Reinsertion

Chapters

Chapter One: Cleaning the past
Chapter two: welcome to Ponyville
Chapter Three: A royal protocol
Chapter Four: Different Customs
Chapter Five: Bury the hatchet
Chapter Six: Unexpected gift

Chapter One: Cleaning the past

After their millennium-long imprisonment, the Dark Legion was again active; as the princesses returned home, General Grey Shadow decided time was ripe to rebuild and clean their old barracks. Upon entering their old abode, the newly freed warriors noticed, appalled, their refuge, although intact, was virtually buried by thick layers of dust, rubble of every size, shape and description… and enough cobwebs to rig a galleon and that was just for starters!

All warriors gazed their former home with a mix of dismal and nostalgia; Grey Shadow himself was frozen for a long time, contemplating the titanic task at hoof.

“My friends, we must convert this junkyard into decent, proud-to-be-of barracks, worthy of the best battle unit Equestria has ever seen! Come on, my warriors, check the warehouse: Our Princesses has provided us with abundance of cleaning equipment; ergo, I need here brooms, feather dusters and all the cleaning stuff you can carry! We must turn this mess into the impeccable place we know and love: MOVE, MOVE, MOVEEE!!

As one, the Dark Legionaries turned and ran to the warehouse: enthusiastic neighs frequently cut by wilds fits of sneezing and coughing, crashes between overeager ponies, and fierce discussions about who had grabbed which broom later, the enthusiastic warriors -minus armors and weapons and to the fetlocks with aprons, head bandannas and assorted pots, flasks and cleaning stuff - formed proudly before their general… resembling a steampunk version of “A Chorus Line”

They began to work with gusto: while some Earth Ponies used brooms with their mouths, unicorns excelled in magic to remove old boxes (same that had the nasty habit of turning to dust with chronometrical regularity at the slightest movement) or pieces of debris in their path, while gryphons, pegasus and batponies flew this way and that, flapping their wings with all their might to remove dust and cobwebs, their work spiced by happy comments:

“A-CHOOO!”, sneezed Windmaster, one blue pony.

“Windmaster: zero. Dust: one… AH-CHOOO!”, said Storm Raider, one batpony

“Storm Raider, were you tell…. COUGH, COUGH, ACHOOO!”

“Who taught you to fly? A butterfly with hiccups?” mocked one pegasus to White Fog, a batpony, two seconds before crashing head-on against a mountain of cobwebs roughly the size of Mount Hayverest

“I think YOU taught me, Thunder Blaze!”

“GANGWAY!! GRYPHON WITH A SORE AND PATENT LACK OF BRAAAKEEEES!!” One of the proud half-lion, half-eagle creatures passed as a lightning bolt with a cubic and foamy thing under his foot, grabbing a bunch of brooms and mops with his arms, desperately beating his other hind leg, tail and wings to regain some control, zigzagging as a drunken hummingbird; given or taken half a second, he noisily crashed against a huge sofa, somersaulted over it with not-exactly-Hooflympian elegance, slammed against the wall, bounced like a potato sack and finished seated on same ¡upside down!, his tail entangled with clothes of all colors and a mop covering his head and eyes.

“Ooowww!” moaned the hapless gryphon, chorused by the unrestrained laughter of his companions “Why didn’t I heard mom and applied for farmer?”

“The gryphon who skated with MY soap… would you be so kind to unstuck it from Captain Whipslash’s horn, please?” chuckled Cloudkicker, on his knees, scrubbing vigorously the dirty floor.

“Great!” fumed the pretty Pegasus, blowing a lock of her mane aside. “I’ll have a lavender-scented horn for a week!”

“Look at me!” laughed Captain Stone Cracker, covered with cobwebs from muzzle to tail “I´m look like a bad Stars Swirl costume!”

Grey shadow wasn`t idle, either. With his own magic he was moving three feather dusters and two brooms, removing dust from floors and walls… and offering the most comical aspect of all the troop, with an apron generously frilled with pink lace, a head bandanna rabidly scarlet (generously filled with white dots) and two saddle bags with cleaning fluid and soap in flakes hanging from his back; he knew he looked silly, having some solace in the fact that even his most serious warriors had a similar aspect. Now, no ranks were valid for the moment, all of them united in a common goal; among jokes, laughter and songs, the powerful warriors-turned-maids-turned-concierges began to clean and get in shape the millennial fortress that was now their home.

Several hours later, sunlight began to filter by an open window, heralding the coming of a new day; after cleaning all night, only stopping by shifts to eat something, the tired but proud soldiers contemplated shining, clean, sparkling headquarters, as spotless as the first time the building was put in service. The Dark Legionaries were, by contrast, as dirty as the bottom of a pigpen, but all were really proud of their work, vainly trying to stiffen yawns everywhere. Last details, as always happens, demanded and took huge amounts of time, so morning was well advanced when they finally considered accomplished their mission.

Grey Shadow smiled: they could yawn all they liked, they had earned at least that and a full day of rest: even he himself felt pains in places he ignored he had in his anatomy. His tail was alright, his nose was alright… everything between former and later ached, itched, throbbed or all the three at the same time.

“Well done, my friends” nodded he “You have all done a great work: I am proud of you, guys. Dismissed and go to sleep; tonight we can continue with….……..… huh!?

A soft and persistent knocking came from the closed door; since (but for a hayful of ponies) nopody knew about their existence, Grey Shadow felt a trickle of ice running by his spine.

“Troops, all to your stations! I’ll check who can be, alert to my signal!” commanded the gray unicorn.

Approaching the heavy door, he opened it, expecting everything and anything at the other side: everything and anything that is, except………

Poking his muzzle outside, he found a gray pegasus pony, using a cap and a mailbag, a cutiemark of bubbles over her flank and a sweet, captivating smile. He couldn’t but notice her slightly crossed eyes.

Grey Shadow was face-to-face with Derpy Hooves, the charming and lovable Pegasus that managed all the mail in Ponyville.

“Good morning, little one: what can I do for you?” Asked Grey Shadow, half intrigued, half aware of the aspect he was offering the newcomer, bedecked as he was with that ridiculous apron.

“Maaaaiiiilllll!” said the cute pegasus with a squeaky and innocence-filled voice.

The veteran of myriads of wars, battles and skirmishes relaxed, seeing it was just a messenger and made a signal with his right hind hoof to his warriors, as ridiculously attired as he… and armed to their teeth, awaiting the order to crush any potential danger.

“Are you Grey Shadow?” asked Derpy with that so charming innocence of hers to the gray unicorn.

“Indeed I am, sweetie” replied he “What can I do for you?”

With a smile, the little gray pegasus pulled a letter from her mailbag with her teeth.

“Letter for General Grey Shadow!!” she chirped.

The veteran unicorn grabbed the letter with his mouth and passed it to one of his warriors behind him.

“Thank you, my little messenger”

But Derpy stood rooted to her place, gazing attentively the puzzled unicorn.

“Eeerrr... you can retire now”

The pegasus in charge of Ponyville’s mail service just smiled, battling sweetly her long eyelashes; Grey Shadow wondered furiously what in blazes was she waiting for, until…

“Let me guess… you await a… compensation of some sort? A… what’s the name…? ‘Tip’?”

The pegasus nodded vigorously, still smiling.

“Some customs are eternal” puffed irritably Grey Shadow for himself “Wait a moment, please” added he with a soothing tone, closing the door and addressing his men.
And all pretenses of serenity vanished as soon as the latch clicked: “For neighing out loud, anypony has currency here!? She wants a tip and I haven’t a bit cut in half!”

All his warriors gazed each other, disconcerted before such an unusual pledge, beginning a frantic search everywhere: after an eternity (of sorts) Whisplash, a batpony, appeared, balancing a gold coin over her nose: “Here, my General, this should suffice”

Grabbing it with his magic, Grey Shadow opened the door and made it glide to the holster strapped to her right thigh.

“Thaaaank yoooou!” said the smiling pegasus and with the easiest of wing beats streaked to the cool blue sky.

“By Equestria’s starry skies!” Grey Shadow scratched his head with a magically moved stick he grabbed from his own saddlebag “Who would guess she is so fast? Very well, let’s check what she brought”

Ripping open the envelope with his magic, General Grey Shadow began to read what he discovered, was his first official communiqué in ten centuries.

“General Grey Shadow, I offer my apologies by this break in your current chores: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have requested the presence of your troops and yourself for a formal introduction of the Dark Legion to our citizens, same that will take place before the Administrative Building of Ponyville today at noon.

Enclosed you will find a map with the route to follow, as well as the pertinent instructions for your safe arrival.

Signed,

Princess Twilight Sparkle

Finishing and folding the letter, he gazed the skies calculating, with growing alarm, that time was… well past 10 AM!! He had to act fast, emphasizing the FAST!

“TROOPS, TO ME, AT ONCE!” The clarion call of sorts brought his tired but obedient legionaries beside him.

“This can’t be! How inopportune this letter is!” snorted he silently “My guys are so worn-out they can barely stand up! Let’s hope it’s just a fast introduction, kiss a foal or three and home, sweet home!”

“My friends, I understand how you feel: I am in no better shape, but Our Majesties required our presence before the local authorities; beats me what for, but we must be ready to answer their command”

“SIR, YES, SIR, GENERAL SIR!!” neighed they with a force that shook the walls.
.
“Well, our plans must begin with a good and thorough bath; then check your light armors and be ready to depart… and somebody get me a map to know where Ponyville is!!”

“The letter included a map, genius!” laughed good-naturedly Cloudkicker, his most trusted pegasus and one of his best friends.

“I knew it all the time, pigeon-hooves! I talked about our old maps” chuckled Grey Shadow, “we need to update all them”.

All his warriors were dismissed and ran to the showers while he examined the note and the map sent by Twilight Sparkle, trying to guess the shortest route to their new destiny.

Chapter two: welcome to Ponyville

Chapter Two: Welcome to Ponyville

It was noon already; as requested by the Marejor and Princess Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville in full was standing before the Administration Building: they had been notified early in the morning that the three princesses would be there: being a really uncommon event to have all of them at the same time in their village, each pony was eager to see them together at the public platform: the enthusiastic Twilight, the unearthly beautiful Celestia and the respect-imposing but sweet Luna. Only the most indispensable ponies had had to remain at their posts: medical personnel, firefighters and police.

Twilight was the first to arrive, being charged with all the organization of the historic event: she was here, there and everywhere checking, inspiring, and hurrying. Beside her, as always, as friends true, were Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinky Pie, helping as well, awaiting impatiently the arrival of Celestia and Luna, the two remaining princesses, their rightful rulers.

“Girls, anybody has seen General Grey Shadow and his Legion?” Twilight was genuinely concerned.

“Not since last evening, when I delivered the cleaning stuff, sugarcube” Replied Applejack.

“What a deplorable lack of manners! You would think a full-fledged officer and gentlehorse would be on time, being Royal Guards of the highest elite, and sworn protectors of their Majesties!” snorted Rarity, decorating a column with ribbons sporting the colors of the royal house of Canterlot.

“Perhaps they overslept” –Pinkie Pie was all concentration, checking her party cannon’s mechanisms were in working order.

“Come on, girls, let’s give them some more time” Twilight Sparkle was always the conciliator “Perhaps they are not familiar yet with the neighborhood and are trying to reach the town”

“How can ANYPONY miss Ponyville!?” Rainbow Dash, bored and desperate by inaction, as she lied face down over a cloud, tossed and turned for the seventeenth time in the previous three minutes.

“Come on, Dashie!” puffed Twilight “In their original time, Ponyville didn’t even exist. Anyway, I sent them a map and detailed instructions… I hope they will not… huh? Did you hear that!?”

The ponies assembled at the courtyard cheered and waved and pointed to the sky… and with good reason: Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna, were arriving! Seated in a huge, majestic golden cart, big enough for both, pulled by four robust pegasus from the Royal Guard Transport Detachment, escorted by other five pegasus flying in “V” slightly lower and behind the royal cart. Twi recognized them at once: for Dashie’s comical mortification, they were NOT the Wonderbolts, but their sister squadron, the Thundercolts. Wearing an olive and black uniform, they were the elite of the Sixth Tactical Wing of Equestria’s Air Force, feather-winged fighters, trained in air superiority combat. As their land-based comrades, the Cygnus Damocles, Thundercolts sported magically loaded weapons (absent for the occasion, at least the external ones) and were as superb aerobats as Rainbow Dash’s idols.

As the carriage began its final descent towards the courtyard, the five Thundercolts broke formation, releasing contrails of multicolored smoke and disappearing in the sky at full speed; the golden cart landed delicately a few yards from the building a few moments later. Both princesses debarked, hailed by a deep reverence from their people.

“Princess Celestia!! Princess Luna!! At last you have arrived!” Twilight greeted them with unrestrained happiness.

“How are things going, Princess Twilight?” Asked Celestia, slightly puzzled by Twilight Sparkles frown.

“I… I…” The new princess scratched the cobblestones with a hoof “They have not arrived yet. I don`t get it: the map I sent was quite accurate…”

“Not surprising: they for sure must be very tired and the most probable thing is that they are slightly delayed: let’s give them some extra minutes” smiled Celestia, trying to calm her loyal, trusted… and extra-nervous student.

“Relax, Princess Twilight Sparkle” nodded Luna “General Grey Shadow is punctuality incarnate, be assured he will come. Let’s begin, then”

Princess Celestia nodded as well and approached to the Marejor, already bowing is obedience to her sovereigness.

“Marejor, would you be so kind to begin, please?”

“It will be an honor, Your Excellency” Replied the Marejor to her ruler.

“Your attention please, mares and stallions: be warmly welcome. Her Majesty, Princess Celestia, together with Princess Luna and Princess Twilight, has requested your presence to deliver important news to all of you… Your Highness, would you honor us?”

The princess climbed to the podium, gazing lovingly her subjects and began her discourse:

“My beloved Ponyville denizens, it gladdens my heart to have all of you assembled here, for we celebrate a truly important occasion: from this day onwards, a very special team of ponies will be permanent part of our citizenry, in charge of security and surveillance all around these lands. They are called the Dark Legion, already a legend among our armed forces: it’s our wish that you meet them firsthoof”

As if on cue, a rumbling of hooves began to echo across the entire courtyard, thrumming heavily with growing intensity moment by moment: It was a fully armored group of ponies of every kind, preceded by a majestically gray unicorn. General Grey Shadow marched before his troops, all of them wearing dark blue armors, as mysterious as night itself, all shining as if just forged. It was an army that imposed, DEMANDED respect, a battle contingent that oozed fear with their mere presence. Each detachment had a flag pole with its respective banner, preceded by two unicorns beating drums with their magic, signaling the proper march step for the troops. It was like seeing a living tableau from another era, awe-strucking, imposing, unstoppable. The ponies before the platform retreated to give them space.

“TROOPS… HAAALLLT… NOW!” Grey Shadow cannon-like command voice found an instant reply from his troops, stopping all at the same time, as a single pony.

“TURN AROUND 180º DEGREES, NOOW! AT ATTENTIOOON, NOOOW!”

His warriors obeyed with almost uncanny precision and accuracy, facing now the gasping multitudes. Preceding each line of armored soldiers, a warrior sported a banner with the coat-of-arms of each section of the Dark Legion. Climbing to the podium, General Grey Shadow removed his helmet and bowed respectfully, to the citizens gathered to receive him and his troops.

“Your Majesty, General Grey Shadow reporting: The Dark Legion is here as requested”

“I told you, Twilight!” mumbled happily Luna, addressing her best friend in a decidedly unofficial tone; despite the seriousness of the moment, Twilight barely suppressed a chuckle “He never breaks his word”

“Happy to see you again, General Shadow; please address the multitude gathered so gently to bid you welcome”

The gray unicorn advanced forward to the podium, gazing the crowd gathered around, all awe-struck to see history alive before them. He remained silent for a short time, admiring all those young, happy faces, full of admiration and curiosity for these newcomers. He searched in his mind’s depths for the adequate tone and vocabulary to address this multitude, coughed gently and began:

“Denizens of Ponyville: I am General Grey Shadow, commanding officer of the Dark Legion, Second Battalion of elite troops under direct orders of Princess Luna, Paladins of the Night, Guardians of Darkness, and Dark Warriors of Equestria. Centuries ago, our warriors have served Royal Family; by a whim of fate, our Legion is again among you all. I see this time a bit weird and unknown for us, so different from the obscure days we lived a millennium ago.

“It’s our promise, both mine and of each one of my soldiers that, as we did in our original era, our goal will be to care for you, to be your protectors from any menace that follows the foolish and unwise choice of threatening any one of you. Be assured, whoever attempts to hurt you, to molest you in any way, will receive a visit from the Dark Legion… and it will not be a social one!” Despite the seriousness of his speech, not a single pony in the place could suppress laughter, followed by an ear-splitting “HOORAAYY!! HAIL GENERAL GREY SHADOW!”

Touched to the core, Grey Shadow, coughed so politely, lifted a foreleg to request silence, and continued: “We just beg you some measure of patience with us, we are still adapting to your customs, a bit alien and unknown to all of us; as our beloved Princess Luna, we are new in this land, this time: We thank you for your understanding… we are here to serve you. Thank you”

Even he passed hard moments trying to make quiet once more: the enthusiasm Ponyville showed for him and his soldiers was both moving and encouraging. Finally, after lifting a hoof for silence at least six or ten times, Grey Shadow could continue:

“Thanks, noble citizens of Ponyville: Let me introduce you to our different hosts:

“Captain Stone Cracker, section chief of ramrods and lancers… “Demolishers Squad”!

“Captain Whipslash and her air strike team… “Night Wings”!

“Captain Bolt Thrower and his unicorn squadron… “Mystic Brigade”, or “Brigade M”!

“As you can see, all of them are well trained and qualified warriors, have seen the hardest combats and now are at your service, ready to protect your town against any menace or threat… of any kind. It’s my wish as well to make a call for whichever of you that could be interested in a career as a Legionary… eh?”

For his amazement, Rainbow Dash had dived from the cloud where she and Fluttershy were enjoying the show and was bumping softly her head against the rump of a quite reluctant Half Moon, for the barely suppressed merriment of each and every one of her companions: Half Moon was incredibly strong… and incredibly shy as well.

“He left you aside, kiddo! Oh no! You are also a Legionary!”

“Rainbow, please no! Our general must have his reasons!” Half Moon resisted the bumping and pushing the best she could but, somehow, her strength seemed to have taken an unexpected license.

“Reasons my mane, Half Moon! Now move your scrawny butt!” She raised her gaze “Er, Mr. General Sir… I mean… well… it seems you… well…”

A final bump and poor Half Moon rolled head over hooves, stopping clumsily before Grey Shadow – who was momentarily busy pulverizing Dashie with a stern glance –; she shook her head, blushed to the mane, gazing her superior officer, momentarily petrified; somehow, her training surfaced with full force: clicking her hooves, the little filly saluted Grey Shadow with a booming voice nopony would have guessed could come from someone so young: “Corporal Half Moon reporting, General Grey Shadow, SIR!!”

“A-hem!” coughed Grey Shadow “Corporal Half Moon comprises herself an unique division within the Dark Legion, one I was reserving as a surprise for all young colts and fillies that display unusual traits… no, not cutie marks… something extra special… Corporal Half Moon, would you care to park Her Majesties’ cart a few yards at left?”

Everypony was intrigued, but for the Elements or Armony Bearers and the princesses, who already had seen Half Moon in action: the cart’s pegasus had been unhitched for the time, brakes were on… and the cart itself weighed on the best side of a ton and half… unloaded!

One moment later, not even Celestia could repress a gasp when Half Moon crept under the cart, straightened her thin legs… and bodily raised the vehicle without even a groan! Half Moon trotted fifteen or twenty yards away, to deposit the cart with unbelievable delicacy on the ground. A tsunami of applauses, wolfwhistles and cheers erupted from the multitude:

“HOORAY!”, “YOU ARE AMAZING!” the multitude yelled.

“Mom, is she Krypthaynian, as Supermare is?” said a little filly to his mother.

All ponies was amazed by Half Moon´s prowess… as well as a mainly ignored small commotion: almost nopony noticed Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara had fainted: it was their secret wish to molest the newcomer as soon as the chance presented itself. At first it seemed a ‘good evil idea’… in three seconds it had changed to a ‘good suicidal idea’

Grey Shadow continued: “Thanks a lot for the demonstration and parking, Corporal. Return to your detachment”

“I also make a formal request to whichever is interested in enrolling as Legionary, be it Royal Guard, civilian or – added with a slightly mocking smile – Cygnus Damocles. You can pick up the respective recruitment forms: we will be calling the pre-chosen ones for exams, tests and such”

Everypony cheered and applauded the gallant officer; nodding amiably, Grey Shadow descended from the podium and approached the princesses, awaiting orders.

“It has been a real pleasure, General” Smiled Celestia “Now proper introductions have been done, please consider yourself and your gallant soldiers free to return to your base and rest as long as you like”

“Thanks a lot, Your Majesty” Grey Shadow seemed a bit uncomfortable, scratching the ground with a hoof, “but…..if I can make a formal request, we’d like assignation of funds: we have not enough provisions yet, our stores are bone-dry… we exhausted what we had yesterday night and even my soldiers had no breakfast yet”

His belly spoke for him with a rumble that seemed to the hapless Unicorn as noisy as a barrage of heavy artillery.

“So I notice, General” Smiled Celestia “It seems something here is emptier than your pantry.”

“I… am sorry, Your Highness” replied quietly the gray unicorn, blushing to the roots by the unexpected and loud sound.

Luna’s eyes welled with tears: tears of pride, of joy, of compassion: “It’s easy to see who was ONE of those soldiers – thought she – and no doubt he worked harder than anypony in that base: the Grey Shadow I knew one thousand years ago hasn’t changed a bit”

Celestia laughed good-naturedly hearing her noble officer. “Gladly, General” answered she “I’ll send you today the appropriate funds and provisions, so you can have an abundant stock; Princess Twilight and her friends will be ready and willing to assist you to integrate with these new times. If somepony here knows about friendship, that pony is Twilight Sparkle”

“So will be done, my Princess. Now, if you allow us, we will return to our quarters”

The three princesses nodded in agreement; General Grey Shadow faced his troops, steel-eyed, gallant and imposing, raising a wave of sighs among every unmarried filly and mare in a 100 meter radius.

“Return to base, my hosts. Let’s go! MAAAAAAAAAAAARCH!!”

They barely could raise a foreleg.

“Oh, no! YOU WON’T!” Boomed a voice from the multitude; to general amazement, two ponies, one yellow and slight of build; the other a sorrel stallion with a curious white stepped bonnet, detached from the rest, advanced before the astounded officer and saluted martially.

“No” Continued Mr. Cake, “until your troops – and you, my General – have been properly fed! It’s really commendable what you have done for Equestria… and Ponyville is grateful!”

“I am not from Ponyville; my presence here is just coincidental” Continued Donut Joe “But I want to join my colleague’s offer; you need to eat as of now: I was chef at one of the best restaurants of Marehattan before deciding to open my own business with my own specialties… and now I am at your service!”

One by one, other chefs, restaurant owners, garcons and waitresses began to join Mr. Cake and Donut Joe: Grey Shadow smiled, his eyes moist. From now on, Ponyville would have the Legion as their most fierce protectors.

“Th… thanks, noble people, really” Gulped the unicorn “But we can’t put you in a race…”

“Nonsense SIR!” Boomed Mr. Cake “I was in the army before I opened my bakery… and was campaign cook: Have handled troops ten times the size of yours… no offense intended. And for now I am again Sergeant Cake for you!”

“Let’s distribute your troops among our restaurants and bakeries, General” nodded Strudelfeast, one of Ponyville’s most famous chefs “Now the rivalry between my colleagues and me will be about who gives the best dishes to your men”

After an abundant dinner, the battle-hardened troop eventually returned home, bone-weary… and belly-bursting, leaving behind the most proud citizenry across all Equestria.

Chapter Three: A royal protocol

A week had passed since the memorable introduction-banquet-renewal of military ranks (at least for former Sergeant Cake, Major Strudelfeast and well… more than a reservist or former soldier/sailor/guard/flier, not excluding an Air Marshall, a Rear Admiral and a Captain or two) when the Dark Legion appeared in Ponyville and almost nothing had been heard from them ever since. Twilight decided it would be a good idea to pay them a visit, so she and her faithful friend Spike the dragon went to Everfree Forest’s outskirts to see how well were they faring.

“C’mon, Twi, don’t worry so much for Neigh Fury and His Trotting Comandos; they must be A-ok for sure!” said Spike, who was reading a new magic comic.

“Sorry, Spike” said Twilight “but since they are detached here in Ponyville area, it’s my duty to know what they are doing; after all, their Majesties charged me to check they don’t cause problems: you know, don’t do the “Coltnan the Barbarian” routine and stuff.

“Hasn’t Princess Luna informed you anything?” asked the little dragon, really puzzled.

“Not exactly, Spike” laughed she “Only that she has seen them patrolling the streets at night: I once awoke at midnight and could see two of them on patrol duty”

“Well” Joked Spike “They’ll not need the full legion to do routine patrols”

“Even so, I must know what they plan”

Suddenly, they passed before the Princesses former castle, in much better shape than they remembered.

“Spike, do you notice something different in the castle?

“Apart from the fact that it’s no longer a ruined husk, you mean?”

“Right-o, my dragon detective! Let’s check what’s going on here!”

Twilight spread her wings, launched to the sky and in a few minutes was soaring over the ancient structure. Landing silently, she noticed the door was half-open and a really loud and cacophonic cascade of crashes, neighs and assorted noises greeted them.

“Spike, stay here, just in case someone appears”

“At your command, my princess!” Snapped happily the young dragon, saluting martially

Entering silently, Twilight was welcomed by the sight of the dreaded Dark Legion quite busy cleaning the place: Grey Shadow was a veritable orchestra conductor, giving orders right and left; while some soldiers pushed old boxes apart, Bolt Thrower and several unicorns were dusting and reinstalling the old royal banners, while another section – from which she could distinguish Stone Cracker and Whipslash – brooming and washing windows. All joked, sang and betted who would clean better than whom. She stood there a few minutes noticing, bemused, Demolishers had advantage over Night Wings in window cleaning by a narrow margin of seven panels against five.

Grey Shadow turned in that moment and noticed they have a watcher: “TROOPS, HAAALT! WE HAVE VISITORS! SAALUUUTEEE!”

As a single one, all the Legionaries bowed in recognition to Twilight‘s presence and authority. “Great! This guy is a wizard when making me feel uncomfortable is the issue!” thought the purple alicorn. “I am a princess and all that stuff, but I am not even in the same league with Luna and Celestia! He shouldn’t be so formal!”

“What a pleasant surprise, Princess Twilight! We weren’t expecting visits, least of all a princess!” Grey Shadow bowed as well, while signed some papers using his magic.

“I didn’t expect you here, either, General. What’s going on here?”

“Well, Princess” smiled Grey Shadow “We checked the place and its shape was a real shame; therefore, I had a conference with Princess Luna a few nights ago – what a pleasant chat it was – talking about this place. I requested her about the possibility of restoring it to its former glory; after all, it’s a warming presence for us that served here so long ago and she was really happy to grant our wish. In fact, she plans to move here, in order to divide her tasks between Canterlot and Ponyville, and be more closer to her people.

“That explains why we barely have seen you guys this full week” smiled Twilight, quite relieved “It’s great! I was concerned, thinking you could have problems to adapt to this new era”

“We do our best to keep ourselves busy, my Princess” nodded he “Times have changed and such tranquility and calm are a bit....., how could i say? unaccustomed for us”

“Twi! TWI! Look at this! What a beautiful sapphire did I found outside!! Can you believe somebody actually threw it!?” All of a sudden, Spike entered as a purple and green tornado to show the sparkling gem to his friend, interrupting the chat Twilight had with the veteran soldier… and triggering the onset of a full-fledged disaster. As soon as General Grey Shadow saw Spike, he jumped before the astounded Twilight, as a living shield.

“Stay behind me, Princess!” roared the dark unicorn, his horn glowing like a beacon “DRAGON IN THE PERIMETER!! BATTLE STATIONS!”

Spike’s surprise left place to terror when Captain Whipslash dived against him, twirling a long rope.

Wrong. It wasn’t a rope. It was a bullwhip.

With a twirl of her beautiful head, and her face twisted in a mask of determination and rage, the leather snake flew toward the hapless Spike, snaring his tail and ankles together; as he fell to the ground he felt her forehooves on his back, strongly enough to rip his arms from their sockets, pinning and twisting his wrists together, to be bound with the remainder of the bullwhip, hogtying him, rendering him helpless. One moment later, ten warriors wielding scalpel-sharp halberds surrounded the fallen dragon, and their gleaming blades inches from his throat.

The nightmare continued, with three batponies and three pegasus hovering directly over him, each one with loaded crossbow-like weapons fastened to the right forehooves, aiming to his heart… and other four pegasus grazing the ceiling, reinforcing the perimeter, muttering contention spells, precluding any escape chance… unnecessary precautions since poor Spike was already a seconds of a cardiac arrest.

They had the small dragon subdued and cornered, just awaiting the slightest sign of resistance to squash him without mercy.

“DON’T ALLOW HIM ANY MOVEMENT!” roared the grey unicorn, barking orders without pause “HURRY UP! THE MAZE!! SOMEBODY CRUSH HIS SKULL!”

Silver Shield, one of the most powerful ramrod Demolishers, approached, yielding a spiked and heavy maze in his jaws while his companions didn’t allow Spike the slightest movement: beside that thing, Half Moon’s Morning Glory was a marble.

“Be at ease, my Princess! It will take but seconds to finish this menace. Just stay apart: you`ll not want to be splashed by blood and gore; not a healthy show to watch, anyway!”

“TWIIIIIILIIIIIIIGHT! HEEEEELPPP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!” screeched desperately the little dragon, watching the brawny equine approaching more and more, light glistening wetly in the murky, and a thick liquid covering the sharp points: no doubt it was poison.

“STOP AT ONCE EVERYPOOOONYYYYYYYYYY!!” yelled the consternated princess “what the hay is going on here!?”

B-but… my Princess…” asked a truly amazed Grey Shadow “By any chance are you acquainted with this… this… this plague!?”

“HE IS MY FRIEND, YOU IDIOT!! RELEASE HIM… NOOOOOWWW!!”

“But…….but…” stammered Grey Shadow, struggling in vain to pull out a full sentence from his suddenly parched throat.

“I… SAID… RELEASE… SPIKE… AT THIS VERY INSTANT! THAT’S AN ORDEEEEEERRRR!!” Roared Twilight, with a booming hurricane-like voice.

Grey Shadow was truly befuddled by such – for his standards – ridiculous order but, since it came from a princess, his chances for rejecting it lied somewhere between ‘zero’ and ‘forget it’; therefore…

“Release him, guys” sighed the grey unicorn; as one, all his warriors retreated, not less confused than their chief.

The frantic alicorn ran to Spike’s side, the poor little dragon still tightly bound on the ground: using her magic, the bullwhip was shredded to ragged and tiny leather bits in a blink: tearful, Twilight raised Spike from his uncomfortable and forced posture.

“Spike!! Spike!! Are you alright? Aren’t you injured?” She holds him tight against her chest. How she loved that little loyal companion she had!

“I´m……….sca… sca…. scared… but…safe… I think” stuttered Spike, hugging Twilight with all his strength.

The alicorn held him with her forehooves, checking Spike from head to toes, again and again, for all legionaries’ amazement and curiosity. Once she was totally satisfied Spike was still in one piece, she offered him her back to ride safely, and inmediatly turned like a striking cobra against Grey Shadow.

“WHAT THE HAY HAPPENS WITH YOU, GENERAL!?” Complained Twilight, sporting a gaze that would have stopped an avalanche on the spot “ARE YOU CRAZY, YOU MANIAC!?”

“But, my Princess, we were executing the royal protocol designed to deal with any kind of dragon in the premises” stuttered Grey Shadow, seriously wondering if this princess included regularly fried unicorn in her diet.

“Well, “Saint George”, last minute news: royal or not royal, I DON’T approve such a protocol; more specifically, Spike is my protégé, my loyal assistant AND MY BEST FRIEND… therefore, WOE UNTO YOU IF YOU EVEN DREAM OF BEING NEAR HIM!! DO SO AT YOUR PERIL!! UNDERSTOOD!?”

“My Princess, please! This is a royal protocol, personally signed and approved by…!”

“I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT WHO APPROVED THAT SO-CALLED ‘PROTOCOL’ YOU HALF-BAKED TIN SOLDIER!! ‘LICENSE FOR CARNAGE’ IS WHAT IT IS! AND I SAID ‘UNDERSTOOD!?’ OR ARE YOU AS DEAF AS YOU ARE STUPID, YOU SAVAGE!?”

“Aye, Princess Twilight” replied shyly the veteran of a thousand combats, bowing respectfully.

“YOU ARE OH-SO-LUCKY SPIKE HASN’T BEEN HURT… OR WORSE…!” Continued Twilight, quartering Grey Shadow with an almost volcanic gaze “… OTHERWISE, I PERSONALLY WOULD TURN YOU AND YOUR GANG OF PSYCHOS INTO STONE ONCE AGAIN… AND, MARK MY WORDS, GENERAL… I WOULD TAKE THAT MAZE YOUR BUCK-TOOTHED HENCHHORSE WAS WIELDING AND I WOULD PULVERIZE EACH AND EVERY STATUE TO DUST… BEGINNING WITH YOU!”

“I promise this will never happen again, my princess” Mumbled an ashamed Grey Shadow.

“Better for you!” cut Twilight “I had come to show you the surroundings but I am so angry this would not be a pleasant experience for anypony. GOOD DAY!!

She left the hall, with Spike embracing her neck, closing magically the door so strongly three window panes shattered: both the gray unicorn and his troops were stunned.

“She………….. she called us…………. `savages’? Wondered Grey Shadow, each moment more confused by what had happened.

“That… and something else” sighed Cloudkicker “What did we do wrong, Shads? Why did we have to be awakened? Each thing we attempt to do is now either wrong, criminal, or arguable? Sometimes I think we were better being statues…..”

“Don’t torture yourself, CK” sighed dejectedly the grey unicorn “I think we’ll eventually hit the spot… or something………..dismiss the troops, will you? Better if we get some sleep, this place has awaited a millennium to be clean… it can wait a few hours more…”

Chapter Four: Different Customs

Chapter Four: Differents customs

Next morning, still fuming like a four-legged steamroller, Twilight visited Canterlot to expose personally before the princesses what had happened and fill a formal complaint against the commander of the Dark Legion. She was still boiling with rage, to such an extent she hadn’t slept the previous night: Celestia and Luna just watched her stomping to and fro across the breadth and length of the Throne Room, venting her fury… and showing an inventive rarely seen before: The following 20 minutes didn’t seethe sameinsult twice… and her vocabulary ascended quickly to the rank of “unprintable”

Finally she began to calm a bit: “… can’t believe that fruitcake almost killed Spike! How somepony like him can command an army!? I am soooo mad I’d castgladly every black magic spell against him and his armored corpsof savages, they’d pay dearly…!!”

“Twilight, allow me” coughed Celestia so gently, stopping the torrent of invectives for the time being; “let me see if I catch the point: Grey Shadow….. tried to slay little Spike?”

“True from the first word onwards: Hadn’t I been present…” Twilight almost cried “He… he would…,his barbaric deed – justified by a so-called ‘royal order’ – would be a fact… and I would be now weeping the death of my best friend…the death…of…just…. a little child…”

“Princess TwilightSparkle, you shouldn’t be so harsh with him” Luna’s raven-hued wing wiped her friend’s fresh tears.

“Sorry, Princess Luna, I know he is your direct subordinate but… how such an attitude can be justified? That’s an act proper of someone out of his mind”

“Truth to be told, my dear friend, you cannot blame him entirely by this “act proper of someone out of his mind’ do you call it…” Sooner or later, thought Luna, this was bound to happen! Dammit! How did I forget to warn her? “You see, that protocol was one of his more important tasks”

“Why all of a sudden do you defend that monster, that… that… assassin!? I don’t get it!!”-Almost screamed the frustrated Twilight, her rage blinding her to the obvious answer to come.

“You see, my beloved child…” Sighed Celestia, her following words flowing like molasses “that protocol he spoke about… oh my poorand sweet Twilight Sparkle… Luna and I approved and signed it for immediate enforcement more than one thousand years ago”

“You WHAT!?” Luna’s full-scale blow the fateful night Grey Shadow and the Legion were freed from their imprisonment wouldn’t have hit Twilight as hard as Princess Celestia’s so-matter-of-fact statement “Why in the name of all sacred… WHY would you approve that... why would you allow… give him CharteBlanche for unrestrained murder!?”

“As we have told you many times before, TwilightSparkle, ten centuries back things were quite different” Began Luna, using her magic to project three-dimension pictures to illustrate her point “Canterlot, Equestria itself, the kingdom and its inhabitants were very different: the nation was struggling, not to prosper but to survive. Scores of threats, dangers and perils swarmed around us… and one of the worst were dragons. They roamed at will across the length and breadth of our land. They started by devouring small andlesser creatures, but later, they continued with our crops… our food…..even our people. Entire villages were ravaged by them… hunger was the mainstay more often than not… their incursions left a trail of pain, starvation, suffering…”

“That’s the reason we had to enforce Protocol Thundercolt” Sighed Celestia sadly “Yes, Twilight Sparkle, now you also know the origin of that elite squadron, why they are trained in air combat superiority over the field… they were the first echelon of the defense forces…”

“… The Legions, the Royal Guard and its own cadres were the other part” Continued Luna, “they charged too, with the defense of our people and lands against those marauding killers, and they grew to be darn good. With the passage of time, both Legions reached the peak of fame: they were legends like a skilled dragon slayers.

“Their efforts on land, air and sea… oh yes, there too… Equestrian Fleet Task Groups “Haytlantis” “Neighptune” and “Antrotmeda” come from those dark days… served well: many of our subjects could survive and be the cornerstones for what Equestria is today. Dragons eventually got the lesson into their thick skulls; their new generations began to leave us alone… eventually, the day came when no attack was ever recorded. The Dark Legion also gave us a small but very important extra: see the flags waving atop of the highest towers of this palace?”

“Yes” Replied Twilight Sparkle, squinting to better see the triangular flags rustling with the breeze “Can see them from here”

“They were deployed as warning signals for the dragons, so theywould detourduring their migrations: it meant the place was under full-armed, constant protection from the Legion, the Royal Guard and the Thundercolts – in those days the name applied to a full air wing: 60 squadrons, operating side-by-side with the best ones from Gryphon Empire, and a battalion of Procyonian Mobile Infantry, our oldest allies! – Whoever didn’t comply would be attacked immediately and without warning; the presence of a single unauthorized dragon in our skies would be considered an act of war. A truce was therefore agreed between them and us: they didn’t come, we didn’t attack; they appeared and would be wiped to the last one…”

“Grey Shadow himself created, implemented and enforced those rules… and they worked; even today, they work” Finished Celestia, meditating carefully her next words.

“I… I… didn’t know that…”

“TwilightSparkle, consider this is a wholly new world for them: Only I, Celestia and Discord have seen all its long history. They still are instinctive to whatever customs and ways of dealing with life were perfectly acceptable, even necessary, so long ago. Even I must deal with that day after day. Their hardest task nowis to re-learn, to accept that a lot of what it was, it is not, of what is now good and bad, pertinent or forgettable. As your friend, not your princess” Luna smiled shyly “I beg you to give them a chance. I assure you Grey Shadow is not an insensitive and merciless monster: he is just too much in his role of warrior, but he is very intelligent and conscious of what is now going on”

“Well… I… well…” Stuttered the new princess, knowing what followed would not be easy.

“Give him the chance to adapt to these times” Celestia grazed Twilight’s cheek with her own, “to understand, learn and meld with this new, rich and marvelous world we have now: you are the new Princess of Friendship, my dear… offer your friendship to him as a bona fide reconciliation, a chance of a new and fresh beginning between you two”.

“Very well, I’ll do… but….if he dare to touch Spike…”

“Don’t worry; after seeing how did you defend Spike, he’ll not be so fool as to do it again” concluded Luna “He is a tremendous warrior, but not a simpleton: he knows how to obey orders”

Chapter Five: Bury the hatchet

Next evening, Twilight returned to the fortress where the Dark Legion dwelled: upon her arrival, two legionary sentinels received her with a reverence and guided her to the barracks, to await the general to come down; after a short waiting, the commander of the dreaded Dark Legion appeared before her. Serious, tight-jawed, Grey Shadow was, nevertheless, every inch the professional, the chain of command unicorn. Despite his personal feelings, Princess Twilight Sparkle was his superior in rank… and a lady.

“Greetings, Princess Twilight” he bowed, kneeling as well, in the customary salute of total obeisance “What can I do for you?”

“We must talk; please, follow me”

Leaving the building, unicorn and alicorn began to stroll by Everfree Forest.

“I…” began Twilight, struggling between painful remembrances, shame and the wish to close the gaping wound she had opened between them “I am very sorry for what happened yesterday… judged you too harshly…. I left myself to be engulfed by my feelings… their Highnesses told me about the times when you served the crown, of what you and your army have passed by… your original era wasn’t exactly bliss and joy… that’s something I find hard to accept because I didn’t live it… so…….I here to offer you my apologies, my General”.

“Don’t worry, my Princess” replied the gray unicorn “I was musing and reflecting as well: We are from different times. I come from days where the creed so frequently was kill or die… and you were born in a era of enlightenment, knowledge, wisdom, but mainly….. peace. It’s not your mission to adapt, it’s ours… mine and of my soldiers. We must learn one from the other, so we can forge a common future for us, for Equestria… for a good future”.

“Wise words, my general” Smiled Twilight “I am pleased this is the first step for a better understanding between us. Speaking of which… would you care to come to my library? I’d like to show you some good volumes regarding Equestria’s life and times”

Grey Shadow nodded with a pleasant smile and both teleported to Ponyville, causing a small ruckus when the beloved princess and the admired warrior appeared near the library building: upon entering the fresh hall, Spike went to greet Twilight… to brake, turn and shatter all speed records climbing to hide among the higher sections… behind the martial arts books, just in case.

“Hmmm, it seems Spike is not happy to see you again” Sighed Twilight, more than a bit ashamed.

“Don’t worry, my Princess; i´m pretty sure he’ll not forgive me easily on my account of… poor lad, was I reckless… I’d wish with all my heart to turn back the clock, to undo what cannot be undone… I hope Spike… he someday can look beyond the monster to see the pony…”

Walking across the reading room, Twilight levitated several books she gave to the gray unicorn.

“I hope these ones will be of our liking: they encompass from the fall of Nightmare Moon to the splendor of the kingdom to the re-emergence of Princess Luna as Nightmare Moon first… and our beloved Princess of Night from there onwards” she smiled shyly “You’ll find more than a few references about me and my friends… we was a participants in some of the most recent events…”

“It seems we are part of history, albeit reluctantly, milady” Grey Shadow couldn’t suppress laughter: Twilight liked that laughter “You are very kind: allow me to reciprocate the gesture, my Princess; please accept these humble gift from myself and my soldiers” A few instants later, a thick volume, entitled “Combat Chronicles” landed delicately over the table before them.

“This volume compiles memories, personal thoughts, letters, narratives and reports from battles and events we lived in those days; it will show you a first-hoof record of those old Canterlot times. I trust you will find it informative”.

“Thanks a lot, General” Nodded Twilight, already fascinated by the appearance of that treasure and eager to learn from it “You are not the cruel, insensitive person we thought…. And, once more, my apologies and my friendship to you and your crew”

Both ponies departed in good terms and readily began to read at their own abodes. As soon as Grey Shadow departed and only when the tranquilizing “click” of the door’s latch resounded like – for him – a clarion call, did Spike poke his muzzle from over the Complete Encyclopedia of Neigh Kune Do.

“Twi, are you nuts!? Why did you bring that psychopath Trotminator… Haynibal Lechter… Darkneigh here!?”

“Easy, Spike, relax. I talked with the Princesses and with him as well, I’m sure we have reached a fulcrum point and can dialogue maturely. Besides, he seems really repented for the attack against you”

“He didn’t seem the living image of sorrow, at least from where I was” puffed the little dragon “Especially after that put down: I thought you’d bite his head off!” Despite himself, he couldn’t repress a chuckle “Of course, after THAT…”

“Ok, wiseguy, c’mon. Let’s relax and rest… tomorrow will be another day”

Chapter Six: Unexpected gift

Chapter Six: Unexpected gift.

Night had set hours ago: Ponyville had more than welcomed the chance to rest, to renew energies for another journey, remembering the big and small deeds done, the love found and shared, the chances for laughing, playing, being, feeling.

At one of those abodes, two good friends had surrendered to sleep, each cocooned in its own dreams and hopes: Princess Twilight rested peacefully in her bed, a smile even asleep, satisfied the appalling incident with General Grey Shadow had finally ended in a new beginning, a burying of the hatchet (at least from her side), eager to continue the reading of her new book, a valuable treasure of Equestria´s ancient story.

Spike was soundly asleep as well, curled up tightly in his basket, beside Twi’s bed. They were so deeply asleep; so tired, indeed, that neither heard the soft creaking of the opening window, or noticed the purplish-black glow that shifted from window to basket. As silently as a moth in flight, it rose bodily him in the air and flew through the open window, landing before the library: the slight graze of the basket against the cobblestones finally awoke Spike… a bit. The sudden wave of cold contributed a bit more… and the nightmare that appeared before his heavy lids definitively jolted the little dragon to reality.

Before him, imposing, serious, eyes glinting, frowning and gnashing his teeth was General Grey Shadow himself! Even with the darkness and a starless sky, the unicorn was a solid presence, a substantial and powerful shadow among a realm of shadows. His cold, detached gaze seemed to pass through the terrified Spike’s very core. The little dragon was sure that he returned to finish the work: slay him, like he did with other dragons centuries ago. Spike was ready to deliver a yell that would have awakened the very dead… to only give barely a muffled grunt when the massive hoof of Grey Shadow filled his mouth, flattening his tongue and blocking quite effectively any noise.

“MMMmmmppphhh!!!” His eyes danced wildly in all directions, searching, hopping, and begging someone could help him.

“Shhhh, be quiet! I’m not here to hurt you!” whispered the grey and horned equine “Unless you yell when I remove my hoof: In that case, be assured, the eruption of Mont Trotsubius will be a firecracker beside what I’ll do to you! Get it?”

Spike just nodded the few centimeters the hoof – and of course, the powerful body attached to it – actually allowed.

“Fine” smiled Grey Shadow “Sorry by the histrionics, Spike: at this point I’d rather not risk your Princess Twilight’s rage”

He removed the hoof from the little dragon´s maw.

“Spike, as I said at the library this evening, I want to show you the pony beyond… beyond the … the monster… Don’t pretend to justify myself now, and don’t regret what I did in my time, was totally necessary, I did what I had to do with honor and pride, and I would do it again. But what Protocol Thundercolt was made for, just died a millennium ago. To say we are new in the neighborhood would be just a lame excuse” Grey Shadow lied down beside the basket “I want this episode to be buried forever…. To end the misery I caused you, the pain and the terror… oh dear stars!!… I am not good to apologize….better I will allow that my actions speak for me…”

He turned to another pony Spike just noticed had been a few yards back, watching and waiting:” Jean Pierre, bring me what I entrusted you with, sil-vous plait”

A tall and svelte Earth Pony, sporting a thin hazel moustache and a mahogany mane approached them.

Spike shivered when the newcomer passed a rectangular and dark something to the unicorn. Don’t knowing what to expect, he closed his eyes, expecting the worst.

Nothing. Not a sound, save for the almost silent breathing of both ponies and the deafening beat of his own heart.

Opening his eyes a sliver, Spike found before his muzzle… a sweet-smelling box!?

“We couldn’t begin our personal relationship with a worst opening, Spike… I am… well… not accustomed to this… and I am sincerely sorry, really… you look like a decent chap, an enthusiastic guy, honest, sincere, otherwise, Princess Twilight wouldn’t have you so high… well… please accept this humble present as an apology from myself and the Dark Legion as a whole”

Spike grabbed timidly the box, opening same… to find a small but exquisitely finished cake, decorated with any dragon’s favorite gems: rubies, emeralds, turquoises gleamed over and through the chocolate cover, same that had a faint touch of vanilla… with a huge blue Sapphire instead of a cherry. Spike was enthralled with this one-of-a-kind present. He didn’t noticed Grey Shadow and Jean Pierre nodding happily to each other.

“Jean Pierre Croissant, our cook and chef, made it especially for you”

“And it wasn’t easy!” laughed Jean Pierre, with a strong French accent “beating the cream with one hoof, kneading the mass with the other and trying to have at bay half of the legion at the same time with the remaining two... specially certain general I know…”

“Guilty as charged!” Grey Shadow winked mischievously “But I at least could lick the spoon…”

“… and the pots… and the mold… he almost licked the oven!”

“Who says I didn’t?”

“YOU WHAT!?” said horrorized the French pony.

This gift was too much for Spike “You guys are incredible! Thanks so much!”

Grabbing the cake, the happy little dragon sniffed it and bit it with all he had: “Mmmhhhh, it’s delicious!” he was enjoying the flavor of those delicious jewels with each chew, noticing amazed it had little slices of Jade between the apricot-filled layers –Jade was not only an expensive ingredient, but also one very hard to find, even in specialized stores –, that was the ultimate, top-of-the-line, unique cake to beat all cakes!

“It’s delicious, totally awesome! General, I must say I judged you a bit harshly myself. Can’t justify or condone what my kind did in those days… who knows if I would, living then… can’t say I like Protocol Thundercolt too much…but I understand why you did it, and must to admit, you gave me a hell of a scare… but no resentments, General. Apologies … BUURP!!... accepted…errr, sorry for that one…”

“Well, we must return to the patrolling business; see you later, li’l Spike” Grey Shadow turned to leave “Please, feel free to visit us any time you like: you’ll be treated as guest of honor”

“Thanks, General…but… how do I will ret…”

In a blink, Grey Shadow returned Spike to the library with his magic.

“Thank you, General” smiled Spike, curling to sleep “Thank you… friend”

“That was a very noble gesture, Monsieur Shadow: in times past, Spike would have been prime matter for the cake… your swords would have…”

“It’s still hard for me to acknowledge what is correct or incorrect in this new era, Jean Pierre; I hope we will adapt and be the force of good we were meant to be; meanwhile, our task must be fulfilled… let’s continue our appointed rounds. It’s cold and I want to return home, shift the next patrol and enjoy a good, steaming cup of coffee”.

“Like this one, for instance?” As by magic, a mug full of fresh coffee appeared before the surprised unicorn.

“Are you a magician, you Gaul food master?” asked Grey Shadow.

“You have your tricks, Monsieur General, I have mine” said

Both ponies continued their patrol through the silent streets of Ponyville, their conversation punctuated by the echo of their hooves on the cobblestones, protected by the now gleaming night, remembering anecdotes from those old times, wondering what the future had in store for them.

THE END