After many weeks of traveling and facing untold dangers the heroes finally arrived at their destination; Canterlot but the victory seemed hollow now that one of their friends laid in bed wounded and broken in both body and spirit even as Melody spent every day taking care of him, for one week Storm Wind laid there completely emotionless even as he was given breakfast in bed by one of his mothers servants.

"Here you are young master. Better eat it while it's still warm."

The servant watched as his young master grabbed his meal giving a small nod of thanks before eating as he left, an hour passed before Commander Hurricane herself came into the room dressed in a formal robe much like the Greeks and Romans wore with a smile on her face seeing her son on the road to recovery as she sat down to give a gentle hug while brushing away some of the hair from his face.

"Storm Wind...Do not be ashamed. You did your best."

"He mocked father in front of me....and I allowed that to cloud my judgement in battle...and I...I-!"

"Shhh."

Being the caring mother she was Commander Hurricane gently silenced her son with a gentle touch to his cheek before placing his head on her chest and stroking him gently which calmed him to the point where he felt safe and calm, especially in his mothers arms and a small smile was brought on his face.

"Mother?"

"Yes?"

"I....I heard you and Melody talking...is it true?"

Being shocked at the question Commander Hurricane was hoping to break the news to him gently after the series of events he and his friends had been through.

"Yes it's true...The marriage was arranged after your training...I wanted to tell you once you came back but well after this..."

"It's fine mother."

Despite his military background Storm Wind was still of noble birth and was obliged by law to agree to any political agreement no matter the circumstance. For a moment there was quiet until the young stallion let out a short sigh of disappointment before giving his mother a small surprise.

"I wanted to ask her myself you know?"

"Oh? Well when were you gonna ask her?"

"Um! that is...you see..."

A red hot blush filled his cheeks while he twiddled his fingers making the commander cover her face while she giggled as her son sunk his head in embarrassment and defeat before she kissed his forehead with a renewed smile on her face.

"Oh Storm Wind. You're still a little colt no matter how much you grow and besides I've always known how you felt about her since you were little."

Storm Winds mother declared as she took his food tray while two servants helped him out of bed to get dressed for a walk around the city, as they stepped outside Storm Winds eyes winced from the first glimpse of light when out of nowhere he began to hear cheering and the chanting of his name.

"STORM WIND! STORM WIND! STORM WIND!!!"

News of the young hero facing the warg chieftan and surviving became the talk of the city and while normally he would be filled with pride at the sound of his name being herd Storm Wind felt empty even as he was showered with petals and numerous young mares ran to him begging him to take them as his wife until at last the crowd dispersed at the presence of Princess Platinums royal guard who escorted the two Pegasai to the great hall where a small ceremony was held in honor of the young champions.

The princess awarded each of them with a military rank and entitlements along with a few small chests from the royal treasury and soon after there was a small party where even the common folk were allowed but while the celebration went on Storm Wind found a quiet spot away from the crowd with a small cup of wine as his company.

It seemed like all he wanted to do was drink the night away as he took sip after sip of wine trying to drown out his misery before he spotted a figure in the shadows.

"Who's there?!?"

He shouted before he saw Melody slowly coming out into view making him breath a sigh of relief before she sat next to him with a slight blush on her cheeks.

"I hope you don't mind. I'm not very fond of parties."

She said twirling her hair a bit as Storm Wind set his cup aside to lean against the stone wall behind him.

"Not at all. Not very keen on them myself, too noisy and-!"

"Too crowded."

Melody suddenly gasped covering her mouth realizing she finished his sentence and interrupted him at the same time.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-!"

"No it's fine really."

In that moment the two stared at each other in a way that seemed to hypnotize them both and all began to grow silent, as they continued to gaze into each others eyes their friends had nearly interrupted the moment before Charm Caster pulled her brother and Iron Forge back behind a small bush as they continued to watch them.

Storm Winds heart began to race as he stared into the eyes of the mare of his dreams, she was more beautiful than he had remembered from her long flowing pink mane to her sky blue eyes that seemed to shine even in the night but just as they neared each others lips a sharp pain had struck him in his ribs.

"AGH!!"

"Are you okay?!?"

Melody asked as she held him before noticing a small amount of blood on his robe realizing he must've reopened one of his wounds, being a field medic the mare tore off a huge piece of her robe using it as a bandage to help stop the bleeding shocking Storm Wind as he just watched in disbelief.

"Melody don't! your robe!"

"I can always get a new one and besides you've lost enough blood already!!"

After she was done fashioning the bandage Storm Wind stared at her now ruined robe feeling ashamed even as she smiled at him while he helped her to her feet.

"Melody why?"

"Well...it's a wife's duty to help her husband."

She declared looking away with a red blush filling her cheeks as Storm Wind did the same before slowly taking her hands. Melody gave a short gasp as she turned to see Storm Wind staring at her as in a manner that seemed to calm her, slowly the stallion moved his lips toward hers ignoring the beating of his heart while Melody stood her ground even as her legs trembled and within the blink of an eye she found herself locked in the kiss she had long awaited from the one she loved.

"yes!"

Charm Caster whispered while covering the eyes of the other two while Storm Wind wrapped his wings around his beloved Melody slowly breaking their kiss with a smile before noticing the tears in her eyes.

"Melody what's wrong?"

He asked feeling concerned as he placed his hand to her cheek before seeing the smile through her tears.

"Nothing's wrong...I'm just so happy!"

Melody declared as she leaned on his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace as she wrapped her wings around him just as he did for her.

"I love you Storm Wind."

"Melody..."

The two lovers enjoyed each others company for the rest of the night while the party went on. The next day in the council room Star Swirl had presented the scroll to the leaders of the four tribes and with it the locations of the last two Alicorns, he had worked long into the night deciphering the ancient text before finally breaking the spell concealing a map hidden inside the scroll.

"Members of the Council. After doing some research I have found the location of the last two members of the royal bloodline."

"Well then let's go find them already!"

Commander Hurricane shouted as she slammed her table with some of the crowd agreeing with her.

"Order! Order please!"

Princess Platinum shouted as the court quieted down slowly before Chancellor Pudding Head rose in agreement with the commander.

"I'm with Commander Hurricane. Why aren't we musterding the troops?"

"I believe you mean "Mustering" your chancellorship. And the reason is that the location is found deep in the Everfree Forest and as we all know that is unexplored territory so I've called for a special guest."

Turning their attention to the door the council members saw King Aspen escorted by his elite guard bowing in respect while the crowd muttered among themselves as he took his seat before Star Swirl continued his proposal.

"With King aspens help a small group of our military can enter the forest and find the missing members of the royal family."

"In that case I volunteer to lead the expedition."

Commander Hurricane declared with the other council members seeing she was determined to see this mission through since her son was nearly killed in the line of duty and without a second thought Princess Platinum rose from her seat calling out to the other members.

"I second the motion. Those who are in favor may stand now, all others may remain seated."

Soon all the members of the council stood from their seats, each brimming with confidence after finally being given a chance of possibly ending the war after so many years.

"Motion is carried. Commander Hurricane you may prepare your troops."

"I'll be leading the ninth legion. If anypony can handle a mission of this magnitude it's them."

Like Commander Hurricane The Ninth Legion consisted of many veterans of the war and were among the elite of the elites in the Equestrian army and within hours the legion was assembled. Hours before departure a small ceremony was being held in the halls of Canterlot Castle; The wedding for Storm Wind and his beloved Melody was being held with only their closest friends and family as witnesses, Melody was dressed in the traditional bridal robe while Storm Wind wore his armor now polished and repaired.

The ceremony was short but sweet, the vows were said, the priest had given his blessing and the two lovers consummated their marriage with a long deep kiss as everyone cheered with great joy before Melody tossed the bouquet to her bridesmaids while the boys raised their glasses giving their friend a toast of good luck. Soon after the whole of Canterlot gathered to see Commander Hurricane and her Legionaries assembled at the cities main gate carrying the Equestrian banner in the center, the commander stood in front of her soldiers as well as the mob who had gathered to see them off.

"Today we are to march deep into the Everfree Forest! Now I have reports that our enemy has already crossed those borders and have made several encampments there! So make no mistake...they will be waiting for us but they have no idea who or what they are up against!!"

The soldiers gave a short cheer as the commander continued her speech.

"Equestria is a land of peace! Equestria Is a land of hope!! Equestria is a land of light!! And so long as we stand united..."

WE!! ARE!! EQUESTRIAS!!! MIGHT!!!

YAAAHHHHHH!!!!

A thunderous cheering soon filled the city as the crowd joined in while the soldiers rattled their weapons and armor as the horn was sounded giving the order to move out with the commander flying overhead and King Aspen at the front of the legion and all the while Storm Wind watched as the legion soon vanished from sight with his new wife embracing him.

"You wish you could go with them?"

Melody asked as he stroked her hair still gazing on the horizon even as the army vanished.

"Not this time...my part in this war is over...it's time others did the fighting.

The End.

Author's Note

It seems our hero has lost his resolve but has found a sense of bliss. Will this happiness last? find out in the next chapter!

Next Time: The Ninth Legion