Defenders of Equestria

Today was a perfect day for everypony in Equestria. The birds were chirping, the critters were scurrying and the skies were clear. Everypony was celebrating the latest feat of their six greatest heroes. Princess Twilight and her friends were currently having a breakfast with the Princesses of day and night, talking about how much the six of them had accomplished in to little time. "It's so wonderful to know that Ponyville is no longer in danger of the rumored shadow ponies," Celestia said to her six loyal subjects.

"Indeed, we are most pleased with all thou have done for us," Luna said.

"Luna, what have I said about using the old Canterlot tongue," Celestia inquired.

"Forgive me dear sister. Some old habbits don't like to go down without a fight," Luna admitted.

"It's quite alright little sister. You'll get the hang of it," Celestia assured her.

"So, how are you coping with the old Castle we used to live in?" Celestia asked curiously.

"Oh, it's great. We've been finding new surprises every time we go back. We're trying to convince some of the construction ponies that there is nothing to be afraid of so that we can start repairing some of the parts that have fallen and reinforce what is still in tact," Twilight said.

"Yeah, kinda hard though when ya got timber wolves and crocadilys roamin around," Applejack added.

"I understand, perhaps that wasn't the best location, but it certainly didn't have that forest there when we were originally there," Celestia said.

"I thought you put the forest there to keep ponies from venturing back to the castle if they were to seek a way to free Nightmare Moon for evil purposes premature of the prophecy," Twilight said.

"In all honesty, that would have been a good idea young Twilight, but the forest was not of my sister's doing," Luna said.

"Well, I put the blame on Discord then. Remember the plunder seeds?" Rainbow Dash suggested.

"Another excellent theory, but that is wrong as well. The forest was made by some sort dark magic, but I am having trouble of figuring out who's magic it was," Celestia said.

"It's certainly wasn't Sombra, nor was it the Changeling Queen Chrysalis. I am lost for answers to this day of who could have performed such magic," Luna stated.

"Honestly, even if I were evil, I would have chosen to place something with a bit more decor in the way they set up the forest," Rarity said with stubbornness in her voice.

"Haha, always Rarity wantin something done with a lil fashion," Applejack joked.

"Can ya blame her?" Rainbow Dash joined in.

"Not really," Appljack answered.

The whole group laughed and continued to talk about what to plan for the future.

Meanwhile near the western border of Equestria. Some loyal Equestrians were observing a disturbance that had occurred near the borders. They were a good distance away, but some movement had caught their attention. "What do you see through the telescope Swift Wing," The pegasus pony with a silver coat and blue and white striped mane asked.

"I see other ponies Blue Twister, but they're not of our kingdom, or of the Crystal Empire's, and are certainly not any type changelings little brother," stated Swift Wing, a pegasus pony with darker shade of silver on his coat and a red and white striped mane.

"Well, what are they? Civilians, scouts, nobles?" A unicorn pony with a orange coat and brown mane asked.

"No they're... soldiers Sharp Hoof. Fully armored in black and weaponized. The wear a flame as their symbol on the armor. I see at least sixty strong at the front and way more falling in behind them. I think we may staring down the barrel of a full scale invasion," Swift Wing warned with a sense of terror in his voice.

"We better head to the castle if we want to warn them," said their friend Huckleberry who was a earth pony with a blue coat and blond mane.

"Only one of us should head back that way, the rest of us have to warn the surrounding towns before anything bad happens to them. Storm Flash, your the fastest pegasus here,  you need to fly as fast as you can and warn the Princesses of the possible coming danger," Swift Wing suggested.

"But what if they come in peace?" Strom Flash asked.

"I'm sure they wouldn't bring an entire army of soldiers just to make peace talks," Swift Wing said.

"Good point. Okay I'll go, but I'll have to stay close to the ground for a good ten miles. They may get suspicious at this distance," Storm Flash said.

"Good idea, Celestia and Luna speed to you friend," Swift wing said as they gave each other a friendship hug.

"Likewise," Storm Flash said before he flew off to warn the Princesses.

"I'll see if I can set up a few distractions along the way once we're a good distance. Give Storm Flash time to get to the Princesses and us time to warn the nearby towns," said Crimson Sword, a red furred unicorn pony with a silver mane.

"I like your style Crimson. Now we better get going before they see us and try and take us prisoner," Swift said.

The friends all nodded and soon were off towards the nearest town to start giving out the warning.

As they were far from site, soon, a pony within the large group of soldiers came over the hill. He had a distinct long horn and a large pair of wings. His fur was Pitch black and his mane, if you didn't focus enough, looked as if it was on fire. His eyes were completely a dark shade of red, and he stood as tall as Celestia herself. He was in full battle armor of his own and looked out into the distance toward Canterlot Castle, not even taking notice to the tiny dot that had sprouted through the trees and made itself stationary and smaller. He smiled as he looked at the land and soon spoke aloud to himself in deep dark voice, "Let the invasion begin."