Author's Note

This chapter presents a battle so there is some kind of intense violence within the teen rating, reader discretion is advised.

Instruments of Destruction

The assault spear dropped on the balcony before Bryan and those with him Ace and those he chose stepped out of it. Red Hair the sixth, Charger Solis, Jammer, Melody (Steamer) Steam and Razzle and Dazzle showstoper the twin unicorns.

"Bryan you keep the ship out of trouble and make sure those three don't anything stupid understood?" ordered Ace

Bryan rolled his eyes "Don't test my abilities or anything." He said while marching to the spear. "Okay those of you not going with Ace are with me. We'll keep the Blood Moon at a safe distance until and unless we have a clear need to get involved. Let's move!" he said "Come on Wind Whistler we need to get aboard now."

Wind Whistler examined the assault spear "I am not so sure about this Bryan, is this thing safe?"

Bryan smirked "It's safe, but it's one heck of a ride coming down. So going up should be an experience." He said going inside of menacing looking device.

Wind Whistler followed, albeit reluctantly.

Once the ramp closed Shadow Wing made sure the mares and prisoners where strapped in. Before hitting the recall button. The spear was yanked back on the pull wrenching free from the ground making it bounce and sway all the way up till was pulled in to the locking mechanism and rotated back in to its dock. "That is why I hate these things. Going down is easy but my brother never actually put as much thought in to getting them back beyond reel it in fast." Complained Shadow as he unhooked.

Bryan winced, he now officially hurt in ways he had no idea he could. "Oh, ow, it definitely needs work." He says struggling to unstrap himself. He looks at Wind Whistler and asked "Are you alright big sister?"

Wind Whistler takes a moment before she replies. "I have had worse than this Bryan, but I would prefer to not repeat this experience anytime soon." She said as she tried to extricate herself.

Come on my elder brother loves to have a audience when he actually lets lose. The wheel house would have the best safe view of the action." Said Shadow from the doorway.

Bryan nodded and called out to some guards "Take these three down to the brig, and don't let them slip away or I'll give you nightmares for month." he said sternly

Wind Whistler trotted beside Bryan to the wheel house "Did you really need to be so hard on them Bryan? I'm sure they wouldn't let those dragons escape."

Bryan shook his head "For the moment I'm in charge up here Wind Whistler and I can't afford to be seen as being weak. I'm not among Ace's most trusted lieutenants for nothing. So no, I wasn't too hard on them, Ace will have my hide if they screw up." He said firmly.

"My brother is extreme with punishment after all a collection of merciful enchanted weapons and herd mates that at two of the strongest spell casters in Equestria. He has quite a arsenal for punishment. Though he is slightly more lax on family Charger is not. And she would and can bury a pony or human in paper work. Death by an infinity of paper cuts." explained Shadow.

Wind Whistler just stared at the jet black pegasus "I see, I think." she replied

Bryan nodded "Yeah I really don't want to deal with all of that paperwork, again." He said sounding defeated.

Below they could see Ace and the thirteenth Hex and Shadowrunner had rejoined them and looked fine an large mob of enemies was gathered before them.

Shadow Wing chuckled "Looks like we got here in time for the show. Hey Moonlight magic up us some popcorn. This is a something you only get to see once in a blue moon." He said looking on the seen below.

"Warriors of the Equestria's thirteenth regiment answer me! Before the enemies of Equestria, who are we!?" Shouted Ace as he drew his sword the air around him crackling with gold lightning.

Each of those he chose to fight took stance and drew their weapons or charged there magic. Razzle and Dazzle had magic energy swirling off them forming a spiral, Charger was in her full plate bladed lances lowered and locked the spikes and blades on her traditional earth pony berserker full plates glinted with malice in the light. Red hair took a stance on his hind legs holding his pike the head of which head was coated in flames that seemed to have spread to his mane and tail. Jammer pulled a keytar in front of her and as she took to the air. Shadowrunner opened his wings letting the serrated hooked wing blades glint in the light of the setting sun. Hex drew a Nieghponese (Chinese) short sword as strange marking started glowing over his body. Steamer's pendant glowed as her giant bladed anchor appeared and her pony body cracked and shatters revealing her to be a siren pony. She grasped the large weapon running her tongue over her sharp teeth.

Shadow shutters "I actually dated her before we joined the guard."

Below the thirteenth shouted. "We are the blade of Equestria's sword! We are what the nightmares that hide in the dark of the night fear!" The sun sank below the sky and the moon rose draping every thing in a cool soft red light. "We are the Everfree Watch! Ace Crimson Moon's Thirteenth regiment of Luna's Guard!"

"What is in your right hoof?!" Ace shouted

"A weapon forged of the souls of the dead!" they shouted

"What is in your left hoof?!" Ace shouted

"Thirteen bits to cross into Tartarus!" they answered

What do you see before you?!" shouted Ace

"The enemies of Equestria that I am to kill!" they shouted.

"Then I release you chains my demons! Go forth and attack!" Ace shouted.

Moonlight walked up to Shadow holding some popcorn in her levitation spell. As she hoofed it over to him she looked at the sight below "This is a very impressive gathering of warriors commander. I have never seen the thirteenth in action before."

Bryan and Wind Whistler looked at each other shocked "She's a sea pony!" they both exclaimed in unison.

Bryan turned to Shadow "You dated her!? You dated a sea pony? I didn't even know there were sea ponies in Equestria." Bryan shook his head, there were some obvious differences but the basics were the same. Steamer was a sea pony no doubt about it.

Wind Whistler blinked, this was a shocking development. "I can not believe this, dragons weren't really a shock, but a sea pony most certainly is. And she looks so different too."

Bryan nodded "Yes, she is much bigger for one thing and her teeth clearly show that she's a carnivore too. I wonder how she moves around without her regular pony form though, unless..." Bryan's eyes widened with shock "Her pendant!" he shouted

Wind Whistler looked at him "What about it Bryan?"

Bryan scratched his chin then spoke "I'll bet it allows her to move through the air in same way she moves through the water."

Wind Whistler eyes widened with a realization "The lower resistance of air would mean that she would far more effectively in the air than in water. The result should be quite deadly."

"It's worse then that. Her kind have vocal magic as well as the pendant was actually a part of her body if you look at her chest you can see her sea gem. Sirens are the sea pony equivalent of unicorns. They can only hover on land not fly but it still gives them one heck of a speed boost and the max height is restricted by how much power they have. They can also feed on emotions like changelings and windagos do. But only to increase their power and they feed on conflict. So her being in the thirteenth was basically a lifetime all you can eat buffet." Explained Shadow Wing before taking a hoof full of popcorn.

Below the battle had began in earnest. Ace had yet to swing his sword instead directing massive strikes of lightning with his wings at rang leaving charred and burnt smoking corpses in the wake of each bolt.

Red was showing why his family passed down his ancestors name. He strode forward taking swing with each step wading in to the enemies leaving Those that where not cleaved in twain by his pike to writhe in agony as they burn alive. "Is this the best you got?! When will some one provide me with a descent challenge!?" He bellowed before bring the pike down slicing a minotuar in half down the middle along with his weapon and smashing through the floor in to the room below taking him from sight.

Razzle and Dazzle where living up to there names they launched volleys of spells at the enemies as the danced with each other the spell would explode on impact making shower of gore and blood around the as they danced to a song in their heads.

Charger was streak of red glinting in the moonlight as she ran and ran throes that did not die on her lance blades suffered as her momentum dragged them in close were they where ripped to bits on her armor as her spiked shoes tore their lower halves to the ground beneath her hooves.

Above Jammer was playing her concert of death her music blowing out the ear drums of the griffons causing them lose there balance, and thus ability to orient themselves in flight dooming them to crash or fall to there deaths.

Back on the ground Hex was showing how his magic truly worked the wards on his body gave him grace and speed but the ones on his sword could only be called evil. Every strike even the slightest nick caused those hit shriek in pain as their limbs withered and died or they themselves did.

Shadowrunner was showing his way of fighting quite messy for a ninja. His serrated hooked wing blades where used to great effect cutting throats and arteries leaving his victims to die in pools of there own gushing blood.

Steamer skimmed around like a shark swinging her anchor and spinning with it and taking bloody chunks out of her foes with her knife like teeth.

Wind Whistler stood silently watching the battle without so much as a word.

Eclipse looked at Bryan and asked him. "Lieutenant Luna why she being so quiet?"

"She has read about actual military conflicts, but has never actually seen one happen until now Lieutenant Glow. And it was simple bad luck that her first such battle would be between members of the thirteenth and a bunch largely unskilled thugs. It's not so much a battle as a one sided slaughter down there." Bryan replied

He turned to Shadow "So steamer is a siren pony then? If there are sirens there logic dictates that there would be sea ponies as well." he said "What's next? Equestria has Flutterponies too?"

"Black Lotus is one but she hides it like steamer. Riptide, Undertow, and White Cap are sea ponies. They also use magic to hide this as well as about a dozen other of the thirteenth are not actually regular ponies using magic to hide what they are. The reason is some would be called monsters if not in disguise. That said I don't know how many or all there names. Just that Ace recruits outside of the normal channels. Yes we take in those guard recruits that show promise. But most he picks from the public. Jammer was a grown mare with no cutie mark when he met her in Baltimare, Red Hair was a bandit and though he is not here he actually found Joker's Wild in brig psych ward awaiting a section eight discharge for his experiments. My brother sees the world differently where most ponies see a monster, a mad pony, or an evil pony. He sees strengths that need refocusing. That said I think my brother is totally nuts in my mind. But I still do as he asks cause he dose only what he thinks is best for Equestria or his family." said Shadow Wing

He looked at Wind Whistler "Watch and remember well what you see Wind Whistler. Bryan calls you sister he is soon to be Ace and I's cousin so this is him fighting for you our cousin this is how far he goes for family. Soon he will go to Dream Valley and bring the rest of the ponies in Ponyland and beyond to safety here in Equestria. What you see is what awaits those who threatened you and your kin back home." said Shadow "Welcome home cousin."

"Enough of these games, let's make our point!" Shouted Ace. He raised his sword above his sword and flapped in to the air as the Katana glowed and changed in to a massive full blade. "Crystal Zephyr! Split the sky in twain!" He shouted before swinging his blade. There was a great gust of wind that struck Blueblood's stronghold which caused a wall to collapse and sending the debris into the valley bellow with a massive crash . He landed before the trembling enemies his troops forming up behind him Red hair bursting out of the ground his whole body in flames with a diamond dog impaled on his weapon. "Come who has the courage to stand before us!" shouted Ace.

The enemies turned and dropped their weapons and fled from the thirteenth. Ace's weapon shifted again in to a pike. "Kill them let not a single warrior escape!" Shouted Ace. He and his men charged after them deeper in to the mountain out of the site of the ship but sounds of the battle still echoed from within as smoke started to rise from caves and windows.

Shadow sighs "Well all a we can do is wait for them to finish. My brother is never one to leave enemies a resource. A base like this would have been a good stronghold and even a good source of materials as a mine. Now none of the survivors will want to be in a thousand miles and any stories about it will make them avoid it. Because when so many die a curse is said to haunt such places." Said Shadow as he takes some more popcorn.

After an hour had past the sounds of battle started to die down after another blast and another wall being blown out saw the dog skidding along the ground bouncing three times before rolling to a stop. Ace walked out spinning his weapon as turned from the fullblade to katana as he walked up to her. "Buck! She's out cold. What a weakling, I though I could get a challenge out of an Alpha." Said Ace as stands over her. Slowly the other members of the strike team walk out of the the mountain base. None of them look injured or even winded. Steamer, had a bone of some kind in her teeth as she floated over chewing on the other end.

Ace looked around "We will bring her with. She might know where blue balls went. Will send the grunts of Celestia's guard to secure what's left here." Said Ace getting nods. He spread his wings and massive gold bolt of lightning climbed to the sky calling for pick up.

One pick up by the elevator from hell later Ace and pony Steamer walks in to bridge. "Where is my new cousin?" Said Ace as he walked on to the bridge out of his armor. He looked at Wind Whistler. "There she is. Give your little cousin a hug." He said before trotting over and hugging her with his wings.

Wind Whistler looked at Ace confused "How in the world did you do that with your sword?"

Bryan laughed "I can answer that a little. The Crystal Zephyr is a magic weapon that amplifies it's user's latent magic."

Wind Whistler looked at Bryan "Well that seems quite obvious, but what I really want to know is it is able to change shape. This feature is illogical, it is a weapon and not capable of changing it's shape."

Bryan smirked at her "Accept when it responds to the will it's owner." Wind Whistler's jaw dropped and Bryan waved his hand dismissively. "It's an easy oversight to make. Anyway it's a kind of sympathetic magic like the Rainbow of Light is."

"Yes but where on earth did he find it? A weapon like that wouldn't just be laying around somewhere."

Bryan looked at Ace "You wanna answer that one or should I?"

"Would you believe a talking crocodile creature and Fox girl gave it to me after I helped stop a snow-clops from releasing the wendagos when I was younger?" said Ace.

Steamer facehoofed "Not that story again captain. When will you actually tell us how you got that thing? Every time anypony asks he spins a tall tail about another dimension and islands floating in the sky and no one, not even us in the thirteenth believe it."

"Fine be that way but I keep telling you guys the truth sometimes fact is stranger then fiction." said Ace.

Wind Whistler's pink eyes narrowed at Ace. "That is an utterly preposterous story Ace!" she said

"Actually the story I was told is that he found it in a crystal cavern while on assignment in the Crystal Empire. He didn't say what the mission was though but it sounded really important to me." Bryan looked at Ace with an expression of nice try but nopony will ever buy that one Ace.

Wind Whistler then turned and looked at Bryan "And why are you in a military group Bryan? I know how strongly you dislike fighting. So why join an organization that guarantees that you'll be fighting?"

Bryan got down on his knees to look her directly in the eyes "There is a lot I need to tell you about my life big sister." he sighed "Including the changes in my romantic relationships. Before that however I will tell you that Megan is here with us and waiting for us in Ponyville."

Her eyes softened "All right Bryan, where are going to have this conversation?"

He smiled "Let's go down to the galley and get some tea while we talk." Wind Whistler nodded and followed him to the ship's galley.

"Don't forget about she gets to come to my mansion for the reunion. After all you are a cousin now given one of your herd mates and mine are cousins. And the That story nopony believes is what I didn't tell you." called Ace.

Bryan looked at Wind Whistler "If you'll follow me it's right this way big sister." He said as they left for the ship's kitchen.

After arriving they sat down to some Jasmine tea and Wind Whistler asked Bryan "So what's this about a herd? Aren't you still with Megan?"

Bryan smiled "Back together with Megan more like, and it was her and Twilight that brought the idea up in the first place."

Wind Whistler looked at the human she'd took on as a brother quizzically "What do you mean back with Megan Bryan?"

He sighed "We were separated for ten years and wouldn't you know it. The day after Twilight and I had our first night together Megan comes back into my life." he laughed.

Wind whistler looked at him expectantly "What do you mean you were separated Bryan?"

"Look sis, I really don't wanna talk about it. It's something that happened and I'm done dwelling on it is all." he replied

"So you're not letting it get in your way then?" she said

Bryan nodded "Yeah, it's a my past is not today kinda thing. I've moved on from those events and I'm not letting them weigh me down." He said with a smile. "So yeah Megan and Twilight discussed the idea while Ace and I were doing some work to secure a survey site outside of Ponyville. We got attacked and captured by some changelings, and after a bit Megan, Twilight, Trixie and Sunset came and rescued us. It was a classic role reversal for not the first time in my life." He chuckled dryly "I do appreciate that Megan is there for me when I need her, but I need to stop getting in tight spots where she has to rescue me."

Wind whistler looked at Bryan "So how many are going to be in this herd of yours Bryan? I know you well and I also know how feel about certain things."

Bryan gave a lop-sided smile "Yeah, I know. there are size limits on herds in Equestria, there can only be four of us in the herd." He stopped to think for a moment. "When Ace and I were in the hospital after the damage done to us by the changelings our fourth herd mate joined us. A very bouncy and cheerful earth pony by the name of Pinkie Pie. She came to me in my room and confessed her feelings, when I asked her how long she had felt that way she couldn't be sure." he chuckled again "When she told me that she felt that way I realized that I loved her too, and the rest is history as they say. I know you're not shocked by this, me falling in love with ponies."

Wind Whistler chuckled herself "No little brother I am indeed not surprised by this from either you or Megan. From almost your first moments in Ponyland the two of you demonstrated your xenophilic tendencies. So it's no surprise at all."

The two fell into a comfortable silence for a little while and then Wind Whistler spoke up again. "So Bryan you're fighting, what changed?"

Bryan smiled "We were fighting when were in Ponyland too big sister. It may have been by different means but it was still fighting all the same. I was just too young to realize it all of the way back then."

She considered his words for a moment. "Well I'm sure you have good reasons for what you're doing Bryan. I don't see you having done this on a whim after all."

Bryan snorted suddenly. "I must have sounded so stupid and naive back then. Fighting isn't the way." he shook his head "That's just not true sometimes you have no choice but to fight, especially when you want keep those you love." he slammed his hand on the table in frustration.

Wind Whistler placed her hoof on his hand "Bryan you were very young then and couldn't know what was ahead of you. These are things you have to learn as you grow older. Even with your level of intuition you can't predict the future." She said as she stroked his hand in a soothing gesture.

Bryan smiled at her.

As they sat there having a light-hearted conversation about the goings on in Ponyland some of the Blood Moon's crew trotted into the galley. Bryan looked up and saw them and the expressions they were wearing. "Crap." He muttered to himself as they approached the table they were sitting at.

Razzle and Dazzle the twin sisters reached her first. "Oh my gosh! I can't believe we get to meet you in person!" They squealed in unison (while some twins will finish each other's sentences when excited these two talk as one) "Can you sign our books?" they asked.

Red walked around the line and helped him self to some sake the captain kept on the ship. He poured three cups and as he was walking past he set two on the table between Bryan and Wind Whistler. "You two might need this." He said before walking a way taking a sip from his cup.

Wind Whistler looked at the two of the curiously "Alright I suppose I can do that." She said taking the book in hoof and reading the title. It read Rescue at Midnight Castle by Bryan Luna. She looked at him "Bryan what is this?" She said in a even tone that betrayed nothing.

Bryan facepalmed "I wrote about our adventures in Ponyland. I did it I part to deal with how badly I was missing all of you. Also a part of me really wanted to share these stories with everypony." he sighed "I just couldn't be dishonest with all of these ponies, many of them helped me when I was at my lowest."

"I see." Wind Whistler said flatly. She turned back the twin unicorns "Do either of you have a pen?"

Jammer hoofed hers over. It had a bat on a spring dangling thing on it. "Use mine it can even write when upside down." She said under her wing was a copy of The Return of Tambelon story.

Behind her was Shadowrunner with a stack of books and ink pot and quill. With Hex behind him floating a single book.

Red was sitting at table nursing his drink as he watched with amusement.

Wind Whistler looked slightly shocked. All of these ponies not only knew who she was but had some kind of fan thing going on for her, and she presumed the other ponies of Ponyland as well. As she took the pen and began to sign she asked "Is these anything specific you would like me to write?"

Bryan meanwhile glared at Red, it was fairly well known in the thirteenth that Bryan had a very bad reaction to any kind alcohol.

Red just smiled and raised his cup to him.

"To Dazzle from Wind Whistler would be good." said Dazzle.

"Same for me only my name is Razzle, you are so awesome some say you are the smartest pegasus ever based on the stories." said Razzle

Bryan's glare turned into a piercing gaze.

"Very well." Wind Whistler said as she signed. "And I wouldn't say I'm the smartest pegasus, I am certain that there are other pegasi as smart as me."

Bryan muttered under his breath "Luna help me if I'm the same room with you, Twilight, and Sunset." Bryan said "My head will explode."

Wind Whistler just gave him a sharp look and returned to the task at hoof.

Razzle and Dazzle giggled and squealed as they took back there books and pranced off.

Jammer set her book down. "Can you have mine say to Jammer thanks for helping rescue me. Best wishes Wind Whistler." Said Jammer blushing as she used her leathery wing to set the book on the table.

Ace walked in and chuckled at the sight. He walked to the table. "Having fun being famous and an idol to millions of foals everywhere?" Asked Ace with crooked grin.

"Really I am no more responsible than anyone else for our successes. I just don't understand it." Wind Whistler replied.

Bryan just shook his head and smiled. "That's my big sister." He thought to himself.

"It's not so much how or what you did and more about who and what you are. Many ponies even pegasi themselves see level headed thinking, and planed organization as something more of a unicorn thing. Not something us brash, quick tempered and often quicker to act pegasus ponies do. While there are few exceptions most public hero's younger ponies see are ponies of action. Even the more educated ones like Professor Daring Do. Or our world's General Firefly my ancestor are better known for skill and speed then for their brains and problem solving. I mean most ponies see a Wonderbolts show and all they see is cool stunts not the hours of math behind them." said Ace

Wind Whistler looked at Bryan.

He shrugged and said "It's true big sister. The pegasus ponies of Equestria are well known for being action oriented, and not for being big brained thinkers. There are a few notable exceptions like my friend Ditzy, who is more known for being a sweet slightly scatter-brained single mother and very good mail mare. The pegasus ponies of Equestria have along history of being weather managers and a long and proud tradition of military service. In fact the majority of the royal guard has always been comprised of pegasi. So a hyper intelligent pegasus like you really breaks the mold here in Equestria."

Bryan turned to Ace "Actually all of the Ponyland pegasi are very different than the pegasi here. Mama Heart Throb and Princess Tiffany are both very prissy like Rarity is. This is going to be a rough integration I'm afraid, especially since Ponyland ponies are so few in number. even with the Sea Ponies and Flutterponies there are only about a hundred or so."

"Just keep those Flutterponies away from Black Lotus. There is a reason she dose not mix with her own tribe. As for the sea ponies I'm sure they will be able to find a happy home in ether Ponyville lake or the Sparkling Sea, though if I remember most sea ponies mares are snobbish jerks... That is from what I was told by Aquarestrian ponies in my ranks. That can vary though." He puts his wing around Wind Whistler. "You will love his choice of mares though Pinkie is like Surprise if the book are anything to go by and Twilight Sparkle is a alicorn princess and lives in a library. So you and her should get along swimmingly. And you know Megan." said Ace

Shadowrunner set his stack of books down. "It's for my foal back home... she's a week flyer but she liked the stories. Her old set is wearing out so I figured a new autographed set would make her day. Also can you sign them too m- Bryan and maybe get Megan to sign them as well." He scratched the back of his head. Clearly having a hard time asking for this favor.

"Well I think we'll keep them in the lakes and rivers around Ponyville, if the Sea Ponies from the Shining Sea are really like that I don't want them to deal with it." Bryan replied

Wind Whistler looked at Ace "We'll see, these ponies should be able to meet with our approval." She looked at Bryan with a serious expression. "I want to be certain these two ponies will do nothing to harm you Bryan, and the rest of your sisters and your mothers will want to meet them as well."

Bryan laughed "They never would big sister, and I'm sure you'll love them too." He then looks to Shadowrunner "Well I know Megan will have no problem doing that if it's for a foal, and neither do I." he then looks to Ace "I think Twilight will want your help with security for her coronation by the way Ace. We'll need to confirm that, but I suspect it's true."

Wind whistler sniff at the sake in the cup "Oh this smells awful, what is it?"

Bryan looked at her "It's sake, and you shouldn't drink it unless you wanna be put on your ass for a week." she stared at him "This isn't the strong stuff either. That would put you out for a lot longer than that." He said while handing his cup to Ace.

Ace downed the whole thing in one shot. "Smooth. Very week. It's from Oatako island. One cup won't knock her out she might be buzzed or tipsy at worst. Besides she will have to at least have a sip of sake at the reunion as well you. Formality and all that tradition things." Said Ace as he set the empty cup upside down.

Bryan shook his head "Ace if she or I do that we'll be too sick to do anything. There is no alcohol in Ponyland of any kind that I can speak of and nopony there has ever had any. And I would rather not have them get into it because it could hurt them."

"That is why it's my mission from now till the reunion to build up you twos tolerances for alcohol." Said Ace with the same smile he would have when he was training Bryan.

Bryan shook his head "It doesn't work that way for me Ace, I will always get sick no matter what. You can't force something like that it will go badly."

Wind Whistler just looked at Ace "I personally have no interest in drinking something like this, it seems awful to me."

"You both will have to if the emperor dose decide to drop in a sake toast is tradition and is mandatory death for disrespecting him to any that don't. Lots of old traditions and being stuck in their ways back home." Said Ace sounding a little sad about it.

"That is something that is meaningless Ace." Bryan replied "I can't change my vulnerability to alcohol. And given how strong sake can be it might be deadly following that tradition. The Emperor will just have to deal with reality for a change and realize that the world doesn't run according to his will or traditions."

"He sounds less like a ruler and more like tyrant to me." Wind Whistler said bluntly.

"Actually he hates sake. But you can't change a tradition unless three generations of emperors sign the change he is the first to try and change that one. I'll think of something though if he shows up. I always do." said Ace

Bryan and Wind Whistler looked at each other unsure of what to make of this new information.

Later after the return to Ponyville and Ace having to persuade Charger to not make and in depth personal report on the rescue mission directly to Princess Luna. Twilight did indeed ask Ace if he and the thirteenth would help provide security for her coronation. She insisted that she didn't feel comfortable trusting anypony else at this point.

Wind Whistler watched Twilight with Bryan during the preparations, and she did like what she was seeing. She also watched Pinkie during these events too. After a week the day had come.

The Thirteenth made for a grand if intimidating honor guard. With half in the finest ceremony armors some older then Celestia herself. Others were hid in the crowd watching for anything suspicious those not pleasant had what Ace called the fun job Forest patrol which was simple walk around the edges of and any nasty they tried to leave beat back in.

Bryan was standing and waiting for the ceremony to begin while talking briefly with Wind Whistler.

"Well I must say that I've found both Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie to quite attentive to you and your needs Bryan. I do not feel that they will fail to take care of you when you need it." she said

Bryan laughed a little "Yeah they've always been like that since I first came here. Twilight was actually the first pony I had contact with and if she hadn't acted as quickly as she did," he paused for a moment "I just don't know what would have happened to be honest."

"Well regardless I am certain this herd of yours will work out well Bryan. even though you have proven to adverse to leadership type roles in the past." Wind Whistler replied.

Bryan started to crack up at the remark while Wind Whistler fumed at him. "Bryan I fail to what so so funny about that observation!"

After a few moment he calmed himself and spoke. "Sorry big sister, it's just that mares are in charge of the herds in Equestria. When you are in a herd the group chooses an alpha mare to be that head of the herd. Marriages are co-equal partnerships though."

"Oh I see." Wind whistler said "So who will be the alpha mare then?"

Bryan though for a moment "Megan will probably be our best choice. It's not that Twily or Pinkie couldn't do the job of being an alpha, it's just that Megan is our best choice. And I bet they will agree with me. It's still all being sorted out at the moment. Things have been kinda getting in the way."

"I see." Wind Whistler replied "It does make sense to me that Megan would your choice for the position. And from what I am seeing from your herd mates I do think that they will agree with you Bryan."

He nodded "Exactly big sister."

Wind Whistler looked at Bryan "Bryan shouldn't Megan have joined us by now?" she asked

Bryan chuckled "Yeah I'm betting that Coco is fussing over some last minute details on her dress. No doubt Rarity is doing the same with Twilight's. I'll go and check on them real quick."

"I will go and wait with the others." Wind Whistler replied.

As he walked down the hall Bryan thought hard about the events that were unfolding. It was odd to him, like it was contrived somehow. Like someone was intentionally setting things up to go a certain way. As he reached the door to the room where Rarity and Twilight were he couldn't help but feel a small sense of dread, to much of his past was suddenly coming back into his life, and all at once it seems. He reached out and knocked on the door. "Rarity, are you almost done in there? Everypony is waiting?" he said

The door opened and Rarity stuck her head out "It's going just fine in here darling, I am very nearly done." she replied

"Okay may I see Twilight then?" asked Bryan

Rarity gave a silvery laugh "Oh heavens no dear, it's very bad luck for you to see your princess in her dress before the coronation."

Bryan raised his right eyebrow "I think you're confused Rares, that superstition applies to seeing the bride before than wedding."

"Bryan darling you have waited for three years to see Twilight be crowned and five more minutes won't hurt you. Besides being in a herd isn't that different in many ways dear. No go on darling, off with you now. Shoo, shoo!" She said shooing him with her hoof.

He just smiled "Okay Rarity, you're right. I can wait a bit longer, though I am still going to check on Coco real quick. She was really nervous, the poor thing."

"Please do dear, I am rather worried about the poor dear." Rarity responded.

"I'll see you at the ceremony then Rarity." Bryan said as he left. "I doubt she has bit off more than she can chew." Bryan mused to himself as he went down the hall to the room where Coco and Megan were located. He walked up to the door and knocked on it.

"Just a moment." Coco's voice came from the other side of the door. "Oh hi Bryan." Coco beamed "What are you doing here?"

He smiled "Oh I am here to see how it's coming, and check on you for Rarity."

Coco blushed "Well I am all done and was going to come and get you so you could see the dress." She looked up at Bryan. "Rarity was worried about me?"

"Yeah." Bryan said as he walked into the room "You know how she is by know Coco, she cares for all of her friends and worries about them."

Coco smiled "I know, I'm really grateful that she gave me this chance to work on Megan's clothes. I't a great opportunity for me. Okay wait right here for just a moment Bryan." She said before heading behind a privacy screen. "Are you ready?" Coco said from behind the screen.

"Yes let's see it." Bryan replied

"Okay Megan it's show time." Coco said as Megan stepped from behind the screen wearing a royal purple and midnight blue dress with silver trim.

Bryan was speechless while Megan giggled "You see Coco? I told you he would be impressed."

Bryan stepped back to get a good look at Megan's dress. It was quite a sight. "Wow Coco you did a great job." he said

The blushing earth pony smiled "Thank you Bryan." Coco replied.

Bryan got a look at Megan and noticed something different, a royal purple ribbon decorated her hair rather than her usual red or pink ribbon. He whistled. "You look great Megan."

Megan smiled "Thank you Bryan, but aren't you supposed to be getting ready too?"

Bryan facepalmed "Luna's grace! I forgot!" He replied rushing out of the room and across the hallway to get ready. Megan and Coco looked at each other and giggled.

He entered the room to see as with his fore legs crossed and floating in the air with his wings flapping. "You're late Cousin. And given you will be part of this ceremony and marrying those mares today I had something made for you. Consider it sort of a wedding present."
He moved to reveal a men's kimono "This one is used manly for weddings and herd ceremonies. But the colors are midnight blue to black rather then white gray. Also those swords are for ceremony as well but if anything tries something they can still be used I had wood sheathed in sliver plating. So the Katana and Wakashi match with Luna's guard pattern. It will be the last night you wear Luna's colors. The rest of the unit are in the new parade armor with Twilight's marking on it. I have a hoof band of storing with mine in it so I will quick change when I'm done making you look like a noble." said Ace

Bryan facepalmed again "It's a herding Ace, not a wedding. remember there is distinction between them in Equestria. And I really don't need to look like a noble, they're stuck up and selfish. I swear you're as bad a Rarity is sometimes."

"Yes but only when it counts. Now quit your fussing and get changed as you need to look the part and shove it in their snobbish faces that you out rank those collective plot heads. Besides, they hate when I influence anything in court and you dressed in this well drive them to squirm in their seats. Besides I'll rot in Tartarus before I let Rarity stuff you in a purple sequined tuxedo. " He said as he opens the door to show exactly that and it had a pink puffy blouse under shirt with it. "So stallion up and wear the robes or do you think you can pull of a Canterlot music awards tuxs? At least mine makes you look like a real stallion and you get swords with it."

Bryan facepalmed once more "Rarity when this is done we are gonna have a long talk about that thing." He muttered under his breath. He loved Rarity as much as any of his friends, but her sensibilities were too much for him sometimes. He started to get into the kimono and said to Ace "You do remember those upperclass ponies aren't nobles don't you Ace? I'm sure they don't act very differently but they are just to wealthy for their own good. Well accept Fancy Pants, he seems to be a genuine stallion to some extent at least." He looked at the flamboyant tux once more and shook his head.

"I call them the same as they act besides they are to much like the nobles back home which is why I avoid having a reunion. Because it invites all the ones with blood ties to me to come over and try to get me to aid in what ever stupidity they are planing against each other. Even though I just report it to the emperor or empress and laugh as their schemes fall apart and they still haven't figured out I am the snitch. Either that or they really do believe kirin are gods like alicorns. Which is why I set Hammer up with a nice bat pony rather then accept those match making offers from the other clans. Mind you Night Shadow is good soldier and is rising in the ranks on his own but you don't make officers without a mare behind you. At least not with out a lot of gifts that he dose not have." Said Ace as he ties the sash properly. "There you go, the up side is you get to keep your normal underwear too. Unlike what Rarity had made you. Trust me when I say that mare needs to get a book on the difference between stallion' s and mare's fashion." added Ace.

Bryan laughed "Those idiots never do learn, that's why they are not real leaders like you or the princesses. Though I am still confused by the idea that alicorns are gods of any kind, Cadence and Twilight are just ponies the same as Luna and Celestia. There is nothing 'god like' about them." He stretched a bit "As for Rarity she just wants make sure everypony looks their best, she just gets a little overly enthusiastic sometimes. Like Sweetie Belle, only not as cute."

"That's one way to put it. She tried to put me in matching suit. I made her faint when I showed her my dress armor." He activated the ring of equipment and in a flash he was in a gold suit of traditional Equestria full plate with the wing gloves and spikes and slit visors. On the flanks had his cutiemark but on the for head and chest was twilight's start. "I found a set of traditional full plate it's a little heavier then my normal armor but it looks a lot cooler and has that nice heavy clank that intimidates and one wanting to cause trouble. Also the gems of Twilight's cutiemark at enchanted it has a reactive speed shield and water breathing so it doubles as a dive suit and anti magic as gold deflects spells and reduces there impact."

"Nice, very nice indeed." Bryan replied "Well we'd better get out there so we're not late." He said as he exited the room, only to find Megan and Coco waiting for them. It was then that they saw Coco's dress which was simple white and pink dress that reminded Bryan and Ace both of Megan's dress from the night of the costume ball at Dream Castle.

"Well let's go I have to stand around and look awesome while you three just look pretty." Said Ace who then started to clank down the hall he seemed to be making more noise then need as he seems to be enjoying his new armor.

Bryan once again tried to glare a hole through the back of Ace's head. "Let's go you two." He huffed sounding annoyed.

As they moved through the hallway Bryan marveled at just how big Ponyville city hall was. It amazed him to some extent that a town the size of Ponyville would have such a large city hall. They came out of the hallway and into the main area where the coronation was being held and another feature of the city fall was shown, the number of ponies it could support in the main area was also quite large. Bryan and Megan moved to take their places near Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, naturally Pinkie was already waiting along with the rest of their friends.

Ace could be seen in his armor along with most of the thirteenth those that weren't where scattered in "plain clothes" in the crowds or in the V.I.P box where Charger Sat in a dress looking rather uncomfortable.

Bryan cocked his head in confusion at the sight, he had never seen Charger in anything vaguely resembling a dress before. While he took no amusement in her discomfort he had to admit that she looked good in a dress. "Maybe she should let her feminine side show more." he thought to himself.

Megan took Bryan's hand when she noticed him fidget slightly as the twin doors to the main area opened and Twilight's procession began. Twilight was proceeded by four beautiful white earth ponies that were singing. Behind her stood four volunteers from Celestia's own personal guard.

The noticeable wing twitch by Ace showed that he felt insulted that Celestia's goons where doing the entry march. Even if he didn't like the reassignment of command chain he still felt his troops could have done the job and looked much more impressive then the Canterlot show pony guards that Celestia keeps as eye candy.

Trixie and Sunset who had been waiting on Ace moved closer to him to calm him down. Sunset mouthed "Let it go Ace." to him.
Twilight's procession came forward and stopped in front of the solar princess who was standing in her formal regalia and wearing a full crown rather than her tiara.

"Yeah I know but big events have been magnets for trouble." Ace whispered to them with out moving the magic in his helm also relayed it to the others on duty.

Charger's ear twitched and she lifted her hoof seeming to take a sip of tea. "If You weren't so good at seeing trouble most would call you paranoid." She mumbled before taking a sip.

Jokers Wild in the crowd with his wife and foals chuckled then spoke in to his pipe. "Yeah but I'd rather put on the show that we are ready and nothing happen then not jump through hoops and run the barrels and then something goes down. Look at that wedding mess. Those ponies in the capital are going soft."

Bryan's eyes were sharply assessing the room even though he was never paranoid he was very well trained and kept up his guard just in case. Megan was also being more alert than usual, but this was done subtly that nopony noticed, not even Ace.

Celestia cleared her throat and the room went quite. "My little ponies, humans, and dragon. We are gathered hear to day to crown Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship. Through her action and deeds she has strived to help and make friends wherever she goes. From her rescue of Young Bryan to helping him become one of our truest and loyalest friends. Along with many other acts of kindness, honesty, loyalty, generosity,and laughter, that she and her friends have achieved. She has come to understand the true meaning of the magic of friendship. She has also shown her leadership ability and to stay cool under pressure in the recent crisis. So it is with great honor I crown Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship!" Said Celestia before setting a crown on Twilight's head.

The crowd cheered. Ace stares out at the masses waiting for anything.

Twilight turned to face the wildly applauding crowd and smiled. Princess Celestia nudged her gently and whispered. "Say something Princess Twilight."

Twilight looked over the crowd and at four mares in particular before speaking. "When my mentor Princess Celestia sent to me to Ponyville a few years ago I had to leave some very dear friends of mine. In doing so I found that I could have more friends than I had ever thought possible before. My time here has opened my eyes to so many possibilities that can be brought about by the power of friendship." She continued to look at the four unicorns as she spoke. "not only did I realize just how special my old friends are, but how important it is to make new friends and help other to find the magic of friendship for themselves. So to my friends from the Academy for Gifted Unicorns and those I have here in Ponyville, thank you, thank you all so much. I can truthfully say that I would not be the pony I am today without you all. because of all of you I am the luckiest pony in all of Equestria." She turned her gaze on Bryan who shifted uncomfortably in his spot. "And Bryan don't think that I would ever forget to mention the lesson you taught me about staying true to your friends even when you are separated from them. Your loyalty to all of your friends back on your world even though you are so far from them is a lesson we can all benefit from."

Bryan coughed and replied "Thank you Twilight, I do appreciate that. they may not be here physically but I will always hold them in my heart."

Megan squeezed his hand again and whispered. "I am so proud of you Bryan. I love you."

Bryan blushed "I love you Megan, and Twilight and Pinkie too." Bryan replied earning a collective "Awww." from the audience.

Ace heard snoring from the head set. "Somepony wake up Red, I'm bored as Tartarus too but I'm not sleeping on watch. " a soft ugh came over the radio as somepony woke the the warrior.

Bryan facepalmed and then saw Princess Luna approaching with a deep scowl on her face. He swallowed hard as she bent down to Ace and spoke to him in a low menacing tone "Captain Crimsonmoon kindly have Red Hair meet me in the mayor's office. We have to discuss his on duty lapse." Luna's tone left no room for argument. She snorted and trotted off to the office.

"Whoa," Megan said "she didn't look very happy."

Bryan shivered "That is not good, I've never seen Luna like that before."

"That's just how Red Hair gets to her. He is a undead bandit by Equestria law. And he also um... loopholed in to ranks by my joining under a old law of noble house service. If a noble Lord or other official joins the ranks as many of his personal guard can accompany him as he or she likes. It was never removed cause some times foreign princes come to serve in Equestria as part of their education and they need protection from assassination. That's how Tia knows the Saddle Arabian royal family so well." Ace explained then sighed. "She will give him a ear full but given he is one my warriors she can do anything more legally then dock his pay. But given he can only buy booze with money he earns from his work for her and now Twilight that will do far more to punish him then anything I would do."

Actually," Bryan replied "that's not really true. According to Equestrian law Red's crimes are are largely irrelevant because they occurred in Neighpon and not Equestria. So he is officially listed as a reformed criminal and viewed as a valuable resource when it come to countering bandit tactics." He finished scratching his chin.

"Bryan!" Twilight beamed "When did you learn that about Equestrian law?"

"It was required for me to learn at least something about Equestrian laws because of my position as a royal adviser. I'd hardly be effective at my appointed position if I were completely unaware of said laws. I don't really understand all of it, but I do have a rather firm grasp of the basics." He said while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Okay!" Pinkie exclaimed "It's time to stop talking and start partying!"

"No alcohol for Red, said Ace." With a laugh as he herd Red cursing in there native tongue over the magic radio.

Twilight looked at her herd mates "Okay I wanna introduce you to everypony from the academy. Bryan, Pinkie, and Megan come with me, and when that's done I'll also introduce you to my family."

"Oh great. " Bryan said "I've been wanting to meet your family Twily."

The coronation after party wore on late into the night and later Megan lured Bryan into the guest room in the library to have some time alone with him. Their night together would start out peaceful, but it would not remain that way...