away.

Twilight sighs in relief. "Okay, how fa…" She stops as she sees Typhoon's fireball size. "Maybe we should cut back a little."

"Talion, try not to make it bigger, could blow up in your face." Lightning calls.

Talion looks a bit confused as he looks between his and Typhoon's fireball size. "Um…sure dad." He calls back as Typhoon tries to decrease hers.

The remainder of the lesson was teaching both how to use the spell properly as Lightning and Midnight kept discussing something Twilight couldn't make out.

"Alright, you got that?" Lightning asks Midnight.

"Yes stepmother." Both foals say.

Twilight bonks them slightly. "Mom."

"Uh hum." Twilight hears Rainbow clear her throat.

Twilight blushes slightly. "It's awkward calling me stepmom."

"Only if your foal calls me mom too." Rainbow says.

"Mommy!" Both foals call rushing over to her.

Twilight smiles slightly. "Why don't you play with them? Lessons are almost done anyway."

Rainbow smiles and whispers something to the two before they smirk and grab a few pillows Rainbow had brought.

Twilight backs up. "Um…what are you doing?"

"Pillow fight!" The foals call before starting a barrage.

Twilight eeps and runs off. "I'm pregnant!"

"It won't hurt and so was I!" Rainbow calls getting Twilight on the flank with a pillow.

Twilight eeps and keeps running off. "Watch it!"

"Attack my adorable troops!" Rainbow calls.

Twilight yells as she runs by. "Lightning! Help!"

"Use your magic, you have telekinesis." Blitz says.

Twilight yells as she runs off out of the room and the foals and Rainbow chases her out. "I hate you all!" He heard her yell.

Lightning chuckles as Midnight thinks over what his father said.

Twilight and Rainbow watches as Lightning, Midnight, Typhoon and Talion and the rest of the soldiers prepared their bags. "Be careful guys." Rainbow said.

"We will mom." Talion says hugging her leg.

Rainbow smiles as she hugs him back as Twilight walks up to Lightning. "Make sure you come back for the foal. We all need you here."

"I know." Lightning says before nuzzling her again.

Twilight hums as she nuzzles him back. "Love you."

"Love you too." Lightning says.

Twilight kisses his cheek before Rainbow does to same to him and he smiles and nods before they all left through the portal, leaving them behind. "Want some peanut butter and jalapeño sandwich?" Rainbow asks.

"Please." Twilight said as they both walk off.

Lightning breathes in the air as he looks around as he looks around the exit of the portal. "It's nice to be back, even for a bit."

Midnight chuckles. "Yeah, mom has been wanting to see so when these guys are going in, she'll come over and meet you."

Lightning smiles. "Good, now where exactly are we?"

Midnight walks over to the door. "The emergency bunker of the city. We barely use these anyway."

Lightning smirks. "Smart."

Midnight shrugs as he opens the door and heads outside. "It's nothing compare to these." He said before they all see the line of walls and guards along the perceived border.

Lightning whistles as Talion and Typhoon gasps at the long line of the border. "Not bad. Not bad at all. I'm sure you are making sure of any tricks coming through, correct?"

Midnight nods. "Yep, can't be too careful. Now let's go to the command tent. There you can outfitted and brought to speed on what's going on around here. Where's the other stallion anyway?" He asks walking to the large tent in the camp nearby.

Lightning looks back to the bunker. "Any minute now. But let's get Talion outfitted." He said following him with Talion and Typhoon looking around at everything.

"This is so cool." Talion said.

Typhoon nods. "Yeah, look at all the guards and everything."

Lightning chuckles as they enter the tent. "Yes, many are amazed when first see the famous Saddle Arabia guards and live to tell about it. Isn't that right son?" He asks Midnight.

Midnight smiles as he steps up to a large map. "Yep, though you still be careful to look where you tread. Now then, get some food and drinks, place your bags away for now and then I'll tell you the current layout."

Lightning nods before leading the two foals who were still looking to another area of the camp, guided by the guards and soon camp to an empty one with just four beds. "Alright you two, place your bags down and let's get a meal for now." He said putting his bag down.

"Okay." The two said as they put theirs down and follow him. "What are we having?" Talion asks.

Lightning smirks. "A little Saddle Arabian style cuisine. With some foreign curry on the side."

They stick their tongue out. "Sounds bad." Typhoon said.

Lightning shrugs. "Hate it or like it." He said grabbing some containers and quickly grab some food and put them in while still walking from the mess area in the middle. "We'll eat in the command tent. Don't worry, I'll give you the condensed version of the plan needed." He said leading them back into the tent.

Midnight smiles as they enter. "So you ready to talk plans?"

Lightning nods as he give the food containers to the twins. "I'll tell them a less complicated version."

Midnight nods as Lightning starts to eat. "Okay, as you can see, we have a pretty good border so that's no chance of an invasion for a while. Now for the recon mission, we are going to disguise Talion and that noble. We'll also give you a few good guards that can blend in well for the looks and protection. As for the slaves, we got a few bags of bits ready and some goods to make him look like a trader. High end stuff in fact so they won't complain as long as the bits roll in. Traveling by a first class cart, we'll get you through the gate and end up here." He said pointing to a large town in the middle of a few smaller towns. "This is where the auction is and where they would be staying. Try to find some good slaves and different types so as to not arouse suspicion. As for getting out, once you have what you think is good enough, then all you have to do is head back and trade the goods along the way. We won't need it anyway. Once you see the border, run for it. We got control of the border on one gate completely so they won't hit you guys on site once you try to make a run for it. We can't take chances." Midnight explains.

Lightning hums as he keeps eating. "Ah, good, but may need to disguise Talion a bit more than normal since they might have been watching my family. As for Euram, he can easily just wear the clothes and blend in. Now the guards, who do you got?"

Midnight smiles and whistles out of the entrance. "Come in."

Lightning looks back to see ten guards dressed in the Dominion's armor. "Yours?"

Midnight nods. "Yep, new recruits from the Shadow organization. They are skilled with guarding high ranked VIPs and keeping their senses around the area."

Lightning raises an eyebrow before throwing his fork quickly to them and one of them catches it without flinching. "They'll do." He said before guzzling his food.

Midnight smiles. "Now all we need is the noble, Euram. You can give him the rundown and we'll prepare everything for a quick go. They'll leave first thing tomorrow morning after getting their disguises on and getting the licenses written down so it can be even more legal."

"Understood." Lightning says.

Talion looks up from eating his meal. "So what now?" He asks as Typhoon finishes up hers.

Lightning smiles. "Now, I give you a talk about what you might see and what you can and can't do. We're free to go?" He asks Midnight.

Midnight nods. "Yeah, you guys can head back to your tent." Lightning nods as he leads Talion and Typhoon out as Midnight sighs. "I just hope this works." He said to himself.

"So…I can't really do good things, can I?" Talion asks after he and Typhoon got a talk on the culture and what to expect.

"Not out in the open, but all the slaves bought, we will smuggle them out and free them." Midnight says after he came to them with some clothing for the seamstresses to fit on them.

Typhoon looks worried. "So…what would happen if I get caught?"

Lightning growls silently. "Well, you would treated as much as a regular slave would and then I would come over, kick some ass and may inadvertently cause the war early here."

Midnight chuckles nervously. "Yeah, let's not make that happen."

Typhoon looks even more worried as Talion groans a bit from the seamstresses working on him. "Do I have to wear this much? It looks stupid when it's this." He said lifting up his clothing and shows some oververly made designs.

"Unfortunately my son." Lightning says.

"Well at least I'm used to something like that. What did I miss?" Euram said walking in.

"Euram, you will be briefed by Midnight here as I help Talion finish getting ready." Lightning says.

Euram nods as Midnight leads him away and they start talking. "Can you come daddy?" Talion asks.

Lightning shakes his head. "No, they would recognize me on the spot. I have no choice but to stay. Don't worry, Euram and the guards will keep you safe. Now let's see how you look." He said as the seamstresses pull away and show him Talion wearing an almost robbed suit. "Not bad. Drags a little though. Can be easily fixed. As for you Typhoon, you will be…" He stops as he sees Typhoon having a black skinsuit partially on.

Typhoon looks at him confused. "What? Uncle gave this to me. Said it could help my powers and when I need to stay hidden."

Lightning stares at her before sighing and facehooves. "I am really giving your uncle a talk once we get back home."

Typhoon frowns a bit. "He's not that bad."

Lightning rolls his eyes. "Please, you haven't seen what he can do…and did." He said shivering from his first encounter.

Typhoon just looks at him. "It can't be that bad."

Lightning looks to her a bit harshly. "Don't bring it up."

Talion looks confused. "What could he have done to make you like this?"

"You'll understand when you're older." Lightning said quickly.

They all just look at him weird as Lightning was trying to act normal. "Okay, we're done and all he needs to do is get dressed up and get the licenses and you guys can head out." Midnight said coming back in with Euram.

Lightning looked like he was having second thought.

Midnight looks to him worried. "You okay there?"

"No." Lightning says flatly.

Midnight sighs. "Do you want to back out now?"

"I can't. I said I would help you son." Lightning says seemingly torn.

Midnight looks away a bit. "If it matters, this may happen soon enough. Why not start now?"

"Because if we delay, we can try and convince those who are on the fence to side with us and between us, the alliance isn't fully ready to fight the war yet." Lightning says.

Midnight nods. "That's why we are taking account of first strike positions so when it does, we can take quickly down and mess up their plans and buy us a few days when the war starts."

Lightning sighs. "I'm going to go see your mother before my parental instincts make me call this off." Lightning says.

Midnight sighs. "Sure. She's at the palace. The next supply wagon can take you back."

"Do not tell her I am coming." Lightning says.

Midnight smiles. "Don't worry, I won't tell a word."

Eclipse sighs in her room when there was a knock at the door. "Come in." She said watching out the window.

"You are still looking outside like always. Didn't I tell you about assassins?" Lightning asks walking in.

Eclipse looks around and sees him smirking a bit. "Lightning." She said almost quietly.

"Hey Clipsy, most of your security off duty?" Lightning asks closing the door.

Eclipse smiles a bit. "No, needed to think a bit. You are here for the recon force, aren't you?"

"No I can't go, but our son wants use his step brother." Lightning says.

Eclipse sighs. "Of course, with your face plastered all over the Dominion Empire. That I can understand."

Lightning walks over and hugs her. "You miss me?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse smiles and hugs him back. "Yes, I really have. I have been quite bored without you around."

"Our son has really grown up." Lightning says.

Eclipse nods. "Yes, he wants to be his hero. Doing the best to make everyone happy."

"He is our pride and joy." Lightning says.

Eclipse giggles. "Yes, I still can't believe we had him by accident if you think about it. What did happen before we did it?"

"You received the news of your brother and knew what it meant immediately and later that night, after we talked for a bit, you said. Make me feel like a mare for it will be possibly the only time in my life I will ever feel it." Lightning says.

Eclipse blushes. "Ah yes…that. Now I remember."

"Midnight is also our headache, isn't he?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse giggles. "Yeah, he is a hooful. Though he is also your son so you had a part too."

"Not that much." Lightning says with remorse.

Eclipse smiles sadly as she hugs him tighter. "He will always be your son. And he knows it as well. You always had a part to play in his life as well. You made him realize who his father is, his hero."

"Thanks Clipsy." Lightning says.

Eclipse then grins. "Now then, how about we…"

"No."

"Aw, come on." Eclipse whines.

"Your laws." Lightning says.

"…ah, good point." Eclipse says.

Lightning chuckles. "Though, as long it doesn't go too far, I'm not against cuddling for a bit."

"Oh, yes king of Equestria." Eclipse says smirking.

Lightning laughs as he leads her to bed before they both lay in it. "You know, Midnight might be after a filly I know."

Eclipse giggles. "Oh, do tell."

"A country farmer." Lightning says getting Eclipse very interested.

Eclipse smirks. "Why I didn't know he goes after simple ponies. What's she like?"

"Well." Lightning says before starting to tell her.

Eclipse giggles all the while at the many quirks of poor little Apple Bloom who didn't know what was going on. "He can't even talk to the harem fillies and mares. I'm surprised she got his attention."

"Kind of reminds me of me. Not too interested in most mares like that, but when a mare catches his eye, they catch his eye." Lightning says.

Eclipse giggles. "I wonder what he thinks of her now."

"Flowers and a blush tell you?" Lightning asks petting her.

Eclipse purrs. "Not much."

"He is in love." Lightning says.

Eclipse giggles and nuzzles him. "Just like you back then."

"Maybe." Lightning says cuddling her again.

Eclipse keeps giggling as they cuddling. "I love you Lightning."

"I still do even if we can never be together." Lightning says.

Eclipse sighs in relief. "Want to sleep for a bit?"

"Only if you can use your hypnotizing to make me or I will just be worrying about the kids." Lightning says.

Eclipse smiles gently as she pets his mane. "They'll be fine. Just have faith in them."

"I just worry. They are my kids." Lightning says.

Eclipse keeps petting. "And that's why we have faith in them when they leave from our sight. That they can do it and can be all right."

"Midnight, I can, but Talion is not even six." Lightning says.

Eclipse nuzzles him to calm him down. "As would every parent and try to do their foals' work themselves when they could do it. Most who live on their own can make it through the problem. You have to let him go one day anyway."

"He isn't old enough for this. I only started teaching him magic." Lightning says making her smile.

Eclipse leans down to look at him. "What are you teaching?"

"Lesson one was on fire." Lightning says looking into her eyes.

Eclipse grins and grabs onto his head. "Gotcha." She said as her eyes change.

Lightning sweats. "Shit." He said quickly as he closes his eyes.

"Too late. Now sleep." Eclipse says smiling.

Lightning keeps his eyes closed tightly before snoring out loud as he rests his head against Eclipse's chest. "Nighty night." He said sleepily.

"Ug…what happened?" Lightning asks awakening.

Eclipse smiles as she sat on the side of the bed. "You fell into my eyes again. I made you sleep, so don't worry."

"Like I asked?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse nods. "Yes, I put you to sleep. Now, shall we get some food and talk some more?"

"So something I bet your spies haven't told you yet. Twilight, the queen of Equestria is now with foal." Lightning says.

Eclipse raises an eyebrow and smiles. "Oh, how much did you do?"

"She went seven times one time on her request." Lightning says.

Eclipse giggles while blushing. "Lightning, you are a stallion among colts."

"So when do you think your queen's guard will realize somepony is in here with you?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse grins. "Oh, not for a while. Now, breakfast?"

"Getting room delivery." Lightning says spying the chess board.

Eclipse sighs as he gets the board. "Alright. What do you think is going on over the border?"

"Mostly both sides' soldiers and guards starting each other down. So you improved your game since we last played?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse smiles. "Very well. Let's play." She said taking her place on the black pieces.

"Alright, so how has Midnight's studies in magic been going?" Lightning asks moving his pieces.

Eclipse smiles. "Going well, he's almost halfway through the whole line of studies needed."

"His ice nature was a surprise." Lightning says.

Eclipse grins. "Was surprised too. Never excepted any mage, much less him to have that nature."

"Sub elements are not unheard of, but are quite rare and at times incredibly powerful." Lightning says moving a pawn.

Eclipse nods. "Yes, quite amazing things can happen. Such as holding a popular look in public."

"You're slipping Clipsy, you used to be able to keep up with me while talking." Lightning says.

Eclipse sighs. "I guess I have a few things on my mind."

"You hide it well, but you're worried about Midnight as well." Lightning says.

Eclipse looks sadly down. "Just like you. I worry everyday he's out there, but I hope everyday he comes back to me and at least say something that tells me he's okay."

"When did we get so old?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse smiles. "When we have our foals."

"Feels like yesterday when your brother was still alive and we just got done with a party." Lightning says.

Eclipse sniffs a bit. "Yes, but I'm glad I met you. You were the best thing to happen to me…next to Midnight."

"Well technically, I gave you him." Lightning jokes.

Eclipse giggles as she still cries a bit. "Thanks for being there Lightning." Eclipse says moving a piece to block him.

"Now I believe that is checkmate." Lightning says moving his knight.

Eclipse smiles as she looks to the board. "Food now?"

"Aren't we waiting for the servants to bring them oh great queen?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse grins. "Any minute now." She said before hearing a few knocks. "And there's our food." She said heading to the door and opens it to find the cart pushed in by a few ponies before they leave. "Shall we?" She asks holding up a fork as Lightning comes down from the ceiling.

"Want to make a wager on how long it takes your guards or Queen's knights to realize there is an intruder?" Lightning asks smirking as he joins her in eating.

Eclipse nods. "A few hours. Now, let's eat." She said grabbing some cake.

"Nu uh Clipsy. You know the rules, filling foods first, then you get your cakes and stuff." Lightning says smirking.

Eclipse pouts cutely. "Meanie." She said putting the cake down.

Lightning just starts feeding her. "Oh relax and enjoy yourself."

Eclipse keeps pouting before smiling. "I am already." Eclipse says.

Lightning chuckles. "You should visit us some time. Rainbow would love to see you again I bet." Lightning says.

Eclipse smiles. "Yes, she would be, though my job is here. I need to take care of my country as well."

Lightning nods. "I understand. But please try and visit."

Eclipse nods. "I'll try. Now let's enjoy this meal."

Lightning chuckles before looking out the window. "First light."

Eclipse smiles as she watch the sunrise framing Lightning. "Yes, first light."

Lightning sighs. "They leave at first light. It's been almost an hour so they should be reaching the town soon and if all goes as plan, will be doing paperwork for the licenses and everything for most of the day."

"Come on, after we eat, we will go to the library. We have uncovered a few more artifacts since you last visited it." Eclipse says trying to get his mind off it.

Lightning smiles. "Daring would be jealous. Yeah, let's finish this."

"Turn around so I can change." Eclipse says.

Lightning smirks. "It's nothing I haven't seen. Come on, let me watch."

"Then it will take forever to change." Eclipse jokes.

Lightning chuckles. "Oh Clipsy. Just go change. I'll wait."

Eclipse shakes her head as she walks behind some walls. "Oh Lightning. Always the kidder." She said as he sees her form change.

Lightning waits until Eclipse came back in more function over formal clothing for royals. "Finally convinced them to go with that huh?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse sighs. "And you won't believe the amount of hoops to go through. Shall we go see the artifacts?"

"Lead the way." Lightning says leaning against her side.

Eclipse giggles as she wraps a wing around him. "I wonder, what would have been if you stayed?"

"Nothing would have changed probably, only your brother not dying would have changed this." Lightning says.

Eclipse nods. "Not bad of a living though."

"You know, I take that back, you would have probably roped me into being a member of the queen's knights." Lightning says.

Eclipse giggles. "And I would have you as my lover either way."

"Now that might have happened and you would have more that Midnight." Lightning says.

Eclipse smirks. "Yep, a lot of them."

"But then the question of succession would come up." Lightning says.

Eclipse stops for a bit. "True, might be better if you gave me just one."

"But then again, some might feel better if you did have multiple heirs after what happened to your father and brother dying of an illness." Lightning says.

Eclipse looks to him. "So does that mean…?"

"Clear it with the council of elders." Lightning says.

Eclipse pouts and slouches. "I hate you."

"It's to protect you Clipsy. Put it forward if you like to strengthen our nation's ties and just in case you and Midnight fall ill and die like your father and brother. That thought and chaos that would come from that without a proper heir should make them have little problem with it seeing as I am Midnight's father as well." Lightning says.

Eclipse sighs. "We'll see. Now come on." She said leading him out and surprises the guards. "Don't even." She said to them.

"Or one of the mare royal guards will most likely kill you for failing in your duties." Lightning adds.

Eclipse giggles at some of the shocked faces. "I love surprising them sometimes."

"So to the library while you get the council of elders to convene?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse nods. "Yes, might take a while so enjoy looking at the artifacts. They usually like few hour long meetings."

"Also, maybe we should stop by your magic academy and I may give a lecture on the subject to the students." Lightning says.

Eclipses chuckles. "Might be fun, but have to set things up and it might take a while. So enjoy some time with the old pieces of rock."

"Hey, that is archaeology." Lightning reminds making Eclipse smirk.

Eclipse rolls her eyes. "Just get in there." She said pushing him into a room. "Enjoy." She said closing the door and walks off.

'I can't believe they added two new floors to the library.' Lightning thought as he read an ancient scroll.

He chuckles to himself as he hears the door open and sighs as he feels anger and intent to kill. "Hello Alenia."

Alenia growls as she sees him. "What are you doing here heathen?"

"Reading or has that escaped your notice." Lightning says.

Alenia keeps growling. "I mean here in this palace or heck, even this country. You are not supposed to be here."

"I'm here because my son and your prince asked for my help to provide a few ponies that the Dominion know little to nothing about so they can infiltrate and spy or scout on them, whichever term you prefer." Lightning says.

Alenia huffs. "Then head back to the command tent. You are not needed here at the palace."

"I'm here so I can't call it off as he asked for his six year old stepbrother." Lightning says.

Alenia stares at him. "Still that crazy father."

"Also there is another reason I am here." Lightning says putting the scroll back.

Alenia raises an eyebrow at him. "And that is?"

"Your queen is worried what would happen in case she and Midnight die so she is currently talking to the council of elders about attempting to have more foals." Lightning says.

Alenia glares at him fully now. "And you want to be that stallion."

"No, she requested me as I am Midnight's father and to strengthen Saddle Arabia and Equestria's ties as I am now king of it." Lightning says.

Alenia growls slightly as he looked a little smug. "And what are you going to do now?" She seethed.

"Waiting for your queen to see what the elders think, but I bet they will agree after what happened to the last two kings." Lightning says now no longer smugly.

Alenia sighs as she looks away. "Don't hurt her."

"I never do…so, do you think the queen's knights are ready to fight this war?" Lightning asks soberly.

Alenia keeps looking away. "Is there ever a true answer?"

"You sound like me and the other veterans of the liberation of Stalliongrad." Lightning says.

Alenia scoffs. "You try protecting somepony full time without sleep for a few days."

"So how did the inquisition of the death cult go?" Lightning asks.

Alenia sighs. "We took out almost all of them. There will always be somepony out there with the idea, so yes, mostly all of them."

"I doubt they will rise again any time soon. Maybe in the next century if that." Lightning says.

Alenia nods. "Make sure you don't touch anything." She said walking out.

"You think you're ready to lead your soldiers into battle?" Lightning asks.

Alenia stops and looks at him. "Are you?"

"I have experience. You are one of the youngest members and haven't been in a war yet." Lightning says.

Alenia growls silently. "I'm ready."

"I'm going to be sending over notes on formations and battles the Dominion has fought. If you study them, it will help you greatly." Lightning says.

Alenia huffs. "Whatever." She said heading out the door.

"Alenia, even if you don't like me, read the material. There is an old saying. If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself, but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." Lightning says.

Alenia frowns as she closes the door behind her. Lightning sighs as he goes back to reading. "The queen requests your presence." A soldier says.

Lightning looks back at him. "Got it." He said putting the pottery down on the stand again and follows him to the meeting room. "Let's hope this doesn't go sou…" He stops as the doors open and sees Eclipse in a bit of raunchy dancer outfit. "Sou…sou…" He stutters.

Eclipse giggles as she dances around a bit. "South my dear? You are heading that way soon." She teases.

"I…" Lightning composes himself and clears his throat. "I suppose this means the elders have agreed." Lightning says.

Eclipse giggles. "Yes, our, sort of, marriage is done. Though the choice of honeymoon is yours."

"To your room?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse grins before Lightning realizes that Eclipse picked him up and was actually running down the hall too fast. "When did you get this fast?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse chuckles. "Been holding this."

"You know I could have teleported us." Lightning says entering the room before the guards could register what their queen was wearing.

Eclipse smiles. "Now where's the fun in that?" She asks putting him down.

"So you going to do a dance for me?" Lightning jokes.

Eclipse gains a red tint on her cheeks. "Do you want me to?"

"I think you should decide my sexy bat queen." Lightning says.

Eclipse smiles as she starts to lead him to bed. "And what are you going to plan?"

"You have been waiting for nearly twenty years so you decide." Lightning says.

Eclipse grins and places him on the bed. "Okay, you get a true dance from the queen herself." She said backing off a bit.

"Oh this I must see." Lightning says smirking.

Eclipse smiles as she starts to dance around and gets close to him. "Tell me, how much have you thought of me? How much have you dreamed of me?"

"Quite a bit." Lightning says watching her.

Eclipse hums as she turns around. "And have you ever done anything in your imagination and dreams?"

"Yeah." Lightning says.

Eclipse smirks as she moves backward to him while still dancing. "Tell me what you did."

"Nu uh, you first." Lightning says smirking.

Eclipse pouts cutely as she looks over her shoulder. "Oh, my dreams first? I believe it's the stallion's turn on this."

"Hey, got to give something to get something." Lightning says before using his wings to pull her into his lap. "Can you finish your dance from here?" Lightning whispers into her ear before lightly nibbling on it.

Eclipse moans and nuzzles him. "Unless you got more plans."

"Finish it if you can. Then tell me your fantasy and I may make them come true." Lightning whispers into her ear as he casts a sound proof spell on the room.

Eclipse grins. "Never stopped." She said as her flanks still moved. Lightning smirks knowing she was trying to turn him on. Eclipse giggles and moves a bit more closer. "Do you even have a fantasy with me there?"

"I do, but I want to make your fantasy come true first." Lightning whispers into her ear.

Eclipse smiles and nuzzles him as she stopped dancing and just seem to be hugging him. "Mine huh?"

"Yes lover." Lightning says petting her.

Eclipse purrs as she leans into his petting. "I missed you Lightning."

"As did I." Lightning says before turning her around and kissing her.

Eclipse smiles into the kiss as she pushes him onto the bed before letting go of the kiss. "So…how should we?"

Lightning says nothing before flipping their positions. "Well, first you have to tell me one of your fantasies." Lightning says now on top.

Eclipse grins. "Oh, a take charge stallion. Well, I have always dreamed of us going back to when we first did it."

"Alright." Lightning says before starting to remove her outfit.

"Finally done." Earum says sighing.

Talion looks up at him. "So do we have every paper needed?"

"Yes we do." Euram says.

Talion looks around. "Can we go now? I'm getting bored."

"Yes, let's." Euram says leaving the office with him.

Talion sighs as he looks around a bit before Euram leads him to their cart and they get in and ride off. "You okay sis?" He whispered.

"Cramped, but fine." Typhoon whispers from his shadow.

"Do you two want to go straight to the auction or look around a bit at the other shops?" Euram asks.

Talion whispers a bit to Typhoon, who came out of his shadow after the door closed, before looking to him. "Auction, let's get it done."

Euram smiles. "We won't see some of the sights then. We still have time. Lesson one." He whispers the last one.

Talion looks to him. "Oh, see what other wares there are before throwing the bits in."

"That and look out the window to see a reason we are fighting." Euram says as the twins look out to see a rich looking earth pony instructing guards to beat on a diamond dog that looked to be a slave.

Talion gaps at the sight. "But…why them?" He tries to ask.

"Because they are enslaved and that is what they mostly are about." Euram says.

The twins keep staring as they pass by before stopping at what looks like an artifact shop. "Come on you two." Euram said as he steps out with Talion and Typhoon hiding in his shadow again.

Euram walks in and tries to ignore the mare tied to the wall nearby as Talion looks to her a bit before catching up with Euram as they look around. "No wait, this place has recent things. Excuse me, do you know a place which sells much more ancient artifacts?" He asks the stallion behind the counter counting a large amount of gold.

"Across the street. Feel free to use the mare on the way out." He said too engrossed in the gold.

Euram nods as he starts to walk back out with the mare looking pleadingly at him, but Euram shakes his head and frowns as he walks past her and Talion looks sadly at her as he tries to keep with Euram. "Well, at least I can find something here." He said to himself as they cross the street with the guards flanking their sides.

Talion looks away from another beating down the street. "This is scary." He whispered.

Euram sighs. "This is life." He said before hearing some yelling.

"Get back here!"

They all look over to one of the alleys and sees a mare with a collar rush out and was looking behind before hitting the guards straight on and was knocked down from hitting them. "Ow." She groans as she holds her head.

"Excuse me, is there a reason you just dirtied my clothes?" Euram asks trying to sound as snobby as possible.

The mare looks up before gasping and trying to get up and run the other way before being tackled to the ground by a few Dominion guards. "Gotcha you bitch." One guard said tying her up.

Euram raises an eyebrow. "How much for her?" He calls out.

The guards were struggling to keep the mare under control. "I don't think you want this one. Stay still!" He yelled hitting her in the head and makes her stop for a bit.

Euram huffs. "I have an eye for things that are valuable and that one is. How much?"

The guard growls as he kept restraining the mare tighter. "You want her, you can get her at the auction." He said before dragging her away.

Talion looks up to Euram. "You want to buy her?"

Euram smirks a little. "Slave holding cells are kept so far in town and under heavy guard. She made it almost to the edge if it hadn't been for us. She knows what we need. Come on, the auction is about to start." He said leading them away into the cart and was pulled off to the center of town. "Don't be trying anything crazy. We are going to be watched as we do this, so let me do the talking." He said making Talion nod as Typhoon groan as she comes out of his shadow.

"Dang, it's a bit stuffy in there." She said stretching.

"Remember, we have to buy as many as we can to work your father's new farmland." Euram says.

Talion nods as he looks outside to see more ponies and slaves being dragged along to the center of town. "How many could we get? What's the prices?" Talion asks.

"Come, we can look them over most before they auction off those who they are keeping in reserve." Euram says.

Talion nods as Typhoon jumps back in Talion's shadow and follows Euram out as the cart comes to a stop near a large stage with a concrete building. Talion keeps looking around as they enter the building and almost loses his composure at the sight of cages like animal cages on the walls and some hanging from the ceiling and each one had mostly females of almost any race, but mostly mares.

Euram hums as he looks them all over. "Hum…most are good, a bit young. Ah, there you are." He said to himself as he spies the mare who ran before. "You will be the first." He said leaning down to her and she growls at him. "Yeah, you'll be good." He said to her as he walks off and looks at all the rest as Talion resists the urge to open the cages. "Tell me, how much for most of the mares and zebras?" Euram asks the nearby stallion standing guard and caretaking them all.

The guard huffs. "Average price, around a hundred gold each. You want something exotic, we got griffons with their feathers plucked, and a few dragons with their fire sacs cut out so as to not burn you, diamond dogs, and yes, those zebras for their fertility and, in my opinion, bigger assets if you catch my meaning." He said chuckling. "The highest is the dragons with them around a thousand. So there's your range."

Euram hums as he looks to them all. "Well I am going to be buying a lot. How can I buy these ones or at least reserve them?"

"Talk to the one in charge of the auction." The guard says pointing to the office.

Euram nods and leads Talion who was looking closely at one of the mares before rushing after Euram and they find the office and heads in. "Who can I speak to need to buy the slaves immediately?" Euram calls out.

"No need to yell." A fat stallion says, looking like he was doing the books, say.

"Are you the one in charge of the auction?" Euram asks.

The fat stallion huffs. "Gee, what gave you that idea?" He piped as he still does the books.

"Sir, I was wondering if we could buy some of the slaves before the auction officially began as we are on a very strict schedule and need to buy many slaves to work on a new farm." Euram says.

"I see." The fat stallion says putting down the quill. "So how many you need?" The stallion asks getting up.

"We need to buy in bulk basically." Euram says making the stallion see money and he smirks.

"Well if you can't stick around for the auction, I guess there is no harm doing it early. So where should I show you and your son first?" The stallion asks.

"Son?" Euram asks before getting he was referring to Talion. "Oh, no, no. He isn't my son. He is the son of a friend of mine who owns the farm. Some official business came up, making him unable to come himself and asked me to run this errand for him and take his son along to help give him a glimpse into the world of business." Euram says.

The stallion chuckles. "I see. Well he must be wealthy to buy most of our merchandise."

"And even with this, he says he still should go under budget." Euram says.

The stallion grins as he hears some gold hitting the ground in his mind. "Well then, how many of them do you want and what type of species?" He asks sitting down again.

"As many as I can get with the chest of gold we brought was his exact words." Euram says clapping his hooves as two guards then open the door and seemed to have a hard time bringing in a chest from what looks like the weight of it.

The stallion grins even more as he hears the clinking. "Oh, show me and I can come up with how many you can get."

"Right here." Euram says tapping the middle of the office and the guards start moving that way before stopping to take a breather halfway from the weight of the chest making the stallion grin even more because of how much the chest full of gold most weigh.

Euram smiles as the guards reach the middle of the room before opening it and some jewels and gold spilled out as the stallion laughs from the immense amount of valuables. "With this, you can have our whole stock. I'll even piss off a few nobles, but I'll give you the reserved ones that were already taken."

"Just tell them that you couldn't refuse the order and if they have a problem, take it up with the military as the slaves working the farm will be producing food for logistics in future campaigns." Euram says knowing that the nobles won't question the legions on that matter.

The stallion chuckles as he keeps looking to the chest. "You want anything else to go along with those slaves?"

"No, we have everything else ready." Euram says.

The stallion chuckles and tosses him a scroll after writing in it as he goes to the chest. "Here. Now you can take every single one."

"May I have your name as my friend may want to do more business with you again soon?" Euram says.

The stallion keeps chuckling. "Name's Placus Lollius Caepio. I have new stock next month if you want those."

"I will inform my friend. I suppose you will want to see your guards load them all personally?" Euram says knowing from the reports, this stallion might be greedy, but he ensure his men do their jobs, he gives them on the basis of his pride as a businessman and his honor.

The stallion nods as he looks at a few gold pieces. "Yeah, knowing those idiots, they would like a feel before they give them up."

"Yeah, my friend said he doesn't want damaged goods either." Euram says.

The stallion huffs. "I'll tell them to back off then."

"Thank you." Euram says before all of them left and watched as the slaves were being loaded into prison carriages or tied to the back of them.

Talion looks up to him. "Home?"

"Yes. I'll see to the arrangements." Euram says as the stallion left after his men finished and left.

Talion sighs as he looks around. "What now bro?" Typhoon whispered to him.

Talion keeps looking. "Maybe just walk around." He whispered back and starts walking around the square and sees it wasn't as extravagant as Canterlot, but held a Winterhold feel to it. "Not bad a place."

Soon two stallions walk past him that gave a weird feeling and looks back to see them head into the office.

"And what are you doing?" Talion asks walking over and peeks into the window.

"What are you bastards doing here?" The fat stallion asks looking to the two.

"The government aren't too happy with your recent contributions." One of them says.

The fat stallion huffs. "So what? I still pay you and its fine. I make the payments."

"Well maybe you need to pay a little more." The same stallion says.

The fat stallion growls. "Listen, I make the tax payments every time. If you don't want them, then you should fix those papers."

The same stallion was about to say something else when the door is kicked open by a pony that was wearing the same outfit. The fat stallion surprised by this, reaches for a dagger and one of the two stallions already in there, throws a hidden dagger into his throat.

The fat stallion chokes as he held a hoof to his bleeding throat and falls down. Talion gasps as he saw him fall and sees the two stallions look to him and he quickly got down and was about to run when the third one held a hoof up to his lips and does a quiet, shh before turning to the two others.

"What are you two doing here?" The third pony asks.

The stallions comes out and see them. "Getting our payment needed. He didn't pay enough." One said.

"He paid the taxes on time and the right amount." The pony says not sounding happy.

"And who are you to decide that?" The other stallion asks.

"Your superior." The pony says before grabbing the one who didn't throw the knife and starts stabbing him with his own hidden knife.

Talion watches in shock as the pony let's go of the body and it slumps to the ground. "Now then, head back to the office and do some paperwork. I'll speak to you later." He said to the other stallion.

"Sir…sir, what about the kid?" The stallion asks intimidated.

"Leave the kid, he is uninvolved. Unless you want to die for your insubordination instead of the second chance your skills have earned you?" The pony asks.

The stallion quickly rushes off as the pony turns to Talion. "Try not to be too curious kid. Might get you into the wrong place at times."

Talion, seeing the pony walk away, goes to the nearest guards and tells them what happened, causing them to pale.

The guards quickly run off as Talion watches them rush off and pull the stabbed stallion into the building and closes the door. "What just happen bro?" Typhoon asks still in his shadow.

"I'll let you know once I figure it out." Talion said walking off.

"Ok, explain to me what happened exactly." Lightning tells his children as they sat in a room in the Saddle Arabian royal palace.

Talion rubs his hooves together. "Well, these two guys went into the office and they talk about tax payments and then killed him."

Typhoon rubs the back of her neck. "And then this new pony comes in and kills one of them and walks off after scaring the other guy back to their office."

"I see, what did they look like?" Lightning asks.

"They each wore inconspicuous cloaks, but they did have this on them." Talion says drawing two fangs intersecting.

Lightning hums. "Anything else?"

"They used this knife." Typhoon says producing the knife used to kill the one who ran the auction.

Talion looks at her. "How did you get that?"

"Took it when they left it behind." Typhoon says.

"This, my foals, is the dagger used by one of the three assassin groups in the Dominion. You were lucky they spared you." Lightning says taking the dagger.

Talion tilts his head. "Assassin groups?"

"I will explain to you when you get older, ok? For now I'm just glad you're safe." Lightning says hugging them.

They smile and hug them back. "We love you too daddy." They both said.

"Ok, we will be spending three more days here so who wants to play with their big brother?" Lightning asks.

They both raise their hooves expectantly.

Lightning chuckles and places them on his back. "We're off." He said laughing and heads out of the room before quickly bumping into Midnight and Eclipse. "Oh, last stops." He said and the twins quickly jump down.

Midnight smiles as he sees them. "Hey guys. Great job on the recon."

"Isn't there something else you want to say to them Clipsy?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse giggles. "Okay then, your father here, is right now, sort of, married to me now. And you might having more brothers and sisters soon."

"I meant…" Lightning stops when he sees her snuggling the twins. "Oh forget it."

The twins struggled in her grip. "Dad, help us. We're being squeezed alive." Typhoon calls and reaches for him.

"You two are adorable." Eclipse says.

Lightning chuckles at their predicament. "Look at the bright side. We got another mommy here."

"What?!" They both yelled.

"That is technically correct." Eclipse says before putting them down.

They both stare at them. "How?" They both ask.

"That doesn't matter as now, don't you two have to go ambush your big brother?" Lightning asks making them smirk.

Midnight backs up. "Wait, what?"

Both twins tackles him and they all start rolling around with them all laughing.

Eclipse smiles as she looks to Lightning. "Happy family, aren't we?"

"Not many rulers can say that." Lightning says leaning against her.

Eclipse wraps a wing around him. "Shall we retreat to our room for a bit?"

"Midnight needs to spend time with his siblings." Lightning says.

"Exactly, room time." Eclipse teases.

Lightning smiles as he leads her away.

"Where they go?" Midnight asks before Typhon tackles his head.

"So how did you two like your visit with your stepbrother and his mother?" Lightning asks as they enter Whiterun in a carriage.

"My lord." A messenger yells running up.

"Yes?" Lightning asks.

"Lady Twilight went into labor while you were away." The messenger says.

"Driver, to the castle. Double time!" Lightning calls in stalliongrats.

The twins yell out as they were now tossed around the carriage.

Lightning bust through the front door, having run all the way up the stairs. "Guard…where is…my wife?" Lightning asks between breathes.

The guard happily points to a set of double doors.

Lightning races through the doors, not bothering to rest. A few minutes the twins came through the doors out of breathe. "How is dad so fast?" Talion asks breathing hard.

"Oh, his endless training and great skills." Twilight said as she lays down on the bed with a bundle next to her.

"Come meet your little brother, Devotio Sparkle." Twilight says.

Lightning was watching his colt with a smile. "Devotio, spell huh?"

Twilight giggles. "You did help choose."

"He has my coat color and a white mane with streaks of red." Lightning says.

Twilight smiles as she leans in a bit. "Take a quick look at his eyes." She said gently pushing Devotio to him.

"Golden and it seems splotches of red are in them." Lightning says surprised when he quickly opened Devotio's eye and closes them

"Yeah, our little alicorn is unique." Twilight says as Luna enters.

Luna smiles gently as she walks up. "He is beautiful." She said looking him over.

Twilight nods as she pulls Luna in with her magic. "Yes, he's also your son as well."

"Oh." Luna says completely caught off guard and smiling.

Lightning chuckles. "Now you have your own son to call your own. We are all mother and father to the foals."

"Which means Talion and Typhoon, attack your lunar mother." Twilight commands.

Luna screams as she was tackled by the twins and laughs as she tries to grab them.

"Shh, you three. Devotio is sleeping." Lightning reminds.

Luna grins and picks up the twins and runs off. "You got it."

"I best let my sister know and you should let your family and the rest of the elements of harmony know." Lightning says.

Twilight nods. "Yeah, thanks for letting me have this life."

"You're not the only one happy." Lightning says before kissing her nose.

Twilight giggles and nuzzles him. "Yes, now your family has grown even more."

"Ok, go on now queeny and make an appearance in Equestria and have them announce the birth of our son and go see your family about it." Lightning says.

Twilight nods and kisses him. "Watch our son."

"I will. I expect them here before night, ok Twi?" Lightning asks.

Twilight nods and kisses him another time before letting go and walking away. "See you later. Call for an assembly in Canterlot." Twilight calls to the guards and heads to the portal.

Lightning smiles as he rocks Devotio and the door opens and in walks Twilight with her parents, her brother, and sister in law.

Twilight smiles as she goes over to him and takes Devotio out of his hooves and rocks him now. "Meet Devotio Sparkle. Our new prince and heir to the throne of Equestria."

"Hey there little guy." Shining says looking at Devotio.

Devotio coos and opens his eyes and looks to Shining. "Gah." He said almost making a throwing motion.

Shining smiles and touch his hoof with his, causing Devotio to giggle.

Twilight smiles as she keeps rocking him. "Great foal, huh?"

Lightning smiles before he collapses asleep. "Looks like my husband has overworked himself again." Twilight says sighing.

Cadance smiles as she looks Lightning over. "How long does his sleep last?"

"He'll awaken in about ten hours or so." Twilight says as Devotio starts crying from hunger. Twilight blushes as she looks to everypony. "Um…excuse me, I have to feed him." She said carrying the crying Devotio away.

"I want one Shining." Cadance whines.

Shining freezes up as he looks away. "We'll…um…talk about it when we get back."

"No. No more talking. I want one now." Cadance says willfully.

"She is right brother. As king, you must produce an heir." Twilight calls from behind a curtain.

Shining blushes heavily as he swears. "Um…I don't know…um…"

"Shining." Cadance says giving him the pout he could never resist.

Shining groans. "Fine. When we get back."

"Ya." Cadance cheers.

They all laugh as Shining pouts and slouches.

Night Light then clears his throat and turns serious. "Queen Cadance, this may not be the best time, but a scouting party recently found the remains of the banished and disgraced Blueblood, your brother." Night Light says.

They all look to him as they gained a worried look. "Who did it?" Twilight calls.

"It is unknown, but it looked like the wild life got him and the rest of the nobles that were banished for treason. It seems without their bits or servants, they couldn't survive." Night Light says.

Twilight scoffs. "Can't believe it. They couldn't even lead a simple life. At least we don't have to deal with them anymore."

"To be fair, your husband did banish them to the wastelands." Shining reminds.

Twilight chuckles. "Oh yeah. Yeah, he did."

"So I am still blown away by that portal of yours. Are we really in Stalliongrad in the east?" Shining asks.

"In the middle of it. Literally we are in the central plains of it." Twilight says.

Lightning still snores as they all look to him. "How does he do that?" Velvet asks.

"Eastern magic is truly incredible big brother." Twilight says before going on to try and explain the formulas and construction that went into it, but losing them completely.

Velvet then smiles. "So who wants some food?"

"Oh that reminds me, we should call for Kyou Kai or she might kill one of you, thinking you are an intruder." Twilight says.

"They're fine." A voice said above them.

They all look up to see Kai hanging above them messing with a puzzle box.

"Oh good, you know. Now, I don't have to worry about you killing them." Twilight says.

Kai hums as she still didn't look at them. "At least we don't need to introduce ourselves. Time waster."

Twilight chuckles a bit. "Alright Kai. Come on down. Say hello to your new member of the family." Twilight says coming out after finishing feeding Devotio.

"So what is his name?" Kai asks coming down.

Twilight smiles as he shows him. "Devotio Sparkle. Our new prince of Equestria and heir."

"I see." Kai says looking at him before booping his stomach with her nose.

"Everyone, meet Kyou Kai, a general in the Stalliongrad military." Twilight said rocking Devotio.

Devotio coos and reaches for Kai as she boops him again and tries to grab her nose.

"She can also kill any of you in here before you even realize you're dead. Now Kai, can you help me with Lightning. He overworked himself again." Twilight says.

Kai sighs and goes over to Lightning before placing him on her back. "Always working."

"Like you." Twilight says.

Kai smiles. "I sleep."

"Uh huh, when?" Twilight asks sticking her tongue out.

Kai grumbles as she takes Lightning away who now proceeded to wraps his forelegs around Kai and snuggles into her. "So soft." He mumbled.

"I know." Kai says smirking where nopony could see or hear them.

Lightning keeps mumbling as she carries him out and Twilight follows with Devotio in her hooves. "He deserves to sleep with his new son." She said passing everypony else.

"I want to go see this city, don't you love?" Night asks Velvet.

Velvet nods. "Oh yes, might be great to see new sights."

"I shall arrange for a group of guards and translator to come with you then as they speak and read a different language." Twilight says before exiting the door.

They both smile and head out as Shining was still slouching and Cadance was still looking at him expectantly.

"May I see a training exercise by the guards?" Shining calls.

"The guards, big brother, are a part of one of the three armies of my husband. They are the dragon guards." Twilight says.

Shining looks to her and follows her out with Cadance skipping merrily behind him. "Dragon guards?"

"Dragon army and Kyou is their general, so I will request you get to sit in on a training exercise." Twilight says.

Shining smiles a bit as he keeps following until Kai came back and leads him the other way.

"Whoa, they were…" Cadance stops to think about what is the correct term.

"Brutal and efficient are the words you are looking for." Kai says.

Cadance smiles and nods. "Yes, that's it. The highest level in fact."

"They should be, I trained them." Kai says monotone.

Shining blinks at her. "Wait, what?"

"I am their general." Kai reminds.

Shining keeps blinking as Cadance smirks at him. "He doesn't like a mare getting on top."

"That feeling is useless." Kai says as her remark felt like a stab to Shining.

Shining groans and slouches more.

"Would you like to go to the arena? They are holding monster fights today." Kai says.

"Monster fights?" They both ask.

"Yes, it is a way for somepony to make a name for themselves. We capture monsters in the wild and let volunteer fighters fight them." Kai says.

Cadance looks worried. "Won't that hurt the population?"

"Do you care if a species of giant spider dies off?" Kai asks.

Cadance chuckles nervously. "Um…extinct species."

"Come with me." Kai says leading them to the arena.

Both Shining and Cadance were surprised at the arena as they came to it and the creatures still roaming around inside. "This is amazing." Cadance said.

"Magic and design keeps them in the arena and out of the stands. The match against these giant spiders is about to begin. One of my young officers is fighting today." Kai says.

They watch as a young soldier step into the field and soon the spiders ran at him before he started to use elemental magic and his axe to chop them down.

"He is a battle mage from the college here to continue his studies and start his military career." Kai says as he splits the head of the last spider.

Shining gaps at the sight of the all the killings. "That much…in that time."

"It was only six." Kai says.

Shining looks to her. "Those big spiders?" He asks pointing.

"Yes and those are the average ones. The giant one is not scheduled to fight today." Kai says.

Cadance smiles a bit as she looks to her. "How many creatures?" She asks carefully.

"Quite a few. Would you rather going to see the races than this?" Kai asks.

Shining now nods dumbly.

Kai leads them to a huge race track on the edge of the city, where teams of two were strapped to heavy looking chariots which were weighed down with heavy weights.

Cadance raises an eyebrow. "Weights?"

"Yes, each team must have great strength and stamina to pull the chariots the whole race and dexterity to do so effectively." Kai says.

Cadance smiles widely as she watches the eight chariots were now sent off and pulled as she watches them move almost as fast as the Wonderbolts. "This is well done. What else do you have?"

"Many other things, but most of them are not running right now." Kai says.

Cadance leans over. "What are they called?"

"Aren't you nosy." Kai says.

Cadance grins. "I try."

"So Shadow, how do you feel?" Lightning asks petting her head.

Shadow moans and nuzzles him. "Great. Thanks for accepting me like this."

"So you take a peek at the newest foal?" Lightning asks.

Shadow smiles and looks to him. "Beautiful foal. You did a great job."

"No, Twilight did as she bore him." Lightning says looking at her, still in her Shadow Rainbow form.

Shadow grins. "But you supplied the start of it all."

"So Rainbow caught you in this form yet?" Lightning asks.

Shadow shakes her head. "No, I was in the walls in the bare form when she got into the room. Now enough about that, how's the former slaves doing?"

"Most are working on farms across the central plains being cared for, but I decided to appoint one to be my son Talion's caretaker." Lightning says.

Shadow raises an eyebrow. "Caretaker, who?"

"Nu uh, that would be telling." Lightning says.

Shadow smiles a bit. "Well…what about me? What are we going to do before all this war things?"

"I'm already petting you." Lightning says.

"You're sure about this?" Rainbow asks looking at Daring.

Daring nods. "Oh yes, he would love this. Now, you remember the moves?"

"You sure Eclipse isn't playing with us?" Rainbow asks again as Daring sends a guard to go find Lightning.

Daring grins. "Yeah, she isn't. She told me that he loved the show."

"You got that from a letter?" Rainbow asks skeptical.

Daring chuckles. "Oh yeah, she's very descriptive."

Rainbow looks unconvinced. "I doubt that."

Daring looks at her with a smirk. "Do you remember her acts?"

Rainbow stares at her. "Oh yeah."

"Hey Daring, what do you ne…" Lightning stops, seeing what his wife and mistress were wearing.

Rainbow waves shyly. "Hi Lightning."

Lightning just blinks. "Wha…"

Daring grins. "Yeah, a little gift from Eclipse."

"But…" Lightning tries to talk before Daring leads him to the bed.

Daring smiles gently as she puts him on the bed. "Just enjoy the show." She said walking back to Rainbow.

"So we going for another foal Daring?" Lightning wisecracks.

Daring rolls her eyes at him. "Oh shut up Lightning and enjoy the show. We practice for a bit for this."

"Jarl Lightning, a message from High king Ulfric." A royal messenger says.

Lightning groans as he opens the door. "Yes? What's it about?"

"The heir to Urreigns and the High King have come to an agreement." The messenger whispers into his ear.

Lightning yawns and rubs his eyes. "Good. Give him my thanks for agreeing and putting a treaty into the country together. Also, tell him I like to hold a banquet with the heir. Give him a bit of a thanks."

"He wants you there to meet the heir because you will leading the campaign." The messenger says.

Lightning groans. "Of course he does." Lightning says.

"Lightning? What it is?" A voice calls from inside.

"I'll tell you in a moment." Lightning calls.

"Okay." Somepony called back before a thump was heard.

"Thank you, take a message back informing the high king I am on my way." Lightning says.

The messenger nods and runs off.

Lighting closes the door and looks to the two mares on his bed long ago last night were they relieved of that dancer outfits. "You two are curious. I can tell it within your eyes." Lightning says walking over as they keep eyeing him. "Alright, you both know we plan to invade Urreigns soon. Well it turns out that the late ruler married twice. The second was with a dominion noble mare. At his death bed when the heir came to see his father they denied him entrance to the capital and later sought to kill him. My spies recognizing an opportunity spirited the heir away and a few weeks ago the heir entered Windhelm and began talks with the high king. The king seems to have agreed to aid the heir changing our war from a conquest to one of restoring the rightful heir." Lightning says.

Daring yawns. "So what now?"

"There is more to the story. My spies have reported that the current ruler is practically a figurehead and his mother and family have usurped control." Lightning says.

Rainbow hisses. "So the plan is what?"

"This is an unusual situation. I'm not sure we can call the current ruler a usurper because of this." Lightning says sighing.

Daring yawns again. "Well it's been too long. It's too late anyway."

"You know him calling me means that I will soon be ordered to march." Lightning says.

They both groan and lay against the bed. "Now?" Rainbow calls out.

"Not yet love, but in a month or less." Lightning says petting her.

Rainbow still groans.

"You knew this day would come Rainbow, stop belly aching." Daring says.

"Hate it still."

"Rainbow, while I am gone, you have a duty to uphold." Lightning says.

Rainbow groans as she puts her head against him. "And I'm not liking it."

"You don't like your duty is to watch over and raise our children as their mother?" Lightning asks making Rainbow's head raises immediately, realizing what implications her words held.

Daring sighs. "Just try and come back once in a while. I don't think anypony would like it if you lived the rest of your life out there."

"You know that one can't predict how a war will truly go Daring." Lightning says as Daring rolls over and smirks before kissing Rainbow.

Lightning raises an eyebrow as he watches them. "Um…if this is a privilege to see you two like this, it has to be more."

"No, just taking Rainbow off guard." Daring says getting up.

Lightning sighs. "I'll try to be there for important things. Deal?" He asks Rainbow. "You will have to run the fief for me love with the other official as Kai will be coming with me along with the Dire wolf army." Lightning informs.

Rainbow sighs. "Fine."

"Good girl." Lightning says petting her.

Rainbow purrs sadly as she leans against him.

"Look at you, not even twenty nine, a wonderbolt, ruler of four fiefs, three in Equestria and the central plains of Stalliongrad, and the mother of three healthy foals. Rainbow you truly are a wonder." Lightning says lovingly.

Rainbow keeps purring. "Only because you are there."

"Take good care of the foals, ok?" Lightning asks.

Rainbow sighs. "Okay."

"You are a good mother and a great wife." Lightning says.

Rainbow frowns a bit. "Am I?"

"Yes, you are. Better than what I deserve." Lightning says leaning onto her.

Rainbow looks to him and sighs. "I love you Lightning."

"I love you too." Lightning says before kissing her and turns to Daring. "And you too." Lightning says before kissing her.

Daring smiles as he lets go. "Oh Lightning."

"Your second duty is to keep Daring here in check, ok?" Lightning asks.

Rainbow chuckles a bit. "With her collar fetish, that's a bit troubling."

"You won't do that for the sake of the foals. She won't while I'm away. Right, Daring?" Lightning asks.

Daring quickly puts the collar away. "Um…sure."

"Good girl." Lightning says before raspberrying her neck.

Daring laughs as he keeps raspberrying and kissing her neck while Rainbow smiles. "Lightning?" She asks.

"Yes?" Lightning asks.

Rainbow sighs. "You better go tell everypony else. Give them each a night to remember."

"Unfortunately, I have to go see the high king. I will give them that night after I return." Lightning says.

Rainbow nods. "Come back safely."

"It's a quick trip. Especially with the new roads the high king has made." Lightning says getting up. "Oh, and girls."

"Yes?" They both ask.

"I really enjoyed your dance last night." Lightning says.

They both blush and smile.

Lightning's carriage stops in front of Winterhold's main gate and Lightning quickly gets out and walks at a brisk pace to the city, his armor not seemingly impeding him.

"Sir." One guard said seeing him at the keep's entrance.

"Announce my arrival so the high king knows I have arrived." Lightning commands walking through the gate.

The guard nods and rushes in and heads past him to announce him. "Jarl and King Lightning." He calls out.

Lightning enters quickly and heads straight for the war room, knowing that is where the high king would be. Upon entering, Lightning bows. "High king."

Ulfric sighs. "Enough bowing for now. Now isn't the time."

"It is only right, one should bow to their liege." Lightning says before getting up.

Ulfric chuckles. "At this moment, no."

"I have been briefed on the gist of the situation." Lightning says.

"Aye. After all, it was your agents that smuggled the heir and rightful ruler out of Urreigns in the first place." Ulfric says.

Lightning chuckles. "I wouldn't say my agents."

"They are your men." Ulfric says.

"Very well, they are mine." Lightning says.

"And they were able to save my life." An adult female voice said around a small corner.

Lightning turns around to see a dragoness walking around it. "Well, that is a surprise. I didn't expect a female as all my messages read heir, not heiress." Lightning says.

The dragoness chuckles. "Yes, well, I told them to keep it quiet."

"I see, you must be quite persuasive for them to leave out that detail." Lightning says eyeing her like a hawk.

The dragoness chuckles almost manically in her own tone. "Silver tongue."

Lightning stares at her.

"No, seriously, silver tongue." The dragoness said sticking out her tongue and shows it had faint specks of silver before pulling it back in. "And as you can see, my form is another enticer." She said showing her weirdly proportional body as it held a more hourglass figure than the usual dragon form, even for a female. "Most males fall for me, no matter the species. Though it could be said for some to resist." She said looking to Ulfric.

Lightning, to her shock, gives a dismissive wave at that.

The dragoness snorts some smoke in his direction. "You don't like my form?" She asks annoyed that he didn't even bother looking.

"No, it's just it take more than looks to even make me interested." Lightning says, shocking her again as he looks at the map as Ulfric laughs.

"Never encountered anyone like him huh?" Ulfric asks.

The dragoness snorts again. "Your head guard eyed my flank a lot longer than he should have."

"And yet one of my jarls and the general didn't even spare you a second glance." Ulfric says smirking.

The dragoness was still growling in her throat and snorting smoke in Lightning's direction.

Lightning waves his wing, sending it back at her. "I can divert one army to invade Urreigns, high king." Lightning says.

Ulfric shakes his head a bit at his actions. "You still need another to disguise or distract them should anything go wrong and they usually do. Remember Riften?"

Lightning tries to look innocent. "So the guard spotted my food wrappings. I had to take him out."

Ulfric chuckles. "And then you had to take out the training grounds. We could have used those men."

"If they weren't useless at everything except being cannon fodder, I might agree." Lightning says.

Ulfric keeps chuckles as he shakes his head. "Just so you know, even in battle, you would sometimes make a brash move. Now then, two squads, one seen and the other in between."

"High king, enough jokes please." Lightning says as a general.

Ulfric waves a hoof. "Yes, yes. Now let's get this plan done."

"Leave it to me…I suppose I should take the heiress as well." Lightning says.

The dragoness huffs. "How else would you take the throne in the end?" She asks sarcastically.

"Listen closely. You will do as I say and not contradict my orders, understand?" Lightning asks.

The dragoness was on the other side of the room looking at a few maps. "Yes, yes. Whatever you say." She said waving a sharp bladed tail at him in a dismissive manner.

"Good, then we leave immediately." Lightning says before bowing to Ulfric and glares out of the corner of his eye to the dragoness.

The dragoness huffs and puts the maps down and walks out after giving a small wing bow. "I thank you for your hospitality." She said dignified and calmly before walking out into the main hall. "By the way, the north map needs to be updated. The allies of yours has moved up a city each." She called out.

Ulfric just grins at Lightning who was frowning. "I like her." He said and only made Lightning roll his eyes.

The carriage ride had been one of silence since it started five hours ago and all the while, the dragoness was messing around with a pot and ingredients that look like they were for alchemy.

"Have you ever heard of strange tales of the city?" The dragoness suddenly asks as she cooks the pot a bit with her flame.

Lightning says nothing.

The dragoness shakes her head a bit as she dips her black claw in the stew. "You don't talk much, do you? Nothing personal or casual and just all business?"

"I am focused on the task at hand and running several battle simulations in my head." Lightning says.

"The statue speaks." The dragoness said dipping her claw again and then proceeds to burn it a bit before stopping and looking satisfied. "I was worried you might have grown a few cracks, but it seems you didn't."

Lightning sighs and looks at her. "You are good at manipulating, but I am not so easily manipulated." Lightning says.

The dragoness snorts smoke into the pot and quickly closes it with a lid and proceeds to burn it. "I made you talk when you didn't want to." She said simply.

"So what do you think of your half brother?" Lightning asks.

The dragoness huffs. "Truthfully, he's kinda a bit slow at times. Fast at others. Though being king, not so much. I doubt he could do much politics, but can cause quite a stir as we have seen." She said before looking up.

"So you don't know he is only being used and his family from the Dominion are using him as a figurehead as they continue to usurp the rule of the country?" Lightning asks, stunning her into silence.

She then sighs. "I knew he was too smart for that plan, or the means to carry it out. Of course he was being used. Can you tell your assassin to come down? Her presence up there is giving me trouble and I don't want to mess up the concoction."

"First, Entei is a he, not a she. Second, if you see him, his code demands he kills you." Lightning says.

The dragoness held a small smirk at the corner of her muzzle that Lightning can clearly see. "But he won't."

"He could easily. He has already had more than twenty opportunities." Lightning says.

The dragoness laughs for a bit. "I like those that give challenges sometimes. Though this ain't one. Besides, why do you think I am making this potion? For sport?"

"To tell the truth, potions are my weakest field in my magical studies." Lightning says.

The dragoness holds up a claw. "I expected as much." She said picking up the pot and opens the lid and holds it outside the carriage. "Though, strange things can be revealed." She said bringing it back in from the moonlight as it glowed slightly blue and blows fire on her claw till it was red hot. "And even stronger ones has risen as they use advantages that are not counted as cheating in a sense." She said placing the pot down before throwing herself at him and holds his head away and proceeds to scratch her red hot claw on his neck, making it sizzle from the heat. "Only a few seconds." She said calmly as she defended herself from the knives by catching it in the guards of her tail behind her.

"Are you done? This isn't the worst I have been burnt." Lightning says monotone, surprising her again by his willpower as most ponies consider this torture.

The dragoness huffs some smoke at him before pulling her claw away. "Done, but not the process." She said sitting back in her seat and throws the knives back up into the ceiling. "Next phase and final one." She said dipping her talon in the pot and takes out a powder from the liquid before blowing it at him and throws some on herself. "I'll see you later." She said before Lightning fell asleep on his side with her following.

Lightning groans as he gets up and sees himself in a moonlit lake area. "Not bad a place." He said to himself.

The dragoness huffs as she walks past him to the lake edge. "I needed to talk to you without other ears hanging around us."

"So you guessed the true reason for my silence. You're far sharper than you let on." Lightning says.

The dragoness chuckles. "Yes, with my figure, dimwitted males just see me as a bimbo and that gives me an edge as I play a little with their irrational thoughts."

"The act helps as well. Tell me, has anyone comforted you from when that Dominion family barred you from even seeing your father on his deathbed?" Lightning asks.

The dragoness sighs as she sits down on the side of the lake. "Dragons fall, dragons lay, most don't lie in dirt, most go up in flames, following others, not following fools. Only when they feel their energy, do dragons fall completely." She sang in a somewhat operatic tone before turning to him. "Dragons go up in flames and let only their bones remain. Preventing scavengers from gaining dragon powers and magic."

Lightning walks up to her and hugs her.

The dragoness looks to him before wrapping a wing around him. "Penitus." She said simply.

Lightning looks up to her. "What?"

The dragoness smiles. "That is my cover name. You can use that in the public. My real name is more feminine and in a dragon tongue. Can't speak it unless you have dragon magic and no, taking it won't count."

"Penitus." Lightning says.

The dragoness holds his head with both talons. "No, this." She said before touching her head to his and Lightning gasps as he felt a rush of feelings go through before she lets go and smiles. "Now you know my real name."

"I see." Lightning says looking into her eyes.

The dragoness nods as the moonlight washes over them and makes her previous scales change multiple colors before stopping on white and then fully black. "If you're wondering, potion accident. That was one alchemy set I could never touch again. Though I did sneak into the alchemy labs once in a while." She said smirking as her purple eyes showed merit in them.

"Listen, you mind taking it easy when we get back to my fief? My wife won't take your flirting well most likely." Lightning says.

The dragoness giggles. "I have to keep the same image. Don't worry, you'll get the same act as back at Winterhold."

"Also, I should warn you, my adopted daughter is a dragon pony hybrid like your brother." Lightning says.

The dragoness raises an eyebrow at him. "Really now? I wonder how that happened."

"Do I need to give you a lesson on the birds and the bees?" Lightning jokes.

The dragoness chuckles. "I already got that embarrassing motion from my parents."

Lightning sighs. "Do you want to know what the Dominion is doing to your people?" Lightning asks.

The dragoness huffs as she looks to the lake again. "Your high king is very chatty."

"So you know they are imposing unbearable taxes and just looking for a reason to send them to work in the mines as slaves." Lightning says.

The dragoness nods as she wraps her tail around him. "Yes and there may be more planned out for them. We need to hurry."

"No, what we need are three things. Speed to move before the usurpers can muster the army against us all at once, your charisma to get your people to rise up, and a little luck that we may be well on our way before a legion comes to secure the country and enforce their tyranny." Lightning says.

The dragoness sighs. "Yes, but at least we can see how things might be in the meantime."

"Alright, we ready to get out of here?" Lightning asks.

The dragoness smiles and nods. "Yes and here's one way." She said before turning to him and then kisses him that made him close his eyes for a few seconds before opening them to realize he is back in the carriage.

"Was that really necessary?" Lightning asks in a monotone voice not missing a beat.

The dragoness yawns as she gets up. "Yes, it allows me to see you well in the midst of battle or from far away."

"Great, I can look forward to you trying to seduce me every step of the way then." Lightning says sarcastically.

The dragoness chuckles a bit darkly as she looks to him and he can see her eyes change color once before changing back. "I would happily follow you guys. You seem fun."

Lightning exhales and puts his face in his hooves.

The dragoness rolls her eyes. "Oh relax."

"I don't like her already." Twilight says.

Lightning pinches the bridge of his eyes together. "Yeah, the feeling is mutual."

"At least she won't bother us much, right?" Silva asks.

Lightning looks to her. "What do you think?"

"I have instructed my soldiers to keep her under wraps, now come on you." Kai says pulling Lightning along.

Lightning groans as he was pulled. "Where are we going?"

"Did that satisfy all five of you?" Lightning asks.

They all hum approvingly.

"So Silva, you are the only mare not to bare a foal yet." Lightning says.

Silva sighs happily. "I hope I get one from this."

"Speaking of marriage matters, Applejack finally said yes to Zhang Liao." Twilight says.

"Oh, do tell." Rainbow says.

Twilight smiles. "Well, after a few dates, he finally asked around about how to propose marriage and he did. Though he did overspend on the ring, didn't matter to Applejack as she wanted to know if he was adaptable. She was doing a test all along on him." She said smirking. "Anyway, on the final date, he popped the question and she immediately said yes after just one word. They haven't decided on a marriage date yet though."

"How is her family taking the news and I mean the whole family?" Lightning says.

Twilight sighs. "Apple Bloom, well she's happy. Big Mac is being the same protective big brother as he always been. Granny Smith, indifferent and breaking out the old dress she had worn. As for the other Apple family members, they are quite happy they got a strong apple bucking family member into the whole family again."

"Do they know he is a high ranking military officer?" Lightning asks.

Twilight shrugs. "Only by Applejack finally telling them. Big Mac is now a bit afraid, but trying to hold up a good front."

"Oh, the old, my superior officer is now my in law." Daring says smiling.

Rainbow smirks. "That happened to you?"

"Nope. Only child." Daring says.

Lightning chuckles as he wraps his wings around them. "Now then, what do you girls want to do? Lay here and sleep well? Go outside and enjoy the day on a date? Or have great battle?"

Twilight grew a little serious. "Lightning, I may need to speak to you about something close to that last one."

"Ok." Lightning says seeing her serious expression.

Rainbow wraps a wing around her. "Geez Twilight, don't you ever be happy?"

Twilight then grins. "Only when he does something, you know…." She said looking to Lightning.

"Ok Twi, what is it?" Lightning asks.

Twilight giggles. "Oh, just this thing that makes us all happy." She said moving a hoof under him. "This part." She said smirking. "That makes me really high happy."

"I meant the war part." Lightning says.

Twilight sighs, losing her happy mood. "Meet me in my temporary lab later. Yes, I set one up here."

"Come here miss grumpy." Lightning says massaging her wings.

Twilight eeps as she freezes up a bit. "Lightning." She squeaks.

"Oh, look who's the big bad queen now girls." Lightning says smirking.

Twilight blushes heavily at them as she tries to glare. "Shut…shut up!" She tries to yells under the massage.

"Who's a sexy queen?" Lightning asks smirking.

"She is." All the other mares say as Twilight blushes even more.

"Now tell me." Lightning says having her right where he wanted her.

Twilight groans as he hugs her against his chest. "It's your new equipment."

"The stuff that is still isn't even really in the prototype stage?" Lightning asks.

Twilight turns her head at him. "Present for you. I got something special for you."

"Oh, like special like the way I treated you." Lightning teases.

Twilight rolls her eyes. "Just meet me in the lab later."

"Who here thinks Twilight hasn't relieved enough stress?" Lightning asks.

They all raises their hooves as Twilight frowns a bit. "Later Lightning." She said waving him off.

"Sorry, majority rules." Lightning says rubbing her stomach.

Twilight pouts cutely and crosses her hooves as she puffs up her cheeks.

Lightning smirks as he lays her back on the bed.

Twilight was still pouting. "Pushy." She said.

Lightning smirks as he mounts her again.

"So what do you want to show me?" Lightning asks leaning against her as they walk to the lab.

Twilight smiles a bit before worriedly looking at him. "When do you leave for any battle in the coming time?"

"Soon, as in within the month do I and Kai will leave to campaign." Lightning says.

Twilight nods. "Okay, then I'm glad I got this done. Mine has always been ready, but as you know, I have been using it as a testing platform. Yours however was never made by the blacksmith, I did. I knew, to keep you safe, I couldn't trust the blacksmith even though he was doing it. However, I added a few things and now it's time to try it on. Here, got your skinsuit. Wear this first and then place the armor on in parts and it should take care of itself." She said showing his skinsuit in her magic.

"I'm sorry, your sexy flank is distracting." Lightning jokes.

Twilight giggles as she gives him the skinsuit as they stop in front of the lab door. "Wear it. Your armor is inside. I'll be waiting." She said walking inside and closing the door behind her.

"Another one of your kinks Twi?" Lightning jokes.

"Nope. Precaution." She called from behind the door.

"Oh, not letting me get to you right now, huh?" Lightning calls putting it on

He revived no answer and heads inside after he zipped up his suit and finds the lab as a cruder version than the one in Canterlot. "Better make sure to make a dedicated version for like a whole wing when we get back." He said to himself before spotting his armor hanging from a stand and starts to put it on. "Twi?" He asks and still gets no answer. "Weird."

Lightning raises an eyebrow as he keeps splitting apart the armor and sees it start to lock together before finally grabbing the helmet. "Let's hope this works." He said to himself before putting it on and feels it lock into place. He then tilts his head as he hears a rumbling and looks to another door and raises an eyebrow at it. "Hello?"

BOOM

Lightning was surprised as he was punched into the lab door and out of it and then out of the hallway wall and finds himself in the air before righting himself with his wings and finds another same looking armor coming at him with a punch. "Hey!" He yells before being punched again downward and then feels himself get heated and sent upward before it dies off and sees Agni on the wall readying another flamethrower. He looks back to the armor flying where it punched him and sees the purple wings. "Oh, a test huh?" He asks himself before grinning.

Twilight chuckles loudly as she flies toward him while readying a fireball in her hoof and sends it to him while preparing another flaming hoof in her other hoof as she came closer.

Lightning smiles as he sends the fireballs away before trying to grab her hoof and then realizes it went lower than expected and hits him straight in the stomach before it sends him down in altitude a bit. He looks up in time to see a large flaming strike coming at him and only felt it hit his head and sends him straight to the ground. "Ow."

Twilight huffs as she lands nearby. "Agni!"

Agni grins as he jumps down near to them and punches the ground and making the ground heat up before it explodes from right under Lightning, making him yell out and fly up a bit before he rights himself in the air and sends some lightning strikes at them to which they either dodge or get scrapes from it.

"Oh you want to play that game." Lightning says before extending his left hoof and a light blue glyph appears under Agni.

Agni looks down as Twilight spins in a circle and makes fire appear around her in a fire tornado and Agni tries to move before frowning as he couldn't moves his feet before making fire build up on his paw and then slams it into the ground and makes the ground crack up and makes the light die down before he starts running around them.

"Not happening." Twilight calls out as she sends the tornado at him.

Lightning frowns before lighting up a shield glyph in front of him and was surprised when it went right through but it seems to phase past his armor. "What?" He asks himself as he looks to the metal plates.

Twilight smiles under her helmet. "Magic redirection and collection system are working well." She said before flying up again at him with another flaming hoof.

Lightning chuckles as he dodges her hoof and sends another at her before she catches it and starts hitting him on his side with her elbow while trying to hit under his chin with her hoof before he grabs her and throws her away as she rights herself in the air.

Twilight turns to him while sending fireballs at him as it pushes him back a few while he sends some others away. "Come on. Is the best the great Lightning can do?" She teases.

Lightning raises an eyebrow at her as he kept trying on sending some fireballs away. "You want me to try everything at you?"

Twilight backs off as they both hover in place. "Short of killing or hurting me greatly."

Lightning shakes his head before Twilight sees the clouds starting to form above them. "Alright then. Here it comes." He said before moving his hoof down and Twilight eeps as she dodged a strike from the clouds which almost hits Agni nearby as he digs under the ground.

Twilight smiles at his actions. "Good. Now the real fun begins." She calls out as she flies toward him as she seemed to form a flaming spear in her hooves.

Lightning frowns as he forms a lightning shield in front of him only for Twilight to change the shape of the spear into something that looks like a sword and brings it upward on him and Lightning tries to move the shield before feeling a big nick on his leg as the rest hit his shield.

Lightning growls a bit as he brings his hooves together and forms a lightning sword as well before they start striking each other.

"Come on Twilight!" Somepony yells from the window.

Lightning quickly looks to the window and sees Rainbow. "Kick his flank!" She yells as the whole family and even the foals were there, cheering Twilight on.

"Mom, down here!" Agni calls.

Twilight giggles as she keeps striking away as Lightning tries to comprehend why they choose her side when he feels a tug on his tail and only has a second before being pulled downward and then upward and then flung downward as he tries to flex his wings to gain some air before feeling something hit his back and makes him arch his back and freeze up before he was launched up into the air.

Twilight grins as she brings the sword up. "Going down." She said before hitting him straight on and sends him down again and Agni sends him up again and soon it became a game of ping pong as Twilight starts to hover downward before hitting him one last time and sends him into the ground. "Game!" She cheered as she got rid of her fire sword and lands next to Agni.

Lightning growls as he got up and races toward them and tackles Twilight as she tries to hit him in a hoof to hoof fight before they both ended up standing up as they try to hit each other as Agni runs around them while spitting fire onto the ground and makes a circle around them.

Lightning grins as he saw an opening and trips Twilight before feeling himself spun around and then gets hit his face as Agni starts fighting him and even going as far as to kick him as Lightning feels some punches on his back and grabs Twilight's hoof and Agni's foot and smacks them together and sends them away as he backs off.

They bring shake themselves off as they all stare down each other before Agni punches the ground and makes the ground crack up under Lightning before it drops into a crater and Lightning fell down before blocking a few strikes by Twilight and ducks as Agni tries to kick from behind and starts fighting both of them as he kept switching between them.

Twilight soon drops low and hits him in the stomach again and makes him bend over a bit before punching him in the face and sends him looking the other way as Agni hits him in the face and makes him look back to Twilight and soon was being sent back and forth between the two before Lightning grabs both of them and starts hitting them faster than ever before kicking them both away in one go and sends them to the other side of the walls of the training ground now destroyed.

They both groan as they pull themselves out of the wall and sees Lightning charging something up as lightning strikes him from the dark clouds above. Twilight frowns as she runs at him and starts charging up her fire magic and makes fire swirl around her as Agni shots some fire breath at Lightning only for him to dodge and get collected by Twilight before he charges another big flaming talon and readies to punch as Lightning brings his hooves up and Twilight gets her fire sword ready before they all clash in the middle.

BOOM

All the soldiers and civilians, seeing the action and the massive explosion, take cover as the shockwave makes some of them take a flying lesson while Rainbow and the others take cover and ducks as the windows shatter around them before everything goes quiet and they look to see three bodies lying down in a crater almost unconscious looking until they all rolled over on their backs.

"So…you made this armor personally huh?" Lightning breathes out.

Twilight hums as she reaches a hoof up and presses something on her neck and makes the helmet split in two and collapse in on itself as it collects on the neck area. "Yeah, I made it personally so when I make a prototype of an improvement, you can get the completed version immediately since yours and mine are almost the same. The other soldiers would have to wait before a more efficient model comes out."

Lightning nods as he makes the same motion and makes his helmet split as well as they all look to the clouds now dissipating. "That was a good way to say good luck."

Agni laughs a bit. "More like, let's just see how strong you really are."

Twilight giggles as she reaches a hoof out to them and Agni grabs it before Lightning places his on top of theirs. "Yeah, can't believe I held up that well."

Lightning nods. "Yeah, just one thing, you forgot." Lightning says.

Twilight hums. "What is it?"

"They are not teleportation proof." Lightning says and next thing Twilight knew, she was teleported out of the armor and into Lightning's hooves.

Twilight sighs as she rests against him. "I'll add the sigil for that."

"Oh, I see you were wearing something skimpy under it." Lightning says smirking.

Twilight rolls her eyes as he rubs her flank that was covered by her own skinsuit. "Please, you are wearing your own and I peeked a look. Nice big spot and may have to restich your own suit."

"Oh, says the mare who wanted to keep going when I reminded her of work." Lightning jokes.

Twilight chuckles. "Come on Lightning. At least tell me how the armor is."

"Good, but still needs a few field tests before we can deploy them in a battlefield." Lightning says petting Twilight's flank as Agni had left to sneak into the kitchen again.

Twilight sighs. "It will be done in time before you leave. I'll get this done and soon, you would unstoppable on the battlefield. Besides, I'm going to need to expand my lab. Want to fuel my resource needs? I may be able to speed things along and make a research division. Private, of course."

Lightning smiles. "Anything for my mare. Now, shall we get out of these things, get a bath and heal up and grab some dinner?"

Twilight grins. "Please."

"Ok and don't rush it Twi. Let's keep it as our secret weapon to unleash on the Dominion when the true war starts and speaking of food, after you bathe, shouldn't you go see our little prince and see if he is hungry?" Lightning asks.

Twilight nods. "Yeah, probably a good idea. Though he did enjoy the show." She said looking over to the rest of the family watching from the hole in the wall. "Think he's proud of us?"

"Oh boy how, long is that going to…you know what, just call the mason." Lightning says sighing.

Twilight chuckles nervously. "Yeah, sorry about that. I had to give a surprise attack on you with the armor."

"Kai, remind me, what are the walls are made out of again?" Lightning requests.

Kai chuckles. "Granite mostly, with a variety of rocks to give it its color." Kai says.

Twilight raises an eyebrow at him. "What's that about?"

Lightning looks back to her. "Twi, you punched me through hard granite."

"So?" Twilight asks.

Lightning groans as he sits up a bit. "Granite is harder than enhanced concrete. Which is used in most skyscrapers and they are still standing without chipping. Punching through it or sending a body through it…yeah…that's not happening unless you are a…Power Pony I think they are called. Granite and going right through it with ease, how?"

Twilight smiles and lifts his armored hoof. "Servos. Can make it like lifting a hundred pound weight to something like ten pounds. The machine does most of the work. You just have to give your regular strength and it would be amplified by almost ten to one."

"Sounds powerful…and dangerous." Lightning says.

Twilight nods. "That's why I'm making these armors specific to a pony. And we are choosing the pony who goes in. We are the first. Now we just have to find some trustworthy ponies."

Before they could continue, Devotio cries out.

Twilight sits up and looks in his direction. "Coming honey!" She yelled before teleporting up to them and takes Devotio. "Shh, you hungry? Let's get something to eat." She said walking away with him.

"Nurse him love." Lightning calls before eying the hole and sighs. "I wish I knew a spell that could fix this." Lightning says.

Kai grins as Lightning collects Twilight's armor and walks up near them. "So, want to remodel or make it like it was before?" She asks him.

"Leave that to Equestria's queen." Lightning says.

Kai rolls her eyes. "You still got your ass kicked."

"Since when were you demoted to sidekick?" Lightning jokes.

Kai huffs. "Shut up. At least we know our queen can hold herself up. She did hold her own against you so we can worry less. Also, she kicks some good flanks. She did take you down."

Lightning holds up a hoof. "We took each other down."

Kai says nothing else and drags him away. "She taking him to train?" Rainbow asks.

Silva and Daring smirk to each other. "He got beaten by his own wife. What do you think?" Silva asks Daring.

"Well if he trains up before going off, I will feel a little better." Rainbow says.

Daring smiles. "Well, at least we can be sure one of us can hold up well with him when we fight. Who knows, maybe our queen can take him down if he goes crazy."

Rainbow chuckles as she walks past. "Isn't that all the time?"

"Daddy's funny." The twins said from her back as they held Windstorm.

"Who wants food?" Silva asks.

"We do. We do." The twins and Daring call out while Star just coos and raises a hoof.

"I got Saber." Silva says.

Saber coos and laughs as he wiggles around on her back.

"Oh, who is a good foal?" Silva asks.

"Gah." Saber said and hugs her neck.