The Elements of Light

Chapters

Chapter 1: Intro to Fatherhood
Chapter 2: Pinkie's Ultimate Party
Chapter 3: An Unexpected Guest
Chapter 5: Rune Smith
Chapter 6: Long Kept Secrets
Chapter 7: Fun, Flashes, and Foosball
Chapter 8: Mage Guard Boot Camp
Chapter 9: First Blood
Chapter 10: Sacrifice
Chapter 11: Requiem
Chapter 12: A Light in the Dark
Epilouge: Back to "Normal"
Prolouge: Married Life
Chapter 4: Preparations
Sequel

Chapter 1: Intro to Fatherhood

"Breath, Mrs. Star, your ok." said nurse Redheart.

"Midnight, Where are you?" Twilight said frantically.

"I'm right here, Sweety." he said just before a hoof collided with his nose.

"Celestia damn you, I'm going to kill you for this!" she screamed.

"I'm sorry, honey." he said trying to comfort her. It may have been six years ago but he remembered what it was like to be with a woman giving birth to his child.

"DON'T YOU HONEY ME, YOU SHIT FUCKER!!!" she sounded like she was possessed. Midnight wouldn't have been surprised if her head started spinning around. "Come here so I can hit you again!!!"

He did as she asked. Every bit of pain she puts on me is that much less on her, he thought to himself as her front hoof struck him repeatedly on the head and body.

"Mrs. Star, please calm down, ok. we need you to concentration." the doctor said, "ok, give us a little push?"

Twilight let out a grunt and a yell.

"Good. Very good, I can see the head coming. One more big push."

The purple unicorn gritted her teeth, braced herself and gave a loud yell. Midnight was lifted into the air by a ring of violate light around his throat as his legs kicked wildly. Then he was suddenly dropped as the yelling subsided. He got to his hooves gasping until the sound of a small cry could be heard.

The doors to the delivery room almost exploded open startling the five mares that waited patiently.

"IT'S A FILLY!!!" Midnight shouted and was immediately tackled by a pink blur.

"I'm an auntie!!!" Pinkie Pie said hugging the blue stallion. He was too happy to care that he couldn't breath.

"Come on the doctor said you can all see her for a minute, as long as your quiet." he said looking right at Pinkie Pie who had let go of him.

"Okie-dokie-loki." she said with a smile and a zipper motion across her mouth.

The six ponies made their way back to Twilight's room, and quietly shuffled in.

"Oh, darling, she's beautiful." said Rarity as Twilight showed her best friends her new daughter. She was a slightly darker shade of purple than Twilight with a black and silver main like her father's. She even had a white star on her forehead like Midnight but unlike the dark blue pony she had a small lump of a horn coming out of the middle.

"What's her name?" came the tiny voice of Fluttershy.

Twilight looked at the foal and answered, "Aurora..." she looked at Midnight who smiled back, "Aurora Tiffany Star."

"Blablablablablabla" Pinkie Pie was making faces and sounds that Aurora found absolutely hilarious. She was helping the two proud parents watch her so they could get more than three hours sleep. It had only been a week but already the two ponies inexperience with babies was showing. Luckily Pinkie was good with them.

Midnight had put his business on hold for awhile to help Twilight with parenting duties. Of course he finished the orders he already had but no others were accepted.

At the moment Midnight and Twilight were sleeping. Once again the same dream that he's had for the past year played out. He stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Everypony he knew was behind him scared but unable to move. In front of him was a shadow engulfing the forest, but the shadow was familiar to him as if he knew it his whole life. As the shadow approached he ran in fear, and the shadow swallowed up all he knew and loved. Suddenly the shadow lifted and he was presented with a terrible sight... Ponyville, as with all Equestria, was burning. It was then that he always woke up sweating, but thankfully not screaming.

Knowing he wouldn't get anymore sleep, he went down to see if Pinkie needed any help. They were still playing as Midnight expected. Seeing his daughter always lightened his mood especially when she's laughing.

The nightmare now far from his mind he said, "Is my little pretty filly having fun with aunty Pinkie Pie?"

"Hey Mid, What'cha doin' up?" Pinkie asked.

"Couldn't sleep." he answered simply, "Thanks again for watching her for us. Twilight really needed it."

"It's ok, we're having a great time, aren't we, Aurora, yahyahyahyahayh." another burst of laughter from Aurora at Pinkies face made Midnight laugh, too.

"You really are good with kids." stated Midnight.

"Well, duh. Kids like to laugh, I like to make ponies laugh. It's a given." replied Pinkie.

"When are you going to settle down and have a couple of your own?" he knew the answer, this was just too good a chance to tease. He was pleased with the results.

"Owww! eww may me bit mah thung." she was good with kids alright but anything longer than a few hours is too much for the pink party mare. Midnight just laughed. After a quick scowl Pinkie joined him.

"Well, I can take it from here, Pink." he said taking Aurora, "We're going to go for a walk."

"Oh, oh, I'll come with you." Pinkie said hopping around in circles as Midnight put the baby in her stroller and headed out the door.

It was a few hours after midday and a nice breeze was blowing, cooling the warm air. Pinkie was bouncing aimlessly humming her cupcakes song when a shadow passed by over head and a cyan pegasus with a colorful mane landed right in front of them.

"Hey, Midnight." Rainbow Dash said, "How about a race?"

"How's it going, Dash." Midnight replied, "Didn't we go through this about a dozen times already? Without somepony else channeling energy to me I can only fly like that for a few seconds. Seeing as the princess has my element, you'll have to find a unicorn willing to boost me."

"Well, darling, I didn't come all the way out here for nothing you know." Midnight and Pinkie turned and saw Rarity behind them. " And do hurry, I still have some work to do."

Midnight grinned, "You came prepared this time I see, Dash. Can you watch Aurora, Pink?"

"Okie-doki-loki."

Midnight and Rainbow Dash stood side by side, "Rarity, if you will, please."

The posh unicorn started concentrating as her horn lit up, and shot a beam of light at the blue earth pony. A blue aura enveloped the stallion as he focused the new power into Mage Form wings. Now he was ready to rock.

A small crowd was already forming to watch this unique spectacle, including Applejack.

"Hey, AJ, give us a signal, will ya'." said Dash

"Alright," said the farm pony, "on yer marks, get set, GO!"

They both took off in a blink of an eye. Rainbow Dash beating her powerful wings with all her might, while Midnight Steadily increases the thrust output of his blue translucent Mage Form wings. Both seemed to be equal off the starting line as they speed toward the first checkpoint, one of many ring shaped cloud Dash and a couple others set up. The first turn was were the difference was seen, Rainbow Dash's agility proved superior as she took the turn in a way that would cause the best combat pilot to pass out. Midnight wasn't far behind the multicolored streak and was determined to deflate her ego a little. Every turn she pulled a little farther ahead. Finally came the home stretch. a near vertical dive to turn a few yards off the ground. Midnight knew she set this up to show off her sonic rainboom, in fact he was counting on it.

Midnight let a smirk out when he saw the mach cone appear in front of his opponent. That's right, little Dashie, show off for the crowd, he thought to him self. he shifted the Mage form, shrinking the wings and splitting them into two pairs, while extending it into a nose cone in front of him. With a noise that made thunder sound like Fluttershy, the sky in front of him burst a ring of color and energy. Most importantly it was a vacuum, and it was this that Midnight aimed for. In a massive boost of energy he passed strait through the center of the ring while using a modified absorption spell. The crowd below gasped as the rainboom collapsed onto the blue stallion before he himself exploded with speed in blast of light. In less than one second he was passed the proud mare made the final turn and passed the finish, all while Rainbow Dash stared, mouth hanging, were he passed her.

His landing was about as graceful as a rock. He was exhausted, but luckily Twilight had woke up and came out to see what the commotion was in time to see most of the race. With a quick spell she restored a bit of his energy and glared at him.

"There's no half way with you, is there?" she asked Midnight as he got to his feet.

"You know you love it." he said with a grin.

"Yes, I do, but you apparently petrified Rainbow Dash with it." Twilight gestured toward the frozen pegasus.

The two walked over to where she was still absentmindedly hovering, "Hello, Equestria to Dashie, come in Dashie." Midnight said.

Slowly she turned toward him and dropped to the ground in a slump, "Wha... ha... di..." her brain was still booting back up, "How'd you do that?" the switch clicked on full, "How is it that you normally cant fly for more than six seconds at a third that speed, but you get a little energy from Rarity and you beat ME?! I mean, no offense Rare but your not the most powerful unicorn around."

"It's fine, I have all the magic I need. I must admit, I'm quite curious myself." Rarity said

"It's just the way my magic works. Trust me when I say Rarity has a LOT more magical energy than I do." Midnight answered.

"Ah don't see how that works." Applejack chimed in, "No offense Rarity, but ah can't see ya zippin' and zommin' like that."

"Remember, my magic works differently than pony magic." Midnight explained. When he saw faces become even more confused he tried to elaborate, "Unicorn magic directly affects the world around them. AJ would you care to help me." she agreed, "OK, let's say AJ here is unicorn magic. Applebloom," the little yellow filly was beside him without hesitation with a huge grin on her face, "Applebloom here is my magic, and yes folks my magic's smile IS that adorable." the looks of confusion gave way to laughter and smiles. "Now, let's say that Twilight and I both have to do the same task," he conjured two large weights from the ground, "moving these over to that post over there." he pointed to a lamp post. "Unicorn magic works directly to do this while my magic influences the natural magic in the world to do the work. So AJ, AB come over here please. We'll say this cart is the natural magic energy of the weight." he put the weight into the cart and strapped it to the little filly. "my magic interacts indirectly by influencing the object's own energy and altering it slightly." he put the other weight on AJ's back, "Unicorn magic is direct lifting the object itself. Now when i say go, race to the post. Ready, go."

The two sisters struggled with their burdens, but Applebloom was a bit faster, "You see even though AJ is faster and stronger Bloom won. There is a down fall to this though." he looked at the elder Apple sister, "You good to continue?"

"I can go all day." she responded.

"Good, as fast as you can," he stomped and five pillars rose up, "run through these." She had no trouble. "Easy right now do it again at the same speed but with the cart." he put the cart that Applebloom used on Applejack. she hit all but the first post, "See how clumsy it is. Indirect control can be more powerful but it lacks the finesse of direct control. That's why I can't use telekinesis to write letters and the such. So that's why even though, by comparison, my magic energy is pitiful to even the weakest filly, it appears to be strong. That little bit Rarity gave me was seven times my natural level of energy." he finished.

"uh,Twi, are you takin' notes over thar?" AJ cocked an eyebrow at the purple unicorn. Twilight looked up from her notebook and blushed before putting the notes and quill away.

"Hey, Midnight," Rainbow Dash spoke up, "you said once that humans are 'given' their magic. Is there a way to give a pony the same kind of magic."

"Not a seal, no. They're only compatible with a human, runes, though, are a possibility. I'm not exactly a runesmith, though, so I can't make Mod Runes." Midnight said, "Those are runes that attach to a living thing so that thing can use it at will."

"But, Midnight, you've used one on me before." said Twilight.

"That was a rune I controlled, those are easy. A Mod Rune is useable by the one it's attached to." he said, "My brother knew how to make them pretty good, but obviously that doesn't help us."

"But you're not a human anymore, you're a pony. If seals can only be used by humans how can you still use yours?" Dash asked.

"Yes, in body I am a pony, but my spirit is still human. That can't be changed." he explained, "Now if everypony will excuse me, I'm exhausted." With that he took Aurora's stroller in hoof and Twilight's tail in his and walked back to the library.

"I'm glad ONE of us got to have some fun." Twilight said sarcastically from the kitchen as she made sandwiches.

"I'm glad ONE of us got some sleep." Midnight replied as he fed Aurora in the living room.

"I have to admit though, that was pretty amazing." Twilight floated the food out to the table. "Using Dashes rainboom against her was amazing."

"It was fun. Tiring, but fun." Midnight looked at the baby in one hoof and the bottle in the other, "Uh, Twi, babe, a little help, please." She rolled her eyes and smiled as the lifted his food for him to take a bite.

"Thanks, babe." he said trough a mouthful of spinach and tomato, "My favorite."

They sat quietly enjoying their food for a time. By the time they finished Aurora was asleep. He detached his 'ghost hands' so he could carry her upstairs as Twilight followed.

"Good night, beautiful." He kissed her on the forehead and went to lay down.

Twilight was waiting for him when he walked in the room, "Hope you aren't planing on sleeping just yet." She said in a sultry voice.

"Mmm, sleep can wait a bit." Midnight climbed beside her with a passionate kiss.

"WWWHHHAAAAAAA!!!!" they broke the kiss and sighed in unison.

"I'll get her." Twilight got up and left the room.

"WWHHAA, AHH AHH AHH WHAAAA."

"I'm here, honey, what's wrong?" she picked the baby up and was immediately assaulted by an odor that was spawned in hell itself. "OH, my!" she recoiled before taking her to the changing table.

After changing the foal and rocking her to sleep. she walked back into the room, "Alright, Midnight, you rea..." He was sound asleep, "Of course." she left the room and headed strait for her study.

After selecting a couple books she looked out the window for a moment. A storm was forming over the Everfree Forest. Rainbow Dash is going to have her work cut out for her in the morning if that comes any closer, and right after losing a race, too. she thought to herself.

Chapter 2: Pinkie's Ultimate Party

Another three years past with only a few minor disturbances. All were fixed by the seven elements.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake opened a new branch of the Sugarcube Corner in Canterlot (at the request of Princess Celestia herself) and gave the old one to Pinkie Pie. The resulting cheer was heard from Manehattan to Fillydelphia.

Midnight reopened his business and was quite busy, but he always found time for his little girl.

"RROOAARR!!!" Midnight charged at a tiny purple unicorn who faced him bravely. "I'm going to eeaatt you"

"No you won't. I'm going to dah-feet you." she turned and bucked his ankle.

He winced and let out dramatic, "NOOOOO." the yell was acted but the wince was real That actually hurt a bit, he thought as he flung himself on his back 'ats my girl

"I WIN!!!" the little filly exclaimed proudly, "I beat you dad, now i get a cupcake." she looked at the unmoving blue pony, "Come on, daddy, get up." she poked him with her hoof.

"Gottcha'" he said as he rolled over and grabbed her, tickling the poor filly, "Now your mine, NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM!" he pretended to eat her. The little unicorn was laughing uncontrollably.

Aurora finally got to her hooves and caught her breath when Midnight stopped, "NO FAIR." she said, "you cheated."

"Fine, I cheated so you win. Let's get your cupcake."

"Yay, cupcakes." She said and started singing Pinkie's cupcake song while hopping around. Obviously the kid spends too much time with the pink party pony

When they finally arrived at Sugarcube Corner Aurora ran in ahead of her father, "Auntie Pinkie!!!"

"Hey there, Rory." said Pinkie, "So which do you want."

"TRIPLE CHOCOLATE!" the little unicorn said excitedly.

"Just regular chocolate." Midnight corrected, "You don't need all that chocolate, your sweet enough."

"Oh, pleeeease..." she gave him the biggest, most adorable eyes she could muster

"Oh, geez," that was it, she had him in her hooves, "fine two triple chocolate cupcakes."

"Ooo, what unshakable resolve." Pinkie said handing the sweets over laughing.

"Oh, shut it, Pink." he said before taking a bite of his own.

"Here's the cake you ordered by the way." she said as she pulled a box out from under the counter.

Midnight just swallowed the last bite of his cupcake and went to get his cake, "Thanks, Pink, here's the bits." he put several coins on the counter she was about to say something but he interrupted her, "and, no, it's not on the house. You work too hard to not get paid. Seriously, you should hire an assistant." he and Aurora left with their goodbyes before she could protest.

It was Hearts and Hooves day and the cake was for Twilight. As he walked through town he saw all the couples together. He even saw Dash with that Storm Runner guy. He laughed as he thought to himself I guess she's really not gay.

As they started toward their next destination Midnight noticed Fluttershy across the road. She looked upset so Midnight decided to try and cheer her up, "sup, Shy." she looked up at him, her eyes were puffy, "are you ok? You look like you've been crying."

"Oh, h-hello Midnight, hi Aurora."

"Hi, auntie Fluttershy. Daddy bought me a cupcake." the little filly smiled. She still had chocolate on her teeth.

"That's very nice of him." the timid yellow mare said, "I'm ok, Midnight, I really am."

Midnight sat next to her, "Come on, Fluttershy, I'm your friend. I know something's bothering you, lemme help."

She remained quiet for several moments before sighing, "Its just that it seems everypony has somepony but me, even Applejack has a date today." she said, "I just want to meet a nice stallion."

"AJ has a date?" He was kind of surprised about that, "I'm sorry your feeling so lonely. I know why don't you spend the day with Twilight and me."

"Thank you very much but I need to get home to feed my animals. I'll come over tomorrow... I-I mean if you want me to." she said

"Your always welcome at our house, Shy. Take care." he waved to her.

"Bye Auntie Fluttershy." Aurora said.

"Goodbye, and happy Hearts and Hooves day." she said with a trace of pain creeping into her voice.

Midnight and Aurora went to the Carousel Boutique for his last gift.

Entering as quietly as possible Midnight used his seal to make his voice sound like Prince Blueblood, "Rarity, my love I finally found you!"

"AAAHHHHH!!!" Rarity shrieked, jumped up and threw herself into a pile of cloth.

Midnight and Aurora fell to the floor laughing. Rarity was not amused.

Midnight said through the giggles, "You should have seen your, OOOWWWWW!!!" three needles buried themselves into his back side. NOW Rarity was amused.

"I deserved that, I guess. Truce?" Midnight said extending his hoof.

She took it, "Very well. I take it your here for the gift?"

"Yes I am." he said as she handed him a wrapped box, "Hey have you noticed how upset Fluttershy is."

"Oh, yes, the poor dear is always upset on Hearts and Hooves day. She's so lonely, but too timid to find somepony. It truly is upsetting." she said returning to her work.

"That's a shame. Well thanks, Rare, I'll see you around." he said heading towards the door.

"Do visit again soon." as they left a thought came to Rarity. She walked up to her counter and put a hoof on a metal box Midnight made and thought of Pinkie Pie and waited a few moments.

"Helllooooooo." said Pinkie's voice from the box.

"Pinkie, it's Rarity."

"Really, where?"

"No, this is Rarity. I just had a marvelous idea for a party."

"You don't say." Rarity jumped as Pinkie Pie's voice come from right beside her.

"How, Did you get here that fast." She asked the pink one.

"I walked, duh." she answered.

Rarity was confused before she realized she was trying to under stand Pinkie Pie, "Never mind, we need an emergency party tomorrow."

Pinkie gasped, "An emergency party?! What's wrong? Who's it for."

"It's for two ponies." Rarity answered, "They both need love and are perfect for each other." she had a huge smile on her face, "Fluttershy and Big Macintosh. They are both kind, quiet, lonely and in need of somepony special."

"You're right, Rarity. This is an emergency. Follow me." said Pinkie with a serious look on her face.

They left the boutique and headed back to Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie turned the open sign to the closed side and led Rarity down to the basement.

She walked to a painting of cupcakes, "This calls for my Super-Duper-Ultra-Max-Awesome-Amazing-Excellent-Party-Maker-Thingy." she touched the painting and it slid to one side, and a panel slid out. She put her hoof on it as a beam scanned her eye.

A voice suddenly spoke as the wall slid aside, "Good morning Pinkie Pie." Rarity Was stunned.

Inside the hidden room was all manner of party favors form games and streamers to a disco ball and a brass pole. At the end of the room was a large machine that pinkie sat in front of and began pushing buttons. It came to life displaying images of Fluttershy and Bug Mac as well as several locations and other possible party accessories on a big piece of glass.

"Where did you get that thing from, Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked amazed at the object.

"From The Doctor." Pinkie said before addressing the machine, "I need a hookup party for Fluttershy and Big Macintosh."

"Calculating..." the machine spoke, "factoring personality types... location, LAKE, confirmed, printing accessory list." a sound came from beside the machine and a list came out of a slot and pinkie grabbed it. looking it over "Printing invitations" It pushed out a basket full of cards.

Pinkie grabbed the basked and handed it to Rarity, "Can you deliver these while i get the party set up?" She asked

"Oh, of course, Darling." Rarity looked at the machine, "You'll have to tell me how exactly you got that thing and this doctor is."

"Sorry I can't, I pinkie promised." she said and started bouncing around the room grabbing decorations and favors

Midnight and Twilight just finished the cake and were sitting at the mantel with a cozy fire burning while Aurora was playing with the Crusaders with AJ watching. Spike had some "things to do" and gave them their privacy.

"Hey, Twi." Midnight said as he pulled the box from Rarity out, "I got this for you."

"Oh, Mid, thank you." she quickly opened it and lifter out a silver quill with a gem in the shape her cutie mark in the middle, "Oh, it's beautiful." she hugged him and pulled out a box of her own.

Midnight took the box and opened it, "Oh, wow." It was a silver rope necklace with dark blue diamonds, "I like it it's cool."

"It's not just for looks though." Twilight said, "I asked Princess Celestia to make it. It's a magic reserve. It takes a little of your unused magic and stores it so you can use it later. It takes about three days to charge if you don't use any of it, but it will double your magical energy without needing a unicorn to channel."

"That's awesome. It'll definitely come in handy" He put it on just as a knock came from the door, "I got it."

It was Rarity, "Good evening, Darlings. I just came by to give you your invitation to Pinkie Pie's party tomorrow, and to ask if you could see if the Wonderbolts would be willing to come and for a quick show."

"That shouldn't be a problem, Soarin owes me a bunch of bits from poker Tuesday anyway. If I tell him we'll be even he'll come."

"Marvelous, I'll let Pinkie know later, she's busy now. Bye." Rarity said as Midnight waved bye and shut the door

Midnight looked back at Twilight, "Shall we?"

Twilight gave him a seductive look, "We shall."

After fooling around for few minuets there was another knock.

"Celestia, damn it." Twilight said, "I'm going to kill whoever it is."

"In that case I'll answer it." Midnight looked out the window, "Crap, it's AJ." he opened the door a crack, "Hey, AJ, can you give us twenty minuets?"

"What? Ah'm Tired, you said bring Aurora back..." she looked at Midnight then Twilight seeing them sweaty and breathing heavy, "Who wants ice cream?" their answer was unanimous, "Half an hour." she said.

"Thanks." Midnight said and shut the door and turned back to his wife.

"Finally," Twilight said, "I thought she'd nev... oof." Midnight finally got his revenge.

"Hey Twilight, what's with the limp?" asked Rainbow Dash. Midnight was over joyed to hear that.

The party was huge, even for Pinkie Pie standards. Even Princess Celestia and Luna were there. Twilight ran to greet them.

Midnight saw Pinkie talking with Soarin looking upset so he walked over, "What's up Pink, Soarin, how's it going."

"Terrible." said Pinkie, "Spitfire hurt her wing and can't fly for a week."

He looked over to the fiery mare and saw the bandage on her wing, "Damn, I was looking forward to the show."

"But the show is to important to not go on." Pinkie was hyperventilating.

"What's up guys, you ok Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked joining the conversation.

"Spitfire hurt her wing, so they can't do the show." Midnight answered.

"That's not entirely true" Spitfire said with a thoughtful look towards the blue pegasus, "I may not be able to perform but we can still do the show." the others looked at her confused, "I just need a replacement for the show. Whadaya say, Rainbow Dash. You were awesome at the young fliers competition, the Canterlot open, and the Sky Winder's Showdown. You got skill and we could use that sonic rainboom you can do. How would you like to perform in my place"

Rainbow was so shocked she forgot to flap and face-planted. Snapping back to reality, "You mean it. Me. Perform with the Wonderbolts." she was on the verge of tears.

"That would work." agreed Soarin, "You are an amazing flier."

"YYYEEEESSSSS!!!!!!" Rainbow jumped in the shouting, "YESYESYESYESYES!"

"Come on let's get you into uniform and go over the act." Soarin said leading her away.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh..."

"You need smokers and other equipment, too" Soarin continued as they got out of earshot

"...ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh..."

Midnight laughed, "This is going to be the highlight of her life you know."

"I know," Spitfire said, "I've wanted to invite her to join us, but Soarin insisted we don't need any new recruits. Well I guess he was wrong. see ya." she took off the bandage and flew off.

Midnight laughed even harder, "Wow, nice one Fire. Soarin really is simple."

Rarity and Fluttershy were heading towards the tables that were set up with plates of food in tow.

"HEY, RARITY, FLUTTERSHY, OVER HERE" AJ waved them to a table with her and her brother.

"Hello, Applejack, Bic Macintosh, hew are you two." Rarity said as they sat.

"Oh, me and mah big brother 'ere were just havin a bite ta eat. How 'bout y'all?" said Applejack.

"Oh, we're peachy." Rarity answered.

The four made small talk for a few minuets before Rarity stopped it, "Say, Applejack, could you help me with something for a moment?"

"Oh, of course, tha's what friends are for." AJ answered, "Why don't y'all two wait for us here. Ya can tell Shy 'bout them squires you saved."

Just like that the shy mare and quiet stallion were left alone.

"S-so," Fluttershy whispered, "you l-like animals, t-too, huh?"

"Eeyep." was the answer.

They were quiet for a while until Fluttershy a pony she recognized, "Is that Soarin with Rainbow Dash?" she asked in disbelief.

"...ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh..."

The Big Mac and Fluttershy looked at each other and started laughing

"Y-you have a n-nice l-laugh." the yellow pegasus said.

"So do you." replied the quiet giant.

They talked foe awhile as Rarity and Applejack watched from afar.

"Phase one complete, Rare, next step." Applejack said

"We get them to dance." Replied Rarity.

They went to the DJ and requested a slow dance.

"Sorry, love birds, DJ Pon-3 don't do slow."

"LOVE BIRDS." Rarity turned red with anger.

"You got tha wrong idea we're tryin' to get a friend together with mah brother." AJ explained.

"Why ain't the point. I don't do slow, sorry." the DJ said.

Rarity thought for a moment, "I have an idea. Follow me."

They searched the crowd until they spotted three little thirteen year old fillies.

"Sweety Bell, We need your help." Rarity pleaded.

"For what?" The filly asked.

"We're trying tah get Fluttershy and Big Mac together, but tha DJ don't got slow music." AJ explained

"Awwwwww." the three said at once

"Please, I've already arranged for Lyra to play tonight you just need to sing for them." Rarity sounded desperate.

"WHAT?," the young pony said, "Sing in front of everypony. I can't do that."

"Sure you can, Sweety, you're great." said Scootaloo.

"Yea, you got the purdiest voice in Equestria. Do it for Fluttershy and Big Mac." Applebloom agreed.

"Um...," Sweety Bell thought for a moment, "OK, for love."

After a quick setup they were ready. Lyra began playing her lyre in a sweet soft melody. Sweety, still nervous, cleared her throat looking at all the ponies watching her.

I can do this, she thought, for Fluttershy and Big Mac. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out again. ok, here i go. When she opened her mouth the sweetest, most beautiful sound filled the air.

She opened her eyes to see the smiling faces and teary eyes of all the ponies. She felt something, new. Her voice brought them joy. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Big Mac get up and extend a hoof to Fluttershy. When she saw the two begin dancing, she was hit by a feeling of euphoria. It was beautiful. Amazing. Exhilarating. She didn't want to stop.

Big Mac felt a well of emotions stir. He had always had feelings for her but was too shy to say anything.

As they danced he heard the Wonderbolts in the air. A pop sounded and he looked into Fluttershy's eyes only to see them sparkling from the light of the sky performers. That was it, he couldn't take it anymore as he leaned in and kissed her.

"Tha was amazing." Applebloom said as Sweety Bell came down from the stage after finishing.

"That was so cool." said Scootaloo.

"It felt amazing. It was like the whole world was watching me, but i liked it." Sweety said. The three hugged.

"hey, whut's tha'?" said Applebloom.

The three looked at what looked like a microphone on Sweetie Bells flank.

"I GOT MY CUTIE MARK!!!!" she shouted as loud as possible jumping for joy.

"Hello, Pinkie Pie." Princess Celestia approached the party's organizer after the guests started leaving.

"Oh, Princess, how did you like the party?" she replied

"Well let's see. Two of our friends got together, the Wonderbolts got a new member, and Sweety Bell got her cutie mark." the white alicorn smiled, "In a nutshell... the best party in a thousand years."

It took three hours to wake Pinkie up.

Chapter 3: An Unexpected Guest

Two years later...

"Sir," an armored soldier walked into the makeshift camp, "patrols report that the surrounding area is uninhabited by sentient life. The terrain is primarily jungle and swamp. Flora and Fauna similar to Determis but several differences have already been recorded as well as entirely new species." he handed a tablet to the officer

"Thank you, Corporal." the officer took the device and scanned the contents. "No dangers discovered, yet. dense foliage could provide cover for even large predators." he examined it in silence for a moment, "Very good, update me as to any changes, carry on." The soldier gave a salute, which was returned, and strode back out of the camp.

The camp was situated just outside a large stone ruin. Whether or not the architects still existed was yet to be seen. Still, the magical energy here was unlike anything ever recorded. The chance for discovery was incredible, though the captain was only here for the pay.

"Sergeant," he turned to their runesmith, "how long until the defense systems are ready."

"Not long now, sir. I should be finished in about an hour." the soldier answered him, "That's the minimum, sir." he continued when the Captain opened his mouth, "If I go any faster it will fail and explode."

"As soon as it's ready set it up first, then give me the report. I don't trust this place."

"Understood." the soldier went back to work.

"What's your name, soldier?" the captain asked.

"Sergeant first class, Jacob Corbin, sir." he responded.

"Glad to have you with us, Sergeant Corbin."

"Thank you, sir."

With home camp set and secure it was almost time to start surveying for resources. His Master at Arms was equipping the men, and was preparing the briefing. It would be a quick outing, mainly to become more familiar with the area.

Most of the soldiers left with the group leaving Sergeant Corbin and a few guards at the site. He was happy for that though as it left him with peace and quiet to work on his machines. They were his love in life. He had no wife or kids, his parents past away along time ago, and his brother was dead. The machines and devices in front of him were his friends and family.

It's not like he wanted friends. Friends were fickle and would abandon you at the drop of a hat, but not machines. If you treat machines right they would never let you down.

The engineer worked in silent bliss not noticing the shadow overhead. Tools and equipment flew off the table when he jumped at the sound of an alarm and the auto turrets unleashing their deadly stream at some unknown target. Jacob ran over to the rifle he had on the table opposite of the one he was working on and grabbed it.

Oh, shit he thought to himself ohshitohshitohshitohshit. He wasn't a combat soldier he was an engineer, killing was not something he was good at nor something he wanted to do. He's had to before but it was never enjoyed.

When he got to the source of the disturbance he saw his beautiful machine flung through the air by a massive claw. He looked at the intruding creature and froze. It was something that he had only read about in books. Something that was extinct back home. It was a dragon.

The four remaining soldiers were engulfed in one massive burst of fire from the beasts great maw. Too stunned to think he fired his rife at the monster and instantly regretted it.

The dragon turned it's head and glared at the frightened man. That was all he needed to start running like it was armageddon (as far as he was concerned it was). He could hear the beating of the beast's wings behind him. There was no slowing or turning around, he just ran.

After an indeterminable amount of time he burst out of the dense jungle and found himself on a rocky outcropping. Noticing the creature was nowhere in sight he relaxed. He walked towards the cliff in front of him and was graced with a welcome sight... civilization. The town sat on the left of where he left the jungle and sat on the edge of said jungle

"I'M SAVED!" he yelled gleefully before an unscheduled nap.

The bell to the school house rang and colts and fillies stampeded out.

"Daddy!," Aurora gave her waiting father a hug, "I got a gold star!"

"Woah, another? Keep this up and you'll break a record or something." Midnight said

"Six more." said the purple filly, "Oh the crusaders are having a club meeting, can I go?"

"Of course." he said.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders have come along way in the past two years. They have six more members, a hand book, uniforms, and a series of 'Cutie Patches'. They no longer run around doing random things hoping to get lucky, but instead try to teach young colts and fillies what it means to find yourself. Twilight even asked the princess to give them an official charter as a nationally recognized organization.

"Applebloom said she's find me at Sugarcube Corner in a bit." She said.

Cupcakes at The Corner (as Midnight had taken to calling it) was a daily thing for the father and daughter. Pinkie Pie already had their treats ready when they arrived, a chocolate cupcake with strawberry filling for Aurora and a Chimi-Cherry-Changa for Midnight.

The door opened and rainbow dash came in in a hurry, "Midnight come on. Rarity found something you might want to see."

"Wha ish it?" he said behind a mouth full of cherry pastry.

"It's some creature that was passed out on the cliffs." she looked worried, "It kind of looks like how you described a human."

Midnight almost choked on his treat, "What!? Pinkie can you watch Aurora until Bloom get's here."

"Okie-doki, say hi to the humimim for me." she said.

"Sorry, honey, I got to go." he said to Aurora and kissed her on her beside her horn before running out the door.

"It's at your shop." RD said quickly, "Sorry for not asking but we didn't want it in anypony's home. It might be one of the violent ones."

"that's fine. Smart thinking." he said.

They went through the main floor to the bedroom he used when backed up with orders. Rarity, Spike ,and Twilight were already there. Midnight was shocked to see that it was, in fact, a human. Just then the human woke up and pulled himself up. Midnight's eyes grew to the size of plates and his jaw dropped.

"No way," Midnight couldn't believe what he was seeing, "Jacob?"

Jacob heard whispers, and boots running up steps, followed by a door opening. He opened his eyes to see a wood plank wall. oh, my head he thought to himself, How much did I drink last night. Deciding to see where he was he sat up in the bed and turned around expecting to see the bars of a jail cell (it wouldn't be the first time he got hammered and woke up in jail). Instead he found himself looking at four strange looking creatures. They looked like horses, or maybe ponies would be more precise, but they weren't like any he's ever heard of. They all had vivid color and very human-like expressions of confusion on their faces, especial the dark blue one.

"No way... Jacob?"

He looked around, Did that horse just talk? No "Hello, who's there? Could you come get your pets, their creeping me out?"

The cyan blue one with multicolor hair on it's head and tail suddenly looked angry and flew up to his face... It can fly?. the thought was quickly pushed out of his mind at what happened next.

"Who are you calling creepy, and do I look like somepony's pet to you." it spoke.

He was on the border of panic before he remembered that he was in a alternate dimension. The course of evolution here must have favored this species. Logic managed to gain control.

"I'm sorry, I'm not from around here." he said.

"That's for damn sure," the dark blue spoke again. Something was familiar about that one

"Do you know him, Midnight?" said a purple one with a horn... a horn?

"He's from Determis. More specifically, the Kordan Empire." He looked at the pony confused How does he know that? the other ponies were looking at him with the same expression.

"How do you know where I'm from, little guy?" he asked

The pony smirked, "I'm hurt, Jacob."

It knows my name

"You don't recognize your own little brother?" There were gasps from all the other ponies in the room.

Recognition hit him like a truck. It wasn't his appearance, obviously, but his voice and composure.

"D-david, is that really you?," he realized it was. He didn't know exactly how he knew but he did, "What happened to you? What are you? What are you doing here? Where the hell is here?" he said.

"Woah, slow your roll a bit.One question at a time." he began from how he arrived and explained everything that happened to him.

After he was finished Jacob finally spoke up, "Wow, so basically you were sucked here by a spell that went funky, got turned into a pony, became a hero, got married, and had a kid."

"Eeyep." Midnight said, "You're taking this a lot better than I did when I got here, and I took it pretty well."

"The whole 'world full of talking ponies' thing is easy. I expected the natives of this dimension to be different. It's you that I'm having difficulty with. Not only are you ALIVE but your a pony." he looked lost on that, "My little brother... is a pony... My little brony!!!" he said and pulled Midnight into a hug. The others hit the floor laughing.

Jacob let go of him. he suddenly had a concerned look, "Dave, I was on a recon team here, and you know what that means."

Midnight eyes filled with fear, "They're coming here." Jacob nodded, "How long do you think we have?"

"Three months, at least, four at the most if regular reports aren't sent back. It's procedure to allow for possible time differences."

"What are you talking about, Midnight? Who's coming?" Twilight looked worried.

Midnight looked at his wife and friends, "An invasion."

AJ, Fluttershy and Pinkie arrived a few moments ago after receiving messages to meet at the shop. Midnight introduced them to Jacob as Twilight wrote a letter and passed it to Spike. The seven ponies and the human watched as Spike sent a breath of magical green flame out the window.

"Now we just wait for the princess to respond." said Twilight.

It didn't take long for the young dragon to belch a scroll. Twilight took it with her magic and read aloud.

Dear Twilight Star

This is indeed terrible news. As I, my sister nor my generals have any previous knowledge of this enemy I am leaving Midnight Star and the human Jacob Corbin in charge of the defense of Equestria. Any support you need for this effort will be granted.

I am placing my faith in all of you

Your princess of the sun

Princess Celestia

"She's putting this off on us?!" Jacob said anger showing, "War is coming here and your princess says 'deal with it yourselves'. Does she not care?"

"Hey, calm down." Midnight said, "Equestria hasn't been to war for over 250 years. They're inexperienced, while we grew up with it. We know more about war than anypony here, and we are the only ones that know this enemy."

"Ok, fine then tell me, little brother," Jacob looked in Midnight's eyes, "what are we going to do?"

"First plan, then carry it out." responded the midnight blue pony, "I'm just trying to think of a plan." he thought for a second, "Hmm, hey, Jacob, you remember where the recon camp was."

"Yeah, by some old ruins. It looked like a castle." he answered.

"The the old palace ruins!" Twilight said, "We know where that is."

Midnight nodded, "Good let's go and see what can be salvaged."

Applebloom ran as fast as she could away from Midnight's shop. She couldn't believe her ears... war. Not just war, but war with the humans Midnight told her and her friends about. She ran across town to the CMC club house, and burst through the doors startling everypony inside.

"Sweetie, Scootaloo, ah gadda talk ta y'all in private, now." she said quickly and ran back out side.

Her two friends joined her outside, "What's wrong Applebloom?" asked Sweetie Bell, "You look like you saw a ghost."

"Ah went to see if Midnight would come over ta tell some stories," Applebloom was near panic, "when ah overheard 'em talkin ta somepony ah never met. Y'all remember them stories he use ta tell 'bout them humans where he came from. They're gonna invade in three 'r four months!" she finished out of breath.

"Wait what?" asked Scootaloo, "Humans, like what Midnight use to be. Who was the pony they were talking to?"

"Ah don't know, but he said he was Midnight's brother." answered Applebloom.

"Come on let's go meet him than." said Sweetie Bell

"They're goin' ta the Everfree forest, ta find some camp." said AB

"Well then let's go, TO THE CUTIE MOBILE!" said Scootaloo.

The three fillies jumped into a cart next to the club house, Scootaloo on the back. Her wings revved up with a loud buzzing sound. She still couldn't fly. Turned out she had a rare birth defect that caused her feathers to be shaped wrong and unable to generate lift, but they still made plenty of thrust. The little cart took off towards the strange forest. As the forest came into view they saw eight figures enter.

When they got to the forest they parked the cart next to Fluttershy's and went into the woods after their sister's and friends. The Everfree was different every time they entered it. It was the scariest place in Equestria as far as the residents of Ponyville were concerned. Bloom, Sweetie and Scoots agreed but they also found it exiting.

The three fillies followed the same path, but could no longer see the ponies they were following. They continued on, though at a much slower pace.

"Maybe we should go back." said Sweetie.

"No way, I want to see the human." Scootaloo said, "And before you ask, no, I'm not going to wait for them to come out."

They walked for a about an hour with Applebloom at the front. She was following the hoof prints on the path like Midnight showed her when she stopped. A weird track had moved over the hoof print. it was a wide curvy line with holes on both sides.

"What is that?" she asked herself out loud.

"What is what?" asked Sweetie as she and Scoots came up beside her.

Scootaloo looked up over Blooms shoulder and her eyes went wide in fear, "R-r-r-r-RRRUUUNNN!!!" she screamed as a serpent-like creature lunged at them with sickle like arms barely missing as the three sprinted down the trail. It slithered after them.

Twilight stood horrified at the scene before her. Blood and charred remains of humans were everywhere. The poor mare couldn't hold her lunch down and vomited in a bush nearby. Things like this were a rare sight in Equestria and she was not prepared for it. She wondered for a moment how Midnight and Jacob could walk around it unfazed, but than she remembered what he use to do when he was human. This was probably nothing compared to some of the things he's seen. She was glad the others were asked to stand watch outside camp.

"Jacob, you get your tools and whatever other equipment we could use, I'll raid the armory." Midnight told his brother, "Oh, how many were here?"

"There should be 47 bodies." Jacob replied.

"Twilight, I really don't like asking you to do this, but I need you to count the number of bodies here. We need to know if any of them escaped." Midnight said, "Can you handle that." She just nodded, "Thank you, Twilight." He gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed toward a large steel box.

After a half hour the three met in the middle, Twilight was pale. Seeing her like this broke Midnight's heart, even more so to ask, "How many did you count?"

"forty seven." she said quietly.

"I found the hauler, it's still functional." said Jacob, "It'll have to be moved across the bridge, but we could drive this stuff out."

"Good I was expecting to make multiple trips, so this will put us ahead of..." Midnight was cut off by the sound of screaming, "Jacob grab a gun."

It was gaining on them. Several of it's swipes almost hit them, but they were lucky. Scootaloo was running behind her friends trying to distract it. She was by far the most agile of the group. Another swing of it's massive bladed arm barely missed as the flightless pegasus jumped up over the arm.

She turned to look at the beast. It was a pale brown with a mouth that set vertically on it's face full of needle like teeth and two black beady eyes. It was a sight that she would never forget as the arm that just missed her came back at her face to ensure it would be the last thing she would ever see.

she screamed in agony as the arm tore across her face. Her senses all dulled, except for pain. All she could hear was the screech of the beast that was going to kill her and the distant sound of thunder crashing.

Chapter 5: Rune Smith

After much debating about the best way to introduce Ponyville to this strange creature, they decided it would be best to just go out there and walk around with him in the middle of there group. Everypony in Ponyville knew Midnight's story by now and would not find it hard to believe that Jacob was his brother.

They got bombarded by questions by the towns ponies. They were asked about how he got here, why he wasn't turned into a pony like Midnight was, if more were coming. The last one was answered with a lie. Nopony was to know of the invasion if they didn't need to. Panic was the last thing needed right now.

Lucky for Jacob Ponyville was kind of use to weird things happening (he had the felling that Twilight and her friends were part of the reason for that) so he was accepted rather quick. After a few hours they went back to the library.

They talked for awhile when Rainbow Dash said, "Oh hey, I almost forgot we've got a show in Fillydelphia and Spitfire told me that I can invite all of you if you want to come."

There were shouts of joy form almost everypony in the room. Scootaloo and Jacob were both looking kind of depressed by the invitation.

"Hey you two what's wrong?" Twilight asked picking up on their moods.

"Well," Jacob looked at Scootaloo and back to the group, "it sounds great, but Scoots and I won't be able to enjoy it. I'd freak everyone out if I went and Scoots... well." he stopped and looked at the kid putting a hand on her shoulder.

"I know a polymorph spell." Twilight said, "I could change you into a pony for twelve hours, and renew it as needed."

Jacob smiled, "That's awesome! I would like to know what it's like being a pony."

"Unfortunately, I don't have anything to help Scootaloo." Twilight saw Scootaloo's expression fall, "If I could let you use my eyes I would."

Jacob suddenly jumped up, "THAT'S IT!!! You're a genius, sis. Applebloom, you and Scoots are good friends right?"

"Of course! She's mah best friend." she answered

"What if I told you that I could let her see whatever you see?" everypony in the room looked at his surprised.

Midnight spoke up first, "Are you talking about the 'Link Rune'?"

"That's right, Lil' Dee." Jacob answered using his old nick name for his little brother.

He explained what it was to the others, "Basically, I give the two of you runes that, whenever the two of you want, Scoots can see whatever Applebloom sees."

"Give us runes?" asked Applebloom.

"Kind of like the runes I use to power my golems," Midnight explained, "except these are bio-runes. They attach to people or in this case ponies and can have various effects. I can't make them myself but Jacob's good with them."

"I don't..." Scootaloo started but was interrupted by Applebloom.

"Let's do it. Ya may not be able ta get yer own sight back, but Ah'm fine lettin' ya barrow mine."

Scootaloo gave her a big smile and hugged her tightly, "Thanks Bloom."

"Ok, first Scoots," He held out his hand to her forehead as electricity arced between leaving a glowing symbol that faded after a few seconds. He did the same for Applebloom.

"Now let's give it a try. Concentrate on the warm spot on your forehead together." Jacob told the two fillies

As they did the symbols reappeared. When Applebloom opened her eyes Scootaloo gasped.

"I-I-I c-can see..." Scootaloo was trying to speak through her shock, "I CAN SEE!!! Hey, Bloom, I want to see your cutie mark." She complied, "Cool that's great, now look at me." Scootaloo took the wrap off her eyes.

"WOAH!" Midnight jumped in between them, "Are you sure you want to see, Scootaloo?"

"Yeah, I know it's probably bad, but I need to see for myself."

Midnight sighed and let Applebloom look closely. The scar was healing nicely but it was still bad, leaving a thick red line across her face at a slight angle. Her eyelids were sunken in as there was nothing behind them.

The little pegasus stood frozen for a while before speaking, "Wow..." she said quietly, "It actually looks kinda cool."

Midnight sighed then smiled, "Almost like you got into a fight with a Ripper and survived."

"Yeah, I guess I did, huh?" She said with a smile, "'Cause I rock."

She got a laugh out of everypony (and Jacob), which got harder as she tried to walk and immediately hit floor.

"Ow, that's disorienting." She sat up rubbing her forehead.

"Most ponies walk around using their eyes." Twilight explained, "Your brain got confused when you moved but your vision didn't."

Jacob helped the filly to her hooves, "It's best to stay put when using this. Oh, and to turn it off just focus on it again. I'll try making something that you can use yourself."

Jacob sat next to Twilight and smiled, "Now, let's see this spell."

Midnight was loving this. He remembered his first attempts at walking with four hooves instead of two feet. It took him several days to learn not to kick himself or trip over his hooves, and he was always a fast learner. Jacob on the other hoof was not as fast a learner and was falling on his face with a satisfying thud every few steps.

Jacob had crimson red fur and a yellow mane. He didn't have a star like Midnight but runes could be seen, slightly darker than his fur, covering his body. Midnight noticed the same on Scootaloo and Applebloom's foreheads. Must be a side effect ponies have from foreign magic. I hope it's the only one

What kind of upset Midnight was that he had a cutie mark of three runes. Twilight said that because he wasn't actually a pony she could make one for him. It was strange to him why this upset him, he use to not care about it.

I have to fight a dragon and almost die to get mine and he just gets one done as if it were a tattoo. At least I get to watch him make a fool of himself. He watched as his big brother stepped on his front hoof with his back and fall face first into the dirt... again.

After several hours of learning to be a pony Jacob was ready to call it a day, "My ankles are killing me. How long did it take you, Dee?" he asked his brother.

"I figured it out rather quickly." he said grinning.

"But mommy said you almost broke your ankles the first week you were here." Aurora said hopping on Jacobs back. he laughed, "Uncle Jacob, why do you have those funny marks all over you?"

Jacob looked at the runes covering himself, "Those are runes. They let me do cool things."

"Why doesn't daddy have any?"

"They fade eventually. He just need them renewed." Jacob turned to his brother, "Would you like me to?"

Midnight thought for a moment, "Maybe latter. Right now we need to think of a name for you. It will help you fit in."

Jacob scratched his chin with his hoof for a moment, "How about...Rune Smith? Simple and it describes me."

"If that's what you want." said Midnight, "Alright then, Rune, what do you want to do now?"

The fake pony gave his brother a terrifying grin

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Midnight asked his smug brother.

"Gave an egotist even more of a reason to be an egotist." Jacob replied back in his human form.

The brothers, five mares and four fillies were watching as Rainbow Dash flew at impossible speeds. She slowed down as she passed to showoff her new extra big, translucent, cyan, mage form wings and the glow of the runes set on her back between her wings for the spectators. She then flew up and began diving at the ground instantly creating a sonic rainboom followed a few seconds latter by a second prismatic shock wave.

"Whoa, a double rainboom!" said Applejack.

"What does it mean?" asked Fluttershy.

The others look at the shy pegasus with blank expressions.

"It means I'm going to kill a certain biped." said Twilight.

"Hey, what did I do?" Spike asked upset.

"No no, the other one." she corrected pointing a hoof at Jacob.

"If you do that than I can't make a rune for you too." He said sarcastically, "Oh, well I guess you just won't have the chance to use magic from an entirely different dimension."

Twilight's eyes grew and sparkled at the thought before she put on a serious expression, "Well, I guess I could postpone the execution until after you give ALL of us runes."

"Fine I was going to do that anyway, but now you get yours last." He replied, "I have energy for two more than I need food. Fluttershy, and AJ how about you two."

Dash landed when she realized nopony was watching her and saw what was getting ready to happen, "what are you going to give them?"

"You'll see. Lift your chin for me Fluttershy" she did as he asked and he held his hand to her chest and began inscribing the runes.

When he finished and making and inspecting he said, "Now just like before focus on the warmth."

As she did she felt a slight tingle as the air around her began to shimmer. When the shimmer steadied Jacob raised his hand again and shot a bolt of lightning at her. The crowd gasped as the death arc struck the shimmering air and dissipated in an instant.

"A shield of solidified air and energy. Few things can penetrate that. With you living by the Everfree Forest it'll good to know you can protect yourself." Jacob said to the gaping jaws around him, "Now AJ. Chin up."

She complied and a repeat of Fluttershy's experience but with a different set of runes. The cowpony, without needing to be told, focused on the warmth on her chest and... nothing. The rune was glowing but no other change could be seen.

"Um, Ah think mines broke." she said.

"Oh, darn." Jacob said with an exaggerated tone, "David, give a stone she can vent her anger on." Midnight gave a knowing grin and pulled a granite boulder up from underground (with Twilight's help).

"Ah'm not angry. You can always try again." she said.

"No, no, you're angry, I can tell. Vent your anger." he repeated.

"But Ah told ya Ah'm not..." Applejack was interrupted by a finger to her lips. Jacob pointed to the rock, "Fine, if it'll make ya happy." She walked up to the stone and gave it a nice buck, shattering it into gravel, "How the hey did Ah do that?"

"It's nice ain't it. You can do all kinds of your farm work by yourself that it would normally take you and Mac." Jacob said, "Y'all hungry?" he got a unanimous 'yes', "Great, cause I've been meaning to ask something. I know you're all vegetarians but is any way I could get meat without offending anyone?"

"Why would we get offended by that, you're an omnivore. I'm actually amazed you can go a month without an essential part of your diet." Twilight said.

"Did you go without just for us, that's so kind of you." said Rarity.

"I have some meat at my cottage. um... you know... just in case I have to care for a bear, or wolf or other carnivores. You can have some, if you want." Fluttershy offered.

"Huh, I thought you would have been against me eating meat, thanks. Where do you get it from Fluttershy, if you don't mind me asking?" Jacob said relieved.

"Sometimes when predators kill something bigger than they need, they let me have the leftovers. Contrary to popular belief they're usually quite nice." answered Fluttershy.

"Thanks, you're the best."

"That's ok, just eat it somewhere else, please..." Fluttershy quickly hid behind her hair, "If you don't mind, I mean."

The next morning Jacob gave Rarity an 'earth mover rune' on her right shoulder to help her excavate and shape gems. Pinkie got a 'phase rune' on her chest, since she likes pranking and popping through solid objects has its uses in that. Finally, Twilight, after much teasing, got a 'mage form rune' just beneath her horn, being the only rune that Jacob knew had no unicorn magic equivalent.

Midnight was helping the six mares learn to use there new abilities while Jacob rested under a tree talking to Aurora. His niece was asking all kinds of questions about Determis, what life there was like, and what her dad was like as a kid. Jacob loved getting to know the little filly and was happily answering her questions as long as they were appropriate.

After a while Midnight looked over at his brother and daughter when a thought hit him.

"Hey, Pink, why haven't you thrown Jacob a party yet." he said so Jacob couldn't hear.

"Um, won't he hit somepony?" the energetic pink mare asked.

"What!?" Midnight looked at her shocked by the assumption, " No. Why would you think that?"

"That's what you did at your first party. Isn't it a hammer-ma'am thing?" she said in all seriousness.

"uuhg, you had to remind me. It wasn't a HUMAN thing it was just a crazy-traumatized-human-who-woke-up-to-find-he-was-in-a-world-of-talking-candy-colored-ponies-and-was-himself-turned-into-a-pony-by-six-equally-crazy-mares thing."

"OOOHHHHH..." she thought for a moment, "In that case.,," she disappeared in a vaguely pony shaped blur.

"Where's she off to in such a hurry?" Jacob asked.

"She just has something she forgot to do." Twilight said with a smile.

"Oh well I'll tell her later." he said.

"Tell her what?" asked Rainbow Dash landing next to everypony else.

Jacob gave a little smile, "I put a little trigger rune on each of your runes. When I release them your runes will be more combat effective."

The girls looked at him confused.

"Let me demonstration." Jacob said standing up, "Dash, could you step forward and show us you big magic wings." she complied, "You see how her wings look like bigger see-trough versions of her natural wings. Dash, don't fight this."

She shot him a nervous look and started to ask for clarification but didn't get the chance. Jacob raised his hand and a flash of light covered it for a brief instant. When it faded the rune on Dash's back glowed brighter as another set appeared ringing the first.

Dash's wings which were raised up above her suddenly shot strait out as the blue energy of the wings grew and met across her back and spread over her body. She was trying not to panic but she was close to losing it. When the mage form covered her from head to tail her legs were pulled to her body. She held her breath for the impact on the ground but it never came. Instead she hovered as the energy continued changing shape. It extended off her outstretched tail and formed a set of smaller wings in the shape of a 'V'. Her head was similarly covered but left her face exposed. After the changed in shape the mage form became denser and was no longer translucent but solid blue of a darker shade than Dash's fur.

"Wow, Rainbow Dash, you look awesome." said Twilight

"It feels weird" said the pony/fighter jet, "What's so special about this, anyway?"

"Rarity, give us a boulder please." Jacob asked. She lifted a large rock and floated it at a respectable height.

"Now get some distance and fly at this letting your wing hit it. Give your new wings a stretch first though." Jacob continued.

Dash looked suspicious but decided to trust her friend. She took off at a crushing speed that caught her off guard. After a moment she realized her wings weren't flapping and the tail wings were moving with her. It confused her that she knew how to use this thing but decided it was just part of the magic.

After a few stunt she shot to the ground and leveled off at the height of the boulder. Still with doubt in her mind she braced for an impact expecting her wing to start hurting very soon. Her right wing struck the rock and passed through it as if it weren't even there.

She turned around and landed next to the boulder as the blue shell vanished and the runes glow faded. The boulder was laying in two pieces on the ground in front of her.

Jacob approached the split stone, "The enemy will have machines on the ground and in the air. Your wings will cut trough them like butter."

Midnight ran up to the boulder and yelled, "TOM NOOOOOOoooff!!!!" he fell as a stone rod shot up to his groin.

Chapter 6: Long Kept Secrets

Jacobs late welcome party at Sweet Apple Acres was exactly what everypony expected... AWESOME! but honestly when are Pinkie Parties ever NOT?

By now the whole town was aware of the strange two legged creature that was seen at Midnight's shop and around town. Now they knew him to be Midnights brother.

The introductions were well received by all, especially by a turquoise unicorn who after shaking his hand ran off screaming "I KNEW IT!", but that was the only odd one.

After the meet n' greet the games started. Jacob was actually familiar with most of them like bobbing for apples and pin the tail, but he wanted to introduce these ponies to his favorite.

In a loud booming magically enhanced voice he said "MIDNIGHT STAR, I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL OF SHATTER BALL!!!" using his pony name for the sake of the spectators.

Midnight smiled. It had been years since he's played that and even longer since he's lost, "CHALLENGE EXCEPTED, JACOB CORBIN!"

He and his older brother faced each other and started backing ponies out of the way to give each other room. A golem of Jacob's arrived with a duffel bag and placed markers in a large square. After a large space was marked out the metal man pulled five balls out of the bag and placed them in the middle.

"What are your terms, brother." asked Jacob.

"If I win, Twilight gets to turn you green and your hair pink." Midnight replied.

"Then if I win," Jacob paused with a big grin, "I, and anyone I want, gets to ride you around town all day tomorrow."

Midnight had to think about it for a moment. Jacob was never very good and Midnight was great at it, but luck is always a factor and being ridden around like a beast would be humiliating.

"Oh, hell, deal." Midnight said at last.

The markers started glowing as a slightly visible wall surrounded the two competitors.

In his magic voice, Jacob announced to the crowd, "The rules are simple, the object is to hit the opponent with the ball three times by any means. We cannot pass the middle line. that is it. I'm the challenger so David... Midnight goes first."

Midnight grabbed one of the balls, while the others were enveloped in a dim light. He walked back to his side and poured energy into the ball. when it turned from metal to light he through it up and kicked it on the way down at the wall bouncing it off and toward his brother's side. Jacob fell to the opposite side bringing his foot up kicking it back.

Midnight was caught off guard at the unexpected counter. It was the first time Jacob deflected his strike, and the first time he got hit in the nose playing this game. The ball burst on his face sending him back against the back wall.

The onlookers gasped at the painful looking hit until the blue pony got up laughing and said, "Someone's been practicing. Guess that means I don't have to hold back. Let's go all out."

The seal on his forehead started glowing as runes appeared on his shoulders and flanks. Jacob shot his hands out as similar seals appeared in the palms of his hands as several runes began glowing all over his body.

Midnight stood on his hind legs with his fore legs out in front with ghost hands open, "Let's rock."

Jacob held the ball in front with his left and connected with his right in a powerful thrust sending it rocketing towards his little brother. Midnight hit the ball strait down before spinning around and kicking it on it's way back up with a loud crack. The ball was returned as the game escalated into a flurry of strikes and blows as the ball became a glowing streak in the air. Looks of shock became cheers as the battle raged on until it was tied at two each.

The last serve was Midnight's. He wound up and gave it a forceful kick sending it flying at his opponent at dizzying speeds. Jacob returned it with a quick jab strait at his little brother knowing what he would do.

Midnight saw the projectile flying strait for his chest and smiled at his brother's mistake. He poured all of his energy into his back right leg and spun to his left coming around and throwing his leg at the light ball contacting it with a visible shockwave.

Jacob knew what was going to happen before it even happened and instead of countering he simply moved. The ball ricocheted off the back wall and barreled back at the still air born and defenseless pony striking him in the back with a crack that shattered the arena sending him into the dirt.

Midnight couldn't believe what had just happened. In all the years he had played he never lost to his brother.

"How did you get that good?" he asked finally getting to his feet.

"What, I've always been good." Jacob said, "You only beat me all the time because of your demon power."

Midnight's eyes widened as he look to Twilight to see if she heard what she said. Her confused expression told him she did.

"Demon powers?" she asked.

"Yeah from the demon blood that Mage Guard get." He said, "He never told you?"

Midnight looked horrified, "J-Jacob stop..."

Twilight looked at her husband and asked, "Midnight, what's he talking about?"

Midnight saw she looked worried so he silently motioned for her to follow him to the barn. Jacob decided it would be best to leave them to themselves.

When they were inside they checked to make sure there were no 'private parties' going on. When they were satisfied Twilight put a privacy spell around them.

"Ok, what kind of secret have you been keeping for all these years that would scare you that much?" Twilight said. Midnight thought she would be angry but she sounded sad and a bit scared herself. She apparently caught his train of thought as she said, "I know you wouldn't keep anything from me unless it was to protect me from something awful, but I'm your wife, Midnight." she looked at him with pleading eyes.

Midnight sighed, "Ok, but it's far from pleasant." He paused to gather his thoughts, "I told you I was Mage Guard, and that we protected the mages on the battle field. We also engaged in special missions that were too dangerous for large groups."

Twilight nodded and he continued, "What Jacob was talking about was the reason why we were so powerful that we could take on a hundred enemies at once and come out alive." The blue stallion steeled himself for the story, "In order to become Mage Guard, one must undergo a dangerous and terrifying ritual... they have to drink demons blood."

Twilight's face became full of terror, and sympathy. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. After what those monsters did the stallion she loves, she couldn't blame him for not telling her.

Midnight continued, "The blood mixes with that of the drinker." He shuddered, "The pain is like nothing you could ever imagine. Not only is your body in incomparable amounts of pain but the thoughts that go through your head are so terrifying that nothing war can ever show you would ever faze you again. It makes the scene at the camp look like a sunny day at Fluttershy's." Twilight shuddered at the thought of the camp, it was the most horrifying she had ever seen.

"It goes on for three days, but when it subsides all you feel is... power." he looked at Twilight with a look that told her that he still had a longing for the feeling again, "You feel like you could do anything and no one could stop you. My first thought was that I could protect everyone I loved." His face shifted to a deep seated sorrow, "But instead the first thing I did was go to a bar and pick a fight with some guy I didn't even know... I," Tears started falling down his face as he looked up at her, "I killed him... just because I could."

Twilight couldn't help but cry with him. She had seen him cry before, it's something he's never been ashamed of. She had seen him depressed when he first arrived but not like this. She had never seen him so vulnerable. She put her hooves around him and held him for a few minuets before he could continue.

"I fell in love with hurting people. The only thing I loved more was Sarah.

"When we got married I realized that the demon blood would only put her in danger so I started researching ways to expel the blood from my body. After a year I finally found a ritual that would do just that.

"One night I gathered what I needed in The shed in the back and performed the ritual, but something happened. The ritual worked and the power was expelled but..." Midnight had to stop for a while to strengthen his will.

"When It was expelled it didn't disappear. It manifested itself in the form of a demon and named itself Nag-ta."

Twilight's eye widened at the name of the monster that killed his first wife and child. That's why he always blamed himself for what happened, the thing was a part of him. she thought, He told me that someone sent the demon after him. the thought upset her for a moment, but she decided that if there was ever a GOOD reason to lie, this was it.

"You already know what happened after that." he finished the story, "I would understand if you want nothing more to do with me." he turned away from her.

She was hurt. Midnight actually thought she would hate him for that.

"Why would I leave?" she asked him.

"Why would you stay with somepony who killed innocent people. I'm a murderer." he said

"No, you didn't do anything." she tried looking in his eyes but he turned away, "Nag-ta did. He just used your body. It's not your fault."

"If were stronger I could have resisted, but I was weak." he said with strain in his voice.

She put her hooves on both sides of his face and turned his face toward hers. His eyes were hollow, all emotion pushed away.

She pulled him into a deep kiss. If words couldn't show him how much she cared, Twilight decided her body would.

Twilight and Midnight woke to loud banging. They realized they were still in AJ's barn.

"Would y'all two get up already. Ah got work that needs ta be done." Applejack was getting impatient.

Twilight dispelled the privacy spell that was keeping the farm pony out.

"Sorry about that, Applejack." Twilight and Midnight said in unison as AJ walked in.

She sniffed the air, the couple blushed with sheepish grins, "Ya know there's an inn in town for that, but no every time we have a party here y'all find yer way inta my barn."

"Oh come on, AJ, it's not a party without two ponies going at it." Midnight teased.

Applejack facehoofed shaking her head, "I'm charging y'all rent next time."

"Awww, but it's our favorite place." Twilight joined in teasing her friend.

"OOUUUUTTTT!!!!"

The lovers needed no more incentive and ran as fast as they could laughing the whole way. When they got back to the library they saw Jacob, Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash standing in front with evil grins on their faces.

"There you are, little brother, we've been waiting for you." Jacob said.

"I have a gift for you, darling." Rarity said floating a package to the very worried Midnight.

Slowly he opened it and removed the mysterious item. A saddle.

"Oh shit..." was all he could say before being tackled to the ground by pony and human alike.

Midnight had embarrassed himself before but this was by far the worst.

After riding him through the town square and giving Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Applejack, and Twilight (that hurt) a ride, Jacob rode Midnight to the market and put a sign saying "pony rides two bits".

Great now he's whoring me out. Midnight thought.

Surprisingly there were a lot of takers. the line to ride him was about twelve ponies average. Even Lyra when Midnight had just fixed her washer the other day.

"I hope your washer breaks again" Midnight said after she got off.

She giggled as she said, "You made the bet."

After three hours of this Jacob decided he would treat everypony to lunch.

Midnight mopped the whole meal.

"Oh, come on, little brony, how many times have you humiliated me with bets." Jacob smiled as they left, "It was worse for me though being the elder. Like the time I had to run through the mess hall wearing nothing but maple syrup."

Midnight had to laugh at that, "Yeah I guess I AM still better than you. What's the score now, seventy-four to one."

"Oh laugh if you want, you have two more customers before I'm done selling your body." Jacob had the evil grin again as he pointed towards the center of town.

"Hello, Midnight Star, my sister and I have been looking forward to this all day."

Midnight's jaw dropped as everypony else and Jacob bowed in respect to the to regal ponies.

Chapter 7: Fun, Flashes, and Foosball

She didn't have to use a damn crop Midnight thought to himself rubbing his bruised flank.

At least today should be better. His friends and he are going to watch Rainbow Dash's show in Fillydelphia.

Twilight was catching her breath from the polymorph spell while Jacob looked over his body.

“Pony magic always amazes me.” said Jacob, “You are truly talented, lil' sis.”

“Thank you... Rune... that's very...sweet.” she replied between breaths, “Alright let's go.”

As they walked to the train station Rune decided to start up the conversation, “Pinkie was telling me about the Elements of Harmony last night while we were making muffins for a friend of hers. When I asked her about yours though she said it was a different kind. What's up with that?”

“My element is one of the Elements of Order. The more...” Midnight paused thinking of the proper word, “forceful of the elements.

“Where the Elements of Harmony 'persuade' the target to change, or restrain them, the Elements of Order eliminate those who can't be changed.

“Harmony has six elements; laughter, honesty, generosity, kindness, loyalty, and magic. Magic being the one that ties the others together. Order has four; wisdom, strength, courage, and guardian. The guardian tying them together.

“And of course there is one other. The most powerful of the elements and the one that brings order and harmony together. The Element of Light.” Midnight finished his explanation as they made it to the platform.

“So there is a kind of elemental hierarchy.” Rune observed.

“That's right.” Twilight said.

“I'm gonna be the Element of Magic!” Aurora said looking over at her uncle from her usual perch on Midnight's head, “Well, after mommy's done with it.”

“And you'll be an awesome Element of Magic at that.” Rune said.

They arrived at the train station and found the others already waiting for them.

“Sorry we're late everypony.” appologized Twilight.

“Fashionably late, you mean.” Rarity said giving a look to Rune that kind of freaked him out. It reminded him of this one girl that had a... oh, hell no!

“Auntie Pinkie!” Aurora jumped off Midnight's head and into an attempted glomp of her favorite aunt, “Did ya' bring my a cookie?”

“Of course, what kind of auntie would I be if I didn't bring my favorite niece sweets.” replied the pink mare.

“And give her back to her parents to deal with the consequences.” Applejack finished for her.

“Well, duh. It's one of my favorite pranks. Give the filly sugar and watch her parents pull their manes out.” she gave an evil grin to Midnight and Twilight before hitting the floor laughing at the looks she was getting.

“ALL ABOARD!!!” the conductor called from the train.

“All right you ready, squirt?” Midnight said.

“Yay, I'm gonna get some pie from uncle Soarin.” The little purple filly was bouncing excitedly.

“And I'm going to get the bits he owes me.” Midnight said.

“Than ya can give me the bits ya owe ME.” Applejack said.

They arrived in Fillydelphia with about three hours until they had to be at the stadium. Midnight suggested they go to the mall.

“It's the best way to waste time in the city. Last time I was here my meeting was postponed for four hours so I just played games at the arcade the whole time.” Midnight laughed, “I probably spent about three hundred bits there alone.”

Twilight gave him a disappointed look and he quickly added, “I made a 30,000 bit deal that day.”

“It's only three hundred bits, Twilight.” Rarity came to Midnight's defense, “Thanks to him you're wealthier than my family four times over.”

“Oh, it's not the money.” Twilight explained, “It's him having so much fun while I had to stay home with a sick child. Aurora had a cold that weekend.”

“If it makes you feel better I'll let you abuse me later.” Midnight said.

“I was planning on doing that anyways.” Twilight gave him her sexy eyes.

“Uh-oh, daddy. Mommy's going to beat you up again.” Aurora said from Midnight's head. Rune busted out laughing.

Midnight smiled, “Hey Fluttershy, can y...”

She interrupted him, “Sorry, Midnight, Big Mac and I were going to have a romantic evening together.” the only time she's assertive is when it comes to her and the big guy.

“I'll take her” said Pinkie.

Midnight's and Twilight's eyes twitched in unison at the thought of there daughter spending a sugar-filled night with the most unnaturally hyper pony in the multiverse, “NO!!!” they said together.

Twilight continued, “Well, uh, ya know... you spend SOOO much time with Aurora that we should let somepony else spend time with her.” she gave the pink one a nervous smile hoping she would fall for it.

“Hey now, I'll watch her.” Rune interrupted, “I've spent the least amount of time with her and I'm her uncle.”

Twilight looked skeptical, “Are you sure, she can be a hoof full.”

“Ha, 'hoof full', I love the way ponies talk,” he said. Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Yeah, I can handle it.”

“Ok, we'll give you a chance.” Midnight said.

“If you need help don't be afraid to ask.” Rarity added, “Now where is this mall you spoke of?”

After about twenty minutes they arrived at the Fillydelphia Mall. The first stop was the food court.

“So now that I'm a pony what's good to eat?” Rune asked.

“You're not a pony, you just look like one.” Midnight corrected his older brother, “You're still human and eat what you've always eaten, even meat. Just eat vegetarian for now. Ponies would flip out if they saw you getting something from the carnivores' section.”

“There's a carnivores' section? Twi, why couldn't you turn me into a griffin or something?” Rune said. She just rolled her eye's in response.

They got their food and sat at a nearby table. After laughing at Rune for his inability to pick up a fork with his hooves, Midnight eventually reminded him that he had to use the 'ghost hands' spell that Midnight taught him.

“Stupid pony magic and being able to pick things up without fingers” he grumbled between bites, “How the hell do you do this, Dee? Concentrating on the spell and eating at the same time is a pain in the ass.”

“I've had seven years of practice, dumb ass.” Midnight said teasing him as he twirled the fork in his ethereal fingers mockingly, “Of course you won't need it much unless you decide to make this permanent.”

“Hell no, ass hat! I like fingers and feet just fine, thank you very much.” Rune shot back.

“I just don't understand how insulting each other can show affection.” Twilight said.

“Neither do we, it's just how humans are. We insult those we love and those we hate.” Midnight said.

“How do you know the difference?” asked Rarity.

“Tone.” Rune said plainly, “If it's said with a smile and a laugh it's good, if it's a growl and scowl tone it's bad.”

“Humans rely a lot an body language and the way they say a word I take it.” Twilight said.

“Eeyup.” The fake pony replied, “A human can say the exact same thing twenty times and mean something different every time.”

After a few moments of more idle gossip the group made their way to the arcade.

It was semi-modern with mostly games like pool and table hockey. There were some electronic games but not too many.

Pony technology was at it's best here, but with very little war to drive advancement, it was not as high tech as Rune would have liked. He was kind of board

Midnight on the other hoof was having the time of his life introducing the most awesome game in the multiverse to Pinkie Pie... foosball.

“Oh! My! Celestia! I need one of these for my parties. Could you imagine how mush more super-duper-amazing my parties would be with one of these” she said, her eye's filled with wonder an the wooden ponies spinning on metal rods.

“That's a good idea.” Midnight agreed, “I'll get you one.” The pink pony looked at him about to protest the overly generous offer but was interrupted, “Call it an early birthday present if you want. I'd like your parties to have one of these, too, so your getting one regardless of what you say.”

She latched onto him with the death grip she calls a 'hug', “THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU! You are the bestest best friend a pony could have.”

“Help... can't... breath...” He squeezed out the words. With a sheepish grin she released the suffocating stallion.

“Sorry.” she said.

After gasping for the life giving oxygen the blue pony said, “It's ok.” Midnight looked at the clock, “It's about time we start heading to the stadium. We'll want to be ahead of the crowds.”

The Fillydelphia Osprey's hoofball stadium was one of the largest in Equestria, second only to the Horston Steamer's. Although neither of them see much during the off season unless if something major is going on like, oh, maybe... a Wonderbolts show.

It was PACKED. Like 'every pony in the whole city' packed. Even though the group arrived an hour before the show it still took them fifteen minuets fighting through the crowd to get to the side VIP entrance.

A few fan-ponies watched jealously as they walked up to the security and right past him.

“Why do they get to go in? They didn't show any pass.” one Mare asked

“They're friends of the Bolts.” said the burly earth pony.

Midnight got a bit of satisfaction at that. It reminded him that here, in Equestria, he was somepony important.

When they found the locker room the security pony let them in.

“Uncle Soarin!” Aurora excitedly jumped off her father and hugged the stunt stallion.

“Hey, kid, how's it going.” he aid returning the hug, “Want some pie?”

She got a big grin as he put a quarter of a cherry pie in front of her. The filly attacked the pie with Pinkie like enthusiasm.

“You guys ready for the show?” asked Rainbow Dash already in her uniform, “We got a new trick we've been practicing for months. It's gonna be awesome.”

“Well, we just wanted ta wish y'all good luck.” said Applejack

“Ha,” RD's bravado was cranked up to max, “Who needs luck when you're as awesome as us?”

The group watched in awe as the six pegasi looped, spun, and twirled through the air. Each trick was more spectacular and dangerous than the last.

Scootaloo jabbed Applebloom in the rib for the fourth time, “Come on, pay attention and stop staring at colts.”

This got a blush from the little yellow filly and a glare from AJ, "Ya, beter be payin' attention to the air show, little un'" she said to her little sister

“Ah am.” Applebloom leaned over and wispered to Scootaloo, "Don't make me turn the rune off."

“You wouldn't?” Scootaloo said taken back by her friends threat. Applebloom just laughed.

They watched the rest of the show with out incident (although Applebloom did on occasion glance at the colt a few rows ahead). The tricks getting more and more spectacular until the grand finale was about to be performed.

Five of the Wonderbolts began spinning rapidly, gathering a storm cloud.

“Where's Rainbow Dash?” asked Scootaloo.

As if that was her cue the cyan pegasus came plummeting out of the cloud cover. Her massive translucent blue wings beating against the wind as runes blazed on her back. Quickly she was enveloped in the familiar mach-cone as the other five bolted off.

The cone of condensed air sharpened into a point. Just as she entered the storm cloud she broke through the 'wall'. The resulting flash filled the sky as the entire crowd's jaws just about hit the floor. All, that is, except for two ponies.

When the shockwave reached them, Midnight and Rune hit the floor writhing in pain. Everypony else was too entranced by the show to notice until Rune let out a blood curdling scream. Midnight soon followed his brothers example.

“Oh my gosh, Midnight!,” Twilight reached down to hold her husband but pulled back when an arc of energy shot out from him.

The seal on his forehead was glowing brightly and seemed to be the source of the pain. Twilight quickly cast a spell to disable magic. Immediately Midnight stopped thrashing and laid there panting as Twilight quickly cast the same spell on Rune.

“Are you ok, Midnight?” She asked.

After a moment he looked up at her and gave her a mischievous grin as he caught his breath, “I... think... we have... a new... weapon.”

Chapter 8: Mage Guard Boot Camp

“What the hey happened back there, Midnight?” Rainbow Dash asked after they got back to the hotel.

“First, was that last trick what I thought it was?” Midnight asked.

Dash smiled “Yeah, I finally perfected the Buccaneer Blaze! Awesome wasn't it?”

“Aside from the pain, hell yeah!” Rune said.

Dash's jaw dropped, “My Trick did that? HOW?!”

“It's called 'toxic intake'.” Midnight said. Dash's face grew more confused, “In order for our seals to work they constantly take in magic energy from the surrounding area. Toxic intake is caused when the energy taken in is too alien, and the seal can't adapt quickly enough. The seal can't hold it so it leaks out into the body causing extreme amounts of pain.

“Your Buccaneer Blaze combines three different types of magic into one. The sonic rainboom is created by your pegasus magic, which is amplified by the rune magic of your enhanced wings and combines with the nature magic of the lightning. That makes a new and very unique form of magic energy.”

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash with growing excitement talking with Pinkie like enthusiasm, “OMYGOSHANEWTYPEOFMAGICENERGYIHAVETOSTUDYYOU!!!” she rushed the pegasus.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Rainbow said putting her hooves up to keep the research crazed mare at bay, “Midnight, help! Your wife's gone egghead nuts! GET HER OFFA ME!!!”

Midnight, Rune, AJ, and Rarity struggled to pull the mad scholar away.

“Come on now, sugarcube, you can study her later.” AJ said, finally getting her away, “Ah think Midnight has more to say.”

“Thanks, AJ. I think we should try using this against the invasion force. Very few people in my birth world DON'T have seals so it should probably affect the whole army. As for me and my brother we can form a null-magic field to protect us from the majority of the blast.”

“Now every pony go have as much fun as you can,” Midnight got a wicked grin, “because once we get back to Ponyville you start your training.”

“Let's go squirt.” Rune said leading Aurora out of the room.

Everypony but Midnight and Twilight went to their own destinations.

Twilight smiled at Midnight as she shut the door, “Let's try something new.”

Midnight was suddenly filled with a joyful fear

“AAALLLLLL ABOARD!!!” came the call from the passenger car. Everypony filed into the train,

“Hello again, Mr. Star.” said one of the other passengers, a regular customer, “What's with the limp?”

Midnight sighed and hobbled back to their car. Twilight and Rarity were already inside.

“So you tried it than?” Rarity asked Twilight.

Twilight was about to answer when she saw Midnight. He just glared at the fashionista. Damn you he thought.

After a moment the others found their way in.

“Hey, lil' sis,” Rune said, “I miss my hands.”

“Oh, right.” she answered.

Rune put on some baggy cloths, and a quick spell release later he was Jacob again.

“That's better.” Jacob said stretching out his newly returned form.

“So, what kind of training are we gonna be doing.” Rainbow Dash asked.

“To put it simply, Mage Guard training.” Midnight answered, “A lot of my training would be useless to all of you without demon blood, but most should be helpful. You will be learning how to use human weapons and tools. You will learn the deadly aspects of close combat, including how to kill without a weapon. You will learn how to fight with severe injuries.” the others looked at him nervously, “It WILL be hard, and you will most likely hate me for a while.”

He looked around at his friends and family his look was one that was rarely seen. It was the look of a man who was willing to give everything he was to do what must be done, “It is our responsibility as Elements to do whatever it takes to protect Equestria and her citizens. Even at the cost of our lives.”

“If it means Equestria will be safe, I'll chop my own wings off.” Rainbow Dash said, her brash nature giving way to her fierce determination to help her friends.

“Glad to hear that,” Midnight said, “Jacob hand me a cleaver.”

“WHAT?!” Dash said.

Midnight, Jacob, and Pinkie just laughed

*WHACK*

“So, anypony what a quick sparring session before nightfall?” Midnight asked still holding an ice pace to his swollen eye.

“Sorry, darling, I need Fluttershy to come to the boutique to help me make her dress.” Rarity said.

“Pink, Aurora, and I are making the cake.” Jacob answered.

“I gotta get back to Scoots.” said RD taking off.

“I'm just plumb tired.” AJ yawned, “Can't sleep well on them fancy hotel beds.”

“Well, I guess it's just us.” Twilight said giving him 'the look', “What should we do together?”

“Actually, I have an idea.” Midnight said as he watched his brother walk towards town, “You feel like one more big spell.”

The girls were lined up in a clearing outside of the Everfree. Jacob had woken them up at six in the morning and dragged them out here to wait for, as he said, “The Major.”

After a moment, the hauler pulled up and the door swung open. Under the door appeared a pair of booted feet. The figure that came around was one that only two there had seen before.

“How the hay did another human get here?” Dash asked.

“That's Midnight.” Twilight said. The girls gasped and looked back to the approaching human Midnight, “He had me cast the same spell I used on Jacob to turn him into a human.”

“ATTENTION!” Jacob called and the six quickly followed the order.

“Good morning, ladies,” he said, “Before we begin, ,let me make one thing clear. As of right now I am NOT Midnight Star, I am NOT David, I an NOT your friend.” that made the girls gasp with expressions of hurt, “I am Major Corbin, your instructor.

“It is my job to turn you six into warriors capable of fighting off an army with vastly superior numbers and weaponry. This is not a feat that your run of the mill soldier can accomplish.

“As such, you will be undergoing a modified and accelerated form of Mage Guard training. You WILL be pushed, bruised and miserable. Before the first week you will HATE me.

“Now you will notice the barrier that has been erected around this field and a portion of the Everfree.”

Brought out of their stupor by the last comment, they looked around. Sure enough there was a huge dome around them.

The Major continued, “This serves Two purposes, the first is to keep nosy ponies out, and the second is to make sure you can't run away.” The mares eyes grew.

“Another thing you will notice is your magic and runes are useless.

“The final thing you should notice is the distinct lack of any kind of shelter. That is because shelter is your responsibility. I have provided you with all the tools and material you will need.”

The girls looked at the materials provided and back to the Major.

“Um, 'scuse me, Major,” Applejack said, “there ain't any wood here.”

The Major lifted an eyebrow and pointed toward the forest, “What do you call that?”

The girls looked at the forest and back to the tools, noticing the axes.

“I suggest you get to work. The barrier won't keep out the creatures of the Everfree.”

“OW!” Twilight hit her hoof for the third time trying to hammer together a couple logs, “How do you do this without magic, Applejack.”

“Practice, Ah guess.” AJ answered carrying a new log she had just cut down.

“I can't believe Midnight's making us do this, It's horrid!” Rarity complained (not whined).

“I know!” said Rainbow Dash, “Twilight you're one of my best friends, but as soon as we're done here you're gonna be a widow.”

“Oh I know, I'll be the one killing him.” Twilight said, “How can he do this to his wife!!!”

“Oh, girls” Pinkie Pie was dragging a log of her own with a smile, “He's training us for battle. What, did you think it'd be easy? You remember what he told us about war, and that was the nicer stuff.” She went back to her regular music routine as she worked.

Twilight sighed, “She's right. He's only being harsh with us to prepare us for war. With how calm they were at that camp, they must have seen some horrible sights.”

“Was it really that bad at the camp?” Dash asked.

“I'd rather face Nightmare Moon alone than see that again.” she answered. The others shuddered.

“That's a beautiful spring day compared to what it's like to have to create a scene like that one.” The Major said coming behind them.

“Oh, Mid... Major.” Twilight said, “You startled us.”

“Yes well here's chow.” he laid down a sheet and put six boxes on it. I'll be back at ix with dinner.” He turned and walked out of the barrier.

The girls were king of scared to see what they would have to eat. Luckily there fears were proven false as the meal was more of a feast.

“Ah guess he feels we need our strength to work.” AJ said and sat down to the meal.

David climbed up the tower he had erected just outside of the barrier. Jacob was sitting in a chair with a pair of binoculars.

He sat next to his brother and placed the high caliber rifle to his shoulder.

“So you went through this is your training?” Jacob asked.

“Not exactly,” David replied, “We didn't have anypony with a rifle watching over us.”

Jacob smiled at his little brother still using pony terms.

They sat in silence watching the tree line for anything that might threaten the girls

Jacob finally broke the silence, “Why did you have Twilight change you back into a human?”

“Because you're the only one who knows this form. I need them to think of me as Major Corbin, their instructor. If I were a pony they would only see Midnight Star. They can forgive Midnight for the things he does, but not Major Corbin. They need to hate me. Their hate for me will bring them even closer together.”

“Then what?”

“Then, we won't have six friends helping each other out. We'll have one unit living and acting as a single entity for a single purpose.” David said as he pulled out his lunch while Jacob continued to watch for danger

He took a big bite out of his sandwich, “Mmmm, man ah wich oo coul tashed dish like ah do.” he swallowed, “The flower sisters grow the best lilies in Equestria.”

Jacob laughed, “Wow, it is so weird seeing a human eating flowers. I know you're not technically human, but you still look like one. Imagine how I would have looked if I got a steak in Fillydelphia. That's how you look to me.”

David just grimaced, “That would have been disturbing.”

After finishing he said to Jacob, “I got it you go eat.”

Jacob pulled out a bowl of mashed potatoes, coleslaw and a venison steak, “You want me to go somewhere else with this.” He pointed to the piece of deer flesh.

“I'll live. Plus I might need you up here if something nasty comes out of the woods.”

After a moment Jacob finished his meal and David took the girls theirs with out even acknowledging them. He just dropped the food off and went back to the tower.

“Hey Midnight, you have a letter.” a voice behind David startled him.

“Oh, Derpy, Thanks.” he took the letter before a question popped in his head, “How did you know I'm Midnight?”

The lovable pegasus just smiled and said, “Your eyes. What's that?” she pointed to the rifle leaning on the side.

“It's a weapon” answered Jacob as David read the letter.

“What does it do?” She asked.

“I'll show you.” Jacob handed her the binoculars and grabbed the rifle, “Ok you see those rocks over there?” She nodded, “Watch them.”

Derpy look at the rocks through the binoculars as Jacob put the rifle to his shoulder, aimed and pulled the trigger.

“Wow. That was cool. Can I try?” she asked.

“Well,” he looked at David who gave a confirming nob, “Ok, come here, you hold it like this,” he but the stock against her shoulder and placer her hooves an the weapon, “You look through this tube here and put the cross hairs on the target. Than when you're ready pull this trigger here. Aim for the same place I hit.”

The mailmare lined up her target and deeply exhaled before pulling the trigger. The shot flew perfectly and buried itself in the exact same hole that Jacob's shot made.

Jacob was stunned, “Try that again.”

Two more times the gray pony landed a round into the single hole, “This is kinda fun but I gotta get home, bye.” with that she flew off.

Jacob looked over at his brother who was still watching the forest, “Did you see that? She's a natural.”

“Well she is a postal worker.”

Chapter 9: First Blood

*cling* *cling* *clang*

The sound of steel colliding with steel filled the air inside the barrier as six ponies, with double bladed swords in mouth, clashed with a host of little metal men. Their shoulders and flanks lit up with runes boosting their strength and agility as well as a rune on the side of each head to improve awareness.

Major Corbin was impressed at how fast they were improving. These girls will do anything for Equestria. he thought, Their sense purpose is definitely their greatest strength

Twilight was the most promising of the group with weapons. She was fighting with four double blades floating around her swinging them with frightening precision. Using mage form attacks and defenses along with the swords.

Rarity, also levitating her sword instead of biting it, was also impressive in her use of her earth rune in combat. She had surrounded herself in a light layer of pebbles (Rarity purposefully covering herself in dirt... yeah) to act as a sort of stone armor. Her favored attack method was shooting a small stone rod out from underneath the opponent.

Applejack and Fluttershy teamed up with AJ using her twice rune boosted strength to launch a shielded Fluttershy at the golems like a bowling ball.

Rainbow Dash just swooped down, when she wasn't dealing with the airborne golems, and let her speed do the work.

Pinkie Pie was phasing in and out as she hacked and slashed every time she blinked into reality. Coupled with her own natural knack for defying the laws of physics, she was an impressive sight to behold.

There were almost one-hundred and fifty golems and six mares in the clearing. In a matter of thirty minuets there were only six mares.

Major Corbin, walked through waving a spell over the golems as he approached the soldiers in training. The constructs jumped back to their feet and marched back to a storage container.

I'm glad those blades were enchanted to only disable them. I'd hate to have to make more of them. he said, “That was really impressive. You've shown great improvement in utilizing your runes alongside your natural talents. Keep this up and we just may survive.” He turned and opened a crate and passed out six gray-green plastic bricks with the word 'vegetarian' written on the side, “Enjoy.”

After he left the girls were left to eat and talk to themselves.

“I can't wait to get outta here,” Rainbow plopped down and tore open the Plastic, “The first thing I'm doing is getting a barley burger.” she quickly devoured the 'food'.

“Ah've tasted better things after fallin' off the roof of mah barn.” AJ said, “but it still beats your cookin', Rainbow.”

“AAAHHH!” Rainbow Dash let out a frustrated yell, “How much longer do we have to do this?”

“We've been here for two weeks now, so we're half way done.” Twilight said as she opened the pouch of macaroni and cheese, “Oh, god not this again.” she looked at the contents with disgust, “That stuff is NOT cheese.” Hunger conquered her disgust and she ate the mysterious thing.

“The cardboard crackers help a bit.” Applejack said.

“Shove it down fast and don't give yourself time to taste it.” RD recommended, “What happened to the stuff we had on the first day. That stuff was great.” she just tried eating the 'dessert'.

“Ah think it was our last meal, kinda like criminals who're gonna be executed in tha mornin'” AJ said jokingly trying to lift the mood. It worked a little.

The girls ate the rest of the meal following Dash's advice. They were done in less then a minuet, and training continued.

The girls were getting rather exited with three days left before they're done with this hell. They were standing at attention in rank.

The Major stood in front of them, “Good morning, ladies.”

“Good morning, sir!” the yelled in unison.

“Today is a very important day.” the Major said, “Today you will implement what you've learned in an actual combat situation.”

This startled the six mares but they didn't flinch.

“I have received a report from Princess Luna about a large pack of wolves heading towards the small town of Marebury. These are not normal wolves, they are blighted wolves. Which means we must destroy them before the blight spreads.

“We will depart in one hour. Eat, hydrate, and hygiene.” He opened a cart behind him and gave them their food... real food. Then he left

The girls eyes widened and their mouths watered at the more than welcomed sight.

After an hour the six ponies and the two humans climbed into the hauler and took off down the road toward the threatened town.

“Gear up!” Major Corbin ordered.

The six mares complied. They put on armored breast plates, helmets, and boots. Rainbow Dash's armor was reenforced leather. She hated wearing the skin of a dead animal but she knew it would help protect her without hurting her mobility.

A harness across their back and waist held their double swords and pistols (modified for pony use). Twilight had two of each of these weapon. They also had retractable blades on their boots.

“Ten minuets” Jacob called back.

A chime was heard and David answered the communicator. Luna's face appeared on the screen.

“Mid-Major,” She had to correct her self, “ the wolves will be in the town in five minuets. How far are you?”

“We're about eight minuets out. This thing wont go any faster.” he answered.

“Dammit. Go faster, I don't care how... and good luck.” with that the screen went blank.

Jacob put his hand on the dash board and focused his magic causing the truck to accelerate even faster than before.

The town was in sight when the wolves appeared. They were hideously disfigured and entirely hairless.

“Thirty seconds!” Jacob called back. The six warriors stood facing the door while David grabbed the latch, ready to through it open.

“Three, two, one,” Jacob called back yanking the e-break, spinning the vehicle around so the back was facing the ensuing carnage, “GO! GO! GO!”.

David threw the door open and the six jumped out. Dash was the first out as she took to the sky on rune wings. Twilight followed with guns and swords, blazing and swinging. AJ jumped out with out with a massive hammer in her mouth with a retracting tether attached to her harness. Fluttershy flew just above ready to shield her friends if need be. Pinkie just phased right through them all and began throwing knives, which phased back when they were no longer in contact with the pink mare, at the wolves. Rarity was behind the others firing her own pistol and launching rocks at the enemy.

They didn't think, there was no time, they only acted. RD swooped and slashed at two wolves that were trying to flank Rarity.

Rarity noticing several wolves converging on her lifted a pillar of earth beneath her. She now was out of reach of the wolves and had a better vantage point to attack from a range.

Fluttershy used her hoof to hoof combat with the boot blades to dispatch enemies, while Pinkie covered her with throwing knives.

AJ hurled the massive hammer with ease and, using the tether swung it as if it were her lasso. It crushed the skull and organs of all unfortunate enough to be in the way.

Twilight had ran out of ammo and now used the pistols to bludgeon while the blades still slashed around her. She would throw a few mage form spears when she wasn't immediately surrounded.

The six elements were vastly out numbered, but the wolves were lashing out wildly without any kind of tactics. Even with the advantage of numbers, the wolves couldn't match the strength, speed, and tactics of the ponies. The entire battle took twenty minutes and after a count they determined there were over two hundred and thirty of the beasts.

When they filed back into the hauler and the adrenalin wore off, they realized... they just ended the lives of over two hundred living creatures. Guilt came over them as they saw they were covered in blood and they all began to silently cry.

David saw them and simply said, “What you did was a mercy. They were crazed monsters, who couldn't be cured. You released them from their torment.” and left them to their grief. He knew what they were going through. He still remembered the face of the first man he killed.

Despite his efforts to separate himself emotionally from the mares, it still tore him up inside to see his wife and best friends in such agony.

There was no more training after the fight with the blighted wolves.

The six friends had accepted what they did. They still grieved for the creatures but they knew they did the right thing.

The princesses, Shining Armor, Hidden Light, captain of Luna's spy network, and several counsel ponies were in attendance for the ceremony. Much of Ponyville as well as some Canterlot officials and press were also observing.

David once again was in pony form as the as he stood on a small stage in front of princess Celestia. She held a pendant in her aura. Midnight knelt before her.

“Midnight Star,” she began, “Do you swear to protect Equestria and her citizens, with all your ability, from threats of any nature?”

“I do.”

“Do you swear to always put the lives of others before your own?”

“I do.”

“Do you swear to always follow the commands of those appointed over you?”

“I do.”

“Then I, Princess Celestia of the sun, co-ruler of the lands of Equestria, name you, Midnight Star, commander of the Dawn Shield.” She slipped the pendant on his neck, “Rise, Commander Star and instate your warriors.

He turned and walked to Twilight as she knelt. Midnight took a pendant from a box held by the sun goddess, “Twilight Star,” he repeated the oath he had just taken as she replied with 'I do' and put the pendant on her, “Rise Shield Corporal Star.”

He repeated the process six more times ending with Jacob, “Rise Shield Lieutenant Corbin.”

Celestia turned to the crowd and spoke, “I present to Equestria the Dawn Shield, who protects us from the shadows so the promise of tomorrow never dies.”

A great cheer arose from the crowd as the ceremony came to a close and the eight warriors finally could get some well deserved R&R... and barley burgers.

Knowing that the invasion could happen any day, Fluttershy and Big Mac decided to have their wedding two days after the ceremony. Which was, at the time, the next day.

The girls were having a day at the spa, and Jacob was spending time with Aurora.

Midnight was giving Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo martial arts lessons.

He was impressed with the way Scootaloo was adapting to her disability. She had learned to use her other senses to a remarkable level. She cold even hold her own against Midnight for a while.

She took to wearing a strip of cloth over her destroyed eyes with ornate writing of a language Midnight didn't recognize. The filly reminded him of the story of the blind warrior.

After a few hours the four took a break.

Midnight decided to break the silence, “So how's the CMC doing.”

“Oh mah gosh, Ah can't believe we forgot to tell you!” Applebloom said excitedly, “We got our charter! We are now an officially recognized youth origination!”

“That's great, congratulations, girls” Midnight said.

“That's not all.” Sweetie Bell said, “Princess Luna's opening a branch of the Cutie Mark Crusaders in Canterlot! There's already, like, twenty Fillies and colts signed up there.”

“Wow!” he said, “That's great. You know I might be able to arrange a branch in Manehattan, too. I have a client who buys a lot of my G-pets (golem pets) who might be interested. His wife has been looking for something to do for the community.”

“Thanks, Midnight that's mighty king of you.” AB said, “Ya hear that Scootaloo?”

She only got snoring in return. Getting a laugh from the others.

Twilight and Rarity were rubbing the Fluttershy's back trying to calm the mare as she breathed into a paper bag. They were sitting in a tent in a clearing near Fluttershy's cottage.

“Calm down, darling, you'll be fine.” Rarity said.

“She's right” said Twilight, “I was nervous, too, but once the music started and the doors opened, I saw Midnight waiting for me and nothing else mattered. This will be the happiest moment of your life. At least until you have a foal.” Twilight was looking off into the distance with a light in her eye as she bathed in the memories of the two greatest moments of her life, “I thought that being chosen as princess Celestia's protege was the best thing that could ever happen. Wow, was I wrong.”

Fluttershy saw the look of pure joy on her friends face and calmed down. She smiled at Twilight She's so happy just remembering her wedding., “Thank you Twilight.” she took a deep breath, “Ok, I'm ready.”

“I'll tell them.” said Rarity as she left the room.

“Ok, good luck, Fluttershy.” Twilight said and turned to Aurora who was sitting by the wall playing with a squirrel, “You ready, honey.”

“Yep.” she jumped up and grabbed her basket.

“Wait for the music and the flap to open.” Twilight said as she left.

After a few moments the music began to play and the flaps were lifted by several birds. Aurora happily skipped out spreading flower pedals as she went.

Fluttershy stepped into the light of the afternoon and saw Big Macintosh waiting in a suit in front of Princess Cadence who was overseeing the wedding.

Just as Twilight said nothing else mattered. The entire Apple family was there, She didn't see them. All her animal friends were there, she didn't see them. Half of Ponyville was there, she didn't see them. Her five best friends were standing in front of her, she didn't see them. Midnight stood beside Big Mac, she didn't see him.

All she saw was the Stallion she loved standing at the alter with a smile on his face. All her fear and nervousness left and she was filled with pure joy.

She slowly made her way to her groom. Stopping beside him as the music finished playing.

Cadence began speaking but all Fluttershy noticed was Big Mac's eyes.

“Macintosh Apple, do you take this mare to be your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forevermore?” Cadence said

“Ah do.”

“And do you, Fluttershy Fauna, take this stallion to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forevermore?”

“I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me, as a princess of Equestria, I now pronounce you stallion and wife You may kiss the bride.”

They didn't need to be told that part as before she could even finish they were locked in a deep and passionate kiss.

It was a great reception as the whole town congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Apple. Twilight remembered how it sounded to her to be called Mrs. Star, and knew Fluttershy loved it just as much.

Twilight and Midnight sat on the balcony of the library lost in their memories of their day.

They gazed at the stars, when something caught their attention. An odd flashing light appeared from with in the Everfree forest .

Midnight stood up, his eyes narrowed as he realized what he saw, “Twilight, send a letter,” he turned to look at her, “They're here.”

Chapter 10: Sacrifice

The whir of the turbine died down as the storm canon finished its grizzly task. The charred remains of the dragon left a smell in the air that was revolting.

General Titus smiled at the roasted beast If that's the best this world has to offer, This won't take long. The canon was one of the most powerful weapons in all Determis, nothing this world could stand up to it.

The invasion force arrived at the same ruins the scout detail made camp. The place had been ravaged by wild animals and most things of value were gone. It didn't matter though seeing as they brought plenty with them.

This world really is quite beautiful. he thought to himself, It's a damn shame it won't last.

“Is everypony here?” Midnight asked.

Twilight did a quick headcount, “Looks that way.”

Midnight surveyed the shelter, “Ok, we'll wait for the others by the entrance. Be good for Ms. Cheerilee, ok.”

“Ok, Daddy.” Aurora said, “Bye.

“You behave for your new daddy, ok, Angel.” Fluttershy snuggled her bunny, “Mommy has to leave for awhile, so eat your carrots.”

She struggled to hold back tears at the fear in Angel's face.

“This just ain't fair,” Big Mac look just as scared as the bunny, “We ain't even been married a whole day and you have to run off and fight.”

“I'm sorry, honey.” she said putting a hoof on his cheek, “I love you.” she planted a kiss on his lips.

When they broke the work pony looked into those big beautiful blue-green eye's, “Ah love you, too. Just be sure ta come bake to me, yah hear.”

She just smiled and ran towards the entrance.

Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash were holding the fillies important to them.

“Ya better behave fer yer brother, Applebloom.” AJ told her little sister.

“Ah will, sis.” she replied, “You just better come back.”

Rarity looked at her sweet little sister, “If anything should happen, I have a letter that need to be sent to mom and dad.” she gave a letter to Sweetie Bell, “The last of my winter line is finished, so send that off to Ms. Stitch, she'll know what to do with it.” It was a chore to keep her composure, “Take care of opal for me and be in bed by eleven.” she kissed her sister on the fore head.

Scootaloo could hear Dash's heart beat. It was a sound that she learned was fear.

“Let me come with you.” Scootaloo said, “Midnight said that I'm one of the best fighters he knows. He said I could probably even beat you.”

“Oh really, well we'll have to test that when I get back.” The rainbow pegasus, “I have to go kick some human flank outta Equestria, ok.” she hugged the little filly closer, “I love you, Scoots.”

“I love you too, mom.”

RD's resolve wavered for a moment. Scootaloo never called her 'mom' before.

“I-I have to go.” she quickly let go and flew out of the shelter before she lost it.

Pinkie Pie gave her famous smile to her long time employers and friends, the cakes, “Thanks for everything. I had sooooo much fun working for you, and playing with the foals, and trowing parties,”

She continued like that for five minuets. The Cakes listened to every word intent on remembering them all.

When she finally finished Mr cake said, “Pinkie, I just want you to know, We've always thought of you as a daughter. Stay safe and don't get yourself hurt.”

“Thank you.” Pinkies mane didn't quite have the poofiness it usually had as she turned at ran out.

The eight warriors stepped into the early morning light with heavy hearts. Each of them knew that this was likely the last time they would see their families and friends. They knew the odds were none of them would survive, but they would at least die knowing that the gave Equestria a fighting chance. That's why they were here. The true purpose of this fight wasn't to win but to cripple the invaders so the Equestrian military could finish the rest.

They silently filed into the hauler and equipped their armor and weapons while Jacob once again drove.

It was silent. Nopony spoke. The only sounds were of sliding straps and clinking metal.

“Luna!” Celestia ran as fast as she could through the castle terrifying those she past.

“What's wrong, 'Tia?” Luna asked when Celestia barged into her room.

She took a moment to catch her breath. Luna knew before she even spoke.

“Luna, They're here.”

The moon goddess jumped out of bed and followed her older sister to the observatory.

Midnight stared at the image on the communicator that Celestia put on. It was an older man who looked to be in his late thirties with silver streaks in his hair and a meticulously cared for uniform.

“That's General Titus!” worry was apparent in Midnight's voice, “He's the head of the Mage Guard and my teacher. He's dangerous girls, I'll handle him if it comes to that.”

The hauler was still barreling down the road towards the Everfree, and the princesses were showing them what they could see from the magic telescope in Canterlot.

The image swept over several metal objects, “Those fliers will be your primary target Rainbow Dash. Cut the wings and they fall, simple.”

“No problem.” she gave her signature salute.

“Those big ones,” he pointed to several tanks, “are all you AJ. They have a thick armored shell that you'll need to get through, but with your hyper rune it shouldn't be a problem.”

“Ah gotcha.” she answered.

“Wait! Go back a bit, Princess,” the image panned to what looked like a massive version of the hauler but with a large canon. The canon ended with what looked like a claw, “Shit, why the hell would they bring a storm canon here?”

“This 'storm canon' sounds like it's a bad thing.” stated Luna.

“It's one of the most powerful weapons in their arsenal. Think of it as a lightning gun.” Jacob explained.

“That's no big deal,” said Rainbow Dash, “I'm a pegasus, I can redirect lightning.”

“This is over a thousand times more powerful then a natural bolt.” Jacob said flatly.

“A-a th-thou-thousand...” Dash thought about how a normal lightning bolt hurt.

“Don't try to deflect it. Avoid and dodge.” Midnight warned, “I'll think of some way to destroy it.”

“So, what's the plan?” Twilight asked.

The sight before the Dawn Shield was terrible. A massive section of the forest was wiped away leaving only cinders. Midnight reached out with his magic to feel for his hidden weapons.

They're still there, good he thought.

The invading army was advancing toward them at a rather quick pace. It didn't seem like they were seen yet.

“It looks like we have the element of surprise.” Midnight said, “Jacob, unlock them.”

The runesmith moved to each one waving his hand over their runes which briefly glowed red, “These will only last about an hour before they're used up so make em count.”

The army moved ever closer.

“Get ready.” Midnight said.

The warriors each drew their weapons.

Midnight focused on his seal and locked on to several buried devices, “Dash, go.”

As soon as she took off on rune powered wings a series of explosions racked the enemy numbers, sending many flying. The sounds of panic cut off by the order to charge.

Jacob aimed a rocket launcher at the sky and fired a missile. It flew on a course that would put it in front of a falling rainbow.

CRACCA-POW

The missile exploded leaving a highly dense storm cloud. The soldiers ignored it and continued the charge.

RD continued her dive just at the edge of the rainboom. Close to the end of her plummet a storm cloud bloomed into existence right in her path. With a smile she entered the cloud at the exact moment she forced her way through the rainboom barrier with a flash and a bang.

Fluttershy immediately through a shield over Jacob and Midnight, trying to protect them from the harmful effects. It mostly worked. The pain was excruciating but only a fraction of what it was at the stadium.

The invading army was another story. Great cries of pain came from their midst. Only about six hundred soldiers weren't affected. Only those without magic.

When the soldiers saw the four ponies in front of them confusion took over and their charge slowed. The four ponies took advantage of this lapse to activate their hyper runes.

AJ's body began to change as her skin became steel. Hammer in mouth she charged.

Twilight was surrounded in a ink black aura an tendrils of smoke and shadow lashed out at her foes.

Rarity's body disintegrated into a cloud of pony-shapes earth lashing out with stone and gems from the earth as well as her own body.

Pinkie Pie, the pink whirl wind, became three whirl winds working together controlled by one mind.

Midnight recovered enough to activate the next phase.

About a hundred mini golems burst forth from the ground in between the pain-crippled magic users and the ones still fighting.

Midnight hated stooping to low dirty tricks but he had no choice. He set the golems to start cutting the throats of the defenseless soldiers. It worked for several seconds before the men stared recovering.

Out of the five thousand soldiers that marched out of the Everfree, one thousand were killed by the bombs, and one thousand three hundred were killed by the golems before they were quickly dispatched. Close to half their numbers were gone, but so was the element of surprise.

The air quickly filled with winged drones, bolts of magic, and gun fire. Tanks began rolling out launching their payloads toward the eight death-machines.

AJ got hit hard by a shell from a tank and was sent flying. If not for her metal skin she would have been killed

Rainbow Dash zipped through the sky, like the jet fighter she resembled, cutting drones to pieces. She had cut down dozens but there seems to be no end to them.

After cutting a few more she felt the tell-tale feel of the fur on the back of her neck stand on end. She doubled her speed and banked hard as a powerful column of electricity streaked past dazing her.

When she look at the edge of the battlefield she saw the storm canon, 'claw' spinning rapidly as another blast charged

Big Mac was sitting by himself in the shelter. He knew that his wife and sister weren't coming back. The only reason he wasn't out there with them was because of Applebloom and Scootaloo, who he was going to adopt.

Ah'm not even married a day before Ah'm a widower. he brooded in the fact.

The shelter was dark and depressing to the large stallion. More like a prison than a sanctuary.

It seemed like he was loosing everypony close to him. First it was his parents, than Granny Smith, and now his sister and wife. Applebloom was all he had left...

or at least she would be if not for the distinct lack of three mischievous fillies.

“Come on, Applebloom, Load those up already.” cried Sweetie Bell.

“Ah'm hurryin'.” Applebloom responded as she placed another barrel full of some mysterious powder.

“So, are you sure these will help.” Scootaloo asked their helper.

“Dropping these from your bird of wood, and help your friends greatly, they should.” she said

“Alright, take care.” she said and jumped into the wooden plane as the runes brought it to life.

To the departing craft the zebra said, “Meet your destiny on the field of red, else all of Equestria will soon be dead.

Rainbow had spent several minuets dodging lightning bolts before she decided to land in the fray. Now her and Twilight fought side by side. Dash cutting with her blade and bludgeoning with her basic rune wings. Twilight swung four swords (her pistols ran out of ammo) as her shadow tendrils struck out with a mind of their own.

Fluttershy flew to her and, using her hyper rune healed and restored the two.

The crew of the storm canon saw this, “Aim for the yellow one.” said the sergeant in charge.

“Sir, it's hardly even fighting. Maybe the purple one would be a better target.” said the corporal at the gun.

“The yellow one is healing them. We take it out and the others will be easier to kill.”

The gunner took aim as his target flew to one of the others.

Fluttershy felt the electricity in the air and looked at the menacing weapon. It was pointed right at her.

She threw up a full power shield right in front of her just as the bolt streaked across the battlefield and struck the invisible wall. The force of the impact shattered her protection and threw her several yards back where she landed on her back with a thud.

She looked up and saw a soldier raise his sword to her. Unable to bare watching her own death she closed her eyes.

“YAAAHHIIIEEEEEEE” what started as a battle cry turned into a pained scream.

Fluttershy opened her eyes to see a white fluff attached to the mans hand.

With his other hand he reached down, grabbing the thing by the hind legs, and pulled it off.

“Fucking rabbit.” said the soldier as he swung the bunny in a wide arc, slamming him into a charred log.

“ANGEL!!!” Fluttershy yelled as she kicked the man as hard as she could.

She grabbed the bunny in her fore hooves and cradled him. He was bleeding from his mouth and ear. She tried healing his but couldn't feel the rune anymore. Fluttershy knew there was nothing she could do for him. He was dieing.

Tears fell down her face as she held him close. A paw on her cheek brought her to look at her little Angel. He was smiling weakly at her and brushed away her tears.

Struggling to control herself she did the only thing she could.

Hush now, quiet now,

its time to lay your sleepy head

Hush now, quiet now,

it's time to go to bed

His smile grew at his mammas lullaby. Tears welled up in his eyes as his light faded.

As the grieving mare held the lifeless form of her brave bunny the storm canon lined up another shot and fired.

Chapter 11: Requiem

“Oh you are just the sweetest little angel. That's what I'll call you, Angel.”

“Ok, Angel time for bed.”

“Eat your carrots, Angel.”

“Happy birthday, Angel.”

“Who's mommy's little Angel Bunny.”

“Mommy has to go now, Angel, I love you.”

Memories of her beloved Angel came flooding into Fluttershy's grief stricken mind. Her best friend, the one she could tell anything, her little Angel Bunny.

Never again will she hear the impatient patter of his foot while waiting for dinner. Never again will she take him to play with the others on their pet play dates. Never again will she be able to confide in him her deepest fears and desires. Never again will she wake up and see the smiling face of her precious Angel.

Something in her snapped.

It was like time slowed to a crawl as the terrible lightning streaked across the battlefield toward her. She raised her hoof in defiance of the unnatural bolt... and caught it.

With her shield over her vital organs to protect them, the electricity coursed through her body. She welcomed it and it accepted her. She stood unharmed with a fire in her eyes.

Glaring up at the horrible, murdering aliens, Fluttershy said coldly, “I am going to kill you all.” and threw herself into the chaos.

The normally shy, timid pegasus was an electrical torrent of death. Kicking and punching, throwing and breaking, lightning arcing to all who got too close. Like a juggernaut through a field of roses, she waded through the enemy leaving charred bodies in her wake.

Her target was clear. The man at the back, leading. The one Midnight called General Titus. The one responsible for everything.

The Sky Cutter flew high above the cloud cover toward the battle. Her crew of three fillies were ready to drop their payload and do what Zecora had secretly trained them to do... fight.

Why the mysterious zebra took it upon herself to teach them about warfare, they did not know. It didn't matter, they would use what they knew to help.

“We're almost there.” Sweetie Bell called from the cockpit, “open the door.”

Applebloom opened the rear hatch and looked out at the chaos below as they passed over it. Their target was not on the battlefield.

Scootaloo watched through Applebloom's eyes for her target, ready to push the barrel out to its destination.

There. The glowing blue disk. More humans were coming out of the portal, but not for long. The blind, flightless pegasus shoved the container out of the plane and watched it's decent.

It fell with practiced accuracy, slamming right in front of the gateway, bursting in a red cloud.

The cloud swirled around the portal and was sucked into it. A second latter an earth shaking shockwave tore through the air.

An enraged goddess of lightning and death, Fluttershy paved a path of blood towards the storm canon.

That abomination will go first, then I kill Titus. she thought to herself.

The death-machine tried and tried again to stop the pink and yellow incarnation of Wrath, but missed every time.

With a mighty trust, Fluttershy launched into the air and flew high above the super weapon. She flew to just above the clouds and flung herself strait down.

Faster, I have to go faster, she thought as she could feel the shield keeping the electricity from her vital organs weakening.

Faster, she was struggling now. It felt like she was trying to fly through a wall, and world took on a distorted appearance.

FASTER it was like what ever had been slowing her down finally gave up and her speed doubled instantaneously.

Fluttershy used all her willpower to force the lightning into one place, her fore hooves. The canon was pointing at her again ready to fire, but it was too slow.

“HYYYAAAAAAAAA!!!”

The yellow meteor struck like the wrath of God. She gave a smile as her shield shattered and the storm canon bloomed into a fiery rose.

I guess somepony else will have get Titus she thought as the darkness took her

Applebloom and Scootaloo gasped as the butter color pegasus broke through the clouds just behind them. She was wreathed in electricity and her face was unlike the Element of Kindness they knew.

“Sweetie Bell, turn around and drop below the clouds.” Scootaloo said.

“What's wrong?” she asked as she complied with her friend.

“It's Fluttershy.” Applebloom answered for her.

They watched as she pulled the electricity into her hooves.

Scootaloo noticed the massive canon aiming right at her.

“Oh no.” she realized what was going to happen. Without a second thought she severed the connection with Applebloom and dove out the back towards the falling form.

Too late, Scootaloo realized she can't tell where Fluttershy is with the wind deafening her.

No I have to find her she strained her ears for anything but wind, but heard nothing, except a loud 'boom'.

All pegasi have a sixth sense for electricity. It comes with being able to manipulate lightning. Typically it's just a feeling that electricity is present, but at that moment Scootaloo's world lit up. She could 'see' the ebb and flow of electricity all around her, including the bio-electricity in living things. She could 'see' Applebloom diving after her and 'see' Sweetie turning the plane and shuffling with something.

There, she didn't have time to question what happened she just flew towards the bright glow of the falling pegasus.

Another glow on the ground became blindingly bright. Scootaloo knew it was that canon. She had to hurry.

Another explosion wracked the world as pony and steel collided. Fluttershy was thrown into the air by the blast and right into Scootaloo's waiting hooves. She never noticed the form of a flaming circle appear on her flank.

Midnight had found it frighteningly easy to fall back into the roll of a killer. He struck out with practiced indifference, they were, after all, just a few more added to the long list of men he's killed. This time though, he fights to protect what he loves, not because he was ordered to.

These soldiers were nothing. Half trained grunts. He could probably take most of the army himself.

It was General Titus that worried him. The General was still full fledged Mage Guard, demon blood and all. His power was far greater than Midnight's was. If Midnight still had demon blood of his own it would be no problem, but he gave that up.

Midnight saw a light in the distance. Fluttershy was flying high into the air, her body surrounded in electrical energy before plummeting down as an aircraft descended from the clouds.

He recognized the plane instantly. It was the Sky Cutter, Applebloom's pride and joy, the thing that earned her cutie mark. From the back he saw a figure fall. Scootaloo, he could recognize her even from that distance. She was followed a few seconds latter by Applebloom.

As he watched, the sky erupted in a yellow and pink shock-wave. Fearing the worst, Midnight wasted no time. Drawing from Twilight's necklace, he formed mage form wings and thrust himself towards the falling figures and was met with a terrifying blast.

“SCOOTALOO!” Sweetie Bell heard Applebloom scream.

When she looked back she saw her farming friend grab one of her Jump Jelly devices and jump out the back.

“Oh crap.” she thought fast about what to do. She decided on a course of action.

She turned the craft away from the battlefield and set the controls. Hoping it wouldn't take too much damage in the crash.

She heard a loud 'boom'. What the hey was that?

Jumping to the back, she grabbed three saddlebags and a few other things.

She dashed towards the open hatch and threw herself out just as a massive fireball bloomed beneath her accompanied by a thunderous noise.

Angling her body to gain speed, she closed the distance between her and her friends.

Applebloom had reached Scootaloo, who was holding an unconscious Fluttershy. The yellow filly took the device she brought and pointed it at the point the three would land and activated the thing.

It fired out a small sphere that struck the dirt a few seconds ahead and erupted in a orb of thick gel. The three landed in the goo, unharmed, moments before it dissolved. A few seconds later Sweetie Bell landed in a similar way.

“What the buck were yah thinking, Scootaloo!?” Applebloom asked her friend.

“Saving Fluttershy's life, what do you think.” Scootaloo replied.

“How did you even catch her? You couldn't have heard her while falling.” Sweetie asked.

“I can't explain it, but while I was falling I heard a 'boom' and suddenly... I think can see electrical currents.” she explained, “Questions can wait. We have company.”

several soldiers were converging on them.

“I've got this.” Sweetie said. She trotted up to meet the oblivious soldiers. The filly opened her bag and pulled out a bottle of liquid, “Excuse me, kind sirs.” they were stunned as much by her manners as by the fact that she could talk, “this is for you.” she tossed the bottle.

It burst in a cloud of light purple gas, enveloping the humans. After a brief confusion they began attacking each other.

Rage gas, gotta love it.. Sweetie looked back at her friends with a smug grin that quickly faded, “Applebloom!”

Bloom turned to see what worried her friend so much. It was a tank barreling down on them.

The machine tried running them over only to be meet with a pair of yellow hooves. Applebloom had gotten much stronger under Zecora's tutelage, more so than her sister. Even then, though, it was not easy to stop.

It continued to try to push through, but the super strength of the little pony was greater.

With a grunt she lifted the machine and threw it over her head.

Midnight had been just close enough to see Sweetie Bell and Applebloom work, and he was dumbstruck.

“Sir,” a messenger approached the General, “Three more creatures have joined the battle. Our losses are heavy and we've reason to believe the gate is destroyed. Sir I believe this may be a lost cause.”

Titus didn't hear him. He was too focused on the dark blue equine creature that had taken to the air. It was somehow familiar.

“I'll return soon.” he said. He took to the sky on crimson mage form wings.

“What are you girls doing here, this isn't some adventure playground. This is a battlefield. Hide now and stay until tomorrow.” Midnight said when he landed. Though he was impressed with them, they didn't need to be here.

“We know what it is. We're here ta help.” Applebloom said.

“I don't ca...” he was cut short as he felt an dark power behind him. Reluctantly, he turned and found himself staring down his old mentor.

They stared into each others eyes for what seemed like hours.

“It really is you, David.” the General said, “Everyone was convinced you were dead.”

Midnight smiled, “Sorry to tell you, Edward, but David Corbin died seven years ago. I buried him and his dark past. My name is Midnight Star, guardian of Equestria, and Commander of the Dawn Shield.”

“You say you buried your dark past. Ha ha ha.” he indicated the carnage behind them, “Then explain how seven equine creatures and a traitor can fight over five thousand Kordan soldiers?

“You haven't buried your darkness, you just stuck a flower on called it new. Then you shared it with others, tainting them. Come back to us, David.” he offered, “we can reverse what ever made you into this... thing.

“You can't win, and you know that. I can easily kill you and all your allies, but we were once comrades. I don't want to have to kill you.”

Midnight knew he was right.

He turned to look at the three fillies behind him and noticed something. They were terrified of the man in front of them, and yet they were standing they're ground, ready to fight.

Midnight felt something pull at the edge of his mind, a spark of recognition. Suddenly he knew what to do. He knew why they were here, Zecora, you really do know more than you should.

“You're right General, you are far stronger than any of us. Yes you could destroy us all, except one problem.

“These ponies have displayed the qualities of true warriors. Scootaloo jumped out of a plane to save a dear friend, not even knowing how she would help, showing great courage. Applebloom threw a tank like it was a toy. That's an amazing feat of strength. Sweetie Bell showed wisdom beyond her years by making up for her lack of physical strength by using tools and gadgets she made herself.” he looked back at the three beaming fillies.

Midnight glared at the general, “Do you know what happens when those three qualities come together under a guardian?”

“I'll humor you, what?” the general asked.

“Simple,” Midnight, Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Bell were enveloped in a white light as they were lifted off the ground, “Order is born!”

The light around the four ponies condensed into silver armor each adorned with gems in the shape of their cutie marks.

Midnight's eyes shot open glowing bright white. Each of the stones light merged into a great orb of energy above their heads.

The orb burst into dozens of beams that shot away from the General, piercing one soldier then another. After every one of the humans were hit by the rays they curved up and converged into one great beam before racing towards Titus, piercing his heart.

A moment later the world was bathed in white.

Twilight ran as fast as she could to where the rays of light originated. She was running on pure adrenalin by this time.

When she got there she saw Rainbow Dash, AJ, and Pinkie around an unconscious Fluttershy. Jacob was with Midnight, who had his Armor of the Guardian, but what caught her eye was the three fillies next to him wearing similar armor, without the head gear.

She looked at her husband and friends and smiled. Against all odds they won. They won and they all survived.

Thank Celestia. she thought.

“Come on, Babe, you ready to go home?” Midnight sat beside her, “I'm sure the princesses would like to hear about what happened here.”

Rarity finally caught up and immediately pulled Sweetie Bell into a hug, “I thought I would never see you again.”

After finally releasing her sister Rarity looked at her, “Oh, my, that armor is gorgeous! Where did you get it?”

“The same place I got mine.” Midnight said.

“But yours is one of the Elements... of... order.” Rarity looked at him then back to Sweetie, “Well, just like your big sister.”

“Come on, let's go home, Scoots.” Dash said, “I need a nap.”

“Ah'll carry Fluttershy.” said AJ

“Yea,” Midnight said, “that's a good idea. Jacob could you be a pal and get the hauler. We don't have thumbs.”

They shared a laugh, but Midnight's was cut short.

A feeling that he had almost forgot about came back in a rush. Something dark and very familiar was there.

In a burst of fire a creature appeared before them. It stood at eight feet, was red and black, with cat-like legs, and dragon's hands.

It's voice was like the rumble of an earthquake, “It's been a while... father.”

Midnight's worst fear has come true. Nag-Ta has found his way to Equestria.

Chapter 12: A Light in the Dark

“I thought you would be happier to see me, father.” Nag-Ta mocked.

Midnight's fear was replaced by anger, “Don't you dare call me that!”

The demon gave a fake frown, “But you created me,daddy.” he looked at the others, “Oh, I see you replaced your old family. Maybe I'll have fun with them, too.”

“Leave them out of this. It's between me and you.”

“No,” Twilight said, “We fight together.” the others showed their agreement by facing the demon along side Midnight and Twilight.

Nag-Ta smiled “Good, it's more fun when you try to fight.”

Midnight stared daggers at the monster. He formed his ghost hands and a large sword.

He charged the nightmare on his hind legs with the sword held at his side in both hands.

“HHYYYAAAAA!!!” the blue pony swung the ethereal weapon only to contact a sword of fire.

Nag-Ta smiled, “You've actually gotten stronger. I'm impressed.” he drove his left fist into Midnight's jaw.

“But you're still pathetic.” he said.

A massive boulder struck the beast in the back of the head.

“Ha!” rarity exclaimed.

The beast turned to the white(ish) unicorn and flung a bolt of fire at her.

Twilight jumped in front of her friend and conjured a shield bubble. It wasn't as effective as she hoped. The flame was stopped, but it shattered her spell sending both the ponies to the ground.

The creature spun around delivering a round-house kick to a still phased Pinkie Pie. The mare slammed into the wreckage of a tank. At the same time he threw a barrier in front of a diving Rainbow Dash, knocking her out.

Applejack grabbed him around his waist and lifted him over her head into a suplex. Instead of landing on his back he landed on his hands and flipped his legs over, flinging the cowpony high into the air. She landed hard on her back, taking her breath.

The monster took out the best Equestria had in less than ten seconds flat.

Ponyville was as quiet as a ghost town. All it's residents were either in the shelter or fighting. All, that is, but one.

One soul had snuck out of the sanctuary and was running through the abandoned streets toward the battlefield.

Something told the pony that she was needed. She didn't know why, but she was needed. She just hoped she wouldn't be too late.

Midnight found his footing again and called the Elements of Order to him. Not wasting any time he drew on their power once again. The four floated up a few feet before Midnight's eyes opened glowing white. The light of the elements combined into the same orb before shooting up into the sky and plummeting towards the hell spawn.

Nag-Ta threw his hands up in front of the spear of energy in defense. It struck with force enough to push the demon back. His face contorted in a scowl.

Midnight was hopeful, seeing his old enemy struggle. Unfortunately that hope was crushed when the beast, with a yell, threw the blast away.

“No,” his ears flattened against his head in fear, “the elements are unbeatable... the most powerful magic in Equestria.”

“That was before I got here,” the demon said dropping his scowl and putting on another smile, “but if it's any consolation... that hurt like hell.” he swung his arm as a wave of fire washed over the four ponies, sending them to the blood soaked ground.

Midnight stood up shakily. Drawing a mage form sword again he struck at the demon.

Nag-Ta caught his hoof and, with his other hand, struck Midnight's shoulder, dislocating it.

“Ahhhhh!” Midnight yelled as he dangled from the demon's grasp.

“I'm going to enjoy tearing you to pieces.” The beast said as he grabbed Midnight's body with his free hand, “scream for me.” he pulled with all his strength, tearing the blue warrior's fore leg clean off.

“YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!” Midnight let out an ear splitting wail as the piece of him was forcefully removed.

The demon threw him up in the air and, using the severed leg hit Midnight to the ground.

She arrived just in time to watch a terrifying creature rip Midnight's leg off and hit him with it.

She was terrified by the scene.

What could she do?

Watching the defenseless warrior as the monster walked toward him, a strange feeling built in her.

She snapped, “DADDY!!!”

Midnight plugged his bleeding stump with a mage form plug. If it weren't for his training he would have been panicking.

The demon began walking toward him with a look of pure ecstasy on his face, while incinerating Midnight's limb. He raised his hand to deliver the final blow.

“DADDY!!!”

Midnight's eyes grew at the sight in front of him. Out of nowhere a figure appeared wrapped in an aura of powerful unicorn magic, but with runes floating through it like fish in a pond. It didn't take him long to recognize his own daughter.

She glared at the creature in front of her with eyes glowing, “YOU DON'T TOUCH MY DADDY!!!”

Nag-Ta's surprise prevented him from defending himself from the massive blast of magical energy that erupted from the little filly. He was sent sprawling across the battlefield.

Aurora floated up high above the others as her aura shot off connecting to the others laying unconscious. Slowly they began waking up.

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity found their elements have also appeared.

A bright light surrounded Aurora and condensed into her horn.

The Elements of Harmony and Order lifted up into the air with the little filly.

Twilight's and Midnight's eyes shot oped glowing white. A second latter The eye's of the other elements opened one by one, all glowing white. Finally Aurora's eye's opened with a golden glow.

The bodies of the elements became light and swirled into each other. The light took the shape of a great seraph, bow in hand.

The celestial being raised the bow at the terrible nightmare and pulled back on the string. The world around the went dark as all the light was pulled into a single heavenly arrow.

For the first time since his creation, Nag-Ta felt true fear. He felt the amount of power in that single arrow. It was enough to kill a hundred times over.

He tried to run away but found he couldn't move, “Wait, no, ple...” he was cut off as the angelic figure loosed her arrow into the demons heart. He couldn't even scream as his body was disintegrated in an instant.

It's job done the spirit faded leaving the eleven ponies in it's place once more.

The hauler tore through the bloody field with ease. They piled in with Midnight held by Twilight. He was bleeding and unconscious.

"Stay with us Midnight, come on we'll get you help in no time," Twilight said as tears fell down her face. Everypony was crying as Jacob drove the great machine.

They arrived at the hospital and jumped out rushing the injured pony strait into the abandoned hospital. Rainbow Dash flew off to retrieve the medical staff and tell the towns ponies it was safe.

“Fluttershy, Rarity, with me now.” Jacob barked out orders as he carried Midnight back into the operating room.

Twilight knew that she would be of no help in her emotional state, but she still wanted to be in there with her husband.

Instead she sat with Aurora. She looked down at the sleeping filly still unable to believe what happened.

The filly looked different than before. Her mane, that was so much like her father had been turned white, but that was minor compared to the other change.

Her horn was solid diamond. It was unlike anything Twilight had ever seen.

A flash of light signaled the arrival of the princesses.

“Luna, assist with Midnight's surgery.” Celestia told her younger sister, who obeyed with out word.

“My favorite student, Twilight. I'm so happy you're ok.” She said as she embraced the purple unicorn, “I'm happy you're all alright. I wanted to be out there with you so badly, but I couldn't abandon my duties. Forgive me for not being able to assist you.”

“There's nothin' ta forgive, princess. Ya did right by stayin' in Canterlot.” AJ said.

“Princess?” Twilight said, getting the sun goddess' attention, “Do you know what happened to Aurora? Her mane and horn are different, and what she did out there was like nothing I've ever seen.”

The alicorn studied the filly for a moment, “She is the Element of light.”

Twilight's eyes widened and she looked down at her daughter, then at the tiara she still wore.

“I don't understand.” she said.

“Simple, my little pony. You and your friends are each bearers of an element, the element itself is in the form of the necklaces, tiara, and armor that you all wear.

“Aurora on the other hoof is different. She isn't a bearer of the Element of Light she IS the Element of Light.

“'Born from Harmony and Order' is what the prophecy said. You, Twilight are harmony, and Midnight is order. She is your child.” Celestia finished her explanation.

Twilight looked at her sleeping filly, “one more question. When she interrupted Nag-Ta, she used magic, but I couldn't tell what kind. It looked like a unicorn magic aura but it had runes running through it.”

“Say no more, Twilight Star, I know what you're asking, and the answer is, both.” Twilight was confused by the princess' answer, “She used a magic that was both unicorn and seal magic, because her spirit is both pony and human.”

“To be honest with you, it scares me.” Twilight looked at her daughter and back to Celestia, “You remember when I took my entrance exam and lost control of my magic. What will happen if she looses control? She has a lot more power than I do. What will happen to her?”

“Midnight told me that seal magic requires focus to use so it's impossible to lose control of it. If her magic is the same way then you and Midnight will teach her how to use her magic.” Celestia said, “if she does lose control Luna will take her under her tutelage until she can control it well enough to return.” Twilight was about to protest but was cut off, “This is not negotiable. I love you like a daughter but I must think of my subjects. If she looses control she could be a danger to others.” her expression softened, “Don't worry, Luna is very good at helping unicorns control their magic. Aurora would be back in no more than a year.”

“But that's still a year away from my baby. If I knew it was this hard I would have never left my parents.” Twilight was on the verge of tears.

“Let's at least see if she can control it before you get depressed about it.” Celestia smiled at her student, “Really, Twilight, I thought you would have grown out of over reacting and jumping to conclusions.”

“You would think so, huh.” Twilight shared a laughed with her mentor.

The medical staff arrived an hour after Midnight was taken into surgery. Two doctors and two nurses immediately went to aide in Midnight's procedure.

After six hours under the knife Jacob and Fluttershy finally came out to the waiting room.

Twilight was quick to ask, “Is he going to be ok?”

“We've done all we can, and he should be fine. He's still out from the anesthesia, and will be for some time. I suggest you go home and get some sleep. We'll come back in the morning.” Jacob said.

“Where's Rarity?” she asked.

“Resting in a room. David needed blood and she was the only match. I had to take more than I would have wanted but she insisted.”

“That's Rarity for you.”

Now with nothing to distract them, the realization of what happened hit the eight ponies.

“W-we're ki-killers, now.” said Applejack she looked down at her hooves that were still covered in blood.

The mares and fillies looked at each other and saw that each one of them was bloodied. They pulled each other into an embrace and cried silently for the lives they took.

“We're monsters.” Rainbow Dash said.

“No, you're not.” Jacob said firmly, “Monsters don't mourn those they killed. You girls were forced to do a horrible thing to protect your loved ones and homes. It's a terrible burden to bare, but you had no other choice.”

“There's always a choice.” Twilight replied.

“Yeah, you had two, fight and kill, or let Equestria die. If you ask me that's not a choice.” Jacob said rather harshly, “What you girls did was nothing short of noble. You sacrificed your own innocence for the good of others. Because of what we did, the only ones scarred by this will be us few. You saved everyone else from having to see the same horrors that you saw.”

They sat there for some time as Jacob's words sank in.

“At least now we know why Midnight acted the way he did when he first arrived.” Applejack said, “Ah've never been this nervous and jumpy in my life. Ah feel like the moment Ah let mah guard down one of them soldiers is gonna' try and kill me.”

“Trust me, I know how it feels. I still remember the first man I killed, it gives me nightmares to this day.” Jacob said, “i won't lie to you, this'll haunt you for a long time, if not the rest of your lives.” Jacob had to emphasize his point, “one of two things can come of this. One, it can break you, leaving you a husk of a pony. OR two, you can go on, learn to cope with the pain, and in the end come out of it stronger. The choice is yours.”

Rainbow Dash looked at her friends, “I don't know about you girls, but I hate losing. That includes losing to myself. I'm not going to feel sorry for myself. I did what I had to, and I'm going to find a way to forgive myself and move on. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to take a shower.”

One by one her friends agreed and left to their respective homes. They were strong, if anypony could handle this it was them.

The red died field that was once a part of the Everfree forest was now a buffet for the scavengers of the woods.

A buzzard, picked at the exposed flesh of a soldier as a coyote fed on a large red claw-like hand.

Another coyote approached the first only to be blasted away by a jet of flame from its mouth.

With a sound like an earthquake the coyote spoke, “I can't believe I was defeated so easily. It's not something that will happen again. Everything has it's opposite, and I will find yours.”

With his plan formed the coyote ran off into the remainder of the forest.

Epilouge: Back to "Normal"

Midnight woke up wincing in pain as sunlight shone trough the window of his and Twilight's room.

Damn, how does a leg I don't even have hurt like this. he thought.

He had been waking up with phantom limb pain for the past month. This morning, though, he wasn't going to stay in bed like he had. Because today was the day the doctor told him he could be active again.

It's time I do something nice for Twilight. I'll make her breakfast. he reached with his left ghost hand and grabbed the prosthetic Jacob made him. It slid onto a rod Jacob put on him in the OR when he was fixing the damage.

Midnight flexed the leg to make sure it was connected to his nervous system properly. It was the first time he really got to use it as Jacob had just finished it the day before. He examined the polished steel and 'felt' for the different features it had.

Satisfied, he walked down stairs and into the kitchen.

I haven't made hash browns for a while he thought and got out some potatoes. A knife shot out of his metal wrist and he started chopping.

When it was cut shall enough, he quickly washed it and retracted it. Then he opened the cabinet as his hoof separated into five fingers, God, I love this thing he laughed to himself, I barely even miss the real one. He grabbed a frying pan and spatula and began breakfast.

“You just couldn't wait, could you.” Twilight said as she walked into the kitchen just as he was finishing.

“I'm just happy. The doc said I can start doing stuff again, and Aurora's coming back from Canterlot. It's an awesome day.” he said.

“I just can't believe she's already controlling her magic.” Twilight said.

Midnight separated the food equally on two plates and put them on the table.

The food didn't last long and soon the couple was in the living room cuddling on the couch.

“You know we still have about an hour and a half until the princess gets here with Aurora.” Twilight said giving him the look he both loves and fears.

Rainbow Dash sat on a low hanging cloud as she watched Scootaloo tie her favorite band around her scared eyes. It said, 'no fear', in stylized letters. It was actually nice to sit back and watch somepony else show off for a change.

She was too tired to show off anyway. The nightmares have been keeping her awake. It even took her fifteen seconds to clear the sky that morning.

Scootaloo set up a series of ramps, poles, rails, and walls. It amazed Rainbow Dash how the filly could use them in a way that she's never seen before.

Scootaloo was on her scooter jumping, spinning, flipping, and grinding across the obstacles. She was, on the ground, what Dash was in the air. It was, after all, her special talent.

Rainbow Dash remembered how the filly reacted to her telling the filly she got it. The kid ran strait to Sweet Apple Acres to get Applebloom to let her see it.

After that Dash asked Jacob to make her one of those runes so she could help Scoots, too. She even asked all their friends to get one for her, they all quickly agreed.

After her routine, Scootaloo rolled up to Dash, “Well what ya think?”

“That was awesome. Geez, I could never do any of that stuff.” she was absolutely beaming with pride for the filly.

“Thanks... mom.”

“Off to school squirt.” Said Dash with a smile

Rarity watched Sweetie Bell head off to school reminiscing on their time together. She remembered how annoying she was when she first arrived. How happy she was when she met Scootaloo, and then Applebloom. Coming home covered in tree sap... repeatedly. The thought made Rarity shudder.

Rarity couldn't help being proud of herself for helping mold Sweetie into the young mare she's become.

When Sweetie was out of sight Rarity went back to work.

Applejack had been letting her stress out on the trees of Sweet Apple Acres. It was hard without Big Mac there all the time but Pinkie was always willing to help until he arrived.

“Consarn it, where is that big oaf. He should have been here an hour ago.” AJ said with another buck.

“He's going to be late,” Pinkie said after a buck of her own.

“Watcha mean. When did he tell ya that?” asked the cowpony.

“He didn't, my Pinkie Sense did.”

AJ looked at her pink friend and saw her ear twisting back and forth.

“I ain't seen that one before. So that means that somepony's gonna be late.”

“Not exactly. It means somepony's already late... and it's not Big Mac.”

“Honey are you ok in there?” Big Mac asked through the door to the bathroom. She had been sick the past couple days, throwing up.

“I'm fine.” came the response. Fluttershy was sitting with her head by the toilet. She kept looking at the little white stick on the counter, How long is this suppose to take?

Finally after another excruciatingly long minute a pink line appered. Fluttershy looked down at it dumbstruck.

“Big Mac,” she said opening the door.

“You alright, Fluttershy?” asked the work pony.

A smile slowly made it's way to her face as she showed her husband the test.

As realization crept up to him, a smile followed. He quickly swept up the yellow pegasus in a hug.

“...and after his knee heals he's going to join the royal guard.” Applebloom said.

“We've been waiting for you three.” said a familiar voice.

“Oh, geez.” Sweetie Bell said. They turned to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, “What do you want?”

“Pay back. You got us grounded for a week.” said Silver Spoon.

“Ya got yerselves grounded. Don't blame us cause your prank was set off by Twilight instead of us.”

Scootaloo chimed in, “You're lucky she didn't turn you into frogs or something. She has a wicked temper.”

“It's your fault.” Diamond Tiara said, “and these guys agree with me.” Three very large colts and a griffin came up beside the two bullies, “now their going to teach you why you should respect us.”

“Wow,” Sweetie said, “this is not a very fair fight.”

“You're right Sweetie. I'll fight them alone.” Scootaloo said.

Sweetie smiled, “That's better.”

A knock at the door brought Midnight out of his blissful stupor. Twilight woke up as well.

“I got it.” Midnight said.

The instant he opened the door he was glomped by a purple and white blur.

“DADDY!” screamed Aurora, “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Midnight said returning her hug.

“Ahem.” a voice came from out side the door.

“I'm hugging my little filly. You can wait.” Midnight said.

“I'm glad your priorities are intact.” Said Celestia.

“Go give mommy a hug.” he said.

Twilight was just walking down stairs, “Good morning PrinOOOFF.”

“So how'd it go?” Midnight asked.

“Well, she's powerful. In time she may become as powerful as my sister and I. Luckily her magic is not so difficult to control, but as a precaution we placed an inhibitor on her. It took both of us to cast one powerful enough, but it was successful. Now her magic is at the level of Twilight's at the same age.” the princess said.

“I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for helping us with her.” Midnight said.

“Anything for the ponies who saved my Equestria. Now if you'll excuse me I must see Jacob.” she took off.

Midnight looked back at Aurora as she lifted several books around in a white aura.

“That's awesome, Aurora.” he said, “You want to learn some seal magic?”

The manticore hollered in pain as Nag-Ta ran his claw across the beast's legs. He's getting use to this new body. It's far more agile than his previous one. The crippled monster in front of his was testament to that.

This was the first real pleasure he's had since taking the coyote's body a month ago and was savoring it. Every yell, every cry was a drug to him.

He reached up with his right paw ready to strike again, but as he dropped it to the beast a black shadow enveloped his hand just before it landed. The manticore was wreathed by black energy and wailed in pain before going limp.

Nag-Ta lifted his paw to see it encased in a black metal claw with a black gem set in the back in the shape of a skull. It radiated evil and malice. It's darkness was almost... elemental.

To be continued...

Authors note:

First, I'd like to thank everyone who read, liked, and favorite this.

As I've said before I’m planing on making this a series so of course Nag-Ta would survive the last fight, every series needs a villain after all. I might make a preview of the next one some time but no promises.

Anyhoo, I'm going to be working on a different fic for a while so sorry if you're wanting more of the Dawn Shield.

Prolouge: Married Life

Midnight Star and Fluttershy faced each other. Rainbow Dash stood near by while Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack looked on.

Dash lifted a hoof and dropped it, "BEGIN!"

The yellow pegasus launched herself at the blue earth pony, she was like a whole different mare when she's training. Her kick was fast, almost too fast. Midnight deflected the strike and punched her in the back of the thigh, making it numb. She landed on her good leg as Her teacher charged at her. She threw a jab that he ducked under and delivered a blow to her stomach. She responded by dropping her elbow to the back of his head. He saw this and moved to the side, too slow she hit his shoulder hard, sending a wave of pain down it, he ignored it as he saw she was open and aimed a punch at her head. The quiet pony flung her wing up, turning his blow, and swinging a round house at his head. with a sound like a coconut hitting a rock her kick lifted the stallion off his feet and onto his side several feet away. The onlookers gasped in surprise.

"Oh, my goodness," Fluttershy said said returning to her normal gentle self, "I'm so, so sorry, Midnight." she was about to cry.

Midnight sat up laughing, "Are you kidding," he said, Fluttershy looked at him confused, "that was amazing. I never taught you how to use your wings in combat. Your instincts are incredible. I couldn't be more proud of you. I'll have to be more careful of you in the future."

Rainbow Dash gave her oldest friend a pat, "That was so awesome. You kicked his butt good. I haven't even landed one punch on him yet, but you beat him. Who would have thought that Fluttershy would be such an awesome fighter?"

"Of course she is, she fights with emotion, not just anger. Of course now that your my top pupil I expect you to help the others if they need it. Now if you excuse me I think i have a message coming." Midnight said when he saw a familiar flicker heading his way.

The golem was only about six inches tall. It was one of his independents. They had a self charging power source so they didn't drain him, but weren't as versatile as his controlled units. It handed him a scroll it carried, "Thank you, go home." it obeyed. he read the note, "Hay fries with onions, pickles, and chocolate syrup... ok."

Pinkie Pie laughed, "That's almost as bad as the mustard and asparagus cupcakes she asked for Tuesday."

"Well, It's not what she wants it's what the baby want, darling," Rarity said, "although I do agree."

"You'd best be gettin' back, sugarcube, you how she gets if ya keep her waitin'." said Applejack.

"Ok, remember to practice, everypony." Midnight said as he ran off.

Midnight moved back into the library, converting his house on the hill into a work shop where he makes enchanted trinkets for ponies. His creations have made life in Ponyville easier, almost everypony had a mini golem. He also expanded on the guest room in the library to make a full sized living area complete with living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. A room for the baby was almost finished as well but wouldn't be painted until after it was born.

He walked into the living room to see Twilight sitting on her side by the fireplace reading, belly swollen, "I've got your fries, Twi. How are you feeling."

"My ankles are swollen, my hooves hurt, my teats are sore, my back feels like it's broken, I'm as big as an ursa major, and have cravings for foods that Pinkie Pie wouldn't even eat," She answered plainly looking at the food he set next to her, "but my books all say that's normal, so I guess I'm good, just hungry." she dug into the bizarre mix.

Midnight sat beside her and, conjuring his ghost hands, started massaging her hooves an ankles, "You're nowhere near as big as an ursa major. Maybe an ursa minor." he said grinning.

"I will strangle the life out of you." she said looking at him, only to get a kiss.

"The sexiest ursa minor ever." he smiled at her.

"I'll delay your execution, if you kiss me again." the blue stallion complied, "ok, you're safe for now." she said, "Where did you get that bruise on your face?"

"Fluttershy," Midnight said, "she beat me earlier. Kicked me upside the head pretty good."

"Wow. Fluttershy?" she asked finding it difficult to believe, "Sweet, Innocent, kind Fluttershy kicked your flank?"

"Yeah, it was amazing," He said excitedly, "she used her wing to block my strike and catch me off guard."

"That's impressive. I'll have to congratulate her," she said, "but right now I'm bushed help me up I'm going to take a nap."

Midnight helped her up and to their bed, "I have an order I have to fill, so I'll be at the shop for another couple hours. I'll draw you a bath as soon as I return."

"Ok, don't over work yourself."

Midnight worked in his shop working on an order of mini golems that an outlet in Manehattan ordered. He had plenty of other products from tool to toys, but the tiny metal workers were by far the most popular. Almost everypony in Ponyville had one. The work was painstaking and tiring but it brought in the bits. As the runes that powers them took the most energy to make he would often make extra in his spare time.

As he worked he thought about how much his life had changed in two short years. One moment he was a human living in a terrible war-torn world, moments from death at the hands of the demon Nag-ta, the next he was flung into Equestria, turned into a pony by the Elements of Harmony, adapted his magic for his new form, made friends, saved the town from a dragon, found he was the Element of the Guardian, got married, and was about to have a foal. WOW he thought to himself.

Plus he got his cutie mark, which he was surprisingly proud of despite always saying he didn't care. Applebloom, Sweety Bell, and Scootaloo were so excited saying "We told you so" over and over in sing-song voices (or in Scootaloo's case a nails-on-a-chalkboard voice). They even put a picture of him posing to show of the silver shield and crossed swords on his flank on a board of "CMC Graduates" they put up in their club house. Applebloom said that after they got their cutie marks they were going to recruit others and help them do the same.

He magically welded the rune covered back plate to the final golem and placed it into it's box, then putting that into a shipping crate he closed it up and set outside as there was no rain scheduled for a couple of days. PPS would be there in the morning to pick it up.

With a sigh of relief, Midnight started back to town. He decided to stop by Sugarcube Corner to get something for Twilight and himself. The smell of baked sweets filled his nose as he walked in.

"Hey, Mid, what brings you here. Well obviously delicious, yummy, sweety, sweets but that's obvious."

"Just coming to see what you have left over." the blue pony said.

"OOOO, I have cherry-changas, or chimmy-cherries, I haven't decided yet. What do you think?" said the pink baker.

"Umm," he thought for a second, "how about chimmy-cherry-changas." he said with a smile.

"I like it!" she said as she rushed back into the kitchen only to reappear with a box, "Hey I have a question."

This is going to be interesting he thought "What?"

"Is your baby going to be born a hummus?" she asked

Midnight stopped trying to correct her constant mispronouncing of 'human', "That's highly unlikely. I'm a pony now."

"Well it's also unlikely that you would fall into a fracture in space-time, then have your physical, chemical, and genetic make completely rearranged to that of an entirely different species AND not be torn apart at a molecular level by the whole experience, but here you are."

Midnight stared at the pink sugar addict with his mouth hanging, stunned as she just cartwheeled back into the kitchen with a "woooo". Midnight grabbed his box, and suppressed the memory of what just happened for the sake of his sanity, and headed home.

When he walked in the side door to the living room he saw Twilight standing there in the living room legs spread, head down with a terrified look on her face.

"Are you alright, Twi?" he asked before looking down to see she was standing in a puddle of water, "Oh, shit."

Chapter 4: Preparations

The hauler tore through the underbrush with ease. They left the equipment at the site and were all piled in with Scootaloo held by Midnight. She was bleeding and unconscious.

"Stay with us Scoots, come on we'll get you help in no time," Midnight said as tears fell down his face. Everypony was crying as Jacob drove the great machine.

Sunlight flooded their vision as they erupted from the Everfree forest.

"Where do I go?" Jacob asked Twilight who was sitting in the seat next to him looking at the injured filly, "TWILIGHT!"

"Oh, the white building on the outskirts of town." she said pointing a hoof toward the clinic.

Jacob sounded the horn, warning the ponies in the way of their approach. There was panic in the streets at the unknown monstrosity barreling through town, but this was an emergency. Jacob hit the e-break and slid around so the back of the vehicle was in front of the facility.

Midnight threw open the doors and ran into the hospital screaming for help as he carried Scootaloo in a Mage Form stretcher. Nurse Redheart saw the filly's condition and guided him to the operating room.

"Wash up, Midnight, I'll need your help with her." she told him knowing his medical experience. He set her on the table and went to the sink.

The others waited for about an hour and a half before Midnight finally came out of the operating room. He was instantly swarmed with questions.

"She's going to live." he said right off, "Most of the damage was superficial, but... She'll never have use of her eyes again."

Sweety Bell and Applebloom started crying

"Scoots, no." Rainbow Dash was near tears herself, everypony else let them come, even Midnight.

After a few moments Midnight continued, "She's resting now and Nurse Redheart asked me to tell everypony to come back later. Right now I think our new toy is drawing a crowd and we need it to get that equipment we left." he pointed out the door the all the ponies gathering around the hauler, "Twilight, come with us we'll need your help. Everypony else go home and rest, we'll be told when she wakes up." At that the group left the clinic. Twilight, Midnight , and Jacob got into the hauler and went back to the Everfree.

Twilight didn't even notice the carnage and death around her as she focused on moving containers from the camp to the hauler. She was trying not to think about poor Scootaloo. It wasn't working very well.

Two hours later the truck was parked outside Midnight's shop and the three were unloading the salvaged equipment. Midnight put up several 'DANGER' signs around the containers and hauler to keep out curious ponies. The weapon crates were put in the basement just in case somepony decided to ignore the warnings.

When they finished Twilight, having nothing more to keep her mind off the events of the day, broke down and started crying. Midnight sat next to her and put his hooves around her. He didn't speak, he just let his wife unload all her pain on him in silence for awhile.

Twilight finally broke the silence, "How do you do it? How do you live seeing all you've seen?"

Midnight could help himself and tears began flowing from his eyes, "It fades with time. It doesn't entirely go away, but fades. You learn to live with it and become stronger."

Of all the terrible things he's seen, few of them hurt him like seeing the mare he loves like this. He leaned in and kissed her beside her horn and rubbed her back. Her crying slowed until she fell asleep in his loving embrace.

He held her for several minutes before easing her down and started taking inventory hoping there was something that would help him prevent the coming armageddon.

Scootaloo's life had always been rough. She was found wandering into town at five years old and had no memory of anything prior to being found by Rainbow Dash. Since then, the town had cared for her, several ponies all chipping in to help feed and house her. Finding out that she will never be able to fly properly was a terrible blow, crushing her dreams of being as great a flier as her idol.

Despite everything that happened to her, though, she always faced every day with courage, but this was something far worse than anything she's been trough. She could still make good life for herself without a family or flying, but losing her sight was too much for her. For the first time in her life she was ready to give up.

Thanks to a potion from Zecora, she was being released today, after only a week. She didn't care. It was too much for her. Thoughts raced through her mind, worrying her. She didn't know where she would go, or how she would survive.

She was pulled from thought by the sound of voices down the hall. Somepony was there to pick her up, but she couldn't tell who. It sounded familiar, almost like...

Rainbow Dash?, she realized. the door opened.

"Hey, kid, how ya feeling?" It was Rainbow Dash, "You ready to go?"

"Where?" Scoots asked.

"You're coming home with me." she said plainly.

"How? Are you going to carry me up and down every time I have to leave?" Scootaloo put a little more acid in her words than she intended to, "I can't fly, remember? Even if I could I'm blind. What if I fall off?"

"Oh, yeah, that would be a problem." she said as if she never thought of that, "Well I guess it's a good thing that I bought a house on the ground then, huh."

Scootaloo couldn't believe what she was hearing. Rainbow Dash, who wouldn't even touch the ground if she didn't have to at times, was going to live there for her.

Rainbow Dash smiled and said, "Of course when you're grown I'll probably move back to my cloud home and let you have that one. Well, are you ready to go home now?"

Home? Scootaloo was at a loss for words. She was giving up on her self, and yet her friends haven't. She realized she could hear the voices of all her friends. She could hear Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Midnight, and Pinkie (she assumed Fluttershy was there too).

"Everyone's here?" she asked

"Yeah, how'd you know?" RD asked.

"I can hear them talking out there." Scoots answered.

Dash strained to listen but heard nothing, "Are you sure we're pretty far from the waiting room?"

"Well, Twilight said the other day that when a pony can't see their other senses get's better to make up for it. I can even hear the bee at the window."

Rainbow Dash looked over to the window and saw a little bee outside, "Wow, that's cool, Scoots. I wish I could hear like that."

"I wish I could see again." Scootaloo's depression returned.

"Well, let's not keep the others waiting, come on." she said quickly changing the subject and helping the filly down, "You need help getting around?"

"No, thanks," Scootaloo said grabbing the cane next to the bed in her mouth muffling her voice, "Ah haf do earn hum dime."

She walked out the door with Dash moving the cane in front of her as they walked. It took a bit as the kid learned how to find her way around. Eventually they found the waiting room where she was swept up in a huge group hug. She survived an attack from a vicious monster only to be crushed to death by her friends. Well, maybe not 'to death' but it did make it hard for her to breath.

The death grip loosened and sweet breath returned. The group left letting the three fillies walk ahead.

When they got a good distance ahead Twilight turned to her cyan friend, "Are you sure you can handle taking care of Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash?"

"To be honest I don't know." RD admitted, "It kind of scares me, but I'll do my best any way."

"Well ah'll be, did Rainbow Dash just say she was scared?" Applejack teased.

"Shh, not so loud the kids got ears like a bat." Rainbow Dash said.

"I heard that!" Scootaloo called from in front.

"Told ya."

The friends all laughed.

After several minuets of walking they arrived at a small house near the library.

"Welcome home, Scoots." RD said as she opened the door.

It was small but big enough for two. Most of the furniture was cloud that Dash had brought down, except for a regular couch for guests and wood dinner table.

Midnight turned to Dash and said, "We'll let you two get settled. I'll come by in the morning."

"Wait, Midnight, we want to ask you something." Scootaloo said with Sweetie Bell and Applebloom beside her.

Midnight looked at her, "what's up?"

"We want to help you prepare for the invasion." she said.

Midnight's heart dropped, "How do you know about that?"

"Who cares, we're not asking you to let us fight, just help get ready." She was serious.

Midnight couldn't help but to smile, "Be at my shop after school. I'll find something for you to do."

"YES!!!" the three fillies said at once.

Scootaloo was nervous when her and her friends got to school the next day. She could feel the stares of the other ponies in the class as Applebloom helped her to her desk. They started the advanced classes that Twilight taught a couple of months ago. It was hard but she made it kinda fun (for school anyway) which surprised the fillies.

They sat through the lesson with out complaint. When the bell rang it was like music to their ears.

"Remember to read pages 224 through 230. There will be a test." Twilight said to the class before addressing the three crusaders, "You three know where to go. I'll see you there." and she popped away.

As the three were walking down the road Scootaloo heard a rustling behind them.

"Keep looking forward, girls," she whispered, "we're being followed."

Sweetie Bell looked at her, "By who?"

Just then Scootaloo ducked down as a rock flew over her head.

"Ha, I Knew you were faking the whole blind thing." That was a voice they know too well, Diamond Tiara.

"Yeah, she's just trying to get pity." And there's the side kick Silver Spoon.

Applebloom turned on the two bullies,"Hey, whut's yur problem? Why're y'all tryin' ta pick on a blind girl for? Why don't ya try pickin' a fight with me, instead."

"Don't worry AB, I'll handle this." said Scootaloo as she turned around, "So you two think I'm faking it, huh." she walked up to the rich girls, "Well explain this." she reached up to the bandage on her eyes (it was really only there now to hide the scar) and pulled it off, "Does this look fake?".

The two fillies gasped and stared in horror at the terrible scar across her face. The sutures and sunken eyelids were too much for the spoiled rich ponies. A moment later the two passed out and Scootaloo put the bandage back on and went back to join her friends.

After walking for a minute Sweetie Bell asked, "Hey, Scootaloo, how did you dodge that rock?"

Scootaloo shrugged, "I just heard it I guess."

When they arrived at Midnight's shop they noticed there was a large fenced off area in the back. It was covered in sheet metal so nopony could see in and a big sign that said 'DANGER KEEP OUT'. The three walked up to the door and knocked.

"Who is it?" asked a Twilight from behind the gate.

"It's us Twilight." said Applebloom.

She opened the door and came out to greet them, "Glad you girls can help. Sweetie Bell, you're with me, Applebloom, you're with Midnight, and Scootaloo, find Jacob in the basement."

"Ok, but I doubt I can help with anything." Scootaloo said.

"Not true, he actually has a job that ONLY you could do." Midnight said coming out of the gate, "Do you need help getting to him?"

"No thanks, Midnight, I'm good." Scootaloo grabbed her cane and headed to the basement.

Jacob smiled when he saw her come down the steps, "There's my hero. I really need your help with this."

"Hey, Jacob, How's everypony been treating you?" she asked.

"Well, I haven't really left here, but David's been getting questions about 'the creature in his shop'. It's actually kind of funny." He said.

"Who's David." asked Scootaloo.

"Huh... Oh, right, Midnight. His name was David when he was human and that's just what I'm use to calling him." Jacob explained.

"Oh. Anyway, he said you have something only I could do." she said, "You do know I'm blind, right?" it still hurt her to say it.

Jacob put a hand on her shoulder, "Actually, that's exactly why only you can help." Scootaloo had a confused expression on her face, "Have you noticed that your hearing has improved a lot."

"How did you know that?" she asked surprised.

"It's a natural response. When an important sense like sight is lost, the others try to take up the slack." He smiled at her, "Right now you have the best hearing in Ponyville. That's why only you can help me." he walked over to a bench, "I need to fix something but I don't have the testing equipment to know when it's done. I need you to listen to it and tell me when it sounds like this one." he turned on a similar component.

Scootaloo listened to the faint whir of the object. "Ok I can do that." she said happily.

While Sweetie Bell and Twilight worked on organizing and cataloging everything in the containers, Midnight and Applebloom went out behind the fenced area where a bunch of wood was waiting.

"Alrighty, here's the problem." Midnight turned to look at Applebloom, "The weapons from my birth world are going to help a lot, but it's not enough to fend off an army, so we're going to be making some more primitive defenses. Your god at fixing stuff up and building so you're going to help me."

Midnight grabbed a sheet of paper with diagrams on it and passed it to the filly, "These are the plans for what we need. Do you understand them?" She nodded her head, "Good let's get to work then."

The two worked on the wooden weapons for several hours. Midnight would lift and shape the wood with his magic and Applebloom would put the pieces together. Rarity joined them after awhile. She was a big help after her experience helping make golems for Midnight on several occasions. She was a surprisingly gifted metalworker.

Applebloom finished the last one and leaned back to relax looking in the sky. A little yellow speck was flying VERY enthusiastically.

"Hey," she said, "who's that?" she pointed to a yellow speck in the sky doing loops and twirls towards them.

"Is that Fluttershy?" asked Twilight as she and Sweetie Bell came to see what was going on.

"No way," said Rainbow Dash appearing seemingly out of nowhere, "She almost never flies more than a few feet off the ground and NEVER does tricks like that."

They could here cheering now as the figure got closer. The groups jaws fell in perfect unison as Fluttershy landed in front of them. She was panting through the biggest smile any of them have ever seen.

"What is it, Fluttershy?" asked Twilight after her brain switched back on, "I've never seen you this happy."

Still catching her breath Fluttershy said, "I... Have... Great... News." she took a second to calm down, the others looked at her expectantly, "I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!"

Twilight, Dash, Rarity, and Sweetie Bell immediately wrapped the yellow pegasus in hugs giving congratulations.

"So Mac finally popped the question." said Midnight joining the group hug, "I was wondering when he was going to. When's the date."

"Next month," she answered, "we figured that with this invasion there's a chance that one of us... um... you know," shy Fluttershy made a quick comeback at the thought. "So we're doing it as soon as possible."

Twilight broke the silence, "Oh, Fluttershy, I'm sure..."

"That's awesome," Midnight interrupted, "You hear that, Rare, you got a month to make the dre..." He looked back only to see a Rarity shaped dust cloud, "Wow, I thought only Pinkie could do that." That got a laugh out everypony.

With the extra help of the CMC and Big Mac, the preparations for the impending battle took much less time than anticipated. On the last day of prep Applebloom was on a building frenzy. Midnight had no idea what she was building, it was behind a sheet to keep it a surprise. Midnight was shaping wood how she said and sending it to her. He had a feeling that whatever she was making, it was going to be good.

"IT'S DONE!" she hollered, coming out from behind the covering, "Y'all ready fer the greatest innovations in pony history?"

After nods from her audience she grabbed the sheet and tore it loose, "Ta-da. Ah based it off one of yer stories, Midnight. All it needs is a propulsion system, but that's for you or Jacob to do."

Midnight stared in wonder at what this little filly made. It was a airplane, and it looked like it would actually fly. After a quick diagnostic spell from Jacob and a nod he knew it would.

"AB, that's amazing." he looked at her and noticed something. With a grin he said, "You really enjoyed that, too, didn't you?"

"Yeah, Ah did, Why?" she asked seeing his grin.

"Oh, I just had a hunch. You got a little something on you there." he said pointing at her backside.

"What, dirt or somthin'?" she looked back to see and saw a hammer and saw crossing on her flank. her eyes widened to the approximate size of Alpha Centari at the site of the thing she's been wanting most, "AH GOT MAH CUTIE MARK! AH GOT MAH CUTIE MARK! AH GOT MAH CUTIE MARK!" she was jumping for joy. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo gave her a big hug and joined her in her mirthful leaps.

"Now we can focus on finding Scootaloo's." said Sweetie Bell.

Scootaloo stopped and broke the hug, the others looking at her confused, "That's ok, girls, I probably CAN'T find mine now. There's not much a pony can do without being able to see. That's ok though, it's not like I'll ever get to see it even if I do get it."

Her friends look ready to cry. Twilight sat next to the filly and put a hoof around her.

"It's ok, you can still find your cutie mark. It might be a little harder but I know you can do it." she said

"Yeah," said Dash, "you're the toughest filly I know, and you're at least twenty percent cooler than I was at your age."

"You really think so?" Scootaloo asked. Everypony agreed, "Ok than, I won't give up."

"Atta girl." said Dash

Sequel

Sequel is up you can find it here