An Elite Guardian

Chapters

Equestria, meet Sangehili
Knowledge
Rescue
Protection
Canterlot
Welcome to the freakshow
Investigation- Pt2
Battle for Canterlot-Pt1
Battle for Canterlot-Pt2
Scars of the past
Research
Fire on the horizion
Incarceration and escape
Learning
Discovery
Awakening
Tour of the base
Duel of flame
Betrayal
Battle of the Empire
Return
A new alliance
Investigation-Pt 1
History lesson

Equestria, meet Sangehili

Where to start? Should it be my displacement, or what led up to it. Oh, fuck it, I'll do both.

I ignited my energy sword, and sliced through a quadruped I had spent the better part of an hour fighting, and they wore steel gray armor. the eyes on the armor, just slits, were a dark, sickly green, with black plumes at the top. These were the shadow soldiers, the brainwashed army of King Sombra, the dishonorable coward. AT my side, with modified swords for their hooves, were my lance mates, what you humans would call squad mates. Ranger Dash, Operative De Lis, and Officers Pie. Together, we were the best group within Her Highness, Princess Celestia's army. My name is Ruso 'Tafam. Tafam'ee, if you wish to be technical, due to my military service. And my story begins a year ago, when I was a human.

I was at a convention, dressed in the armor I now wore, something no one else I saw wore. I was in line to get an autograph from Kieth David, the voice of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, when I saw an individual dressed as a San'Shyuum, a table with various accessories behind him, including an Energy Sword, a Needle Rifle, and a Beam rifle, three of my favorite Covenant weapons.

Once I had gotten the autograph, I went to the table. "How much for the Sword and Rifles?"

He eyed me. "For a Sangheili enthusiast such as yourself," he said, "Thirty for the Sword, and Twenty each for the rifles."

"I suppose that's fair," I say, taking out my wallet, and handing him a fifty and two twenties. He took them, and handed me the weapons, which had slings on them so I could carry them. Thank you, luck. So, I put the Beam rifle over my left shoulder, the Needle rifle over my right, and held the sword in my hand. All in all, I think I looked quite intimidating.

From there, it was a mostly normal day, me meeting with other gamers of various genres, getting food, and going to various booths for various comics and games, and, at the end of it, sitting in my room. Well, that was the plan, anyway.

As soon as i set foot into my room, the models I had bought began to glow. I facepalmed. Damn you, merchant. I then fell into a portal, but, unlike the displaced I've read about, I did not black out. Strange. Any way, I felt myself becoming taller and stronger, as well as my fingers relocate and, in the case of my pinkie and ring finger, merge, my knees change to face backward, and my face round out, neck becoming longer, my mouth splitting into four, the lower part of my mouth, I think, disappearing or something, and my armor, that of a Reach Zealot, change into actual armor. It was not a pleasant experience, and I see why most displaced are knocked out before the change occurs. It is painful as hell.

But, given where I came out, it was probably for the best, as the other end sent me into the middle of a battle zone. I landed in a crouch, and looked around, seeing quadrupeds, some in bright gold armor that hurt my eyes they were so bright, outfits reminiscent of Fallout, though I'd never actually played that series, and the armor I described earlier. I did not recognize it at the time though, as one of the Imperial, yes, that is what I will call Sombra's forces, charged at me. As he reached me, I grabbed him by the throat, and stood up, pulling him to my face. "Attacking an opponent while he is down," I say, glaring at him, and, to his credit, he did not cower. "Dishonorable filth." With that, I draw my sword, and cut off his head.

It was then my brain registered I knew how to use the Energy sword, but I didn't have much time to process it before more Imperials surrounded me. "If you wish me to surrender," I say, "You will need to kill me."

With no verbal reply, they all charged me, and I began to slice with my sword, the plasma blades slicing through flesh, muscle, and bone with ease. As I finished off the last of them, I heard small rocks bounce off my armor, and looked up. Clever, I thought, seeing a boulder being pushed. But not smart. Just as the boulder was pushed, I activated the evade module of my armor, and rolled out of the way before it could hit. As I rolled, I stowed my sword, and pulled out my Needle Rifle. Upon standing, I place a single needle in each of their heads. I looked down, and saw that none of the crystals had shortened. Unlimited magazine size. Perfect. I look back at the rest of the battle, and i see an ashen gray, horned quadruped with a curved, red horn fighting a pure white, horned and winged quadruped, though the former was fighting with a contingent of his Imperials. I activate my Rifle's link with my helmet, and look down the scope, and send a needle through the brains of all but the two leaders, but they were too invested in fighting each other to notice.

"Hey, you," I hear a voice from behind me say. I turn around, and, in one of those Fallout suits was a winged quadruped with a metal, left wing, and some of its' left ear missing, with hair the color of the rainbow. "What are you?"

"Someone trying to help you, if you do not try to kill me, Miss. . .," I say, with saliva coming out at the "s" sounds due to the split lip.

"Try 'Lieutenant Dash', whatever you are," she replied. "Now, answer the question."

I scoffed. "I will discuss what I am with only your leader," I say. "Rank wise, you are beneath me."

"Well, I'm the best you have, seeing as how the Princess is fighting Sombra right now."

"I would not say so," I say, turning around. "The coward flees."

"Just like every battle when he's losing," Dash said. "You want to talk with the Princess, come on. But make one wrong move, and you'll regret it." With that, she stepped in front of me.

If I try anything, you will be the one to regret it, I think as I follow her.

Upon reaching the Princess, the white one I had helped earlier, we both knelt, Dash out of the hierarchy, myself due to common courtesy. "Lieutenant Dash," the Princess said, "what is this thing?"

"He said he'd only answer to you, Princess."

"Then what are you," the Princess asked me.

"I am a Sangheili, Highness," I say. "I was brought to this world as this battle was proceeding, and I am the one who removed those soldiers that were assisting your enemy."

"And what is your name?"

This made me pause a little, as I hadn't thought of her asking that this soon, so I went with the name i had made for an OC of mine. "Ruso Tafam, your majesty. Zealot rank."

The three of us were silent for some time before the Princess said, "Rise, Ruso," she said, and I did so. "You've helped me and my little ponies win this fight. Is there anyway to repay you?"

This, I thought on. "Only one thing, your highness," I say. "I wish to help remove that dishonorable King. He is a stain upon your kinds name, and I wish to help remove it."

"Your people must be quite interesting," the princess said. "If that is the case, then, then, when we return to Canterlot, I will give you a battalion."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I say with a bow.

"And, also, for future reference, my name is Princess Celestia."

"Of course, Princess," I say.

"Lieutenant Dash, Find Lieutenant Pinkamena and Commander Maud. I wish for the three of you to escort Ruso until I can trust him."

"Yes, Princess," she said before rushing off.

"I hope you understand, Ruso."

"I do, Princess," I say.

She nodded. "Good. Then until we get to Canterlot and I'm sure I can trust you, you'll be under their eyes."

"Of course Princess," I say.Within the hour, we left. And that was simply my first hour in Equestria, and things simply got more, for lack of a better word, interesting every day. Of course, I won't say anything, not until they come up chronologically. If you wish to find out, well, you'll just have to stay and listen.

Knowledge

An hour has passed since I arrived, and I was at the head of the army, surrounded by Princess Celestia's Lieutenants, with her at my right.

"I imagine you are curious as to what war you found yourself in," the white alicorn said all of a sudden.

"A little bit," I say. "All I know is that you and your allies are fighting someone named Sombra who has an army that is forever loyal to him."

Celestia sighed. "I'll start at the beginning, then," she said. "Two years ago, an ancient Kingdom known as the Crystal Empire returned. I sent a contingent of Guards to protect it, as well as my sister, Princess Luna, but they were unprepared to defeat Sombra, the cruel ruler of the Empire. Of what I know, he killed each of the guards, and slowly tortured Luna."

"I am sorry for that, Highness," I say. "No one should have to lose a sibling, especially when the both of you are unable to say your goodbyes."

"Thank you, Ruso," Celestia said. "After that, he used enchanted armor on his citizens to brain wash them, and Equestria has been at war with him since then. In fact, a week form today is the anniversary of when he declared my sister dead, and the day he declared war."

"It must be hard," I say. "Not being able to avenge your sister, especially when her killer is in your grasp."

"Indeed it is," she said with a sad sigh. "But I also didn't want this war. It harms both my subjects, and those he is controlling."

"No wise leader would want a war," I say. "I assume things are at a stalemate?"

"Yes, they are," Celestia said. "My forces have been excellent at defending and attacking, but Sombra uses dark magic and magic he stole form my sister before he killed her to enhance his own forces."

"Do you know how he was able to do that," I ask.

"No, I don't," Celestia said. "If i did, I would take it away form him at first chance."

"And, if I may ask," what is the story with your Lieutenants," I ask. "They must have done something impressive to reach that area."

"Indeed they did," Celestia said. "Rainbow Dash leads my air forces, while Lieutenant Pinkamena and Commander Maud, who are sisters, lead the ground forces. When I am not the one giving orders, that is. As for how they became my second in commands, it is due to their abilities. Rainbow is the fastest flier in the air force, while the Pie sisters are my strongest Earth Pony soldiers."

"And what of the unicorns in your army," I ask.

"She is back in Canterlot, making sure that the home defenses are secure," Celestia said before sighing. "It's a shame with her. She was in the last month of her service, when she was going to retire, before this war started, and everypony in the active military had their terms renewed."

"A shame indeed, Princess," I say. "If I may ask, what do you intend to do to me?"

"That depends on how you act," Celestia said. "Nobles may be annoying, but even they know better than to annoy me with Sombra still out, so they won't attack you to your face. At worst, it'll be objects thrown at you. Ponies are, for the most part, xenophobic."

"Let them be afraid of me," I say. "I care not what they think, especially when it is I that is helping to save them. Though, if they wish to keep their fortunes, among other things, they had at least give me the respect I earn to my face."

"That's something we can agree on," Rainbow said from in front of me.

"So, Princess," I said, "what exactly is the status of this war? How much land do both sides have, how many general troops do you have, what is the morale?"

"I couldn't say off the bat," Celestia said. "I'm more a front line leader. Luna would be the planner, the one who knew the details. My unicorn second in command is the one to ask about that. Why do you ask?"

"Because if I am to help you by leading a battalion," I say, "I need the most up-to-date intelligence."

"In that case, I shall see what I can do when we make it to Canterlot," Celestia said.

"When will that be, Highness?"

"A few days," the princess replied. "We are near the Crystal Empire-Equestrian border, which is a hundred miles form Canterlot."

"A dangerous distance," I said. "Do you not have a back up location in the south?"

"No," Celestia said, shaking her head. "The Nobles, before this war, passed a law that in times of war, I can not leave the city for another. They think just my presence will protect them."

"Then they are fools," I say. "A leader should not be stuck to a single location like you are, Highness. Do you not have war time powers?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't," Celestia said. "I never thought there would be a war of this scale or length again since Luna's banishment."

I raised my equivalent of an eye brow, but kept silent. I did not wish to upset her more. "Then let us hope that the nobles do not take advantage of that," I say.

"Agreed," Celestia said. "What are your skills, Ruso?"

"Marksman ship, long range warfare, Highness, and Close quarters, Princess," I say. "If I may ask, why do you ask?"

"So that I can determine which battalion to place you in charge."

"Ah," I say. "Of course."

"Do you still wish to lead a battalion," she asked.

"Indeed I do, Princess," I say.

Rescue

My first view of the city known as Canterlot was from a few miles away. I could see it hanging off a mountain. I am curious as to how they could even lay the foundation for the city, let alone the city itself. I was able to see the white and gold, but that was about it. As we got closer, I saw smoke coming from a farm, and I shook my head in disappointment. It is a shame when this happens, you relying on one farm to make all the food for your military. Not even humans were that stupid, as well as a near destroyed town.

"Lieutenant Dash," I said, turning to the Rainbow haired pegasus. We had taken camp nearby on the third day of the trip, taking less time than the Princess thought. "What town is that?"

"Ponyville," she replied. "It was destroyed in the first months of the war when Equestria was still unprepared. Only a few escaped, the rest either being killed, or captured."

"Did you know anyone there?"

"No, I didn't," she replied. "A few of my friends had family living there, and most of them joined to get revenge." She scoffed. "A lot good that did them."

"Do not disrespect the dead, Lieutenant," I said. "It is because of them you are still alive, and that Equestria still fights."

"Yeah, I know, but most of them just attacked thinking they were invulnerable. The ones that didn't were few. And would you please stop spitting."

I chuckled. "That can not be helped," I say. "The fact I have four jaws make it a fact that when I do an 's' sound or anything like it, saliva is flung."

"Then could you stop making those sounds?"

"Only if you wish for me not to speak," I say with the equivalent of a smile. "So, what can you tell me of Canterlot?"

She scoffed again. "Just that's it's a place of stuck up nobles who don't know the first thing about war."

"They have not done combat," I ask, surprised. For those who don't know, my people's culture determines our social standing based on combat. "Surely they earned that title somehow."

"No, most of them were born into it, and don't know anything but money," she said.

"Then they should not have that title," I say. "They clearly do not deserve it."

"On most of them, I agree with ya," Rainbow said. "There are a few, though, like Captain De Lis and her husband, who actually try to help."

"I suppose, then, that it is good some of the nobles have earned their title," I say. "If I may ask, Lieutenant, what do you think of the course of this war?"

"Just that I wish Sombra would keel over," she said. "It's been going on for too long, and most just want to go back to peace."

"A thought I can agree with," I say. "Though war does help to remove the weak, one prolonged such as this one is trouble."

"You sound like one of the war mongers back in Canterlot."

"Perhaps," I say. "But, unlike them, I speak from first hand experience. The Princess told me herself that this is the first war in a thousand years, whereas my kind just recently came out of a conflict with another race."

"I guess you have a point," Rainbow said. "So, what do you plan on doing for the night?"

"I plan on collecting my thoughts," I say. "If the Princess wishes to speak with me, tell her I will be out walking."

"You got it," she said before I walked away from the camp and the edge of the forest nearby. i was aware of the legends of this forest, but I would be able to hold my own against mere animals.

Even before I came here, one thing I enjoyed was silence to think. Didn't matter what, so long as it was something. Right now, it was how the noncombatants, the civilians, thought of this war. Aside from the patriotic morons who want war just to prove their country is better, never liked those kinds of people. Sure, there would be some civilians against war, especially with a peace loving species such as this, but I was more interested in the various reasons as to why they supported the war. Some, most likely for profit, as just about everything, even most wars, can be traced to economics. This one was doubtful, but there would still be those capitalizing on it. I walked until the sun was on the horizon, and the moon had begun to rise, I imagine by Celestia's hand, or hoof, as my human memories returned. Only the ones relative to this world, though. I can not wait to kill Sombra. Luna always was my favorite. Though, now I am curious as to how she was freed from Nightmare. I suppose that will have to wait.

I was about to return to the camp we made when I heard a terrified scream from deep in the forest. Against my better judgement, because it may have been a trap, I ran into the forest, igniting my sword as I ran, breathing heavily so I wouldn't be too badly out of breath when I found what it was that had gotten my attention. I ran for about three or so minutes before I slowed, facing what it was that I was looking for.

I put a snarl on my face as I saw a pack of timber wolves surrounding three familiar fillies. Apple Bloom wore the same outfit as Applejack had in the show with this universe, albeit smaller, Scootaloo had a cadet uniform, I am hoping a military school, and that Equestria hasn't become that desperate for soldiers, and Sweetie the norm.

"Get away from them, beasts," I say, getting the attention of each of those present. I got into a ready stance reminiscent of Fal Chavam from the Duel short of Legends. That's to say, my sword arm raised, the elbow in my left hand. It was meant to ease the sword hand, so it becomes less tired as the fight goes on, as it's being held up by something else. "As for you three," I say to the fillies. "I suggest you find somewhere to hide."

They nodded vigorously, and ran to the top of a tree. Huh. They are getting good at running, aren't they? Anyway, the wolves began to slowly encroach on my area of the forest, snarling, which I replied in turn as a challenge. One leaped at me, and I side stepped, and cut off its' head with my blade. The rest were much more cautious, but it was clear they still thought of me as prey. I say it is time to prove them wrong.

I got back into the ready stance, and waited for them to attack. This time, they played smart. Two jumped at me, which I sliced in half, missing the one that had snuck around, and bit me in the leg. Well, it tried to, but the armor stopped it. I turned around, and stomped it's head into oblivion, before I heard a twig snap, and I turned in that direction, slicing a Timber wolf's head in two as I did so, the sap that made up its' blood splattering on my chest piece. I turned around to face the remaining pack, and five were there. They were the largest of this group, nearly as tall as the halfway point on a human Warthog vehicle. Fun. I'm being sarcastic, in case you couldn't tell.

They growled at me, and began to circle me, clockwise. I turned counter clockwise, so that if they attacked, I could put momentum into a swing. But these things were also faster than the other ones, amazingly, and were able to get bites in, the only reason they didn't draw blood was because of the shields, and the armor. That didn't discourage, them, though. In fact, it seemed to make them all the more determined. I'll need to finish this quickly. The next one to attack, I heard something, and spun to face it, crouching as I did so while bringing the sword up by turning my forearm up, and it worked, as that wolf was fully split in two, the sap either vaporizing, or spilling onto my forearm bracer.

My victory, though, was short lived, as the other two attacked before I could get up, and I was knocked to the ground, one of them holding my arms down with its' paws. This had better not turn into that kind situation, especially with fillies nearby.

Fortunately, it didn't, as the other one tried to bite my hand off, the shields stopping it for now. Me being knocked to the ground had knocked the sword out of my hand, and it had deactivated, the fail safes initiating to stop an "unworthy" form using it, which meant i had only one chance. I clenched my hand, and sent a mental signal to that bracer, and, thank you luck and a good guess, an energy dagger erupted form that bracer just as the wolf closed its' maw around the fist, killing it with a stab to the spinal cord. As it fell, I headbutted the last wolf, which made it let go of me, ad I was able to get back up, igniting my other energy dagger as I did so. It growled at me, and I did the same, my arms be my side.

I eventually got tired of waiting, and roared with enough force to shake leaves off of their trees. It seemed this did it, as the last wolf fled. As it fled into the forest, I deactivated the daggers, and went to pick up my sword hilt before putting it on my thigh.

"It is safe now," I say to the hidden fillies. "The wolves are gone."

I got no reply for a minute before I heard a terrified Apple Bloom, coming out form a bush and said in a fear filled voice, "W-what are ya?"

"You would not know my kind," I say, kneeling down. "But, if you must know, young one, I am a Sangheili, a warrior race. My name is Ruso. What is yours, young one?"

"A-Apple Bloom," she said, fear still in her voice.

"No need to fear me, Apple Bloom. If I was to be feared, I would have done something to warrant that."

"Yah killed those wolves," she pointed out, "and there's how ya look."

"For the first, it was to protect you and the other two," I say. "As for the second, you should not judge one on looks alone. It can lead to some terrible decisions later in life."

She was quiet for a small time before saying, "Ah guess ya have a point."

I nodded. "I had hoped so. Now, why is it you and the other two were in this forest? I have heard rumors of this forest, and it does not sound like the place for ones your age."

"We were looking for mah families dog, Winnona," she replied.

"And does your family know you are here?"

"No," she said, looking away form me. "Ah snuck out, an' ran inta Sweetie an' Scootaloo."

"Then gather your friends," I say. "I will help."

"Really," she asked.

"Indeed I will," I say. "If you are to stay, then you may as well have some one to protect you."

From there, the two of us went to find Apple Bloom's friends, hiding in the trees and another bush, and went to find Winnona, though the three did send fear filled looks at me from time to time. I can't really blame them. It wasn't for half an hour, when the sun had nearly fully set and it was nearly entirely dark, before we found Winnona. But not the way we had been hoping.

"By the gods. . .," I whispered at the sight as the three fillies cried and threw up. There, on the ground with wolves around the body, was a bloodied, maimed border collie, a pool of blood around it and spreading. It seems as if the wolves were hungry. And they looked at us. Ordinarily, I could take them, but this pack was made up of twenty wolves the same size as the one that had ran away earlier, and I was exhausted from the fight, and searching, so I did the one thing I could.

I grabbed the three fillies, and ran like hell. "Please tell me one of you live nearby," I shout as the wolves chased us.

"Mah family lives at the edfe of tha forest," Apple Bloom sobbed. "But we gotta go back fer Winnona!"

"She is dead or dying, Apple Bloom," I say. "And if we go back for her, we will follow suit."

I ran as fast as I could, considering what I was carrying, and broke out of the forest ten minutes later, but I kept going. "Which direction?!"

"Left," Apple Bloom shouted through her sobs, and I turned that direction, thinking the entire time Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, SHIT!

After another five minutes, I saw the farm, as well as the camp a few miles away. At the gate to the farm stood Applejack. I'm just guessing from the build and such, it was too dark to make out features at this distance. My guess was confirmed when she said, "Apple Bloom, what are ya-," only to stop when she saw the horde chasing me, fillies in arm. "Get away from them!" I don't know whether she was yelling at me, or the wolves, but regardless, when I made it to the gate, I set them down and said, "Get to shelter, I will buy you time," with out waiting for a reply, and drew my Needle Rifle, and looked down the scope, waiting for a clear shot.

Protection

'Tis official. I hate Timber wolves. I stood at the gates to the industrialized Sweet Apple Acres, Needle Rifle in hands, and waiting for the twenty large wolves to come into view as I heard Applejack lead this version of the Crusaders to safety. I can only hope the wolves come after me, and not them, because I highly doubt they can fight. When they came into view, I placed my finger on the trigger, waiting for the reticule to turn red.

When it did, I pulled the trigger, and the needle was sent flying out of the barrel, and the rifle kicked up slightly, but i set it back as the needle I fired hit the wolf in the head, but, I imagine because of magic and the fact it was made of wood, it survived, so I went plan B. I fired two more shots into the wolf, the third causing a super combine explosion, killing the wolf as it was blown to bits. I am so screwed. I only have seven supercombines, and there were twenty, well, nineteen, now, wolves.

Anyway, I fired off the remaining eighteen shots, every three resulting in a wolf's death. The remaining thirteen closed in before I could fire off enough to kill them and I dropped my Needle Rifle, and drew my sword in my right arm, and ignited the energy dagger in my left. "Come on," I yell at them. The one nearest me jumped at me, but I sidestepped the attack, and brought my sword down on its neck, before turning to my right, and putting the dagger into the throat of another, before pulling the arm out, and then thrusting the sword at another. Ten left, I thought. The next four were smarter, two distracting me at the front, which allowed two to sneak around, and tackle me to the ground, but, as I fell, I turned around, and sliced the head of one off, but the arm was held by the other, and the one with the dagger held down by one of the other two. The other six circled, but two split off, and held my legs. This pack, it seemed, was smart, leaving those four to circle, one at my head, and I could smell its terrible smell. It opened its mouth, and was about to bite mt head off, when a rainbow colored blur it hit, and shocked the other wolves into letting go.

I looked in the direction the blur went, and saw a familiar pegasus. "What are you doing here, Lieutenant," I asked Rainbow Dash.

"Keeping an eye on you," she said, slicing the wolf she tackled into pieces with her wing blades. "The Princess told me to keep an eye on you to make sure she could trust you."

"A smart move," I say, getting up, and getting into a stance with the tip of the dagger blade just barely on the blades of my sword. "Why not bring reinforcements, though?"

"Because," she said, flying back over to my position, "by the time we got here, you probably would have been eaten. Which reminds me, why are you at the farm?"

"I helped a young filly find her pet dog, which had been eaten by this pack, grabbed her and her two friends, and rushed here as quickly as I could. These beasts followed me here," I say. "The filly's sister and the filly herself with her friends should be finding a place to take shelter in form this pack if it gets past us."

"I doubt they'll be able to get past us," Rainbow said. "After all, you have that energy sword and dagger, and I'm one of the princesses bodyguards as well as her Lieutenant for a reason. Other than me being slightly awesome, of course."

At least this version has modesty. I like her better than the show canon already. "Then let us show these beasts why they shouldn't mess with two soldiers."

"Oh-rah," she said. It seems her kind and humans have much in common, including battle chants, or whatever that is. As soon as the last syllable left her muzzle, the last of the wolves attacked, but they were quickly, and quite literally, cut down by my blades, as well as Rainbow's. When they were all dead, I deactivated both of my weapons, and holstered my sword.

"My thanks, Lieutenant," I say.

"No problem," Rainbow said. "Now come on, we should head back to the camp."

"Not yet," I say. "I must inform the denizens of this farm that it is safe to come out."

"You do that, then," she said. "I'll be waiting."

"I shall be quick, then."

With that, I entered the farm grounds, and made my way the most likely place Apple Bloom and the others were hiding, the house. "It is safe to come out," I say with enough volume that I was certain they could hear me if they were in the house, but no response, not even a sound. I made my way to the barn, and did the same, but no sound was heard. Well, no thankful sound.

"Get off our farm, ya monster," I heard Applejack yell. "An' take your wolves with ya."

"The wolves are not mine, and they are dead," I say. "But if you wish me to leave, then so be it." With that, I turned around to leave the farm, and made my way to the main gate.

"So, how'd it go," Rainbow asked.

"The elder sister, and the rest of the fillies family, I believe, think I commanded the wolves," I say, "and wish me gone. I am on their land, so I have no argument for that."

"Ungrateful bunch, apparently," Rainbow said, following me as I walk past her on the trail. "If it was the royal guard, they throw us a bucking parade."

"Yes, but you forget one difference, Lieutenant," I say. "I ma not one of your kind."

"Fair enough," she said. "So, how did you make it to where the Timber wolves didn't reform?"

"They reform?"

"Damn it," she cursed as the sound of sticks being drummed together came from behind.

And that brings us to now. Both Rainbow and I had our weapons drawn, me having my sword drawn, her wing blades extended. "I hate Timber wolves," I said as the large, nearly the size of a Scarab, Timber wolf looked down at us.

"You and me both, Ruso," Rainbow said. "You got anything to kill the thing with ease."

"I had thought you did," I said.

"So, no, then?"

"Correct."

"So, run?"

"In your case, fly," I say, "but yes, run."

"Then what about that farm?"

"You run, I'll take care of that," I say. "Go. Now."

"I'll tell the Princess how you died," Rainbow said before taking off and making her way to the camp.

"I don't plan on dying," I say. "Large creature means low agility, and quite a bit of mass to overcome when it begins to run." I deactivated and holstered my sword, and drew my needle rifle, and fired at its eye, making it roar before I began to run away from the farm. Thankfully, my prediction was right, and it began to chase me, taking a while to get up to speed.

Every time I thought I was close to losing its interest, I turned around, and fired three needles, causing an explosion that got its attention before turning around and continuing, my destination being the ruined town of Ponyville. Before I could reach it, though, I tripped, and fell. "Damn it," I say before turning around to see the large wolf's mouth reach toward me. Double damn it.

Due to the size of the maw, I was unable to stop it with my dagger, and it swallowed me, with out chewing. Just as I went down the throat, I drew and ignited my sword, and plunged it into the beast's throat, stopping my descent. "You won't eat me," I growl. I then begin to scale the inside of the throat, and make my way to the mouth. "This is why you chew the food, beast," I yell as I make it to the mouth. "Now, you will pay." With that, I thrust my sword upwards into the wolf's spinal cord, or its equivalent, and I felt the beast falling before a large thud was heard, and I fell to the floor of the mouth. After a few seconds of clearing my head, I got up, and yanked my sword out of the roof of the mouth, and walked over to the teeth, and I used my sword to slice the teeth away, making a hole large enough for me to walk out.

What I saw was the royal army, Rainbow included, staring at me in awe and maybe fear, Rainbow excluded there, her giving me a confident smile and mouthing, "Show off."

"Are you alright, Ruso," I heard Princess Celestia say beside me to my left. I turned and knelt.

"I am, Highness," I say. "Though my walk was much more eventful than I had expected it would be."

The Princess chuckled. "Yes, I can see that. Perhaps when we arrive in Canterlot, you can tell me the whole story."

"If that is your wish, Highness."

She nodded. "Then we'll leave tomorrow at dawn, just after I raise the sun."

Canterlot

A week. That's how long I've been in the Crystal war Equestria, two days of which I have been in the city of Canterlot. When I had first arrived, the Nobles, as if they deserve the title, tried to have the guards stationed there attack me. Celestia, however, stopped that. I was given a room in the castle, under guard by the insistence of the Nobles. I was given books to read, and had to surrender my visible weapons. Only Rainbow had seen my daggers, and had kept them secret, even from Celestia. Daring. I am liking this one more and more.

Currently, I was in the room I had been given, meditating, when a knock sounded on my door. "Enter," I say, and I heard the creak of the doors opening.

"Hey, Ruso," I heard, recognizing Rainbow Dash's voice.

"Hello, Lieutenant," I say.

"You don't need to call me by rank right now, Ruso," she said. "I'm on leave right now."

"Then to what do I owe the honor," I asked, opening my eyes.

"What, I can't just talk with ya," Rainbow, wearing the fallout suit from our first meeting, though without her helmet.

"I suppose not," I say in a joking tone. "Come, meditate with me."

"Yeah, no thanks, Ruso," Rainbow said. "That may be how you like to spend your time, but not me."

"Then may I ask a question?"

"Shoot."

"When I first met you and Princess Celestia, she gave me a battalion right away. Why?"

Rainbow sighed. "The princess told you of her sister, right?"

"Indeed," I reply. "But what does that have to do with this?"

"Everything," Rainbow said. "Most of our best Generals were killed during the first battles of the war, and thestral assassins killed the second in commands, nearly killed the princess too. We've been short on capable leaders since. You, unlike most of the others, showed actual capability. Doesn't hurt you helped save the princess, either."

"I suppose that makes sense," I say. "But what are thestrals?"

"Basically, they're pegasai with bat wings and yellow, reptilian eyes," Rainbow said. "A lot like you, actually. Honorable." She sighed again. "It's why they're against us now. When word reached us that Sombra had killed Luna, the code the thestrals lived by dictated they follow him. I know that code, as I was trying to become one before they left us, and had to memorize the code."

"Ah," I said. "That would explain why you were reading an old book yesterday, assuming it was related to the thestrals."

Rainbow looked down at the floor. "Yeah, it was," she said. "Please don't tell anypony. Princess Celestia ruled it illegal to read anything thestral related, afraid they would have enchantments on them to make the reader turn into one, which would force us to follow the code."

"You shouldn't go against her highness' wishes," I say before doing as much a smile as I could. "You need not fear me reporting you, Rainbow. I have no business in what you do in your own time. But I will give you a warning: if what you do harms the princess, or the army in any way, I will end you myself. Am I clear?"

"Yeah, you are, Ruso," she said. "So, what do you think of Canterlot?"

"That it should be wiped off the map," I say. "The so called 'nobles' are an insult to your kind, and the few who actually earned that title."

"You aren't the only one who thinks that," Rainbow said with a chuckle. "I once heard Princess Celestia say that the nobles annoyed her so much, she would remove the title if they weren't so crucial to Equestria's workings." She shook her head with a smile. "So, have you met with Captain De Lis?"

"No, I have not," I replied. "I have sent all but an hour yesterday here in this room. I do not wish to incite a mob simply because, and I quote, 'a disgusting animal is in Canterlot.' I swear to the gods, Unggoy are less annoying, something I once thought impossible."

"You know, Ruso, you've mentioned those 'gods' of yours a few times. Just what are they?"

"It is an expression of my people before I came here," I answered. "My kind believed in gods once before, but they were proven to be false gods. Now, I say it out of habit."

"Oh," Rainbow said. "Sorry I brought it up."

"No need to apologize, Rainbow. You did not know," I say. "Which reminds me, I do not know what my battalion is meant to do. Would you mind showing me to it, so that I may meet those under my command?"

"Maybe later," Rainbow said. "I just came to see how you're doing. We soldiers have to look after each other, right?"

"I suppose so," I said, chuckling. "So, do you wish to do something until then? I had finished my meditation just before you came in."

"Not really. You?"

"I was planning on having someone show me Canterlot," I replied, finally getting up. "Princess Celestia told me that I would be here for a while to get to know those under my command while she and the rest of the army marched out, yourself included."

"Yeah, that's tomorrow, actually," Rainbow said. "We can't exactly wait around. The Princess doesn't want Sombra to gain anymore ground then he already has. Only way for that is for us to be on the front lines."

"Then I hope that you and those at your side find victory," I replied. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must find someone to show me the sights."

"Guess I'll do that then," Rainbow said. "I was going to have a night on the town with Pinkie and Maud tonight, anyway. You coming?"

"Of course," I said, and the two of us walked out of my room. "Where ever it is we go, I should warn you, Rainbow, that if I am attacked, I will not hold back."

"Please, the nobles are too prissy to attack you, and the civilians wouldn't bother attacking you while three members of the army are with ya," Rainbow said. "Just stick close, and you'll be alright."

"I simply thought I would inform you," I say. "Where are we meeting the other two?"

"Castle gates," Rainbow replied. "You know, you can ask questions too, you know?"

"I like more to observe," I say. "I never was one for social contact before I came here. But now, it seems as if it's needed." We both chuckled.

"Yeah, war changes individuals," Rainbow said. "How do you think I got this wing," she asked, raising her metal wing.

"I admit, I am curious as to that. Only a few other pegasai I have seen have artificial wings."

"It has to do with my first battle," Rainbow said. "Well, my first real battle. The air force, with me just being a flight leader, engaged a small squad of Sombra's soldiers. We thought it would be quick and easy, but we were wrong." Rainbow sighed. "I was the only one who survived. It was in that battle we discovered the thestrals had betrayed us. We won, but the others died on the way back to base due to injuries. I had my wing cut off, and barely made it back to get medical attention. Don't get me wrong, the wing's cool and all, but still."

"I'm sure they fought bravely," I replied. I may not be good at reading people, but even I could tell Rainbow Dash was still upset with what had happened. Her head was lowered, for one, plus the sigh from earlier.

"They did," Rainbow said.

"Then, if you led them to the best of your ability at that time, you have nothing to be in sorrow about," I say. "Doing so would simply soil their memories. My people are a warrior race, we know a thing or two about dying in combat."

"I'll keep that in mind, Ruso, but you don't need to worry about that," she said, giving me a brave face. "I got over it a while ago."

As a human would say, I call bullshit. "If you say so," I said, with a hint of suspicion in the tone. From there, we exited the castle, and, at the main gate, I saw Pinkie, or should it be Pinkamena in this timeline, and Maud.

"Hey oh, Maud, Pinks. Didn't expect to see you this soon," Rainbow said, getting the attention of the two.

"Hey, Rainbow," Pinkie said in, how to describe it? Her tone was, well, blank, no emotion. It wasn't a robot, it was more Maud's usual tone with Pinkie saying. As a brony, if that term still applies to me, it was kind of weird. "What's he doing here?"

"Ruso? He just wants to see the sights. He's gonna be here for a while, after all," Rainbow said. "And no, Pinks, I wasn't going to show him any military areas of interest."

"So long as he doesn't try to kill anypony," Maud aid in her usual tone.

"You insult me by thinking I would attack without reason," I say. "Wise. Do not trust me fully. Only a fool fully trusts someone."

Maud seemed to smile a bit. "We now that. So, you want to see the sights while you have somepony to show you?"

"Indeed I do," I say, crossing my arms. "So, are you willing?"

"Yeah, we are," Pinkamena said. That's what I'm going with simply because it fits this version of her. "Let's go. First stop: a bar."

I simply rolled my eyes. Leave it Pinkie, any version of her, to know what to do to cheer ponies up. Anyway, with that, we left the castle.

We made our way to what I assume is the suburbs of Canterlot, where actual ponies lived. On our way there, the Nobles we encountered glared at me with disgust, and I even heard a few say "Draconic freak." Fuck you too, assholes. Still, a few looked only for a few seconds before resuming what it was they were doing, whether it be walking their dog, eating at a cafe, or something else. Too think, soldiers are risking their lives, and these assholes are the same as in the show. I'm tempted to go on a killing spree and say I was being controlled, just to have an excuse.

We made it to the suburbs as the sun was just reaching it's apex, us having left the castle around eleven the walk being an hour. The ponies here, though gave me looks, they were more. . . ones of curiosity. Don't get me wrong, a few had looks of hate, but nowhere near as much as the Nobles. We stopped at the front of a bar, the neon sign saying Soldier's retreat. I can guess it was made for the guards. Anyway, we walked in, and I got plenty of stares. I.E.: every eye was looking at me. I even saw a few armored ponies, not in royal guard armor, begin to draw daggers. Mercenaries. Makes sense. This is war, after all. Regardless, we made our way to a booth, which creaked upon me sitting.

"Sounds like you need to get some fat off," Rainbow said in a joking manner.

"That, or you ponies need stronger building materials," I shoot back as a waiter comes to the table, visibly shaking.

"H-h-hello," he stammered out. "W-welcome t-to the Re-retreat. H-how may we h-help you?"

"Yeah," Rainbow said. "The three of us will take the ceaser salad, and I'll have a cider to drink."

"O-of course," the unicorn waiter said before turning to face me. "A-and what about you, S-sir?"

"Depends," I say. "Do you have anything in the 'meat' department?" Oh, the look on his face was priceless. I even heard Maud chuckle a little at it.

"Y-yes," he managed to stammer out.

"Well, what do you have?"

"St-steak."

"Medium well with a water," I say.

"O-of course," the unicorn said, writing it down before practically galloping away to the kitchen.

"Maybe we should have rethought about coming here," Rainbow said.

"If so, the civilians would still act like this," I say. "Though I admit, a few of these ponies look drunk. I make no promises I won't harm them if they attack me."

"Fair enough," Pinkamena said. "We may be going out tomorrow, but I am bored to death without a fight."

"You and me both, Pinks," Rainbow said.

"Do not be so eager for battle," I said. "I would have thought you despised war."

"We do," Rainbow said. "What we want is just a fight to get pumped for tomorrow, or when the next battle will be."

"That, I understand," I said. "After all, with my people, our combat prowess has a part in our social status, and is often used to solve disputes. Personally, though, I prefer meditation, and music."

"Same," Maud said.

"So, if I may ask, what made you three join the Princess's army?"

"I joined to help protect my friends," Rainbow said. "Not to mention to get revenge for the ones that died."

"Maud and I because our parents taught us to help others however possible," Pinkamena said. "This was the best thing we could think of in the circumstances."

"A noble goal," I said as the ponies food arrived, and the waiter, stammering the entire time, said my steak was being cooked as he handed me my drink. "But don't forget this, you two: Sometimes, when stopping a monster, you become the monster."

"We'll keep that in mind," Pinkamena said. She then looked to her left, my right, which caused me to turn as well, and I saw a few mercenaries. Three, to be specific. One was a unicorn stallion with a black coat, with his mane and tail being much the same, but with red highlights and specks of orange, giving them a flame like appearance, with teal blue eyes, and two swords in their scabbards on his side. The one on his right was an emerald green pegasusstallion with a mane and tail the color of tree bark, and had wing blades that seemed to be sharper than those of the air force. The last was a navy blue earth pony mare with a black mane and tail, with metal claws attached to some kind of hoof wear, front and rear hooves.

"And what do you three want," Rainbow asked.

"Well, we saw that this creature," the unicorn said with a smug smile, "was holding you hostage, and we were hoping to rescue you three."

"Yeah, good luck with that," Rainbow said. "He isn't holding us hostage." With that, she reached for her drink, only for the pegasus to grab her hoof.

"Then maybe you three beautiful mares would be willing to keep us company."

"What, you three can't buck yourselves," I said, crossing my arms, which got chuckles from my companions, while getting hateful glares from the other three.

"What'd you say," the mare said.

"I said that if you three wish for company, just do so with each other. Honestly, I don't know how to make it clearer."

"We're siblings," the pegasus said.

"Oh," I say. "Then I'm sure that there will be a few mares out tonight for each of you. Even if not, do you think it is a bit early to try to bed a mare?"

I glared at the three of them, and they glared at me before the unicorn chuckled. "I like this guy. What's your name?"

"Ruso," I replied. "And before you attempt, and quite possibly fail, with flirting with my comrades, they have to leave tomorrow. What's your name?"

"My name's Lone Shadow," the unicorn replied. "The pegasus is my brother, Shadow Specter, and the Earth pony is our sister, Azure Shadow."

"You're the Shadow siblings," Rainbow said, as if she recognized the names.

"Yep," Azure said. "And we know who you three are. We just like to make a memorable first impression."

"Who are they," I ask.

"The Shadow siblings," Maud said. "One of the best mercenary groups, to the point Princess Celestia asked them to become Generals."

"I assume they said no?"

"You'd be right," Shadow said. "Didn't pay as much as our usual rate, and we didn't want to be bogged down by red tape."

"Yeah, well, there's red tape for a reason," Rainbow said. "It's so that we don't go power crazy and kill innocent civilians."

"Something I should know," I whispered to Pinkamena.

"A merc group hired by Sombra killed her family in an attempt to make Princess Celestia surrender by harming her subjects," the pink pony replied. "She hasn't liked any mercenary since, even if they're with us."

"I will keep that in mind," I say as Rainbow gets into an argument with Shadow.

"Maybe, but it's the red tape that stops you from doing what needs to be done, sometimes," Shadow said. "Maybe then you wouldn't be losing to Sombra's forces."

"What did you say," Rainbow growled.

"You heard me," the stallion said. "The reason why Sombra's winning this war is because most ponies are still too used to peace, and aren't willing to kill. The few that are are made a part of, and I mean no insult to them, this is just what the rest of the guard call them, the freak show battalion. Hell, most of them, you three excluded, can't even bring themselves to kill a timber wolf to defend somepony."

"That's because they're reserved for the dangerous missions," Maud said, getting all of our attention. "The main army is used only with normal missions. The freak show is used for ones that require there to be death, to the point they take that supposed insult as a compliment."

"They sound like my kind of individuals," I say, taking a sip of my water. "I wonder if that's the battalion the Princess is putting me in charge of."

"Probably," Azure said. "Even with the lack of commanders under her, the Freak show is the only one with no officers."

"If so, you have your work cut out for you, Ruso," Lone said. "They only follow the ones who are able to get their respect, and of what I've heard, that can only happen in combat."

"I'll keep that in mind if it is the case," I say. "So, what exactly do you guys do in terms of weapon skills?"

"Swords," Lone said. "I thought it was obvious. Shadow uses wingblades made of a special material that I won't say, while Azure uses lightweight, due to a spell I discovered a few years back, titanium claws."

"I thought titanium was extremely heavy," I said.

"Yeah, it is," Azure said. "But with Earth pony strength, as well as a spell that helps lighten loads like titanium. I can use these as if they were the weight if aluminum."

"Must be terrifying to your enemies."

"If they were themselves, probably," Lone said. "I don't know the specifics, but Sombra uses some kind of enchanted helmet on the crystal ponies, which, if I'm right, completely removes their personality. As for the bat ponies, I hear that what ever rituals they have for war removes fear from them, making them brave as tartarus."

I scoffed. "They are not brave, they are abominations."

"What makes you think that," Shadow asked.

"Simple," I say. "In order to be brave, one must have fear to begin with. If you have no fear, then you are not really alive."

"That we agree on, Ruso," Azure said. "So, how is it the Princess made you a leader of one of the battalions?"

I shrugged. "I arrived in the area of the most recent fight, was attacked by Sombra's forces, killed them, saw Sombra and his forces attacking the Princess, and killed the additional enemies, making it a one on one between the Princess and Sombra, which caused Sombra to retreat."

"That doesn't sound like him," Shadow said. "Sombra wouldn't retreat. Not unless. . ."

"Not unless it was part of a plan of his," I say, understanding where the pegasus was thinking. "That then raises the question as to what his plan is?"

"We'll see if we can find that out while we're in the field," Rainbow said. "So, I say until me, Maud, and Pinks ship out again tomorrow, we have fun."

"You guys do that," Lone said. "Princess Celestia wants to see us in an hour, and we were just killing time. Guess we'll see ya around."

"You as well," I reply before they turn and leave, which was just before my food arrived. I will spare you all the boring details, so after we had all finished and the bill was paid, with a discount due to the four of us being in the guard, we then made our way to something Pinkamena had suggested, the memorial to the fallen.

The memorial was nothing that special, appearance wise. It was a statue of the sun, with the pedestal, somehow, inscribed with multiple names. But there were two things that got my attention, though.

One was a statue made of pitch-black onyx, with a likeness of a crescent moon atop a slender pedestal that seemed as if it had grown out of the ground. The other was a statue of some kind of pink crystal that flowed as if carved from water, with an outline of a heart atop a medium pedestal.

"The memorial to the fallen royals," Pinkamena said. "The moon is for Princess Luna."

"And the heart," I asked.

"Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her husband, Prince Shining Armor," Pinkameana said. "I was there when they were killed."

"If I may ask, what happened?"

The pink mare sighed. "It was about a year ago, near what used to be Van Hoover. I was just a squad leader under Princess Cadenza, and the Army under her command was there to stop Sombra's forces from taking it. His army, and Sombra himself, attacked during the night, surprising us. Twenty five percent of us were killed before we knew what was going on, and another ten before everypony was awake. I made my way to where the command tent was, where the two slept, and when I got there, I saw Prince Armor's corpse, and two, separate piles of ash. One was the tent, and the other was a pony, the surviving unicorns got that much, and, seeing as how it was next to Prince Armor, it had to have been Cadenza."

"So Sombra has killed three royals," I say, crossing my arms. "Say what you will about him, but you can not say he is weak."

"Unfortunately," Rainbow said. "It'd make this war a whole lot shorter if he was, and a lot less ponies would be dead right now."

"Perhaps," I say. "But even if he is weak, he must be a planner to be able to push the Guard back, which would make him only more difficult, even without power."

"Yeah, I guess," Rainbow said. She sighed. "You know, Ruso, form the few times I saw Princess Luna, she would have liked you."

"Why is that?"

"She, well, let's just say she was an enthusiast with old Equestria," Rainbow said, "and the knights back then were, according to the stories, among the most noble soldiers in Equestria's history."

I chuckled, knowing how that came to be. "I would have liked to meet her as well," I said, looking at the statue memorials of the three royals. What a shame they had to die. Sombra, for as good an enemy I am certain you will be, I swear I will kill you slowly.

"Come on, time we showed you the training grounds for the army," Rainbow said. "Last thing we'll be able to get to before the three of us need to turn in. We leave early."

"Then by all means," I said. "Lead the way."

Welcome to the freakshow

I was outside the Throne room of Canterlot castle in a meditative pose. It was a few short hours before Princess Celestia and the army left, and she wished to personally show me the battalion I would lead. I had my helmet off, revealing my bare head to the few in the hall, and just my sword on my thigh, the rifles being in the room I was given. I had one of the few security mages that would be staying in the city with myself and whichever battalion I lead to put a spell on them so none but I could touch them without harm.

I was thirty minutes in my meditation when a guard from inside the Throne room said, "The Princess will see you now." I could detect only the slightest hint of disgust in his voice.

"My thanks," I said, standing up, and then entering the Throne room. Princess Celestia was on her throne, with Rainbow Dash, Pinkamena, Maud, and Fleur De Lis, each of the latter four wearing armor, flanking her. I quickly looked at them, and saw Rainbow, Pinkamena, and Maud looking at me with soldier-blank expressions. Fleur had one of, I do not know what, but it was similar to what I think of when it comes to curiosity and the like. "Princess," I said, kneeling.

"Hello, Ruso," Celestia said. "I was hoping you would be near by. It's time I showed you the battalion you will be in charge of."

"Thank you, Princess," I say.

"Then come," Celestia said, getting off her throne. "They are waiting outside in the training field."

"Of course, Princess," I say, getting on my feet. "If I may ask, will the other four be coming with us?"

"No, they will be preparing to leave. There are still some final preparations to undergo," she said.

"Of course," I said before she began to walk towards the door, me following her upon passing me.

"If I may ask, Princess," I said, "i have done some reading since my arrival here. I am curious: how were you able to bring your sister back from her corruption. If you do not mind me asking?"

Celestia sighed. "All I will say for now is that I used six artifacts that only I know the location of."

So, she found some way to use the Elements. Noted. Now I just need to find the Discord statue. "I thank you for answering, Princess," I said.

"Of course, Ruso," she said. "You are going to be one of my battalion leaders. You do need to know some of Equestrian history."

"I suppose so," I say, and I let the subject drop. We continued in silence as we went to the training grounds. Well, except for when I asked, "Which battalion will I be leading?"

"The 31st, which is what all the other guards call 'The Freakshow', as they have no issues with killing," Celestia said. "That, and as far as I even I can tell, they barely even respect me, if at all. I do not know why."

"Well, perhaps I will be able to find out why," I say.

"I hope so," she said.

It was shortly after that we left the castle proper, and were on the grounds. Of what I saw, quite a few statues had been removed from the gardens, though I did catch a glimpse of Discord in his first statue form. Odd.

When we made it to the training grounds, I saw a single battalion, yes, but I was able to tell that only because they wore their armor, and were lazily standing at attention. And by lazily, I mean it was obvious they wished to not be here currently. "They do not seem eager to be here," I observed.

"Yes, that is the case with them," Celestia said. "They wish to be out in the field. All of them lost family to Sombra's forces, and wish to personally make him pay in the most violent way possible, and are often like this when here in Canterlot, or any city that Sombra has not yet come close to."

"Well," I said, "it seems as if I have my work cut out for me," I said. "I'll need to make them want to act like actual soldiers before anything else. I shall do what I can."

"Thank you, Ruso," Celestia said. "And I had one of my aides fetch your helmet and weapons."

"I suppose, then, now's a bad time to point out one of the security mages put a spell on them that would cause any but me pain upon touching my weapons?"

Her eye twitched. "Yes, it is."

"Oops." She sighed at that.

"When did you plan on telling me this?"

"Honestly," I asked. "I had thought the mage would have told you. I guess he thought I would."

"Apparently," she said. "I suppose I will see you when I return to Canterlot in a month," she said after sighing.

"A month," I asked.

"That is the longest amount of time I can be out with the army while keeping a field, which I make invisible, around Canterlot," she informed me."

"Ah," I said. "Well, then I look forward to seeing you then as well, highness," I said with a bow. "And you need not worry about my weapons. So long as I have my sword and daggers, I am content."

"I will keep that in mind," she said. "Farewell, Ruso."

"Farewell, Princess," I said before she teleported away. I then turned to the "battalion" in front of me. "WHICH OF YOU WHELPS WAS THE RANKING OFFICER YESTERDAY?!" I had to yell to get their attention, as I saw a few just talking with one another, and me yelling made them jump, and stand slightly straighter. With what I know of them, I may be able to make everything work.

"I was," a mare said from the front row. "What's it to you?"

"Put simply," I say, walking to the left end of the line, and walking my way to the right, "I am now the commander of each and every one of you. If you have an issue with it." I pause. "Then too bad. Now, which ever of you replied, step forward."

"I don't see why we should have to listen to-ack," a stallion said before my hand closed on his throat.

"Because unlike everyone else, I have no issue with beating each of you senseless if that means you will follow orders,"I say with a growl. "Am I clear?" The stallion nodded. "Good," I said, releasing him. "Now, whoever it was who spoke up, step out of line so that I may know who my second is."

"Fine," the same mare said before she stepped out at the very end of the line, and, if I had eye brows, one would be raised, as the mare who stepped out had a familiar lavender coat, as well as purple and fuchsia hair, but that is where the similarity to canon Twilight ended.

Already, I could tell this one was more violent, as her armor had dents on it, her mane was cut short. Well, those and the sword on her back. "And just who, and what, for that matter, are you?"

"I could ask you the same," I say. "My name is Ruso Tafam, and Princess Celestia has put me in charge of each of you."

"Great," the mare said. "She thinks I can't handle this." She scoffed as she said, "Well, Ruso, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I was the former leader of the 31st."

"A pleasure," I say. "And why is it you all seem not to care for normal conventions?"

"If you mean why we want to kill," Twilight replied, "it's because Sombra's forces killed members of our family, and we want payback. He killed my brother, and I want to make him pay."

"Then, if you want payback," I say, "then you must first act like actual soldiers."

"Please, and what do you know about that?"

"Quite a bit," I said. "My people are a warrior race, after all. Which is part of the reason I am in charge here, as of now. o make each of you an actual battalion of soldiers, not a group of vengeful ponies who don't stand a snowball's chance in Tartarus of defeating even an equal amount of Somra's forces."

"And what makes you think that ," Twilight asked.

My answer was me igniting my blade, and making it pass by her throat, to which she didn't even jump. "Because you should have jumped back there," was all I said. "Only a fool stands his ground by himself against an opponent such as Sombra, or even myself right now, for you all. Or at all, for that matter.If you do not believe me, then why not settle it now in a duel," I ask. "We use only what we have with us now."

"Then I'm going to win," Twilight said. "You're on."

I nodded, then back away. Looks like a few lessons will be taught sooner that I had thought. When I was twenty paces away from the mare, I set the elbow of my sword arm in my left hand, a stance meant to keep your arm from tiring before the fight starts, as she drew her sword, a rapier. Interesting, as those are meant for fencing styles, not outright combat. "The rules are simple," I say. "No killing or maiming, and the winner is the one who completely disarms their opponent, or the one who can still fight at the end."

"Agreed," Twilight said. She then galloped at me, her sword ready to strike. I closed my eyes, and took a single breath. When the sound of her hooves came close, and I heard a sound in the air, I stepped back as I ducked. This is not how you use a fencing sword. If you want an example, think Dooku from Star Wars, more specifically episode two. Precision strikes are how those types are meant to be used, not this way. I opened my eyes as she swung again, and dodged to the left as I back up again. Aggressive and angry. That's how she's fighting, I can tell already. Not thinking. I have already won.

As she prepared for a third strike, I braced my legs. When it came down, I attacked, slicing her sword in half before making attacks at her hooves, causing her to have to pull back, but I kept the pressure up. That is, until she blasted my hand with a numbing spell, I assume that's what it was, as I lost feeling in my sword hand and my weapon fell, the fail safes making it deactivate. "Looks like I won," Twilight smugly said.

"You would be incorrect," I said, activating my left energy dagger. "I still have my dagger."

"What," Twilight asked, shocked. "But your sword was the only weapon I saw!"

"One should not reveal all of his tricks," I say. "Now, you still have one arm to numb if you wish to win."

Twilight growled. "Fine. You want to play this way, so can I!" With that, she charged her horn, and fired off another spell, which I side stepped before moving closer, which is when I pulled my fist back before punching, stopping just before the blade hit her throat.

"Dead," I say, deactivating the blade, to Twilight's shocked face. After bringing my hand back to my side, I said, "You were too aggressive. You were using a rapier, which is meant for precision strikes, which is to say stabbing and parrying. I imagine you were the best swordsmare in this battalion?"

"Yeah, I was."

"Then it seems this entire battalion is in need of training in even the most basic."

"And why should we," a stallion said. God damn it, I was hoping to not to do a speech. Oh well.

"Why," I ask. "That is what you wish to know. The answer is one you already know: to avenge your friends and family who fell to Sombra's army! The only way to do so is to learn to be soldiers. Do you think those you are trying to avenge would wish you dead simply because you know not how to fight?! No, they wouldn't! They would want you to survive, of that, I am certain! If the situations were reversed, and you were dead, and your loved ones were here, would you not want the same? Dying in battle may be what you wish, but if you wish to make Sombra truly pay for what he has done to you, then learn to control your anger, and become actual soldiers, and take. The. Fight. To HIM!" I finished it with a finger pointing North, towards the Empire. "Which of you will do so? Step forward now if so, or leave if not." I looked at the ponies before me, and I could sense the debate in their minds simply from how they stood.

After ten seconds, the first pony, a stallion with a gray coat and mane and tail, stepped forward. This was followed, quite quickly, I was surprised by, most of the battalion. Only a small portion left. Good. The weak have been weeded out. "And what of you," I ask, turning to face the lavender mare beside me. "Will you leave, or will you learn and fight?"

She was quiet for a time before she sighed and said, "May as well. Shining would kill me again if i died because of my own anger, I guess."

"Good," I said. "Now, report to the blacksmith, and get a new rapier, then find somepony, I care not of they are military or not, to teach you how to use it. For the rest of you, get in formation! Time to march!"

Investigation- Pt2

The first place we went for our investigation was in the Noble district, a house belonging to this world's version of Jet Set and Upper Crust. Quick question, why the hell does one of them have access to the archive?

Okay, I will let it slide because this is a different universe. But only for now.

As for their house, it was what I thought would belong to a noble: tall, with elegant curves for decoration, and, well, the usual noble things for decoration. "Not as extravagant as I had thought it would be," I muttered as myself, Fleur, and Midnight walked up to the main door, with me holding my hands behind my back.

"Please restrain yourself, Ruso," Midnight said. "Most don't trust you."

"I know," I replied. "But if it gets to where they attack, I make no promises they will live."

"No, if that happens," Fleur said, "we knock them out, and take them alive."

"If it is possible," I replied.

They did not reply, and Midnight knocked on the door with her hoof. A few seconds later a maid in, well, not the typical maid outfit, opened the door. It was by no means raunchy, if anything, it was casual, something one could wear when out with friends. "Y-yes," the mare, white coat with black mane and tail, no horn, said. "What do you want?"

"Royal Guard," Fleur said. "We were hoping to talk with Jet Set and Upper Crust."

"Of course," the mare said before her eyes landed on me. "I-is that-"

"If you are going to ask if I am that monster, or something along those lines, that the Princess let into the guard, yes," I said in an even tone.

"I was going to say the one who saved the princess and three fillies," she said. "I've heard the rumors. Not everypony thinks your mindless, sir."

"Thank you, I suppose," I said. "May we enter?"

"O-of course," the maid said. "Master Jet and Lady Crust are in the study. I'll get them for you."

"Our thanks," I said with a slight bow.

"You sure you weren't born in high society?" Fleur asked as we walked in, me having to bend to fit through the door.

"You think that manners belong only to ponies?" I ask, though with a slight joking tone. "You have a bit to learn about Sangheili, then."

The interior of the house was, again, what I had expected from a noble house. It was just barely able to accommodate my large frame, which meant if things got violent, I would be at a disadvantage. Good thing I have my sword with me if it comes to that.

"So, what are we going to ask them?" Midnight asked as we waited in the main hall.

"I say we improvise," I said. "We can't fully trust what they say right now."

"He's not wrong," Fleur said. "But who should handle the questioning?"

"Why not all three of us?" I asked.

"You two do that," Midnight said. "I'll handle trying to find any actual evidence." With that, she walked away, and into a side hall, as we heard two pairs of hoofsteps

"If you think that's best Midnight," Fleur muttered as a gray unicorn stallion with a black mane and tail wearing a simple white shirt with a gray jacket, the arms, is that the right terms, considering, tied around his neck and a yellow unicorn mare with a baby blue mane and tail wearing a white shirt and pink jacket tied around her neck came into view.

"Hello to you three," the stallion, Jet Set said as he and his wife appeared. "Thank you for waiting."

"And our thanks for seeing us on short notice," Fleur said.

"Anything for members of the guard," Crust said. "Dust said you wished to speak with us?"

"Indeed we did," I replied. "Last night, someone snuck into the castle, and sabotaged what is keeping the shield around the city up," I said before I added something in. "Nothing was badly damaged, as the saboteur was caught before they could finish, but was able to escape before we could identify them, and they wore clothing to hide their identity. All we have is their magical signature."

Fleur, to her credit, caught on quickly. "You two don't need to worry. Right now, we just need to know where you two were for yesterday."

"Of course," Crust said. "I was at my job in the entertainment district with my friend, Octavia Melody. She's an Earth pony who works in the Opera as a violinist."

"You work in entertainment?"

She chuckled. "I know, it's not what most expect from me, especially as my cutie mark isn't related to that, but I do that for fun, as unlikely as it seems. Anyway, I was there from about ten in the morning to five in the afternoon, which is when Octavia and I went to Doughnut Joe's, which is our favorite restaurant in the area, which is about a ten minute trip from the Opera house, and stayed there for about an hour."

"Why?" I asked.

"We were waiting for a friend of ours," Crust said. "She's a guard, so we figured that kept her from showing up, so we left after an hour. I came home, and my sweetie was here waiting for me."

"And what were you doing, yesterday, Mister Jet?" Fleur asked before I was able to ask Crust just who her friend was.

"I was here all day. The maids can corroborate that much."

"Thank you for your time, then," Fleur said. Seriously? One question. "Ruso, can you get Midnight?"

"Why? We are not done here," I say. Whatever she was going to say next, I brushed off. "Miss Crust, if you are okay with me calling you that, what was the name of your friend, and are they a unicorn?"

I saw a faint shimmer, but attributed it my eyes and my gear as Crust replied. "I'm okay with that. A for my friend, her name's Twilight Sparkle, and she's a unicorn."

"You're lying," I said. "She was with me the entire time yesterday, and I would have known if my second in command had a meeting you others. And besides," I said, shrugging, "she has no friends." Either that, or that shimmer I saw wasn't just one.

"You'll have to forgive my wife," Jet said. "Sometimes this happens. The doctors say she has occasional bouts of dementia, and she does sometimes mistake one pony's name for another. But she did tell the truth about meeting a friend of hers and Octavia."

"Then can you tell us who she was supposed to meet?" Fleur asked

"Afraid not, no," he said. "She has her private life, I have mine, and unless it's damaging to our marriage, we try to stay out of the other's private life."

"Fair enough," I said. "Well, unless we need to speak with you later." With that, I went to get Midnight. "I will meet you outside, Fleur."

"If you say so," she said. She then went to the door, as I went to find Midnight. And already, we found something interesting. That being whoever was behind this was nearby, and keeping an eye on us while trying to throw us off. May be able to use that if Fleur doesn't try to do anything to me for not following her lead. Anyway, I made my way to what I assumed was the main room when I began to hear Midnight talking.

"This thing isn't working," I heard as I slowed down. "I know what the plan is, but we just can't plan for everything."

There was a pause before, "I'm trying, honey, but I have my limits, especially when I'm limited."

I stopped just at the entrance to the room, and saw Midnight looking into a mirror, but whatever spell she was using wasn't letting me see the other end. I heard a sigh before, "I know, which is why I'm trying my best with what I have. It'd be nice if you did the same. I'll talk to you tonight."

"I did not know you were wed," I said as I stood in the door frame, making her jump. "Sorry about the scare."

"Oh, no, it's alright," she said as she turned around. "Yeah, for three years," she said. "He's often at the front lines, and we use mirror spells to talk with one another. It works well enough."

"I'm sure that the war will end soon enough," I said. "I am not one for romance, but I know that separation as often as yours is not good."

She smiled. "Yeah. With you helping out once your out on the front lines, I'm sure that the war will end soon."

I nodded. "My thanks. Come on, we're done here."

"Right," she said, nodding. With that, the two of us turned to leave. We made it outside, where Fleur was waiting.

"So, where to next?" I asked.

"Why are you asking me?" Fleur shot back. "You seemed to take charge back there."

"I did so because you seemed content with just a single question," I said. "That is not how you do an investigation, especially when dealing with potential traitors. The more we have from them, the more potential leads we have, and, if they were lying, the greater chance we have of finding that lie, which will lead to the truth."

"Maybe where you're from," Fleur said. "But here, ponies can easily tell when one is lying."

"I'll believe that when I see it," I said. "But you are the senior here, in rank, if not time. Unless I see a potential issue, I follow your lead."

"Then I guess we'd better find that mare, Octavia."

"Who?" Midnight asked.

"A friend of Upper Crust's," I replied. "With her, it is only to confirm her alibi. Afterwards, we go back to the list."

"Of which, there are only a few left," Fleur said as she took a copy of the list she had made, must have missed it, and handed it to me.

The names on it were Rose Quartz, apparently a mare, Onyx, that's an interesting name, and the Shadow siblings. Only five? Interesting. "Aren't the Shadows with Princess Celestia?" I asked.

"Apparently not," Fleur said. "Going to be a pain to find them, though. Most of the times, you only find them if they want you to."

"You would be surprised what a Sangheili can find," I said. "Still, it would be best to leave them for last unless we run into them before hand."

"Agreed," Fleur said.

"And if they're the saboteurs?" Midnight asked. "We'd be giving them more time to escape."

"Nopony's stopping you from trying to find them," Fleur and I said at the same time

"Then I guess I'll try to find them," Midnight said. "They're probably the ones who did it, anyway. I never trusted freelancers." With that, she split off.

"Is she always that hostile?" I asked once she was out of earshot

"Not usually," Fleur said. "Ever since she lost her husband a year ago to the freelancers Sombra enlisted-"

"What do you mean?" I asked. "I caught her using a mirror spell to talk with her husband, whose on the front lines, back in Jet Set and Upper Crust's home. She even said they had been married for three years."

"Than she must have had an affair going on," Fleur said, disgust in voice. "I swear, ponies who do that deserve whatever comes to them. Unless it's positive. Then they don't deserve it."

"I guess we can ask her later," I said. From there, the two of us made our way to the Opera house. If Octavia wasn't there, then we could at least find out where she lives. When we arrived, it looked much like a theater back home, though smaller to accommodate for pony size. Fortunately, I didn't have to crouch to get in.

"Not as fancy as I had anticipated," I muttered.

"Yeah, the first time Fancy and i had come here, we thought the same," Fleur said. "It grows on you after a while, though."

"Noted," I said. "So, you've been here before. You know the layout. Care to show me the way?"

"Nope," she replied. "Come on." With that, she walked inside, with me following her. As we walked, I saw ponies getting ready for a show. I did not know what it was, but, from what I could tell, it was a viking opera. Original.

When we made it to a door that I imagine went to back stage, we were stopped by a door guard. "Sorry, miss," he said, holding a hoof to block us. "Backstage passes needed."

"And what about these?" Fleur asked as she used her magic to cause a pattern to become visible on the armor, a recreation of Celestia's cutie mark. Now, before you say anything, the armor masters put that on each so that if something like this happens, we have badges on us, and it can only be made visible by a spell taught to the guard. For me, it was on my right shoulder in yellow and white, small enough to not be an eyesore, but large enough to be seen.

The door guard's eyes widened. "Sorry, ma'am," he said. "We get a lot of ponies pretending to be guards for backstage and autographs."

"It's okay," Fleur said. "Is Octavia Melody here?"

"She is, yes," the door guard said. "I'm guessing you know what she looks like?"

"I do," I replied. At Fleur's look, I explained. "A few of those in my battalion who actually speak to me have a crush on her, and described her, physically, in exaggerated detail, but I have enough: a gray mare with black mane and tail, a purple bow tie, and her cutie mark is that of a music note. And, as Upper Crust said, an earth pony."

"That's it," the dorr guard said, nodding. "Hurry, though. Almost time for show."

"We will be quick," I replied. I was the one to lead us into the back room, and the looks I got were, to say the least, odd. Regardless, I ignored them, and, after asking for directions, made my way, with Fleur in tow, to where Octavia was, which was her personal room. I knew she was good, but I did not think this good for your own ready room in an opera house when your an instrument musician.

I knocked, and got a quick reply. "Come in," I heard, along with the sound of violin strings being played. I opened the door, and saw Octavia, who looked the same in this universe as the canon, by the way, standing and playing her instrument.

"A beautiful sound," I said, making the gray mare look up, but still playing, and see me and Fleur.

"Royal guards, I presume?" she asked.

"Yes," Fleur said. "If you don't mind, we need to ask you a few questions?"

"Not at all," the mare said. "Long as they're quick."

"We're just confirming something," I said. "Were you with a mare by the name of Upper Crust yesterday?"

"Yes, I was," Octavia said. "I'm guessing your confirming her alibi?"

"Indeed we are," I said. "How long were you with her?"

"From ten to about six. We left here around five pm, and made our way to our favorite restaurant, where we stayed for an hour before leaving."

"She said you both were supposed ot meet somepony there," Fleur said. "Is that true?"

"It is," Octavia replied. "We were supposed to meet our friend, Midnight, but she didn't show up." This made the both of us exchange looks, and made my suspicion rise. Interesting, this has become. "We don't know why, but figured it was because of guard duty."

"Not likely," Fleur said. "She was off duty from six to eight. I saw her leave."

Octavia shrugged. "Must have been personal. Whatever it is, I hope it's not too bad."

"Octavia, three minutes!"

"Got it!" she yelled back. "I'm sorry, but I can't answer anymore questions, and I'll be busy afterwards."

"How long is the show?" I asked.

"An hour, then ten minute intermission, then fifty minutes," Octavia replied. "Why?"

"How much would it be to buy a ticket for it last minute?" I replied.

"Ruso-" Fleur began, but I held up a hand.

"It would be about twenty bits," Octavia said. "House isn't packed, not even twenty five percent, and guards get a discount."

"Cheap," I muttered as I took a pouch, one i had been given by Celestia before her departure, which carried my first month salary, as well as a bonus for both protecting her and the fillies from what remains of Ponyville. "Call this a direct payment," I said as I dug twenty five bits out of the pouch and put them on a nearby vanity table. "Will that work?"

"Yep," Octavia said. "I'll make sure to let the stewards know."

"And Fleur?" I asked. "What of you?"

"I'd rather go and do my job," she replied before walking off.

"Well, that was expected," I said before going to leave the room myself. "I still have a few questions, Miss Melody, but for now, they can wait until after."

"I guess I'll see you afterwards, then," she replied. With that, I left backstage, and made my way to the back row of the seating area. Now, you may be wondering as to why I'm doing this. Simple: I am doing it both to be here to get to Octavia to continue questioning, and, should something happen, I would be here.

"Hey, Ruso." Or number three, four and five on the list arrive here. Also works.

"Hello, Shadows," I said. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Same to you," Shadow said as he and his sibling took seats around me.

"So, want to ask us about what happened last night?" Lone asked.

"How do you know about it?" I asked as a pony came out from behind the curtains to begin the exposition.

"We were pulling our own guard duty," Azure replied. "Got distracted by something, and, when we returned, the monolith was sliced. Been doing our own investigation. Led us here. You?"

"Same," I said. "Anypony else to corroborate that besides you three?"

"Iron Sword and Steel Shield," Lone replied. "They saw us while we were chasing after the wild goose."

"So, what leads you got," Shadow asked. "We have that it was somepony in the guard. High up, too."

"Simply that they are watching at least me, Fleur, or Midnight," I said. "Tried to throw us off their trail and frame my second."

"I'm guessing it failed," Shadow said.

"Indeed I did," I said. "How do I know you three aren't lying to me right now?"

"Because Princess Celestia ordered us to make sure you didn't," Azure said as the curtains opened. "Plus she put a spell on us to prevent us from lying if Canterlot was in danger. To you, anyway."

"Noted," I said as the opera began. Near an hour later, just before the intermission, I caught sight of something. "Left ramp," I said to the three. "Mare with a jacket, no horn."

"Hard to miss," Lone mumbled. "Nopony else has come in. What about her?"

"Look at how she walks, or whatever the term is," I said. "Not to mention the slight bulge on her back. Hard to tell, but look at the slope. How it slightly goes up, then down again. Either a hunch, or something else."

"Agreed, but we can't go in with out cause," Azure said. Shame I don't have Promethean vision. That would help.

"I got an idea, guys," Lone said before he lit his horn. "Aw, shit. Guys, she's got thestral pupils, and I'm picking up a huge magic charge under that jacket."

"Right," I said. "Azure, Shadow, head down and in front of her. Lone, with me," I said.

"This is going to be good," Lone said as the four of us began to move. At the same time, the interlude began, and it was Octavia who began, along with a pianist, and an appropriate song began to play.

Youtube Video

I made my way to the thestral, hand going to my energy sword, as i saw her go to a side door. One that led back stage. "You go tmy back?" I asked Lone.

"Yep," he replied.

"Then stick close," I said, following the mare's path.

"Hey, you can't be bac-," I heard the door guard say before I heard a snap, followed by the thud of a body hitting the floor.

I then heard the door open, and the mare step inside. What could she be planning, I wonder? Actually, it doesn't matter right now. Lives are at stake, and the offensive may be early. "Let's pick up the pace," I said, drawing my hilt and sprinting towards the door, only to bust through it with my shoulder, to see the mare, indeed a thestral, as she had no jacket on, her bat wings exposed, a package on the floor.

"So, the beast has arrived," she said, her yellow eyes looking at me and Lone before she tsked. "Shame you're too late," she said. "Already my sisters and brothers are doing the same as I, which will bring about Canterlot's fall."

"I would like to see you try," I said, igniting my blade. "Now, either you stop this and turn yourself in, or-"

"Or we turn you into a shish kebab," I heard a voice from behind say before my body was enclosed in a light blue aura, as was Lone's body. I tired to turn my head, but failed. Not that it mattered, as the speaker came into my line of sight. "Shame you both are very perceptive," Midnight said. "I was planning on letting you live, Ruso, as well as you and your siblings, Lone. You four would make excellent soldiers in Sombra's army.

"We will not be his pawns," I said. At least I can talk. "And at least I do not betray those above me, you filthy beast."

Midnight snarled, and I felt her magical grip on me vanish. "You think us weak," she said. "I'll show you." With that, she summoned an etheric blade, a technique I had read about, but one i thought could only be done by high level unicorns and, of course, alicorns. "You think you are an expert with that sword? I will show you what a true swordsman can do."

I simply snarled at her as I put my right elbow into my left hand. "So long as you do not detonate your charges wile the battle is going," I said.

"By the Moon's word," she said. "Now, die." With that, she charged me, and began to swing, but I was able to use my blades to block the strikes. After the tenth, I spun, and tried to stab her in the neck, but she jumped back with an unnatural speed for a unicorn. "Such a novice," she said as i got back into my stance. "Still, only a few have been able to survive."

"You'll find I'm more than a match for your skills," I replied.

"Then let's test that, shall we," she said with a smirk before she jumped ta me, her etheric blade raised high.

"Agreed," I said as I raised my own blade to block. I did so, and her sword bounced off, but she used the momentum for a behind the back slash, which I easily sidestepped, which must have been her plan, as her blade hit me in the leg form a quick redirect. Fortunately, my shields were on.

I countered with a spinning strike meant to decapitate her, but she ducked under it, and I resulted in only cutting off a lock of hair, which seemed to evaporate into a mist. From there, our strikes began to pick up speed, to where not even I remember every strike. What I do remember, however, was the last move of my only fight with Midnight, but the last in the first duel with what she really was.

She had pushed me back to just at the curtain, and was ready to deliver an overhead slice, one that would have killed me, as it had energy building along the edges. Fortunately, energy swords were meant for dueling. She brought her blade down, which is when I brought my sword up, catching her blades between mine, and turning my wrist so to redirect her blade to the ground, which allowed me jump over her, land behind, and deliver a kick to her barrel, which sent her flying out from backstage, which also freed Lone, who drew a short sword, and killed the thestral mare.

As that happened, I followed Midnight's path, blade lit outfront, where the ponies were shocked to see this. Azure and Shadow, their weapons out, rushed to keep Midnight, who had, somehow landed without injury in the front row of seats.

"By Celestia's authority," I said, pointing my blade at her neck, "you are under arrest for treason." Then, she laughed.

"You think I care about that?" she said between laughs. "The day is nothing compared to the shadows, a force I know well." With that, she used her magic to send each of us flying backwards, but, as I hit the stage, I rolled, and landed in a crouch position to see Midnight change. She grew taller, only slightly, her coat grew darker, her eyes, once a dark green, changed to a lighter color. But the most definitive change was that she now had wings, and dark regalia/ battle armor on.

"Once my thestrals destroy my sister's home," Luna said, "my love and I will show Equestria the glory of shadows!"

Battle for Canterlot-Pt1

"'SHORE UP THOSE DEFENSES, DON'T LET THE BATS IN!" I yelled at the guards in the main hall of the castle. It had been a few hours since Luna revealed herself, and her thestrals had attacked. She hadn't done the cliche of going through a monologue, and I had no idea why she was doing this, but she had teleported away just before an explosion occurred behind me in the theater. The Shadow siblings, fortunately, were able to get most of the civilians out, and Lone teleported me and those on stage out just before the explosion happened, and we made our way to the castle.

As far as I knew, most civilians who hadn't been captured had mad their way to the castle, and were currently under the protection of myself, the freakshow battalion, the defense forces, with Fluer here as well, and the Shadow Siblings. The thestrals had been hammering the crudely and quickly made defenses since the whole thing began. I find it a wonder we are alive.

"Sir," two stallions in my battalion yelled, using their magic to repair a makeshift blocker on one of the windows, as we had just repelled an aerial assault.

"Sparkle, what are our numbers?"

"Declining, sir," Twilight reported with a salute. "The defense forces have taken thirty percent casualties, seventy five percent of which are deaths or severely wounded to the point they can't fight again. Our battalion has taken ninety percent, almost all being because gear not being maintained. Most were wounded, but not severely so."

"Damn," I muttered. "Supplies?"

"Not many rations, sir," Twilight replied. "Most of the food in the pampy stuff nobles like, though, and we've taken it saying it's part of the city defense."

"And those who spoke out against it?"

"Threatened to be sent out to the thestrals. Nothing afterwards."

"Good," I said. "If they aren't willing to become what they call peasants to help stop this war, they are of no worth to us right now." Here, an explosion rocked the castle. Yeah, turns out some mind fucked unicorns were with the group. "Damn it." I turned to one of the ponies, a defense force guard wearing armor colored white with pink highlights. "You, tell the marksmen on the roof to aim for the unicorns outside We won't last long with them out there!"

"Sir," he replied, saluting, before running off.

"I swear, when i see Luna, I don't care if she's the princesses sister," I muttered. "I'll rip her head off for betraying her country."(1)

"I'm tempted just to try that because she's with the fucker who killed my brother," Twilight said.

"Then contain it until we can beat her," I said. "Rage is both a weapon for us and the enemy."

"Yeah, I know," she said as Lone came up.

"Ruso, the guards in the west corridor report thestrals massing just outside their door."

"Tell them to prepare the offensive spells my unicorns have training in, and to roast the bats alive if they get in."

"Right," he said, nodding. "By the way, Fleur wants to speak with you. She's in the war room."

"Understood," I said, nodding. "Sparkle, until I return, you are in charge of defenses here."

"Copy," she said, saluting, and I made my way to the war room, which was a the heart of the castle. It was a five minute walk at my speed, and upon my arrival, I saw two guards, one of my battalion, one of Fleur's, both unicorns, standing outside.

"She's expecting you, sir," my guard said, to which I simply nodded, and walked inside.

"You called for me, Fleur?" I asked the alabaster unicorn.

"I did," she replied, nodding. "You know, the only reason we have a chance is because you were able to stop Princess, or Queen, rather, Luna from fully charging the explosive."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The bomb used was meant to grow in power as unicorns or alicorns fed magic into it. If it had been any bit more powerful, it would have taken out the brace that holds most of Canterlot's weight now."

"So, they were trying to plunge us towards the ground?" I asked. "A creative move, for sure."

"Yeah, it was," my comrade said. "Now, seeing as how that plan failed, they're trying to take the castle."

"If they want it, they'll need to kill me and those under my command," I said. "My kind would never go down in the sidelines, and every one of my soldiers is willing to give their lives if it means killing the traitor and Sombra."

She sighed. "I suppose that's as good as we're going to get. But to the reason I called you here, Ruso." She lit her horn, and a table in the center of the room lit up, with a model of Canterlot on it. "As far as we can tell, the thestrals are putting all their numbers to taking the castle, the exceptions being Luna's guard." Again, a sigh. "I just can't believe Midnight was the traitor, and Luna."

"That can not be fixed now," I said, studying the map. "Where is the ex-princess?"

"I don't know," Fleur said. "Best guess, she's somewhere at the back of her forces, wanting to be here as soon as possible once the castle falls. And with the reports I have, it will fall."

I was silent, my arms crossed, as I looked at the map. "Can you put a projection up of where the known thestrals are outside the castle?"

"I don't see why you need it, but yeah," Fleur replied. With that, she pulsed her magic, and red shapes appeared on the map, each around the castle.

I studied it, looking for anything I could use. "There," I said, pointing to what I recognized as an alleyway close to the castle. "Are there any hidden passages that lead there?"

The unicorn looked at me with confusion. "Why?"

"Simple," I said, going to and leaning on the table, which creaked under my bulk. "They are focusing on offense? I will show them the error of their ways."

Miles away in the north

Celestia was exhausted. She and the forces with her had been fighting Sombra's forces for the better part of three days, with multiple casualties, mostly on her side, her soldiers not wanting to harm those being controlled.

She had just knocked out a group of four ponies when she heard a familiar laughter, one tinged with darkness.

"And the sun continues to try to rise in the night," Sombra said after his laughter as he strode out of a nearby dust cloud, an etheric, dark sword in his magic. "Why do you continue to resist, Celestia? You lose ground every battle we have. If not, then we'd be at the Empire, or not here at all."

Celestia glared at him, and summoned an etheric bo staff, as she was hoping to bring Sombra in, his horn either removed or equipped with a nullifier ring, so that he could pay for his crimes. "I still do so to protect my subjects from you."

"And a fine job you've done there," Sombra taunted. "Your soldiers are the ones dying here, not mine. And even then, when you return to Canterlot, you will find not but ruins," he said in a gloating tone. "My thestrals should be destroying it any hour now. And no, the pitiful forces you left behind won't be able to stop them. Just like you won't be able to stop my newest weapon."

With that, he teleported away just before Celestia was hit y a blue beam of magic with black highlights. She was sent flying, stopping only when she hit a rock, the only reason none of her bones being broke because of a spell she had cast earlier. Still, she was dazed, and shook her head to clear it. When she looked at where the beam had come from, she was horrified to see a familiar pink pony with tricolor mane and tail, wearing the same armor as Sombra's soldiers minus the helmet, her horn lit with a blue and black flame, her eyes, the whites, to be accurate, all green, and her wings were flayed out, making her look much bigger then she was.

"No," Celestia whispered in fear as she looked at her niece impale one of her soldiers with her corrupted magic just before Cadence looked at Celestia.

"Hello, auntie," Cadence said, her voice dripping with venom. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Battle for Canterlot-Pt2

"These are the only ones who volunteered?" I asked Twilight as we looked at three ponies, all unicorn stallions with next to no muscle and wearing rusted armor.

"Unfortunately," Twilight said. "The others are either a part of your plan, or didn't volunteer, if not doing other duties. These three are the only ones not doing anything."

I sighed. "Then I have no other choice," I muttered before saying at full volume, "Names and Ranks!"

"Sir," the unicorn on my right, colored steel gray with silver mane and tail, said with a salute. "Sergeant Spear Shield."

"Lieutenant Crossguard," the second, in front of me and colored red with green mane and tail, said.

"And Private Crest, sir," the last, colored black with a blue mane and tail, said.

"Names for soldiers," I observed. "I imagine your parents wished you to have a career in the guard?"

"Yes for all three of us, sir," Spear said. "We're brothers. I know we may not seem like much, but, well, there's more than one way a unicorn can become guards."

"As long as you can hold your own," I said.

"We can, sir," Crossguard said, to which I nodded.

"Then go to the kitchens, and wait outside," I said. "You will understand why later."

"Sir," the three unicorns said, saluting, just before going to wait outside the kitchens.

"You know, if you don't mind me saying, sir," Twilight said, "it's a little cliched for a hidden escape tunnel to be in the kitchens. Only place more cliched I can think of would be hidden behind a bookcase."

"On that, we agree, Sparkle," I replied. "Are the sharpshooters in position?"

"Yeah, they are, sir," she said. "Still, if I may ask, what exactly is your whole pan, anyway?"

"That, you will need to wait for, Sparkle," I replied. "Can't run the risk of Sombra or Luna's agents overhearing it. Really, the only ones fully aware of the plan are Fleur and myself. I will, however, say this: be ready to teleport me when I say that Luna will lose to her face."

Twilight looked t me with a hint of concern. "You sure, sir?"

"Very," I said. "So, how poorly do you think the princess not take the news of her sister? To be frank, as there's no stepping around the fact she'll be devastated."

"Honestly," Twilight said, "I wouldn't be surprised if she cries herself to sleep every night for a while and has either Fleur, one of her her lieutenants, or you if we survive this shitstorm in charge while she's getting a hold of herself."

"Perhaps," I said. "What do you think she's up to right now, anyway?"

Twilight shrugged. "No idea. Probably not in a life or death fight now, though."

Ten minutes later-With Celestia-1st person

This was, without a singular doubt, the hardest fight in my life, next to Nightmare. I had to face my own niece, a pony I thought incapable of killing for fun. but was freely cutting down ponies once sworn to protect her with a smile, an etheric reaping scythe in her grasp, and she was using dark magic. "How does it feel, auntie?" she asked in an insulting tone. "To know that you've failed so many of your subjects with this war that could have been prevented if you let Sombra rule in peace."

"He was preparing an army to conquer Equestria!" I yelled back, my own etheric weapon in my magic. Our fight had been not been a stalemate. I was too afraid of injuring Cadence, but she had no qualms about that with me, resulting in a cut above my left eye, causing blood to force it closed, a long but shallow cut on my barrel, and numerous cuts across my legs, front and rear.

"Yeah, maybe," Cadence said, shrugging. "But it was in response to what you did to him a thousand years ago." That last part gave a glare towards me. "Maybe the title and name Princess Umbra will remind you what you did to him and mother!"

No. She knows. "Cadence, I did that-"

"Why? Because you were afraid that knowing my heritage would make me end up like my father?! Maybe if you had told me who I was, I could have stopped all of this! But no, you had to live in your fantasy world, where everything goes to your plans." She scoffed. "Sucks to be you now, auntie. That new leader of yours? He's not even a pony, what hope does he have against my mother's thestrals?"

"More than you think Cadence," I replied.

"I doubt that highly," she replied. "But let's see that, shall we?" With that, she cast a spell that showed Canterlot. More accurately, the area in front of the castle. "Already, my mother's forces are-WHAT!?"

Both she and I looked at the image shown, and were speechless, as were most ponies around us that had stopped to watch us fight, upon seeing Ruso, his helmet gone and armor burnt but intact, dueling my sister. And Cadence's mother.

Eight minutes earlier-Ruso

I stood in front of the northern kitchen wall, the three unicorn brothers behind me. "Uh, sir?" Crossguard said, "Why are we here, exactly?"

"The secrets hidden in the shadows," I said as I lit my blade and stabbed it into the wall in front of me before carving a square out of the wall, revealing the secret passageway. "Are you three certain you wish to join me?"

"Yes sir."

"Then stay behind me," I said before I entered the passage.

Inside the passage, the only light came from torches that I imagine were cast with a spell to be constantly lit. Even so, I lit my energy sword, providing some whitish-blue light.

"Wow," I heard Crest say behind me. "Didn't know the castle had hidden passages."

"Though it does make sense," Spear said. "I mean, hidden escape passage."

"Quiet, each of you," I growled in a whisper. "Does the phrase 'element of surprise' mean anything to you?"

"Sorry, sir. Won't happen again," Crossguard said.

"Good." From there, it was two minutes until we reached the end of the passage, ending in the alleyway I had seen earlier, with just about every thestral I could see at the end of it and facing the castle. "You three, stay back, and use any spells you can to neutralize them," I said as I ignited my left wrist dagger. "I will go in more directly."

"You can count on us, sir," Spear said.

"Then let us begin," I said before I made my way to the alley exit. Once I made it there, I cut off the head of one thestral with my sword, and stabbed another with my dagger, killing both instantly. "You know, I think something other than yells and sizzling flesh would be better for this fight," I muttered. "Access memory unit, subfolder, music. Play keyword Blow me away."

Youtube Video

"Let's go," I said before deactivating my left wrist blade, and drawing my left sword, igniting its blade as well, before I strode into the mass of thestrals, my actions, mainly killing thestrals, as well as my music, gaining much attention. Most kept their distance after seeing the corpses of their comrades, though a few did try to get me from the air, only to get cut in half as I sidestepped them, or just rose the blade edge to meet them in the air, causing their organs to be on show for them all.

"So, my sisters newest leader reveals itself at last," I heard a voice from behind a mob of thestrals say before said bat ponies parted, revealing Luna, wearing now armor as black as night with a monsters visage on the pony equivalent of a chest piece, two etheric swords the color of her magic in the air next to her left and right side, as well as a squad of four thestrals wearing ornate but functional armor, so I assume those are her guard. "I wondered if the four jawed beast would show itself."

"Of course I would," I replied. "I swore to your sister that I would protect her subjects, and a personal oath to myself before I came here that I would not tolerate someone who betrays family simply for power, regardless of their status." This made the former princess now turned queen chuckle.

"It seems my sister still loves to keep secrets," she said. "You see, I haven't betrayed my family. "If I had, then my husband and daughter would be after me as well, but, instead, I am at my side, and them mine. If there is any that have betrayed a family, it is my former sister. She split me and my husband, made me think he was a tyrant after erasing my memories of him and my daughter, who she hid away with a stasis spell, and didn't bother to tell her of the truth after my return or her ascension!"

"And this why one should never monologue," I said calmly as I noticed her horn flash a little. "You just revealed what could have been your greatest mind fuck weapon in a rant, an angry one, mind you. Now, don't get me wrong, if you are telling the truth, I agree it is horrible, but is it worth a war? Especially over family matters. No side is right here, I'll admit, but right now, Queen Luna, you are my enemy, and I iwill treat you as my kind would an enemy."

"Then I suppose you will need to die, as all enemies of the Empire such as yourself must," she said, though from what I heard, there was something in her voice. Confusion, perhaps, but why? "Shame. Of what I've seen of you as well as heard, you'd be a valuable asset to my family. Kill him." That last part was directed toward her thestral guards, who charged me all at once, but fell to the ground just before reaching me, a white mist leaving their mouths. From Luna's expression, she was just as surprised as I was. "Impossible," I heard her say. "Only the most skilled unicorns could perform a soul stealing spell, and even then, not on four at once. Three maybe, but that would be pushing them close to death."

"Then I suppose it's a good thing he's got three capable of that spell, then," i heard Crossguard say behind me, making me glance back and see the three brothers, now noticeably with muscle, walking my way, thestrals laying on their sides. "Don't worry, they're just asleep and a hint of their souls missing. They still have their identities."

"And we'll explain later, sir," Spear said as the three stopped next to me. "For now, just know that Celestia knows of our ability, and put us in your battalion before you came here to ensure they didn't revolt."

"Noted," I said. "Can you handle the bats?"

"Easily," Crest said.

"Then the alicorn is mine," I said. But first-"ARCHERS, RAIN HELL ON THEM!!" At my signal, yes, that was it, windows in the castle opened, and just about everypony who could wield a crossbow, including a few nobles, fired bolts from their weapons and into the thestral mass, killing or injuring many. "That makes your job easier," I said.

"Thanks, sir," Crest said. "Good luck." And with that, the three teleported into the remaining thestral groups that could still fight, leaving me and the lunar alicorn to face one another.

"You do realize you can't defeat an alicorn, correct?" Luna said. "Only a suicidal fool would try."

"Then call me a suicidal fool," I said before I began running towards her, my left blade across my chest, flat edge facing it, my right trailing behind me. Luna braced her self by spreading her legs, and positioning her swords in front of her in an 'X' fashion.

Just as I reached her, I sidestepped to her left, causing a shocked look to appear on her face before I went in for a stab, but as she apparently had a fast reaction speed, she teleported out of the way of my strike, and, from my right, blasted me with enough force to break my shields and send me flying, my helmet coming off as I landed and rolled, ending my back. "That's going to hurt later," I said as I got up, and reignited my right sword, the left one having flown from my grasp as I fell. "Good. Then this wouldn't be an actual fight." As I got up, I also had what smile I could muster with my anatomy.

"And what makes you so happy?" Luna asked calmly. A masochist, perhaps?"

"No," I said. "If I didn't have difficulty, this would be boring. So far, you're the only one who has so far been a challenge. Now, can we no longer converse and actually fight? In any case, though," I said, raising my right arm and resting the elbow of it in my left hand, sword raised and pointing toward the horizon. "En guard."

"Fine then," Luna snarled. "If you wish to die, so be it!" With that, she unleashed magic blasts toward me, most of which I was able to dodge or block with my sword. A few did hit me, though, causing my armor to go black from the heat. Fortunately, though, nothing was injured or burnt under the armor from the blasts. However, those were simply a distraction, as they allowed Luna to get close, and begin to try and slice me in half. I was able to block one with my sword, the other just barely with my energy dagger, both of us snarling. Though, I feel mine was more intimidating to the average pony. Razor sharp teeth and all that, as well as not being one of their own kind.

"You won't win here," I said. "Even if I fall, your forces are defeated, and I will ensure to wound you as much as possible before I die. I am certain a wounded alicorn is no match for a city of unicorns, especially when three of them are those so called 'Soul stealers', or whatever the term is for them."

"Perhaps," Luna said, our blades still locked with one another, neither of us willing to give ground. "But even so, my husband and daughter will reach here eventually, and a city is no match for an army."

"Haven't you heard of something called a martyr?" I asked. "You'd be surprised what can happen when one occurs." With that last syllable, I twisted my sword to where the sword it was locked with fell into the gap between my blades and to where the blades came close to intersecting before I twisted it to where the points were toward the ground, and thrust it in to the hilt, catching Luna's blade with it as I released the hilt, spun, and delivered a kick to Luna's chest-or whatever the term is for ponies for that area of their body where their neck turns down into their body-sending her flying back and for the sword I had trapped to evaporate, the other staying close to her as I grabbed the hilt of my blade, and ripped it free of the ground.

"Plus, overconfidence can be a bitch," I muttered as I walked over to where Luna had landed, and was getting up, blood flowing like a small stream from her nose.

She simply snarled, which was enough for two combatants to exchange a speech in combat, saying, "You will pay for harming me," and charged me with a single blade. From there on, she was smart enough to avoid getting her sword locked between my blades, but I was able to still land a few strikes. More accurately, I was able to land multiple cuts on her chest, none too deep and all cauterized by the heat, as well as a single cut on her face when she carelessly came in for a heavy slice just below her horn base and just barely above her eyes.

I also obtained wounds. A cut on my right leg preventing me from putting much weight on it, a gash on my left arm preventing me from using it from where she threw me into a wall. Thank you adrenaline, as I currently didn't feel the sting of the pain from those wounds. Currently, the two of us were at a stalemate, our blades locked "It seems we are at an impasse," Luna said.

"I'd agree," I said. "If not for one thing."

"And what might that be?"

I simply smirked, and dropped down and kicked her forelegs out from under her before deactivating my sword and punching Luna across the street we were on to the other sidewalk, and placed my sword hilt on my thigh before grabbing a nearby flower pot, and running towards the alicorn before jumping in the air, and attempting to bring it down on her head to knock her out. Key word there being 'attempted', as I was quickly caught in an aura of light blue magic, followed by a "GET AWAY FROM HER!" and having me thrown into yet another building. Fortunately, my shields took most of the hit, and my armor the rest. I landed on my back, which allowed me to get a look at Cadence, picking Luna up in her magic before she glared at me, and teleported away.

"Well," I said. "Shit." Shame. I wasn't able to give the lesson of using everything you can as a weapon. So many fail with that concept. Oh well. Guess I'll have that opportunity later. You know, if I can still fight. Still, I'd say things just got interesting

Scars of the past

A week has passed since the failed attempt by the former princess of the moon to take Canterlot, and, even though I had been injured severely, I was already on my feet, helping with the repairs.

I had asked the doctors how this was possible, and one of them replied with, "Well, sir, as far as we could tell from our scans, you have a seed in you." I asked what he meant by that. "Well, in this case, a seed would be a portion of a unicorn or alicorn's magic placed inside something. You, in this case. Before this whole war started, we were doing tests to see just what could be done with them with the assistance of Princess Luna, and we discovered that the seeds enhance how quickly those the seed has as a host, for lack of a better term, can heal from injuries, their strength, speed, and their mental prowess, though only slightly with that last one, and, rarely, give earth ponies or pegasai telekinetic abilities. Though they also allow for the one who placed the seed, or any who know the seed is there and the specific frequency needed to activate it, to control them. And with the scans, we discovered that you have one in you, though we can't figure out who placed it." I had replied with saying that Luna had tried to control me through the seed, but failed, which stumped them, as, according to them, no one should have been able to resist it.

As a result, I had a guard follow me around, and gave them orders that they were not to leave me alone at all, with one following me into the restroom even-thank you stalls-to ensure I wouldn't do anything. If I did, they were to terminate me then and there, if not run, and alert the other guard here.

Anyway, I was currently in the throne room, as Celestia, having come back from her most recent campaign early, wished to speak with me. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have words for her, either.

The guards currently escorting me, which would be the Shadow siblings-of their own accord-Crest, Crossguard, and Spear Shield were in formation around me at the base of the throne as we waited for the princess to arrive. We did not need to wait soon, as just ten minutes after we arrived, she walked in, along with the Pie sisters, Dash, and Fleur.

"Highness," I said as I bowed my head. "We did not expect your return this soon."

"Circumstances required I return," she replied. "The doctors told of the seed in you, Ruso. I appreciate that you have taken steps to prevent anything, but you must know that there is only three ponies who know how to activate that seed."

"Precisely why I gave the order to terminate me if I did something," I replied. "But I do have something to ask, princess, and I believe you know what it is."

Celestia sighed. "What did I do to my sister and niece," she said, to which I nodded.

"She shouldn't need to explain anything to yo-" Muad began before Celestia put a wing in front of her, cutting her off.

"No, Lieutenant. I have hidden this for too long, and it was bound to come out at some point, whether by chance or my guilt," she said. "And besides, those in charge of my army should know the real reason why we're fighting this war." Celestia sighed before she continued. "As you all know, my sister and I defeated Sombra a thousand years ago, causing him and the Empire to vanish. Eighteen years ago, I ascended Cadence, whose real name is Umbra, and is Luna's daughter, as well as Sombra's."

"Yeah, we figured that much from Luna's angry rant," Lone said. "'Least, the whole family thing."

"Quiet, Lone," Azure said. "Let her continue."

"Thank you, Azure," Celestia said, and I could hear pain and sorrow in her voice. "The reason why Luna fought with me against her husband and didn't remember her daughter is because, at the time, I was overtly paranoid of Sombra, as well as . . . clingy of Luna, and did not wish for her to be with a stallion for fear of her abandoning me. I did not need to do much to Cadence, simply put a stasis spell on her to prevent her aging until enough time had passed to where none recognized her, which was longer than I had thought, and give her to a loving family. I had hoped that, when enough time passed, I'd be able to tell her of her father, at least, but when the Empire returned, and Sombra knowing fully what I had done, I couldn't."

"So, you sent your sister, hoping seeing her would prevent him from attacking?" I asked.

"No," Celestia said. "The spell weakened when she was cleansed of Nightmare, and I imagine it broke just before the Empire returned, which gave her a chance to see her old love under the guise of diplomacy. I imagine that, upon seeing at seeing Sombra again, the memory of the one who cast the spell returned, and she wanted revenge."

We were all silent for a time, with Dash mouthing "Whoa."

Eventually, it was Pinkamena who asked, "What about Cadence, Princess?"

"She was but a new born when I did what I thought was right, and had no memory of it. I thought that mixed with her devotion to Equestria would prevent her from turning against us," Celestia said, making me chuckle.

"A foolish gambit, that," I replied. "I am not from a world of magic, but I am certain one of your sister's power would be able to bring up hidden or lost memories with the right spell. Which I assume happened, and, in her rage, she killed her husband, who, if what I heard about him is correct, was something of an icon for guards. Strong, loyal, skilled, everything. Killing him, even if it was one of opportunity, would result in lowered morale."

"But begs the question as to who that pile of ash used to be," Specter said.

"I imagine Shining Armor's second in command," Celestia said. "A pegasus named Flash Sentry. I never met him, so I wouldn't know what he was like."

"Princess, if I may offer my honest opinion?" I asked.

"Go ahead, Ruso," she said.

"You're an idiot," I said, hands crossed, making those around her yell at me before I raised a hand. "Allow me to explain. This whole war began simply because of a small, personal issue that effected only one pony who overreacted to her fears, ripping a family, of whom her sister was a part of, apart, which began this war. Quite, frankly, if I had not sworn allegiance to you, I'd have left with Luna, if not help her. As it it, however," I said, "they were the ones who began the war in earnest, so neither party is free of guilt here. I do not agree with what you did, and if one of them speaks with me in the dream world and is able to give me more than the reasons I just listed, I will join them. However, currently, I am with you, and I will be honest with you, unless you give me a reason to not be honest."

Needless to say, my words left the others in shock, mouths agape. Eventually, Celestia said, "I do appreciate your honesty, Ruso," she said, "but I need to see just how much the seed has you in its grasp," she said before lighting her horn, and a golden aura wrapped around my body before she gasped. "Impossible," she said as her magic faded away. "There are two within you."

"But the doctors said only one could exist in an individual," I said.

"Which makes this impossible," Celestia said. "But it is the only explanation for as to how you weren't instantly turned. One of those who placed a seed in you was Sombra. I recognized his signature. He must have done it when you first encountered one another. But the other is one I have encountered only once," she said before, in a move that surprised me and the others, she bowed and said, "Ruso, champion of the goddess Harmony."

Research

A few days have passed since Celestia had revealed the truth about what had happened with the Empire a thousand years ago, along with her niece and sister, and I was in my room, troubled. Not because of how I was treated now that it was known that some ancient goddess had made me her champion, but rather, everything else, including and especially this: why did Luna wed Sombra if he is as evil as Celestia portrayed him?

It simply does not add up for me. I asked around the guard and nobles over the past few days as to how Luna was before the war began, and it was entirely that she was more of a hooves on ruler, often taking tours around the country to poor towns and cities and helping them. Yet, she was married to and had a child with a supposed tyrant who, according to the sources I spoke with, cared only about subjugation. Now, I know what you're thinking: maybe she was brainwashed into loving him, but that would bring the problem of why Celestia hid it, and I am quite certain the Elements wouldn't renew a spell like that, but rather erase it. Somepony's lying here, and I have a few ideas as to who.

I was currently reading a book from the royal library that was about the Empire's history, which only served to confirm my suspicions further, as it said Sombra used dark magic on his taking of the throne, but the doctors who found the magic seed in me did not detect any traces of dark magic, and said that, once the user has touched dark magic, it stains all else of theirs, even quote unquote 'good magic'.

I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door. "Enter," I said, and the door opened as I looked up to see Rainbow walking in. "Ah, Rainbow. To what do I owe this visit?"

"Hey, Ruso," the rainbow haired pegasus replied. "I wanted to check on you. Haven't really seen you around that much the past few days."

"My apologies," I said with a head bow. "My thoughts have been. . .troubled since the princess revealed why this war began. Some things simply do not add up."

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked. "Sombra brainwashed Luna into loving him so he could kill the princess and take Equestria a thousand years ago, but failed, was defeated by the two sisters, and the spell weakened for a time before the Elements destroyed it when she was cleansed of Nightmare Moon, but returned when she saw Sombra. It's that simple."

"Yes, it is," I said. "But only if you are smart enough to fall for a trick few know: the smart fill in gaps with logic, while the relatively stupid ask the right questions. You forgot: the princess did not tell her sister of this, and I am certain she wouldn't hide it if it were meant to be sincere and helpful. In my experience, Rainbow, only the stupid and analytical individuals can escape that trap. Currently, I am of the latter group, as well as not entirely trusting of a single ruler. My people were manipulated before, and we did not realize it until we were all nearly dead. It has made us cynical, for lack of a better term, among other things."

"You think the princess is lying about more?" Rainbow asked, befuddled.

"Yes," I replied. "A kind and loving princess who actively helps those with a poor lot in life marries a tyrant and is supposedly freed by her sister, but isn't told of it. As I said: something does not add up here, and I intend to get to the bottom of it."

"You realize I have to tell her about this?"

"And you realize I can say you wish to become a thestral," I said, making her have a look of terror on her face. "You rat me out, I do the same to you."

"And if I tell the others?" Rainbow asked.

"Then I still do the same," I replied. "And even then, I doubt the princess would lock me up due to my status,so you'd be the only one to lose there, Rainbow. Nothing personal, I am simply trying to get to the bottom of things."

"You'd better hope it doesn't lead to Equestria's fall, then," Rainbow said before she turned and left. "Oh, and by the way, the princess wants you to be there for dinner, tonight. I don't know why," she said just as she left. "Personally, I don't care."

"Tell her I'll be there," I replied as I put the book on my bed and the door closed. Now, then, time to find out why all the books on the Empire in the library I've seen by various writers have the exact same hand-or whatever-signature. Well, that's what the mare at the counter told me when I asked if there was anything strange about them.

The Crystal Empire-Crystal palace

"Are you okay, mother?" Cadence asked her mother, who was just now being released from the medical wing. She may have been an alicorn, but not even they can stop doctors from creating alicorn proof chains to keep their patients in place. Especially when said chains were made of a special crystal.

"Yes, Umbra, I am," Luna replied. "Those doctors are even more annoying than the Canterlot nobles. I don't know how, but they are."

"On the bright side, we at least know your magic's fine," the younger alicorn replied.

"How is that good?" Luna asked. "That just raises the question as to why that monster isn't under our control!"

Umbra just shrugged. "Maybe father didn't out it in right?"

Luna simply gave her daughter a deadpan. "I doubt that highly. He is one of the most skilled unicorns alive, and was so even when Starswirl was alive."

"Well, do you have another explanation?"

The lunar alicorn sighed. "Unfortunately, yes, but it is but a guess."

"Well?"

"I'll share it when we're in the throne room with your father," Luna replied, and the two made their way down a crystal hall colored a mix of bark blue, gray, and pink that went rather well together, considering, and was meant to represent the three rulers of the Empire. As the two neared the throne room, after coming across but a few of the palace staff, each of whom bowed with respect-and perhaps a hint of awe-they heard Sombra talking to his advisers.

"And what of the missing regiment in east?" Sombra asked. "Still nothing."

"Not a trace, sir," one of the advisers, Onyx, if Luna remembered correctly. "We think it may be another group under Celestia's command like the demon, as the only traces were burnt armor, and scattered patches of glass. I've read the after action report your wife gave, sir. Heat is the one thing that demon seems to use with his weapons."

"I suppose that is a possibility," Sombra replied as his wife and daughter walked in. The throne room was as large as you would expect, but instead of a single, large throne, there were three, moderate sized thrones, one for each ruler. In the center of the room was a table. Sombra, wearing only his chest plate, was at the head of the table, closest to the thrones, his advisers, including Onyx, a black Crystal pony wearing the "brainwashing" legionnaire armor minus the helmet. He was opposite Sombra.

On Sombra's left was a Crystal Mare known as Quartz Shine, who had a red coat and white mane and tail wearing a customized suit of armor. The armor around her barrel was colored blood red instead of steel-gray, and the armor for her flank and rear legs were made of a special material that was extremely light, but also durable enough to survive the force of a mountain pressing down on it. They know. They checked. Her front leg armor had special slots that allowed for claws to come out of the right, and a whip edged with the teeth of dead dragons to come out of the left. Celestia's forces and the rank and file of the Empire knew her as "The Dragoness", or "Draconic Mistress." It really depended on who you talked to.

On the Crystal King's left was a rare crystal pegasus mare who went by the name of Sky Emerald. Her armor was that of the Empire's scouts: lightweight but durable, covering the barrel and neck while still allowing for maximum range of movement. Her coat was colored green-predictably-with her mane and tail being that of the blue sky. On the armor protecting her wings were specially made blades that were as sharp as a razor, and as durable as diamond, as diamonds were embedded in them for strength.

The three advisers were the most elite members of the Empire's military, and answered directly to the rulers, and shared their authority over the military. "Yeah, it is," Quartz replied. "But you guys do remember the legends of the flame walkers, right?"

"Yeah, and they're just that, Quartz," Sky remarked. "Legends."

"Many would have said the same of the Empire, Sky," Luna said as she and Umbra walked in. "Yet, here we are."

"Just pointing a possibility out, ma'am," Sky said as the two alicorns took their place next to Sombra.

"Hello, Lulu," Sombra said to his wife. "Umbra. "I'm glad you both are okay."

"And us as well, my husband," Luna said with a smile before a serious expression came to her face, and she turned to face the advisers. "As I'm sure you all are aware, my husband placed a seed in the demon my bitch of a sister, but it failed when I tried to activate it. The only explanations for it are that the seed was placed incorrectly-something impossible, as the placement portion of the spell automatically places it in the chest, close to the heart and spine so as to allow connection to the central nervous system-or there is a second placed in him."

"But ma'am," Onyx said, "I thought that was impossible."

"For all but a goddess," Luna said. "My sister doesn't know how to make one, and there are no other alicorns I can think of, which leaves just one explanation: the goddess Harmony placed on in him to counter my husbands effect of control, but also giving him even faster healing, and making him her champion."

"Then why's he fighting for the solar tyrant!?" Emerald yelled.

"Because she is most likely manipulating him, as she did me and my mother," Umbra said. "Don't worry, though, my mother and I plan on vising his dreams tonight

Fire on the horizion

It was now a few nights after Celestia had returned to Canterlot, the night after Rainbow had visited me and I voiced my suspicions, in fact, and I was currently in what I could only assume was the dream realm. Why did I come to this conclusion? I was a brony, and the area around me resembles how we see the blank version of the thing in the show. Guess.

Anyway, I had been in there for what seemed like a few minutes to me when it changed to a hall lined with crystals, putting me on alert and making me draw an energy sword, if only because having something with which to defend myself helped me stay somewhat grounded. I scanned the hall, my eyes darting from left to right before I heard a familiar voice.

"You may out your weapon away, warrior. You have my word I will not harm you here," Luna said as she appeared in front of me, her armor polished. Obviously, I didn't believe her, even if I felt that there's more to everything going on. She eyes me as i kept my sword raised. "Wise to not trust your enemy," she muttered.

"What do you want?" I growled.

"I simply wish to talk," the lunar alicorn said. "I know that my sister has most likely told you of what she did to me and my family."

"In that, you would be correct," I replied. "But you should know that simply knowing that does not make me ally with you. She may have erased your memory, but who overreacted and let this war continue?"

"Like you wouldn't have done the same if it happened to you?" Luna said.

"And how do you think Celestia felt?" I retorted, lowering my blade. "She lost her sister-you-twice. There are none left for her that she is close enough to let her fear out."

"And what fear is that?!" Luna yelled, to which I delivered a single reply.

"Losing you a third time," I replied. "I went to her chambers earlier today to express my skepticism as to what exactly happened. Upon arriving there, I heard her sobbing and continue to choke your name out, along with the fact she did not wish to lose you again. You can not tell me, even after all of this, you do not still love her. After all, it was her who gave your daughter to a family she knew would love her, and gave her her horn. Now, instead of having to lose two loved ones, it is only one." i hen tapped my chest. "And maybe not even that, if we're lucky enough."

"What do you mean, "we"? Luna growled.

"That of we can stop this war without further bloodshed, Harmony may owe us a favor, and you could use it to allow your husband to live with you for as long as you wish," I said.

Luna opened her mouth to retort, but, before she could, a wall fell away next to us, revealing the outside. Both of us looked at it, and, though I can not speak for Luna, the sight I saw was one that made me stare, mouth open in shock. The sight I saw was that of the Empire burning in various colored flames. I heard the sound of metal clashing, and looked down at the roads, and saw Umbra, Sombra, and Luna-making me look to my side, only to no longer see the lunar alicorn-fighting a pillar of yellow flames. "What is this?" I whispered, surprised when a voice, a female and one that flowed as if it was the voice of a river, and just as calming, replied.

"A vision of what is to come," the voice said to my left, making me jump and draw my sword, only to see an earth pony mare as tall as Celestia, her coat gray, her mane and tail a rainbow as opposed to Celestia's northern-lights type coloring, standing there. Somehow, I instantly knew who it was.

"Harmony?" I asked.

"Indeed, Ruso," the goddess replied as she turned to face me, revealing simple, green eyes. "I apologize for this, but this is the only moment when all those in this vision are asleep. I did not wish to interrupt your conversation, but it was either now, or not at all."

"Then would you please explain what this is meant to be?" I asked, making her sigh.

"The foretelling of something much worse than what is currently happening," she replied as her gaze, as well as mine, returned to the ground. "I can not tell you everything-cosmic rules and all that nonsense-but I can tell you, Ruso, that you do play an integral part of it."

"What?" I asked.

Harmony chuckled. "I can not tell you," she said. "However, I am able to show you. Look." With that, she gestured back down, making me look, only to see, to my surprise, the three alicorns and the crystal king severely injured and facing the pillar of flame, which was colored every conceivable flame color of fire there is. But in front of the pillar was, to my surprise, was me, dressed in flame red and orange armor, with a red and orange energy sword pointed at the royals.

Incarceration and escape

I was ripped from my sleep, with my armor on-never hurts in case here is an attack at night- by the sound of my doors being flung open, practically off their hinges, and dozens of guards rushed in, spears pointed at me as i jolted upright, hand going to my blade on the bed stand, only for it to be stopped by a pinkish magic, the owner of which spoke up.

"Ruso, we don't want to harm you," Fleur said, her horn lit, as she and Celestia's other Lieutenants walked into my room, followed by Celestia herself. "But if you do anything, you will be put down."

I glared at them as I replied. "And what is the meaning of this? I have done nothing to warrant this!"

"It's not what you have done," Celestia said, "but what you will do."

"So, you did see the vision?" I asked. "How do you know it isn't self fulfilling? That trying to prevent it, you will cause it? You said it yourself, I was Harmony's Champion."

"Perhaps," Celestia said, "but there is precedent for her champions using their power for personal gain."

"Like you?" I asked, making a look of shock appear on her face, fear on Rainbow's, and anger on the others. "I am not an idiot, Celestia. Both the guards I have spoken with and the nobles say that, before this all started, Luna cared for her subjects, and helped the poor. Tell me, why would she then fall in love with a tyrant. And if it was mind control, why not tell your sister after freeing her, hm? Unlike your ponies, I have not lived under your banner my entire life, and thus, am not blind to the fact that even the brightest suns have dark spots."

"You do realize that adds treason to your list, correct?" Celestia asked, and I could hear a hint of anger in that question.

"Does it look like I care?" I asked, my face blank. "Regardless, if you wish to incarcerate me, you can try, but I am quite certain you will fail."

That, she will, I heard Harmony say in my head. Seems she can communicate with me even while I'm awake. Useful.

"And even then, who do you think my battalion would follow: you, who did to even bother to give them a competent commander before me, or yours truly, who was able to mold them into an actual battalion. I have earned their trust. You have not. All you have is the trust of those from a thousand years ago passed down. You have done nothing since then. When I first arrived, it was I who saved you from Sombra and his forces. It was i who defended Canterlot, and, even though I am a mortal, did not falter against a god, and it was by that that the one you were fighting against left you alive." Now for the hammer. "In fact, how do we know Umbra did not plant a seed in you, and is influencing you as we speak?"

I could see the guards falter at that last line, as the seeds had become knowledge among the guard since Canterlot was invaded. "But, let us put the guards trust in you and in me to the test, shall we? I will let you put me in the dungeon. If a guard does not help me escape in the slightest, whether directly or not, within the week, I will take whatever judgment you give. If one, however, does, than, well. . .I'll decide that one then."

And it was that which Celestia greed with, though out of over-confidence or certainty, I was not certain. As such, I got out of the bed, with the unicorns in the group removing my armor though leaving the under suit on, and taking my weapons before leading me to the cells under the castle that were a part of the mountain, and locked me in, quote unquote "the most secure cell in the palace dungeons." I suppose that will be determined later on.

Anyway, the cell itself was a small square, to where I had to crouch to be able to fit in it, and, of what I can tell, it had been here since the first years of the castle, with four of the security force outside the steel door. I will admit, it seems secure enough.

Anyways, the usual procedure was for them to deliver a tray of food via a small slot in the bottom of the door, and, after I was finished, made sure I cleaned everything off. In a clever move, they made sure it was all meat, so I would have no reason to not eat it, thus making them suspicious should I not eat anything.

It was that way for about three days. It was the lunch meal of the fourth day that things got interesting. On the bottom of the tray was a note that read The freakshow stands with you, Ruso. It was not signed, so I was unable to tell who wrote it, but I was still cautious, as it may have simply been a ruse. Also strange was, that night, there was another note, though this one had been signed.

Tomorrow, third guard rotation. Be ready. -Rainbow Okay, now that is intriguing I'm curious as to why one of Celestia's Lieutenants is willing to help me. I guess I'll ask her then.

Anyways, beyond that, nothing out of the ordinary occurred for the rest of the day. On the fifth day, when lunch was delivered, just before the third guard rotation, the tray felt heavier than usual. I examined it, seeing nothing odd, and came to the conclusion hat it was in the food. At that, I began to tear the food apart, eating it as I did so as I had not had anything to eat since breakfast hours ago, only to discover, to my surprise, the hilt of my energy sword hidden in a steak.

A few minutes later, I heard a conversation begin. "Ma'am, we didn't expect you."

"Yes, well, the Princess wants us to guard him this shift," I heard Fleur reply.

"You, sure, ma'am," the first guard questioned. "Isn't that unicorn a part of his battalion?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Report back to the barracks. That's an order."

"Ma'am," I heard the four guards replied.

After a second of hearing the clank of moving armor, I heard Fleur mutter, "Now," before hearing bodies hit the floor.

"They're out," I heard Twilight say. "An hour until they wake up."

"Then let's get to it," I heard Rainbow say. Seriously, why are half of Celestia's Lieutenants in on this?

The cell door opened a few minutes later, showing the three mares I expected to be there, as well as a fourth who looked like-it's Harmony in a less eye catching disguise, isn't? I mean, she's white, she has rainbow hair, is above average tall but below Celestia, and is an earth pony, along with no cutie mark.

"This is unexpected," I said. "Given the notes, I expected Twilight and Rainbow, but not you, Fleur." I then looked at the other mare. "I assume that is you, Harmony?"

She nodded. "Yes. As for why Fleur is here? Well, it never hurts to have more than one champion."

"I can say I did not expect that," I muttered before I got up, grabbing my sword hilt. "That does not answer why Rainbow and Fleur decided to help me out than stay with Celestia."

"Yeah, well," Rainbow said, "you did have a fair point about the whole seed thing. I mean, yeah, not likely, but still. I'm no politician, but I would find it weird if Princess Celestia just up and decided to surrender the war. With a seed, it'd be gradual, and more believable."

Fleur shrugged. "For me, it was the fact that Harmony showed me my part in that vision you mentioned, and I saw myself standing next to you while fighting pillars of flame for some reason."

"Odd," I muttered, but they still somehow heard me.

"Odd how?" Twilight asked.

"Because in my vision, I was standing in what I assume to be a hall of the crystal palace in the Empire as I saw the four royals fighting a pillar of flame." I decided to leave out the part of me standing next to said pillar. Still, it was enough to put a look of horror on the lavender unicorn's face. "What?"

"And with that, I take my leave," Harmony said before she vanished unceremoniously.

"Okay, then," Rainbow remarked. "Ignoring that, I agree with Ruso, Sparkle. What?"

"Whenever I'm off duty," Twilight began, "I usually go to the library. No surprise there, I know, but a few days ago, I decided to read some old myths and legends just to have some knowledge of those, and I read one about an old race that used to rule Equis. Their name wasn't in there, but it did say they had complete and utter control over fire, and could even turn into flames," she explained. "It even mentioned thay had the ability to turn others into their kind and control them." Explains that portion of it. "Tartarus, it was mentioned Harmony made an army of Champions, and most of them were turned, even! If they're coming back-"

"It'll take all four of the royals working together for us to even have a chance," Rainbow finished. "But somehow, I doubt Queen, or Empress, or whatever her title is Luna will want to make an alliance with Princess Celestia unless we can find solid proof of those things coming back."

"There may be a way for that to happen," Twilight said as she pulled a book out of nowhere. Or rather, her pocket dimension. I don't know the exact, but the basic is that every unicorn has a pocket dimension only they can access with a basic, easy to use spell. I wonder if having two seeds will allow me to have one? "It's a long shot, but the book does have a location where warning signs for their return are obvious."

Learning

A week. That is how long it has been since I escaped, and my group of four, myself included in that count have been following Twilight to try and find that area that would show the Flame masters- as I call them due to those pillars of fire-are returning. Fleur and Rainbow were with us, resulting in two of Harmony's champions-myself and Fleur, apparently- and four awol soldiers.

Currently, we were in the Everfree forest, near the old castle of Celestia and Luna. Night had fallen over the land, and we were inside the castle so as to both hide from Luna's sight via her use of the moon, and from any of the creatures within the forest, with each of us taking watches in case of a guard patrol or a large animal came by.

It was near the end of my watch when Harmony spoke to me. If only Celestia wasn't so damned paranoid, we wouldn't be here.

No, we wouldn't be here. You aren't here at all, Harmony, I replied. Hey, she said to consider her a friend and to talk to her as one. Still, you are correct. Everything here happened because of Celestia, even if that doesn't matter anymore.

Oh? And what does?

The fact the Flame masters are quite possibly returning, and even if that is the case, an alliance is unlikely between the Empire and Equestria.

Maybe, Harmony commented. But I've been in the minds of the soldiers, and-among various dreams I will not mention due to privacy and my own sanity- I know that each of them know your my champion, and would follow you, even if it means having to work with their enemy.

i rolled my eyes. And if i die, they'll be worse off than when I arrived, I shot back. I much prefer the show universe to this. Every problem is solved in around a day at least, a week at max.

I heard a mental chuckle. I suppose that is fair, Harmony replied. Don't worry, though. You are not my only champion in the multiverse. There are others, each of whom would be willing to help you if need be.

I will keep it in mind. So, what of the actual Elements here? Are those that bore them in the show still worthy in this universe?

Somewhat, Harmony confirmed. Two, to be accurate. The other four, not the case.

Any I know for them?

A chuckle. Yes, but I must have some secrets. You'll have to discover which is which on your own, Ruso.

I rolled my eyes. Of course. I've fought what the average pony considers a god-with good reason, I might add- and still, the powers that be do not give me a break. I sighed. Can you tell me anything about the flame masters?

Yes, the goddess replied. Their actual name is "Ifrit", and, barring death by blade or poison, they are as long lived as an alicorn, but have a small birthrate. Much of their armed forces are those converted to their race, often unwillingly. As such, their overall military is larger than Equestria's or the Empire's, even combined, and much deadlier, as they can shapeshift into just about everything, including dragons. The title you give them, "Flame masters" is appropriate, as they have almost complete control over plasma.

I notice you said almost, I pointed out. What do you mean?

It is not easy to explain, Ruso, but, to simplify, they control raw plasma, such as flames running amok or lightning. Anything not in an electromagnetic field, such as your blades, can not be. They can not be manipulated because of the shaping field around them. Magical flames, however, they are able to easily control. It is why Celestia will, to put in bluntly, be worth shit against them. All her spells contain trace amounts of flame magic, just enough to where the Ifrit can control it, and make it useless.

And how can they influence others?

Honestly, I do not know, Harmony replied. At least, not entirely. What I do know is that it involves separating some of their essence, and using it to control another. Think those brainworms from that science fiction show you watched.

I shuddered. You did not need to say that. That was my first connection. Always did find those things creepy as hell. Anyway to stop it?

No, other than full body, vacuum sealed suits.

I gave a flat stare. Now I wish I was dressed in Ranger armor from Halo 4. After all, it is usable in space.

I have a few allies who are technologically gifted, Harmony said. I'll see if I can get them to work on anything for you and the others.

My thanks, I said with a habitual head bow. Anything else i should know now?

No, other than be cautious. Celestia thinks you all are with Sombra and Luna, while they still think you are with Celestia. Chances are they'll try to strike you down. Believe me. If the Equestrias are to have a chance, you need to survive.

Wait, "Equestrias"? I asked, but got no reply. Figures. The universe and the powers that be do indeed hate me.

Discovery

A week has passed since Harmony told me of the Ifrit's capabilities, and me and my group were close to the middle of the Everfree, where both the records Twilight had read and Harmony's own word was a location of where we'd find concrete proof of the return of the flame masters.

For the last two days, we had barely gotten ant sleep, the animals of the forest attacking us during the night. Only reason we were all still alive is that we're all trained soldiers, and always have one awake on guard duty to wake the others if needed.

"Jeez, how much further?" Rainbow asked.

"At most, another day's worth of hiking," Twilight replied as we passed a small stream enveloped in shadows.

"Oh, come on, really?" Rainbow protested.

"I thought you were one of Celestia's Lieutenant because of your resolve," I said, not looking back as I was at the head of the group. "Not because you gave her a baby to mother."

This made the others chuckle. "That's something the princess would do to everypony," Fleur said. "She always wanted foals, but injuries form an old battle made her sterile. She told me about that a few weeks ago, before you got here, Ruso."

"Which only makes me wonder why she ripped her sister's family apart even more," I said. "I'm certain a niece to baby is still better then nothing."

"Yeah, with recent events, it is weird," Twilight agreed. "Still, we need to worry and ask about it later. We're almost there."

"That would explain the feeling in my horn," Fleur said.

"What feeling?" Rainbow asked.

"Like it's on fire," the white unicorn replied.

"I don't feel anything," Twilight said.

"I do," I said. "In my brain. I think only those with Harmony's seed- no innuendo meant- can feel it."

"I guess that makes sense," Fleur said. "Of what Harmony told me, she and the Ifrit queen are mortal enemies, and their magic interact rather. . .negatively with the other."

"Makes me want to kill her even more, then, so I can end the pain of her presence," I muttered.

"Still, it means she's opening the portals they're going to be using, meaning," Twilight said, "a large amount of hostiles can come through, and that's not including any mind raped agents already here."

Here, we came a cross a ridge. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me," I grumbled.

"What are you bitching about?" Rainbow asked with a smirk before I gave her a blank stare.

"You have wings, and the other two can levitate the other up, whereas I have reverse-jointed knees, making climbing a true bitch unless you're a mountain goat, which, in case you haven't noticed, I am not, nor do I have a jetpack customary to Sangheili rangers."

"You'r people have jetpacks?" Twilight said.

"Effective only in zero or low gravity and for additional mobility," i said as I turned back to the ridge before we proceeded to travel up it. "Not for general flight."

"Oh," the purple unicorn said. "Damn it."

From there, we continued up the ridge, with me having my energy sword hilts drawn but not yet ignited. Near the top, I heard something I could not identify. "Remain quiet," I said in a low volume but high enough for them to hear. "Move up and observe." They nodded, and we made our way to the top of the ridge, only to go prone and observe the sight before us.

On the other side was a large clearing with multiple glyphs made of their flames, their actual symbol indistinguishable, along with a large army of beings who's skin was red and orange, along with large groups of ponies, Griffons, every race on Equis, really. But there was one thing that surprised me in all this. It was not the size of the army, nor of the non-Ifrit soldiers. No.

It was that many Ifrit were in the shape of Elites. Of Sangheili. Of my kind, and that had ammased a large fleet of Banshee like vehicles.

"By the gods," I whispered in Sangheili before, in English, or Equish, whatever you wish to call it now, "How is this possible?"

"The vehicles, or the fact they look like you?" Fleur asked.

"Both."

"Looking like you might be to make others think you've joined with them," Twilight whispered. "The vehicles, of what my scans can tell from this range, are similar to those Banshees you describe, but made out of a special crystal."

I looked at Twilight in anger. "You what?"

She didn't have a chance to reply before I felt something hit the back of my neck, and darkness envelop me.

Awakening

For a time, all I saw was darkness, all because Twilight was stupid enough to use her magic in close proximity. Anyway, eventually, my sight registered a small room of white and gold, and a mare with a familiar etheric, rainbow mane and tail. "Hello, Ruso," Harmony said. "Shame this is how we meet again."

"I can only assume since I am captured and most likely being converted to the Ifrit now, assuming this is not just a subsection of my mind you saved in time," I said before she sighed.

"That would be preferable, to be honest," she said. "The Ifrit captured you and the others yes, but they have been fully converted, and are now preparing the Ifrit forces to march on the Empire. It has been a few months since you were captured, and, well, the only reason you are not under their thrall is a bit of luck, really."

"What do you mean?" I asked. "You said all of your champions are susceptible to their control."

"I did, yes," she said. "But the Ifrit think you are a rogue member of their kind, and the means through which they bring those back under control are different than what they use to enthrall other races, and that is our saving grace. The process takes weeks and leaves the effected weak for a month or two. But it works only on the Ifrit, not others."

"Okay, then, that brings my next question up."

"Why you look like them?" she asked. "It is because of coincidence, pure chance," she answered. "Again, it is helping us. Before I brought your mind here," she informed me, "I subconsciously put instructions on how to use the abilities the seeds give you so that when you wake, you may use them to fight them."

"I don't see how those help," I said. "They have an army of thralls ready to die for nothing, and I am but one Sangheili, most likely without his weapons."

Harmony chuckled. "I'm sure you'll find something out," she said. "After all, you still have your wits, and, well, let's just say there is an Ifrit prophecy that tells of you coming as a savior, but worded to where they think you are their savior, not Equis'. When you wake, you'll have new armor and your weapons as they were. Also, Ruso, one more thing: I was able to sneak into their base-very difficult mind you, so don't ask me to do it again- and improved your weapons' effectiveness against them."

"My thanks, then," I said. "When do I wake up?"

"Now." Bitch.

Before I could say anything, my vision blacked out again.

For me, a few minutes later, my eyes began to flutter open before closing at the light as I heard a heart monitor. I tried to sit up, but a hoof stopped me. "Whoa there, Ruso, take it easy," I heard Rainbow say. "You've been out for a couple months."

Slowly, I opened my eyes, and saw the rainbow mare with the blue coat-wearing armor with a flame pattern and a helmet designed to bring nightmares on a table next to her. "Rainbow?" I asked, my words slightly slurred. Expected, I suppose. "What happened?"

She laughed. "Just that me, Twilight, and Fleur have ascended from being ponies and your potential brought out." Here comes my acting. Here's hoping it's good enough, 'cause i am a shit actor.

"What do you mean?" I asked, to which she sighed.

"He said there'd be some issues of memories not being accepted," she muttered. "Okay, look, there's an ancient prophecy-I don't know the full details, don't ask me about it- of the first Ifrit being reborn after his death within the pony realm with no memories of his past life and the conquests he did in the name of our world to bring its glory and being controlled by Harmony, the deception goddess. Which considering she's Discord's brother, it does make some sense. Anyways, it said you'd return, and bring salvation to those you fought for all those years ago." With that, she bowed. "My king."

. . .Here's hoping the power doesn't go to my head. "Yeah, none of it's coming back," I said. "Still, if that is the case, then I am honored you are among my army, Rainbow."

"Thank you," she said. "Have you seen your new armor yet? It is on you."

"Bring me a mirror so that I can," I ordered her as I tried to get up, only to stumble a little before she grew in size- I shit you not- to Celestia's size and caught me in her hooves.

"You two heard him!" she yelled at two soldiers- Ifrit in the shape of Sangheili in the room. "Get him a mirror!"

"Yes, Inquisitor," one said as they bowed and left the room.

"Inquisitor?" I asked.

"Ifrit equivalent of a General," she explained. "Fleur and Twilight have it too, as we were with you upon finding the Ifrit camp, and the one who led their forces here also has it. Which reminds me, he wishes to see you once you're well."

"Noted," I said as I tried to stand on my own legs again, this time succeeding. "If I may ask, was it your new Ifrit abilities that allowed you to change size?

"Yep," she replied. "Can even change my shape and species too, but right now, everyone's to remain in their original forms."

"Thank you for the answer," I said as those two Ifrit guards rushed back in with a mirror, and set it up next to me. I looked ta it, and as in shock.

I stood there not in flame armor, but with the armor of the Arbiter upon me.

Tour of the base

One bright side to being mistaken for the leader of an army who wants nothing more than the extermination of all but themselves: you get all the damned meat you want to eat cooked to the way you like it. No, I'm not joking. The first thing I did after seeing my armor- in the model of the original one from Halo two and three- was get something to eat. After eating a well done steak-ah, steak, how I missed thee- I asked Rainbow, "So, why does the armor look this way?"

"Because that's the armor the first King wore," she replied. "Legend states it protects the wearer from just about anything not Ifrit controlled." In other words, shit for what I have planned. "And, though I should have asked this earlier, who is the main leader of this group. Before I woke up, that is?"

"Inquisitor Laval," Rainbow replied before taking a sip of her drink, which I could swear from how it looked was lava. No thanks, I'll stick to soda. "He's from the highest noble house of the Ifrit, and some even say a descendant of the king who first wore that armor. In fact, he was the king until you returned."

"Then remind me to thank him," I said. Then murder his ass. "So, where are Twilight and Fleur?"

"Last I checked, getting your weapons, modified with Ifrit tech a little to show your allegiance," the mare replied.

"Ah," I said. "So, care to show me around the compound?"

"Of course, your majesty," she said. "Follow me." With that, we left the dining hall- where we had been for the last three quarters of an hour- and began to tour the area.

"If I may ask, what was my first name, for it can not remember it," I asked Rainbow.

"The legends say that your first name, my lord, is Ashen."

Okay, I like that name, simply because it is simple, yet eloquent, nothing like most noble names. Plus the whole phoenix mythos. Kind of appropriate for the myth, now that I know his name.. "Will I have to go by it?" I asked. "I have gotten used to Ruso 'Tafam."

"Not unless you wish to, my lord," the pegasus said. "Though, for the official stuff, I recommend using it."

"Noted. So, when will I meet Laval?"

"Soon," she replied. "He's in the middle of planning the attack to kill the four pony rulers after they weaken themselves trying to kill one another in the Empire."

"So they plan on attacking the Empire?" I asked.

"No, we plan on attacking the Empire," she corrected.

"Ah, my apologies," I said. "I am not use to this new reality."

"Yeah, well, I guess that was to be expected," she said.

"Quite," I muttered. "So, later, perhaps you would like to duel me?" I asked her. She looked at me with shock.

"But my liege, I am but a converted-"

"Look at my face," I ordered her, and she did. "Does it look like it gives a shit? Regardless of current status, you have been by my side even before this happened and the truth was revealed to me, Rainbow Dash. If you are to be an Inquisitor, I wish to test your combat skill, as well as test my own against a pegasus. If the pure Ifrit have an issue, than they are allowed to challenge me. And I am quite certain I would prevail."

She looked at me with a shocked expression before bowing and saying, "If that is your wish, my liege." God, I can not wait to remove what ever it is that's controlling her right now.

Regardless, we continued walking, with her pointing out major points of the base such as the air field-which held the pseudo-banshees that were made out of a special crystal from the Ifrit's home dimension that needed no fuel, only magic in the engines- the armory, and the officer quarters. After that last one, she said, "Now to show you your quarters, your majesty."

"I'll admit, I'm curious," I said.

"Then I'll show you the way," she said before a voice spoke up from behind.

"Ah, my liege," a voice that sounded ancient said. "An honor to see you awake." I heard Rainbow growl a little.

"What are you doing here, Archivist?" she said as I turned around and saw an Ifrit with wrinkled skin that was colored a dull red and clad in metal armor with flame patterns, but it also looked dented and worn. "Laval ordered you to remain in your quarters."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because he's a delusional madman who could very well endanger our cause," she said. "Come on."

"Are you ordering me?" I asked, making her pause in fear. "He may have said he can not leave, but I outrank Lavar, and until I fell he is a threat, he will remain out. Go to Laval, tell him that-and if he has an issue, tell him I said he can suck it- then report back here."

"Y-yes, majesty," she said quickly as she was already on her way before I turned to Archivist.

"Is Archivist your name or title?" I asked him.

"Both," he replied. "I have long forgotten my name, but not my duty," he said before his voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear. "I know you are not an Ifrit at all, Ruso 'Tafam."

This made me reach for my energy sword before remembering I did not have it. "And how did you reach this incorrect conclusion?"

"Because," he said, " if you were Ifrit, you would have killed her there." He then pulled back. "Honestly, I believe it best."

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Just that both the first King and the first Ifrit have finally awoken," he said. "If you wish to know more, meet me in the archive in two hours, 'Tafam. If you are there, I will answer whatever questions you have." With that, he simply walked away. But he then turned his head, "Bring your three friends as well, as what I have to say impacts them as well." And with that, he left. A minute later, Rainbow returned.

"Message delivered, sir," she said with a salute.

"Good," I said. "Show me my quarters, then find Sparkle and De Lis, and the three of you are to report there. In two hours, we go to the archive."

"Sir, as a suggestion, you shouldn't listen to the Archivist."

"A suggestion that I note as being with the Ifrit have removed all of your personality," I said. "Before, you would not have cared, simply been on your guard. You are lucky I do not kill you for insubordination where you stand," I said, hopefully putting on a good act. "Now, do as ordered."

Begrudgingly, she said, "Yes, sir," and led me to my quarters.

It seems things have gotten interesting.

Duel of flame

A day. That is how long it took me to arrange a match with the best turned Ifrit duelist- a changeling named Green Mist. Mainly it was because I had to sneak into where my armor and weapons were. I don't care if my armor isn't what Ashen wore, it is my armor and my blades I will use, not loaned weapons.

As for Fleur, Rainbow, and Twilight, I had waited for them to wake up in my quarters. When they did, I asked them where their loyalties lay-using a truth potion Archivist had given me to ensure they were telling the truth- and they were willing to follow me, especially given a tidbit of information Ashen had to Fernis' location and host. An alicorn, and it seems these three thought the same thing I did, that it was Celestia, and she was awakened. Right now, the three of them were following tasks I set them about-learning how to fly the pseudo-Banshees and what made them up, various Ifrit spells for the two unicorns, and, for Rainbow, bat pony culture, seeing as how she could now turn into a Thestral whenever she wanted.

For me, after retrieving my armor and weapons, it was a day filled with practice inside my quarters, leading to a few objects being sliced and having burn marks, and part of another waiting for him to arrive outside where I bed. That was mainly so I could make an epic entrance. Hey, I may be a Sangheili now, but that doesn't mean I can't be dramatic sometimes.

It was half past noon when I heard the commotion outside, and looked out the window to see a black and green Ifrit-according to Archivist, Mist often preferred this look- wearing crystal armor of sorts and a single bladed sword in his grip, though it was not a pony sword entirely, and looked as if it had been modified for four fingered use. In the crowd, I saw my three allies putting bits of Archivist's remedy into drinks. One fortunate hing is that Ifrit culture includes watchers and participants of a duel to take a special drink to improve perception and senses, that watchers to allow them to catch the entire battle instead of jut blurs in some cases, and I had ensured this would bring all converts by making it mandatory for them to be here.

"I thought the first King was supposed to be fearless!" I heard Mist yell outside. "And yet, he cowers inside his quarters like a pony!"

And there's my cue. "Or, perhaps," I said loud enough to be heard outside before I opened the door. "I was simply wanting to ensure it was I who you remember, and not an old legend." My choice of attire got a few gasps of shock from the crowd, as did the visible lack of weapons, though I had the energy sword hilts in my hands and the energy daggers in the gauntlets of the armor to prove that otherwise. Mist, though, laughed.

"What, is the first King ashamed of the title now?" he asked.

"No, I have simply grown used to this armor in combat," I replied before igniting my blades. "And these weapons in battle." The blades igniting got a few more gasps, as well as hushed whispers.

"Why is he using those?"

"Inquisitor Laval said those were cursed blades."

"Those aren't the ancestral blades."

"The cursed plasma." For background, they see any and all contained plasma as cursed, and any weapons that somehow use it as cursed weapons. I guess it's because of their history or something, I haven't really read a lot of that yet.

"Yes, I use the cursed blades," I said, "but they allow me to easily kill the equines by burning their internal organs if the stab itself does not kill them, and can be used to cauterize wounds should one be wounded. Plus, I am your king. Who are you to judge my weapon choices?" This made them shut up. Well, all but Mist.

"Well, then, I can't wait to take those blades and use them as my own," he said. "After all, even Inquisitor Laval said I was on his level, and you, my liege, are, to be honest, rusty when compared to mine."

"Wow," I said. "You sure do love sucking your own dick." This, unintentionally, got a few chuckles from the crowd while making Mist angry. That second bit was a part of my plan.

He growled. "I don't care who you are, but I am Green Mist, the best duelist in this camp."

And so thus the fun begins. Time to act like a jack/smartass! "And I'm Carmen Sandiego," I said before quickly sprinting behind him. "Guess where I am!" With that, I delivered a roundhouse kick into his back, launching him into the metal wall of my quarters. As I turned around, i saw him getting back up, a snarl on his face.

"I'm going to enjoy this," he said before charging at me as i braced my self to dodge.

Just before he reached me, he brought his sword arm up, and swung downward early, allowing me to dodge out of the way before delivering a slice of my own to his arm, numbing it. "And here I thought you were impressive," I said. "But you fall quickly to anger, which clouds you judgment. Your insults to me? I have heard far worse before I even came to this planet. So, I think I may use you as a stress reliever and a practice dummy."

Mist glared at me as he switched his weapon to his left hand. "Oh, and what did they do?" he asked, and I knew he was going to try and make me angry at the memories.

"You want to know?" I replied. As I walked over to him. At one slice from him, which I deflected. "They called me gay when I was- at worst- asexual." Another slice from him, which was blocked. "They acted like morons every damned day, and trust me, where I come from, it is especially annoying." A kick from him, which I grabbed with my left hand after deactivating the blade and pushing it to the side, causing him to fall. "They all thought they were coll and important when in reality, they were not." I grabbed his head, and pulled him up before drawing my blade back. "You remind me of that last group, and i would enjoy gutting you," I growled before releasing him. "But that would simply make me worse than them." With that, I turned back to my quarters before hearing a roar of anger behind me, and seeing Mist charging me. He tried an overhead strike, but I blocked it with ease. "You do not get it, do you?"

"Get what?" he asked. "That just because you can keep your calm from my insults is proof of your victory?"

"No," I replied before deactivating my blade and grabbing his arm before lifting him over my head and slamming him into the ground behind me. "The fact I am more skilled than you," I told him. "Attack me again when you have so clearly lost, and you will not live to regret it."

He didn't reply, but a new voice did. "Ah, bravo, my liege, bravo," the voice said. I turned around, and saw the crowd parting for an Ifrit wearing regal armor that protected his knees, elbows, and torso-the torso being protected by folding plates- along with the ankles and wrists. If he head a helmet, it wasn't on his person.

"Ah, Inquisitor Laval," I said. "It is unexpected to see you here."

"Yes, well, when I heard the best converted duelist was facing my king, I just had to see the end results." He glanced at Mist, who was getting back up. "It went just as I expected."

"If he hadn't let his rage consume him, he may have won," I said.

"What?" Laval growled.

"Though our grapple was short, when our blades clashed, they were evenly matched," I said. "The only reason I won those is out of sheer luck and slight of hand. True, I am out of practice, but I remember the basics."

Laval looked again at Mist. "I will keep that in mind, my liege, and ensure all soldiers are aware of that." With that, he walked away as I turned to face Mist.

"I was not lying, Green Mist," I told him. "For a former changeling, you have poor control over your emotions. Still, I am honored for this duel."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because it tells me what I wanted," I replied before igniting my blade. "Kneel." He looked at me in fear, but I insisted. "Kneel."

Nervously, he did so. "Green Mist, for your combat potential, I name you my direct student. You will follow only my orders, and study my blade techniques until I deem otherwise. Am I understood?"

He looked at me with surprise at first before looking to the ground. "Y-yes, my liege."

"Good," I said before hovering my blade over his two shoulders. "Then rise." He did so. "Now, then, your first order is to answer a question of mine," I said as I looked out the corner of my eye, and saw Rainbow Dash nod, indicating this batch of potion- which had been enhanced for speed and a little bit of unicorn magic to negate the knock-out portion of it- was done. "Do you know what Laval is planning?"

Laval perspective-3rd- thirty minutes later

Laval looked out over the filthy converts that had joined the Ifrit group to be cannon fodder over the past year, as well as the one who was supposed to be Ashen returned. He scoffed. Not that it mattered. He'd die by the Queen's hands soon enough. All he had to do at this point was inform her of the development that Ruso was not Ashen, and that the army marching on the Empire would be pure Ifrit. He smiled to himself. "Perfect," he muttered before incinerating a letter and sending it to somewhere. Somewhere which housed the enemy race of the Ifrit.

Upon it's arrival, a roar was heard across southern Equestria, and, if one lived there, they would see many dragons filling the air, and making their way towards the Everfree.

Betrayal

A week has passed since the converted had been covertly freed from their control- a small letter slipped to each in the night by Twilight's magic- and I was in my quarters, meditating, when I heard the door open. "Ruso," I heard Archivist say, "there is something you should see."

"What?" I asked.

"Laval and just about every other pure Ifrit here excluding me," he replied. "They are gone." This got out of meditation.

"How?" I asked as I got up from my kneeling position.

"Mass transit spell," he replied. "From what I can tell, it took them north, to the Empire."

"Damn it," I muttered. "And the aircraft?"

"Still here," he answered. "Just about all Ifrit look down on vehicular combat, and brought them only for converted to use, and it is obvious that is not the intention here." He paused, then added, "There is something else. "There is a large group of dragons on their way here, and I'm sure I need not tell you that they are the only race on Equis who knows the Ifrit exist, and are their enemies?"

"Correct," I said. "Come. It is time for us to mobilize."

"What?" he asked as I walked by, but I gave no answer.

"Simply gather every converted near the airfield. I will handle the rest Archivist," I told him. "I will be waiting there."

"And just what do you have planned?" Archivist asked.

"You will see," is all I replied with before I left my quarters, making my way to where the Banshees were, numbering in the lower hundreds. As I made my way there, I passed a few converted, each in their original form, all of them looking confused at the lack of the pure soldiers, most not noticing me, the few that did bowing to me.

Now, one thing I learned about these Banshees is that their color could be changed at will by the pilot, and their default color was a clear white. I walked up to the one nearest me, the one near the front of the large group, and put my hand on it, and the crystals making it instantly reacted, changing color from pure white to purple with accents of red and silver, the Banshee now having the same color scheme as the Halo 5 basic variant. I then took my hand off, and saw that it retained the color. "Excellent," I said to myself as I heard steps behind me. A hand going to the energy sword hilt on my left thigh, I quickly turned and saw Fleur, Rainbow, and Twilight, their heights being that of their actual form. That's to say they were normal sized.

"By now, you three should know not to sneak up on me," I said.

"Sorry, sir," Rainbow said. Even free of the control Laval placed them under, they still refused to call me by name, considering the circumstance, when they had done so before. "We were just wondering what's going on."

"Well, for starters, it seems that Laval has decided to leave all of us here to die by the dragons who are currently approaching while marching on the Empire to kill anything not pure Ifrit," I said. "And I have just finished making this fighter craft my own."

"Explains the color scheme," Twilight muttered.

"I assume you want to spur the other converted to protect the ponies?" Fleur said. "You know they will not do so out of their hearts. Only reason we are willing to is because you wish it, sir."

"Oh, I know," I replied. "Now, the three of you, claim one of these craft and have the basic color scheme the same as mine, but have accents on the hood and wings matching your colors. Even if it just us four attacking, we will show that we do so as one."

"Well, that's a little cheesy the way you said it, but why not?" Rainbow said before going to one of the Banshees, touching it with her hoof, and the colors of that one altering to the base color scheme, though the hood and wings now had a rainbow on them. Fleur and Twilight followed suite with their own Banshees, and finished just as Archivist and every other converted-numbering around five hundred total- arrived, and the Ifrit loyal to me walked up.

"I have done as you asked, and brought the converted here, Ruso," Archivist said. "Would you mind filling me in on the plan?"

"It will become clear soon enough," I said. "Twilight, Fleur, Rainbow. Join the crowd and be on the look out for any who may try something to get in Laval's good graces."

"Sir," the three said, saluting, before following my order.

"Archivist, claim a Banshee. Base color scheme to match mine, but hood and wing accents may be whatever you wish."

He growled before replying, "By your order." He then went to claim a Banshee as I turned to face the crowd.

I looked at those who stood in front of me, those that had been converted to Ifrit and were now left behind for being impure. "I know how you all feel," I began. "I, after all, am not an Ifrit by birth, nor am I truly the first Ifrit as prophesied. I know from my past life what it is like to be left behind simply because of something you could not control, what it is like to wish and aspire to be more than you are.

"But right now, that does not matter!" I yelled. "What does is the fact that Laval has left all of us, including the King he supposedly would follow into battle instead of leaving him on a throne, here with an army of dragons knocking at our door, intent of killing us for being within Ifirt ranks! I say we show the traitorous bastard and his pawns just who he is messing with!

"You all may be Ifrit now, but that is not who you are. I may be a reincarnation of the first Ifrit, but I am Ruso Tafam, zealot of the Covenant and Sangheili master of the blade, and I will not be laid low by treachery and put down like a dog! I intend to show Laval I bow to no one but myself, even if it means my death!" I ignited my blade. "But even if I do perish, he will know his mistake." I looked at those assembled in front of me.

"Though many of you are here willingly, and others unwillingly to begin with, I extend this offer to each of you: stand with me and take vengeance, or stay and die without being remembered by any. Fight with me, and be remembered in the decades to come, or die like dogs!" This got a response from the crowd, mostly shouts of anger at the situation.

"But know this: if you decide to follow me, you must cast off the title of Ifrit, of the race which betrayed us, for you will no longer be able to be considered one!"

"Then what will we call ourselves!?" I heard shouted from the crowd, and recognized the voice as Twilight's. "The race we were before won't let us back after this!"

"Simple," I replied. "There is one race which will not consider you traitors! How could it, when it's only being is here now? If you join me, you must then consider yourself Sangheili; warriors of honor and masters with the blade! The Ifrit already resemble my race! Why not insult them by having you, their lower class and those betrayed by them, fight against them as the race they think imitates their appearance, and show them just who they are messing with?!" This received shouts from the crowd, ones which I was able to identify as shouts of rage toward the Ifrit. "Those who wish to join me, change your form to that of an Ifrit, but instead of the skin having a flame look, go for dark brown to black. For armor? Find an armory and change the armor color to what you will it to be, then claim a ship. Basic color scheme to match mine, but add your own little taste to the hood and wings!"

And this is where the surprise came in, as just about all of those present engulfed themselves in red and orange flames. The flames then faded, revealing a mass of Sangheili, each already wearing uniquely colored armor. "Skip the armor step then," I said, which got a few chuckles from the crowd. "Now, someone, get me a damned purple cloak. It is time we show the world that the Sangheili are here!"

A large cheer was let out. "And one other thing!" I shouted over them. "If we live through this, do not refer to me as King! Refer to me as Field Marshal, for that is the rank I hold with the race I come from now: the leader of an army, their well being my responsibility!" Another cheer. "Then what are you waiting for!? Mount up, because today, we strike!"

And here, the crowd let out a large roar as Archivist walked up next to me. "Why a purple cloak?" he asked.

"An old symbol of command among the Sangheili from which I originate," I told him. "If I am to fight what may very well be a god, I will not be seen as a random individual, but as a symbol, and maybe not even that. Really, I'd prefer to be recognized."

He chuckled. 'You are an interesting one indeed, Ruso. Many would prefer to be anonymous when fighting a supposed god."

"Yes, well, I am not many," I said as I glanced at the air field, and saw many Banshees just as Mist, in his Ifrit turned Sangheili form, walked up, a purple cape in hand.

"Drapes from my quarters, Fleid Marshal," he said.

"That will do," I said as I took them and folded the edges into my armor. "I can get a proper one made later." With that, I made my way to my Banshee, touching it, and adding a blood red hue to the hood as well as blue lightning. Nodding at the look, I faced my soldiers. "Brothers and Sisters! Take to the air, and head towards the Crystal Empire! That is where our existence will be revealed!"

Battle of the Empire

Sweet Apple Acres

Applejack, her brother, Big Macintosh, her little sister, Applebloom, and her sister's two friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were gathered in the family room of the home. Her grandmother, Granny Smith, had died a week earlier, leaving Applejack as the matriarch of this portion of the apple family. The reason being was that the Guards that lived here- stationed after the incident with that monster to protect the young ones- told them that a broadcast spell would be used today to transmit the battle of the Empire. No pony was scared of scarring children, not when so many had either died or been scarred themselves.

"I wonder if we'll see Ruso," Scootaloo said. "Even for being an alien, he isn't in the news much. Rainbow Dash either, for that matter."

"Maybe they're on some kind of secret mission," Sweetie Belle replied. "I mean, Ruso, carrying the three of us, was able to outrun a pack of timber wolves and still kill them with ease from what we saw."

"Now, don't go talkin' 'bout that thing, y'all," Applejack said. "Fr all we know, it could have escaped from the Princess, and had ta be put down. Now, hush, it's startin'." The spell beginning was indicated by a shimmer in the air in front of them before an image of a snow covered ground came into view, along with the visage of a large city made out of pure gems and dark armored guards around the center. This was just the center of attention for a moment, though, as it quickly changed to focus on Celestia, who wore her golden battle armor, a halberd held in her magic, the end embedded in the ground.

"Ponies and citizens of Equestria, we have finally reached where the dark tyrant Sombra lives!" she announced. "Today, we fight him here where he least suspects it, and finish his rule before he can kill any other ponies! On this day, Equestria will win, and peace will return to Equis! There can be no retreat! No mercy, for none will be given. Should we fail, citizens of Equestria, it will fall to you to defend your homes. I have the utmost trust in the abilities of my soldiers, however, and know Sombra will terrorize you no more!" All across Equestria, if the apples could see that far, ponies cheered. Though what none saw was a small, devious smirk on Celestia's face.

Crystal Empire- in front of the crystal palace

Onyx, Quartz, and Emerald, the three generals of the crystal army, and their forces stood in front of the palace, waiting for King Sombra to arrive to address the troops.

"You think that alien's gonna show up?" Onyx asked his female counterparts.

"Who knows," Emerald replied. "Neither field reports or agents in Celestia's army have had sightings of him or two of Celestia's lieutenants in months."

"Might be that they found something and had to be killed," Quartz commented. "Maybe the truth about Celestia?"

"Might be," Onyx said, shrugging just as horns were heard from the balcony. "Think on it later, he's here."

As Sombra-along with his wife and daughter- walked out onto the balcony overlooking the army, Onyx shouted, "ATTENTION!" causing all soldiers to stand at attention.

"At ease," Sombra said. "You all know why you're here: the solar tyrant has decided to face us here at our home, where we are strongest. She thinks that because this is our home, we will avoid damaging it, when in reality, we would gladly destroy our homes to ensure she can not rule anymore! Today, we show Celestia that we, the Crystal Empire, is a force to be reckoned with! Give no quarter, for none will be given to you! If we win today, we will no longer need to fear what Celestia may do to us to ensure her vision of a perfect Equis!" The army cheered at this. "Now, report to your posts! If we are to win this, everyone must perform above and beyond what you have before! For the Empire!"

"For the Empire!!" the army shouted back before dispersing to their posts, the three crystal Generals making their way to where the fighting was expected to be the heaviest.

"Anypony else find it weird?" Emerald asked out of the blue.

"What do you mean?" Onyx asked, confused.

"The king said anyone, implying there are more than just ponies in the army," Emerald said. "And we know that isn't the case, seeing as how we have records for who is in the army, and all of them are ponies."

"We may have a few agents or something that aren't on the rolls, Em," Quartz said. "Besides, you really think we've read the entire lists?"

"No, but anything of note is passed to us," the crystal pegasus replied. "And that would include non-ponies."

"Well, let's just hope that it is some kind of secret agency, then," Onyx said. "Otherwise, who knows what could be going on."

East of the Empire-Ifrit army

Laval took in a deep breath of the air, the last time had had been in this snowy land thousands of years ago at the side of the Queen, the crystal city being the final battle in the first war, and the only one of the second war, which was about to begin. Only this time, the equines would not have his father to save them, and his mother would be victorious. "I am going to enjoy seeing them burn," he whispered to himself. He then turned to face the Ifrit army.

"My brothers and sisters, now is the time we finish what Queen Fernis and King Ashen began so long ago," he began. "The extermination of the pony race and any allied with them." He need not speak loudly, his voice itself carrying weight. "The impure have been left for extermination back where we arrived under the hand of the king himself, and will no longer burden us. Unfortunately, a small group of dragons were seen, and our king decided to remain to face them so as to buy us time to summon more troops, and purge this planet. Today, we march on where we lost the first war so many ages ago, and we will show the equines who the true masters of this planet are!" A cheer from the crowd followed this. "Then let's begin." With that, he turned to face the direction the Empire was in, and began to march there, the army following behind.

Ruso-1st

As me and my forces flew in formation north, avoiding any known settlements, I had discovered each ship had a communication device allowing pilots to speak with one another, so I decided to open a channel with Archivist. "Archivist, can you hear me?"

"Indeed, Ruso," he replied. "Do you have something on your mind?"

"No, I simply wish to say that should I fall in this fight, you, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Fleur De Lis are to take up my post."

"You trust me with a position such as that?"

"You have not yet given me a reason not to," I replied.

"Fair enough," he said. "There is actually something I need to tell you."

"And what's that?"

"Something about the potion to awaken Ashen."

Crystal Empire-Onyx-two hours later

It was absolute Tartarus in the Empire. The battle had started as hoped, with the walls of the Empire holding strong against the Equestrian attacks, but after thirty minutes, Celestia had grown tired of the attempts, and destroyed the wall herself, opening a hole and killing those stationed at it, while any injured nearby were killed by her two remaining Lieutenants, one of which was currently battling Onyx.

The one facing him was Pinkimena, and both were growing weary from their fight, which had been going on for an hour and a half, their armor dented, bones broken, and faces bloody. Onyx smiled-a small one showing bloody teeth- and said, "You know, this is the first time in this war I actually feel threatened by somepony I've faced."

Pinkamena returned the smile, hers also a bloody one. "Yeah, me too. Still gonna kill you though."

"You can try," Onyx said, and the two charged at one another and resumed launching punches and kicks at their opponent, but the two were evenly matched, and the only attacks that hit were those out of luck, just as the previous ones had been. After what looked like their twentieth round, the two stopped, panting from exhaustion as they had to lean on one another to remain standing, much to their dismay at having to rely on an enemy. "You know, your sister's probably going to die, seeing as how she's going against two."

"I have faith in Maud," Pinkiamena said. "She's gotten out of tougher situations before."

Onyx was about to reply before the two heard a large explosion to Onyx's right, the towards the Eastern wall.

"What the?" he said in surprise, as intel reports had said the Equestrians had no major weapons, and yet there was a large explosion. This thought, however, was quickly dashed out of his head and replaced with pain as he felt something hit him in the head hard enough to make him lose vision temporarily. A think almost immediately after told him that Pinkamena had the same happen to her. "Two of the five," he heard a voice say. "The Inquisitor wants them brought to her."

"Then what are we waiting for?" a second voice said before Onyx was picked up, and he began to feel as if he was moving. A minute after being hit, his vision returned, and he saw that both he and the pink pony were being carried towards the center of the Empire, and were far enough off the ground to know that it wasn't a quadruped carrying them. Eventually, the two were dumped, and Onyx saw, along with him and Pinkamena, were Emerald, Quartz, and Maud, each bound. In front of them was a large, two legged creature with orange skin and wearing elegant armor that seemed to flow, and he could tell from his angle to the thing's head that it had four jaws.

"These are the five?" it asked.

"Yes, Inquisitor," the first voice said from behind. "If I may, we expected your sister."

"She had to go to the north where those damned soul thieves and mercenaries are. Those six are proving to be quite troublesome," the Inquisitor replied. "Go, and continue with the objective. The broadcast spell is still active, and all of Equestria is witnessing this."

"Yes, Inquisitor Laval," the second voice said before heavy foot prints were heard going away from the location of the five Lieutenants and one Inquisitor.

"I can see why my sisters picked you five to be second in commands," Laval said. "Strong and capable. Not strong enough though. Still, you are lucky they wish you reborn, or you would die here," he said before he had his right hand go to his back, and bring out a large sword with a curved blade and one hand grip, the edges flaming. "Of course, there's nothing saying I can't torment you." With that be went over to Emerald, and, after grabbing a wing binder and ripping it free, grabbed one of her wings, holding it open, and brought the blade up before bringing it down.

"INQUISITOR!" That yell stopped the blade just above the flesh as another two legged being came running in.

"You had best have a good reason for interrupting me, or you will not live to regret it," he threatened.

"Sir, the rear guard. They report our fighter craft approaching rapidly," the exhausted soldier said. "Full speed from the south. Current reports say it is enough for every convert form our main camp."

"What?" Laval said, shocked enough to release Emeralds wing. "Gather what forces you can, and prepare to fight them off. The Queen does not wish us interrupted."

"Yes sir," the soldier said. "Another thing. Some of our troops have reported seeing something moving in the shadows," he reported just as the air behind Laval shimmered.

"Where?"

"All across the Empire, but it seems a path is evident."

"Then where is it going?" Laval asked.

"Here," a voice- one familiar to the Pie sisters- said before the shimmer behind Laval seemed to morph colors, and a blue blade ignite out of thin air. The soldier that rushed in pushed Laval to the side before getting skewered by Ruso's blade as Ruso became fully visible, only this time, he had on a purple cloak.

As the ponies looked at him in surprise, Laval growled. "How are you here?"

"I walked," Ruso replied. "As for how I escaped the dragons? I left before they got there. Plain and simple. Now then, how about you tell me just who the other Inquisitors are, and perhaps even Fernis' identity. Maybe I'll make your death a quick one."

Laval just chuckled. "You think I would betray my Queen's trust? You truly are a fool."

"And yet I was able to get here against your plans," Ruso said.

"You'll still die," Laval said.

Before Ruso could reply, a dark blue sword emerged from his chest, spraying purple blood over the ponies. "You wanted to know my identity? Well, Ashen, here I am," a voice said from behind Ruso before the blade was ripped out, and he fell down, revealing Luna wearing flame patterned armor. "Inquisitor, take these five to the arctic camp. I will convert them myself."

Laval bowed. "Yes, my queen," he said before he became a pillar of flame which soon encircled the five ponies, and spritied them away.

As he left, Luna- or, rather, Fernis- heard Ruso coughing. "And to think you were a threat," she said, scoffing. "Still. I should thank you for allowing us to return." With that, she walked away as she became encircled in a pillar of blue flame. When it vanished, instead of Queen Luna stood a regal Ifrit wearing blue armor with flame patterns on them, and an etheric, flaming sword in her right hand, and a flaming shield in her left.

Queen Fernis had returned.

Crystal palace-three hours later

The Ifrit showing up heralded the end of the conflict between the Empire and Equestria, far as the soldiers were concerned. Most worked together, but just about all were killed quickly by the raging fires the Ifrit could control. A glimmer of hope did arrive an hour after the Ifrit's appearance. A fleet of crystal like ships that flew faster than any airship appeared on the horizon in formation, Most were shot down, but the pilots somehow survived, and those on the ground began a ground battle, pushing the Ifrit back to the east wall. Of course, it's still hell out there, given a few Ifrit agents are in the Empire's border still

The Palace was even worse off than the outside, as almost none of the staff had training for more than a dagger, and those that did were quickly cut down. Now, only a few had survived, and they were all hiding.

Among them was a red mare named Ruby, who hid in a supply closet as she heard her husband, a guard for the palace, killed by the flame walkers, waiting for them to either leave, or to find and kill her next.

She had been silently praying to Harmony to protect her when the noise outside just stopped. There was no ease of it, it was just quiet in a moment. She went to open the door, but jumped back upon hearing two thuds outside.

Then to her horror, the door opened. To her surprise, though, outside were two unicorns and one pegasus, each wearing the standard armor for the Equestrian army.

"We got another one," the pegasus said.

"Obviously," one of the unicorns said. "Rainbow, get her to the evacuation groups. We'll will search the rest of the palace."

"Not much left to search," the other unicorn said. "This is the top floor."

"Then we'll all escort her down," the pegasus said. "What's your name?"

"R-Ruby," the crystal mare replied.

"Come on, then, Ruby. We stay here longer than we have to, the bastards will kill us all."

Just wanting to get out of here as quickly as possible, she nodded before she was picked up in a lavender aura, making her squeak in surprise as she was carried through the palace, passing dead guards and those two legged beings alike, wondering just how three ponies could do this when even the three Generals had been taken. Eventually, though, the four reached the area just under the palace, and made their way south, with Ruby seeing a large crowd.

As she was let down, a changeling- much t her surprise- came over to the three mares. "This is the last one we could find."

The changeling nodded. "That brings non-combatant refugees to about a fifty. Probably all we're going to get."

"Should we move out then?" the pegasus asked.

"We don't have a distraction, and we'll lose a lot of soldiers, but if we don't, we'll all die. So yes," the changeling replied. He then went to turn around and make his way to the front of the group, but stopped. "Are you sure? He was stabbed in the heart. . .Seriously? He's facing the entire Ifrit army himself. Either he's suicidal or he thinks he invincible! . . .Yeah, you're right. Even if he doesn't actually win, we'll have a window."

"What is it?" the pegasus asked.

"It's the Field Marshal," the changeling said. "He's alive, and heading to the east of the evac group to attack the Ifrit army."

"But he's dead!" the unicorn who had levitated Rose shouted.

"Apparently not. I'll tell Archivist about this so we can get moving."

Ifrit camp-two minutes later

"What!?" Fernis yelled before her hand went to the throat of an unfortunate Ifrit soldier. "I stabbed him in the heart! He should not be alive!"

"I-I don't know how he's alive, m-my queen," the soldier choked out. "I just know he-he's com-coming here."

Fernis growled before taking her sword, and cutting off the soldiers head. "Laval, take whatever forces you want, and kill him. Burn his body until nothing remains. There are two things which can stop us, and he is one of them."

"Yes, my queen," Laval said as he bowed. "What of my sisters and brothers?"

"They are going to establish a full base in the south part of Equestria. Once we are done here, we are to move there, and finish Equestria off. With both of the armies gone, they stand no chance."

"And is the broadcast spell still going, my queen?" Laval asked.

"Yes," Fernis replied. "It is showing the converted efforts, but it will soon show their defeat."

"And the Generals?"

"Use them as bait for Ruso. Ensure that he is not of a calm mind. That is how he beat me before he knew of the Ifrit. He will not do so again."

Laval bowed. "At once my queen." And with that, he left to collect the bait.

Sweet Apple Acres-meanwhile

Applejack and her family, now along with the guards at the farm were on the edge of their seats. The battle had gone from something fitting a final battle to a slaughter in the first two hours, then those. . .things showed up, giving the two different armies a chance to evacuate, and now, it only showed the large group of evacuees, those odd craft flying above them. "What do you think those are?" Scootaloo asked.

"No idea," Sweetie replied. "But if I know my sister, she's fawning over how they look."

"Ah just wonder if Ruso's there," Applebloom said.

"If he is, he's probably on the sid eof those flame things," Applejack said. "They look like him, after all."

"So?" Scootaloo asked. "The crystal ponies look like us. Doesn't change the fact we were enemies with them yesterday."

"Eeyup," Big Mac said.

"Quiet, y'all," Applebloom said. "Look!" Those present looked, and the image showed a single, red armored figure striding through the ruined city, a purple cape-though Sweetie could tell it was drapes improvised to look like a cape- towards the east, where the large horde of creatures were.

"So that's the demon," a female guard said.

"The demon?" Sweetie asked.

"Yeah," the guard replied. "Never saw him in action, but I heard that when Canterlot was attacked a few months back, he was able to beat the leader of that force in a duel. Plus the fact he killed an Alpha timber wolf after nearly being swallowed by it."

"Don't forget that spike weapon of his," a male guard said. "I heard that it fires some kind of crystal that causes explosions. Don't see them though."

"The only things I see on him are the supposed hilts for the swords he uses," a second female guard commented. "Either he's confident or suicidal." Little did she know this was a thought shared by many in Equestria at this point.

"Well, ah jus' hope he's able to win," Applebloom said, a thought shared also by many in Equestria.

Crystal Empire-eastern gate-five minutes later

Ruso stood at the remains of the eastern gate, his arms crossed and improvised cloak flapping in the arctic wind.

"You know this is suicide, right?"

"Yes, I do," he replied to the voice in his head. By no means was he crazy, not for a second. He had simply awakened something inside him. "But you said it yourself, Ashen. If we do not provide a distraction, there is no chance for the civilians to get out of here."

Ruso had, not really by choice, awakened Ashen soon after he had been stabbed in a heart, thinking back on what Archivist told him.

"What about the potion?" Ruso had asked.

"I mixed some healing herbs in with it," the turncoat Ifrit replied. "It will heal any and all wounds, but only if the entire thing is swallowed. This will also awaken Ashen."

"So if I have to use this, I either die from refusing to drink it, or have a backseat driver?"

"I don't know what that means."

"Someone who is annoying and trying to guide you through something," I informed him.

"If so, then quite possibly, yes. Still, I would recommend using it only when you know it will be needed. Only one bottle of it. . . .You do have it, don't you?"

"In my pocket dimension I'm able to access thanks to the seeds within me."

"I still don't know how you have two, nor do I want to."

Ruso was brought out of his thoughts as he saw the Ifrit army approaching, and stop a few miles from the gate. "Looks as if it is time," Ashen said.

"Obviously," Ruso replied under his breath as he reached up to where the cloak was held on his armor, and released it, allowing it to fall to the ground.

Youtube Video

For a few seconds, there was tense silence. Ruso stared down the army, and the army staring him down. Ruso then closed his eyes to prepare himself for the battle, the silence and his heightened senses-a result of Ashen being awoken- allowed him to hear the curses sent to him.

"Traitor."

"False king."

"Coward."

"Cursed king.

(1:15)Ruso ignited the sword in his right hand, causing a single Ifrit to roar before they charged him. In response, Ruso began to walk their way, bringing the blade across his chest before letting it hang to his side as he ran to face them. As he approached, fire spells were launched at him, but he avoided many of them, deflecting those he didn't avoid before reaching the army. He jumped into the air as he pulled his arm back before gravity brought him down onto an Ifrit soldier, the blades hissing as they entered the skull and fried the brain. Using the momentum, he released that sword, and rolled as he drew the second one.

As the roll stopped he swung the blade, slicing three Ifrit in half at the knees, waist, and torso in that order before revering the strike and cutting one face in half. Still moving, he continued to slice up any Ifrit who got close to him. Eventually, one dumbass charged him, Ruso's first blade raised high. "FOR THE QUE-" his shout wasn't finished as Ruso jumped at him as he ignited the left energy dagger in the gauntlet and stabbed the soldier in the head. As the hilt dropped and the blade vanished from safety measures built into the hilt, Ruso grabbed the hilt, and, turning to face another group of four Ifrit, ignited the blades, cutting the four in half before bringing the right sword across his chest and killing three others. He then crossed the blades, and killed two more in front of him before jumping and spinning, still going forward, and creating a tornado of death, killing any that neared him.

Eventually, as he neared the center of the army, he jumped into the air, his trajectory taking him up, then down and onto two more Ifrit soldiers, who received plasma blades in their skulls as thanks for being his cushion. He got up and turned to face the half of the army had had torn through, the swords by his side before they were crossed. His attention, though, was brought to the main part of the army as he heard footsteps. As he turned, he saw Laval charging him with a dual sided heat sword, the blades straight.

Using his momentum, Laval went in for a stab, though Ruso avoided it and tried to cut off the blade hand, but, to his surprise, his sword bounced off and he had to bring the left one up for defense as Laval retaliated, the Sangheili not noticing the smile on Laval's four lipped jaw just before the Ifrit Inquisitor swept his legs, knocking Ruso's out from under him an dmaking him drop the sword in his right hand to avoid hitting the snowy ground, which would have left him open, and he jumped back, doing a flip to land on his feet and Laval picked up his sword, ignited the blades, and switched it for his own sword before charging at Ruso again. Again, Ruso blocked, but this time, Laval followed up with a hit to the flat of Ruso's sword, knocking it from his hand. He then drew his arm back, and went to stab Ruso's head, but, at the last second, Ruso ducked and ignited the right gauntlet blade, and drove it into Laval's chest cavity, making him scream in pain before the blade was brought out, and Ruso delivered a roundhouse to Laval's chest, igniting the left blade as he did so.

Laval slid to a stop on the snowy ground as he saw Ruso in the air, and raised his stolen sword to skewer him, but was surprised when Ruso vanished in a small shimmer before the air in front of and below him shimmered, revealing Ruso low to the ground, both wrist blades active. He grabbed Laval's right arm before stabbing it in the elbow, causing another scream of pain and the sword in that hand to drop. Ruso then delivered two more jabs to the chest, causing two more holes to appear before slicing Laval's throat with the left blade, and stabbing his skull with the right.

Ruso saw the life leave the Inquisitor's eyes before removing his hand and picking up the sword from the ground as Laval's lifeless body fell to the snowy ground, the snow crunching under the weight. Ruso then looked at the Ifrit army. "If you wish to live, I suggest you run and release the five you captured," he said in an even tone, though there was a noticeable undertone of seriousness. Combine that with what they just saw, and the army made haste back to their camp, leaving five ponies- bound and gagged- in the snow.

Ruso made his way to them, and used his wrist blades to cut the ropes. "Come," he said. "We must leave the Empire." Not waiting for a reply, he turned around, made his way to the hilt for the other sword, deactivated the one he caught from Laval's lifeless body, and put both on his thighs before making his way to the eastern gate, picking up his makeshift cloak and putting it on, and made his way to the evacuation area.

Return

"Ruso, if I may ask," Archivist, who walked next to me as the survivors from the battle for the Empire-a week past- made our way to Canterlot, said, "how are you alive? Fernis stabbed you through the heart?"

"A mix of factors," I told him. "The potion merely healed it quickly. The two main factors are the seeds- Sombra's and Harmony's- as well as the reason how I'm able to have two of them. Sangheili-the kind I am, not Rainbow and the others- are born with two hearts. We are a warrior and predatory race, and we evolved as such."

"So, Ashen is awake, then?" he asked.

"Yes, but he is not very talkative," I replied just as Mist-in his changeling form- flew up to me from behind.

"Field Marshal?"

"Yes, Mist?"

"A report from our scouts," he said. "They report a small group of dragons around Canterlot, including their leader, Dragon Lord Ember. They don't dare risk getting close to find out why, but the lack of burn marks on Canterlot's walls and dragon bodies suggest a lack of attacks from both sides."

"May be they are there as allies to the ponies and have informed them of the Ifrit," Archivist said. "Dragons are the only race we can not convert and are resistant to our flames."

"Then it seems as if negotiations are going to be very entertaining," I said with a grin.

"You seem to have an interesting definition of entertaining, then," Archivist said. "No dragon would willingly speak with an Ifrit. Much rather kill and eat them."

"Yes, yes, I remember from your records," I told him. "I say that because they may actually provide a challenge. Thus far, everything but Fernis has been easy to defeat. If their scales are heat resistant, than my blades may finally require actual power behind a strike to slice through the target."

"Yes, well," Mist continued, "I was able to get a scout inside the city, and he reports Celestia's former nephew is in charge now, and has his own command staff, given those for Celestia are either Sangheili now or are currently in the escort group with us."

"That reminds me for whatever reason, have we had any problems with the refugees?" I asked him.

"Just some harassment, nothing major."

"If it continues, remove the rations for those individuals. I don't care if it's Equestrian on Crystal, vice versa, or if my soldiers are involved as an offender or bystander. They need to learn that they're stuck with one another right now, and must live with it."

"Yes, Field Marshal," he said.

"One other thing: how far away from Canterlot are we?"

"An hour at mo-" he was cut off by screams.

"That came from our right flank," Archivist said.

"We are near that farm where I saved you months ago, Ruso," Rainbow said as she ran up to see what my orders were.

"Archivist?"

"Potentially Ifrit soldiers attacking small, outlying population areas in an attempt to bolster numbers," he said. "Common tactic used in other wars between the various houses."

"Rainbow, get two more filers, and get me over there with you. Mist, get the five generals, and inform them that if they wish to help, they are welcome. Archivist, have a recon flight go over and see what the strength of this group and it's exact composition are."

"Understood," Mist and Rainbow said.

"If that is what you order, Ruso," Archivist said before using the radio in his helmet-if the banshees weren't any hint, the Ifrit are extremely technologically advanced as compared to ponies- to tell one of the fliers overhead to do a scouting run of the nearby farm. "Flier three, redirect to the farm on our right flank. The Field Marshal requires a scouting run."

A second after, a Banshee was seen heading towards the farm just Rainbow returned with two more pegasai, both mare and any features hidden under their armor, which was Sangheili Ranger armor modified for ponies thanks to the Ifrit flames. "Reporting, sir," the rainbow pegasus said as she and the other two saluted.

I nodded. "Excellent. I assume Dash has informed the two of you as to what our objective is?"

"Yes sir," one of the mares replied. "And may I say that it's an honor to fight along side you?"

"You may after the fight," I replied. "Now, it is time we left."

"Yes sir," the three said before they spread their wings, and the two armored mares flew up behind me and picked a shoulder each to pick me up.

"Before you leave, Ruso," Archivist informed me, "the scout has confirmed my theory, but also that dragons are inbound."

"I will keep that in mind," I said as I was lifted off the ground, and the three pegasai and myself made our way to Sweet Apple Acres.

The flight was short, just two minutes, and we had visual of the farm when we were thirty seconds out. "Drop me here, and wait for my signal to engage from the air," I ordered.

"Copy that," Rainbow said as I was lowered close to the ground as the two pegasai continued to speed along.

"Release," I said, and I was dropped to the ground, rolling to avoid injury, landing on the dirt trail, and ran the rest of they way there, hiding behind a tree as I saw ten Ifrit soldiers around Applejack and her family, alongside Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and three guards. I glanced skyward, and saw the three pegasai in the air, alongside a Banshee that was higher to avoid being heard.

The Ifrit soldiers had, judging from what I could see, cut off Applejack's rear legs, as well as her brother's, and cut off the wings of the pegasus guard and the horn of the unicorn guard.

I sent a mental signal into my armor to activate Active camo, and, as I faded away, slowly made my way to them.

". . .will want a damned pony strong as these two in her forces if we are to have a chance," I heard one of them say.

"Did you not hear the Queen's proclamation that none are to be left alive?" another asked.

"Then why are we letting her live if she's essentially a-" he was cut off as his head was cut off by a third Ifrit wielding a two edged sword that seemed to have flames inside the blade.

"Any who speak ill of the queen shall freeze," the third one-the captain if I had to guess- said. He then looked at the hostages. "Still, he was correct, and Inquisitor Solaria is known for going against the Queen's will with an appropriate amount of reasoning beihind it she'd agree with. Take them to the camp."

Not on my watch. I drew my Beam rifle from my pocket dimension, sighted, and fired a single beam of super heated gas through the head of the third Ifrit, vaporizing a small portion of his brain and killing him, the body falling to the ground. I then dropped it, and drew the Needle rifle from the same location, and put a needle in the head of three more Ifrit, leaving five Ifrit, each of which were stunned.

This cost them their live, as Rainbow and the other pegasai came flying down, transforming into their Sangheili forms at the last second for maximum impact as they out daggers into the heads of those they landed on. The other two? They tried to run, but were splattered by the Banshee.

As those two broken bodies landed, I walked over to where the ponies were. "You three," I said to Rainbow and the others, "ensure those who have had unwilling amputations are otherwise all right."

"Yes, Field Marshal," they replied with a salute as the four of us made our way there, the three of them to the adults that had been wounded, and me to the lucky ones who escaped relatively unscathed.

"Are you four all right, considering?" I asked as I knelt down.

"Y-yeah," Sweetie said. "Thanks, Ruso."

"Think nothing of it," I replied before looking at the Earth pony guard.

"What happened here?"

"An hour ago, my squad and I heard a noise at the perimeter while we were on patrol, and went to investigate it," he said. "That's when those bastards attacked, and killed the others, bound me so I wouldn't run away, and captured the others still alive. Applejack and her brother tried ot fight them-even killed two with their bucks- but. . .well, you saw the end result there."

"They why is it i heard a scream just two minutes ago?" I asked.

"That's when they cut off Sky's wings," he said. "She, Obsidian-the unicorn- and myself are the only survivors of the guard, sir."

"And what's your name?"

"Lieutenant Jade Leaf, sir," he said. "Yeah, not a very intimidating name, but my parents are gardeners in Canterlot."

"You did not need to explain it," I said as Rainbow walked over.

"Field Marshall, whatever weapons were used, it cauterized the wounds. They may feel sore, but they'll live," she reported.

I nodded. "Good. "Radio the main body, and get medics here now."

Before she could reply, Scootaloo spoke up. "Rainbow, is that you?"

I glanced at Rainbow to gauge her reaction, and saw her freeze up for a second. "Indeed it is, but the reason why is classified," I said, deflecting any possible questions as to why Rainbow was currently in her Sangheili form. I then looked at Rainbow. "Can they be moved with the army?"

"Yes, but we'd need to move carefully."

About to reply, I was cut off by my radio. "Field Marshal, the dragons are nearby! If you wish to flee, now is the chance!"

"Is there any individual of note?" I asked.

"Yes. Their Dragon lord. She seems to enjoy being in combat as much as you, sir."

"How long?"

"A minute."

"Rainbow, see what you can do to move the non-combatants and the guards to the army. I will wait here for the dragons."

"You really are suicidal, aren't you?"

"Quite possibly," I said as I stood up. "Now, get back to the army with the others, and if I am not back in two hours or the dragons near, make to Canterlot. That's an order."

Hesitating before speaking, she said, "Yes, Field Marshal," before picking up the three fillies, spreading my orders to he other two who picked up Applejack and her brother, and, along with the three pony guards.

I then spoke into my radio to the Banshee pilot in the air above. "You are to stay on station should I require support."

"By your order, Field Marshal."

With that, the others left and, though most were being carried, they made their way back to the army.

As they left, I knelt on the ground in a meditative pose, and as I focused, I could barely hear the flapping of leather wings in the distance.

"It has been quite some time since I've seen a dragon," Ashen commented. "I wonder if they still have their hoarding instincts?"

"You can check later," I replied mentally as I heard something land in front of me.

"That's an Ifrit?" I heard a male voice say. "It doesn't look that tough."

"Neither do the ponies, but their former leaders could move the sun and moon, as well as manipulate the hearts of of others," a female voice said.

"What's it doing?" a second male asked.

"Meditating, you idiot," the female asked. "Meaning it's either getting ready for a fight or is asleep."

"Wait a minute. Look at the cloak. Isn't that what that Ruso guy was wearing in the Empire during those broadcast spells?"

"Then that means we aren't dealing with an Ifrit."

"Obviously," I said as I opened an eye, and saw three dragons-one red and gold with broad shoulders, a second colored purple and green with broad shoulders as well, and one with blue scales and dark blue fins, as well as having white horns coming down the back of her skull. The two males wore bronze armor while the blue one who did not have as broad shoulders wore golden armor and a helmet which cover the horns as well as all but the bottom of her head. "Do you not see the bodies?"

"Well, it seems the rumors I've heard of your personality weren't exaggerated," the dragoness said.

"I wouldn't know," I replied. "So, you clearly know of me. But I know nothing of you except that you are much more respectful of the ponies than others. I assume from that as well as how you carry yourself that you are the dragon lord Ember?"

A small chuckle was heard. "Yes, I am. And i must say, it's an honor to meet someone who isn't a dragon who can utterly destroy an Ifrit force and kill one of their leaders."

"Simply a matter of skill and using what I have at my disposal," I said. "So, do you plan on killing me and those under my command?"

"No. Not yet, anyways," she said. "If you want the specifics, you'll have to join Blueblood and me in Canterlot, seeing as how word's reached him that you decided to create your own nation."

"Then by all means, return to Canterlot and wait," I said, getting up to stand. "Because when I arrive, it will be with the refugees."

"You still have refugees?" she asked, surprised.

"It's a wonder what some will do when they know you follow a true goddess," I replied before walking away, not waiting to hear a reaction.

A new alliance

It took us a day to march from Sweet Apple Acres to Canterlot. When we arrived, I was at the front of the army with Rainbow, Fleur, Twilight, and Archivist behind me. We stood in front of the main gate. "How do we know they won't just kill us?" Fleur asked.

"Because right now, to do so would be to risk the lives of non-combatants," I replied. "Blueblood is a ruthless leader, but he is not callous enough to throw away innocent lives."

"I was talking about the dragons."

"Because I had a small conversation with their leader at the farm. She knows we are not Ifrit by name."

"They why haven't the doors-" Twilight began before the doors opened, and a single pony walked out, though he glared at my Lieutenants.

"Prince Blueblood , Dragon Lord Ember, and Queen Chrysalis are waiting for you." If I physically had eyebrows, one would be raised.

"I thought only the pony and dragon rulers were here," I said.

"The changeling Queen arrived this morning," the guard informed.

"Noted," I said before shouting into the army behind me. "Mist! Get the ponies, and get your ass up here! There's been a new development!"

A minute later, Mist- in his Sangheili form- worked his way into my view, with Pinkamena, Maud, and the crystal generals with him. "What is it, Field Marshal?"

"Your old race is now a part of the talks, and I require your input on changeling culture."

He stood at attention and saluted. "Yes, Field Marshal."

"The rest of you: stay out here until you here from me or the others. Do not, under any circumstances, antagonize the city defenders. If you do, I will handle your punishment personally.

"Yes, Field Marshal!" the Sangheili in the mob behind me said.

"Now then," I said to my Lieutenants, Mist, and the ponies, "let this begin."

"What about the refugees?" Archivist said.

"The ponies will be allowed to enter, but not the crystal ponies," the guard said before my hand clasped his throat.

"You will let the civilians in," I told him. "They have lost their homes, loved ones, and, in the case of a few, limbs. They deserve something better than what they have now."

He looked back at his comrades at the gate, though they didn't move, rather having amused expressions, as Rainbow examined him. "He's a newbie," she said. "Wasn't here when we left."

"Noted," I said, releasing him. "Come." With that, I walked into the city, passing the guard a she caught his breath on the ground. When my Lieutenants, myself, and the pony generals passed the guards, they saluted. As we walked, I looked at the building we passed, and glanced a few ponies inside, even a foal pointing out the window at us before forelegs wrapped around them and removed them from sight, though a mare soon took their child's spot.

After a short walk, we arrived at the castle, and saw one of the castle guard- now wearing an earthen green armor against her brown coat- waiting for us. "They're waiting for you all in the throne room, sirs and ma'ams."

I simply nodded, and walked past her, my entourage behind me. Entering the castle, we saw it had guards posted every ten feet or so, each with a spear and each unicorn or pegasus having a sword in addition to it. Eventually, we reached the throne room, and, with the improvised cloak-which now had burn marks on it- behind me, I opened the door, and I walked in with the others. The Pie sisters walked over behind Blueblood, the Crystal generals to my left, and my Lieutenants behind me. Opposite me was Blueblood wearing the same armor as the castle guard minus the helmet. To the right was this world's version of Chrysalis, who wore black and green armor and had no holes in her legs. Interesting. Ember and Chrysalis had their own guards standing behind them as well.

"Hello, Ruso," Blueblood said. "It's been a while."

"And you're now the ruler of Equestria, anything else obvious anyone wants to point out?" I said in a joking tone.

"Jokes later, Ruso," the prince said. "Now that everyone is here, we can start this. I'm sure everyone here knows of Ruso and what he's done, both before and after Equestria was betrayed."

"I can't say for the dragons, but the changelings most definitely," Chrysalis said before she looked at me. "I am Queen Chrysalis of the changelings. It is a bit of a surprise to meet you, Ruso Tafam."

Behind me, Mist leaned in and whispered, "She almost never compliments. When she does, she's either genuine, or is kissing your ass to get something she wants."

I gave a small nod before replying to Chrysalis. "Can't say it is for me, seeing as how I've never heard of you before," I said before turning to Ember. "Hello again, Dragon Lord."

Ember nodded. "Ruso.

"Well, now that we all know one another," Blueblood said, "let's get to the first matter of business: just what we're going to do with the traitors in Ruso's army."

"I can assure you that they follow me," I informed him. "They proved themselves in the Empire."

"Only one fight," Chrysalis said. "How do we know they won't betray us down the line like they already did to the Ifrit."

"Because both Ifrit and Sangheili respect strength," I said. "The fact I did what Luna- or Fernis, whatever you wish to call her- wouldn't and what Celestia couldn't should tell you something. And that is taking down a large portion of an army in a melee fight using just what I brought and my equipment."

"That reminds me," Onyx said. "How'd you vanish like that in the fight with Laval?"

"Active camouflage module and a hologram projector," I replied. "Basic parts of my armor systems."

"You think we could research and reverse engineer it?" Blueblood asked.

"Even if you could," I replied, "the moment Fernis catches wind of it, she will try to capture it, and it will make her forces even more lethal. They are as my old race's alliance was: copying, stealing, and such. No improvisation, no adaptation of battle plans, equipment, and protocols." That is one of the many reasons Thel 'Vadam was a lethal Sangheili- he was unorthodox while others followed to the letter Covenant battle doctrine. "But I thought this meeting was of making an alliance, not trying to dissect my equipment."

"Sorry for getting us off topic," Onyx said.

"Yes, well," Bueblood said, "to be honest, the fact one faction is the one Equestria was at war with less than a month ago and another is led by a rogue commander-even if he is a champion of Harmony- is an unprecedented affair."

"Then here's something I've been thinking on," I said. "The four of you remain separate for now in terms of politics, but in military terms, there is a shared military with it's own leader."

"And that leader is you?" Maud asked.

"Well, to be fair, there is not enough Sangheili to count as a nation," I replied. "Plus, all but me are former members of the various races of Equis, including changelings and ponies. Any who see strength as the sign of leadership, I can easily convince them. Plus every pony and most changelings, I'm certain, know of me."

"He's not wrong," Chrysalis said. "All of the changelings who aren't rogue know of him."

"And every dragon is aware of the fact he was able to defeat one of the highest ranked Ifrit alive," Ember said. "By which I mean kill him."

"Yes, his merits would be in his favor."

"Do I need to point out he was willing to fight an army by himself just so the refugees from the Empire could escape?" Onyx said.

"Not that you took the opportunity," I said.

"Which is unimportant right now," Blueblood said. "Does anyone else have a suggestion as to how the alliance should be organized?" No voices met the question. "I'll take that as a no, then. Any ideas on what we'll call our alliance?"

"I'm aware this may not work, but why not the Covenant?" I asked.

"You do realize that implies this is a religious alliance, right?" Onyx said.

"I don't hear you coming up with anything right now," I said. In response, Onyx grumbled.

"The civilians won't like it, most likely," Emerald said. "Changelings are seen as monsters in the eyes of basic ponies, Crystal ponies were the enemy not a month ago, and the Sangheili resemble the Ifrit and were at first traitors."

"Ruso-" Blueblood began.

"Get a broadcast spell, I work best with just a skeleton," I said.

"Or just improvising," Archivist said.

"And you are who?" Blueblood asked.

"An Ifrit traitor who follows me, and knows I can and will kill him if he betrays us," I replied. "He's kept an accurate record of their history. If you have to address him, he goes by Archivist. Now, I'll be in my room when you're ready for me to speak."

With that, I turned and left, though I did hear Blueblood say, "I'm not even surprised," before I left the room.

I made my way to the room in which I stayed before all this Ifrit bullshit started, and waited outside.

"Uh, why don't you go inside?" Twilight asked.

"Because for all I know, someone else has this room now," I said. "And my armor doesn't have an X-ray vision attachment." Give me access to Halo 4 armor mods, though, and that's a different story.

"You do realize they'd probably let you have the room," Rainbow said.

"Difference between can and will, Rainbow Dash," Archivist said.

"Yeah, yeah," she said. A few minutes later, a castle guard walked up.

"Sir? Prince Blueblood is waiting for you in the throne room, just off the balcony."

"My thanks for letting me know," I said. "You four, stay near."

"Why wouldn't we?" Fleur asked.

"Just a feeling that shit could hit the fan soon," I replied, and made my way back to the throne room. Upon reaching it, I walked in, and saw the three rulers and the three crystal generals waiting for me.

Blueblood heard me arrive, and turned to face me. "All of Canterlot's out there, Ruso, and a broadcast spell is being used for every major city and town."

"In other words, don't mess it up," Chrysalis said.

"I won't," I said as I stepped out onto the balcony, and saw all of Canterlot before me, my eyes picking up unicorns with lit horns at the edges of the crowds and levitating themselves in the air. I scanned the crowd, and saw mainly confusion and fear.

"I'm sure you all know of me, or at least rumors," I began. "For the unlikely few who haven't, I am Ruso 'Tafam, formerly one of Celestia's generals. I am sure you all have heard rumors of what happened in the north. That creatures of flame attacked and captured your rulers, and only a few survived the attack.

"These rumors are false," I stated. "Your leader was in fact one of those who forced the Crystal army and Equestrian army to work together, as is King Sombra, Princess Cadence, and Queen Luna. They thought that a surprise attack would decimate the armies they had led so they could have a quick and easy take over. They were correct." A dramatic pause. "The only reason any survived is because the two armies looked past their history, and held out long enough for help to arrive. That help was-is- the forces under my command. But still, they think they can slaughter us like pigs because we are weaker than them! Even though we have allied ourselves with the dragons and changelings, they think they will win!

"If this were a contest of strength only, then they are correct," I said. "But war is not just a contest of strength! It is a contest of wits and strategy, and that is why we will win! We have already five different armies-the Dragons, Changelings, ponies, crystal ponies, and Sangheili- and with it, five different doctrines, numerous strategies! If we are to win the coming war, then we must unite in more than just military.

"We must show the Ifrit, those who invaded, that they have picked a fight they can not win, no matter how hard they try. We will prevail, and send them back to the hell they come from; that we will not give in; that this is our planet, and they can not-will not- have it without a fight! If they want a war, then we will give them one!" As I finished the speech, I unleashed a roar to punctuate it, one heartily returned, surprisingly, by the dragons and the Sangheili that made up my forces. I then grabbed one of my sword hilts, lit the blade, and raised it into the sky. "For Equis!"

"For Equis!" the crowd shouted back.

Here, Blueblood walked up beside me. "Anypony who wishes to contribute, see the guards outside the castle for training gear. We will need as many ponies as we can if we are to have a chance."

"And any who wishes to join my forces, meet me tonight," I said before turning back. I went to go back inside, but stopped before leaving, remembering something. I reached to one of my utility compartments, and brought out an egg shaped device, and placed it on the balcony, then brought up the music playlist stored on my armor, and had one song play as I left.

Youtube Video

"And so thus doth hell begin," I said as I left the throne room.

Southern desert

Fernis smiled as she saw her forces burn a small Equestrian settlement down. It had been out of the way, but her scouts discovered it was one of the southern staging grounds for Equestria. So, she decided to attack it personally to ensure it was destroyed. As the town-Appleoosa, she thought it was called- was burnt to a crisp, the townsponies cooked alive if not eaten alive, she saw the speech that Ruso-Ashen, whatever he called himself now- made.

"As good a speaker as ever Ashen," she said with a smile. "I will enjoy ripping your tongue out, and feeding it to you in front of those ponies before feeding you to my Inquisitors," she commented just before he began a song. After a while, she said, "Definitely an improvement over what ponies play. I hate classical."

Here, Solaria-who used to be known as Celestia walked up to her. "My queen, no additional survivors found, and those that have been are awaiting conversion."

"No," Fernis said. "Kill them once we are sure the ponies are on their way here. Their corpses will be a message that none will be able to stop us."

"But- my queen, there are foals!"

"The better the message will be, then," the Ifrit queen said before turning to look at the former pony ruler, who wore yellow and orange armor with a halberd in her hands. "Do you question your queen?"

"N-no, my queen."

"Good. See you do not, or your end will make the one I am planning for Ashen look like a massage."

Investigation-Pt 1

A week has passed since Princess Celestia had given me control of the "Freakshow Battalion", and they were being difficult. Either they were disobeying me, or just not at practice sessions. Looks like those that stayed did so only to see me fail. The only one who was actually eager here was, ironically, Twilight. I say "ironic" because I had humiliated her in front of the rest of the battalion.

Currently, it was an hour until the next supposed training session, and I was with Fleur, as it turns out she was head of the security forces left here in Canterlot, as she had wished to talk to me about something, I did not know what, and both of us were overlooking the training grounds. "What did you wish to speak to me about," I asked her, arms behind my back.

"A possible security breach," she replied. "Last night, Lieutenant Long Shot, the best bow man in the security forces, shot and killed a unicorn Noble by the name of Gold Coin. When the body was searched, we found a piece of paper with the message 'Forces arriving in two days time. If you wish to live, I suggest you leave now.' An hour after, the rune stones that Princess Celestia uses to keep the shield for Canterlot up while she is away were found to have been shattered."

"And where was this Noble, and I use that term loosely, found?"

"Near an off-limits exit of the shield," Fleur answered. "We think he may have been trying to escape."

"And why tell me about it," I asked.

"Because only a few guards had access to that room to give it to anypony. One just so happens to be in your battalion, the only one that can control herself," Fleur said, handing me a manila file, which I took, and opened. "And before you asked, I did check all under my command."

"You believe Twilight Sparkle would want Sombra's army here in Canterlot," I said, surprised at the picture I saw.

"I've never met her, so I couldn't honestly say," she said. "All I know is that any in your battalion would do anything to kill Sombra, even take Canterlot down to get close to him."

"Can you tell when they were sabotaged," I asked.

"Exactly, no," the unicorn replied as we passed by the swordsman area of the training ground, where Twilight was, practicing her swordsman, or swordsmare, I do not know, ship with a Rapier and how it was meant to be used. "Just that it was between twenty three hundred and oh one hundred that night."

"Then it wasn't Twilight Sparkle," I said. "I was giving her personal combat lessons from twenty two hundred to oh one hundred, with no breaks. If she had done it, then it had to have been done with range magic, and she was being pushed too hard."

"You think somepony else did it," Fleur asked, and I think I heard a slightly offended tone.

"Indeed I do," I said. "You checked the guards. Not other Nobles."

"But none of them would help defeat the princess."

"You are a fool if you think that when a guard killed a noble for attempting to escape Canterlot and evidence points to said noble intending to bring about Canterlot's fall," I say. "These Nobles would do anything to keep their standing in a new regime, you and your husband being the exception. None are above suspicion."

"And how do you propose we find them before Sombra's forces arrive, which will happen the same day the shield falls?"

"We have two days, correct?"

"At best."

"Then it is simple," I say. "We conduct a more," I paused, looking for the best term. "thorough investigation. Plus, it will help us get to know one another, a must seeing as how I will remain here until Her Highness says otherwise, and you being the security commander."

"Even if that would work, how do you know we'll find the traitor?"

"I will explain once we are in the castle," I said. "I will meet you just out side the throne room. I must inform my battalion that I will not be training with them for the next two days."

Fleur rolled her eyes, but said, "Fine," and went inside as I went to where Twilight was.

"Twilight Sparkle, I wish to speak with you," I said as I neared the lavender unicorn.

"About what," she asked, holding her Rapier in her magic and across her back.

"That I will be unable to make the battalion training tonight or tomorrow, as something has come up. I want you to take my place for the two," I said. "Are you willing?"

"If you want," she said. "Oh, If you want, Sir."

"Sparkle, when it is just members of the battalion, drop rank. I said the six days ago, and I know you heard it," I said. "And also, my thanks."

"Can I ask what came up?"

"You just did," I said with a slight smirk, much as I could give with four lips. "But you won't get an answer." With that, I left her to her practice, and went inside to meet with Fleur. I walked past a few groups of guards, each wearing the pure white and yellow, an eyesore combination of colors, of the security forces, some giving me blank looks, others giving looks of disgust.

Regardless of that, I found Fleur just outside the throne room talking with who I assume to be her second in command, a black colored unicorn mare with light blue mane and tail. My heavy footsteps alerted them to my presence, and they turned to face me. "There he is," Fleur said. "Captain Tafam, this is my second in command, Midnight Stream," she said, gesturing to the other mare. "If you'll allow, she's to help us on this."

"Of course," I said. "An honor, Midnight."

"Same," Midnight said. "I heard about what you did near the Apple farm. Takes guts to take on an alpha."

"I did not take it on," I said. "I ran, and killed it only when I had to, after it tried to digest me."

"So, where do you think we should start," Fleur asked, apparently wanting to get to the investigation.

"The rune stones," I said. "You can scan to find magical traces, can't you?"

"I can," Midnight said. "Let me guess: use that to find the aura of the saboteur, and go from there?"

"Exactly," I said. "Now, where are the runes usually kept?"

"Follow me," Midnight said. She turned around, and the two of us followed her to a wall at the end of the hall, where she used her magic, colored a teal blue, to open a hidden passageway. "Through here," she said before going into the passage, Fleur and I following her. The passage was surprisingly roomy, allowing for three of my kind to walk side by side, and have room for two humans as well, as well as well lit. We walked for what felt like ten minutes to me before we came to a large set of double doors, which Midnight opened, revealing a room with five, large tablets, each near ten feet high and inscribed with ancient glyphs, in a circle in the center of the room, the one closest the door having been cleaved in half.

"How did none of the guards hear the slab fall," I asked as we walked into the room.

"A silencing spell," Midnight said, quick enough as if she had either said it repeatedly, or rehearsed it. "If it was the right scale, it wouldn't be heard by those outside."

"Interesting," I said, walking over to the part that had fallen. "What amount of skill would one need for in order to be able to silence this, Fleur?"

"Somepony whose practiced magic all their life for more than just trivial matters."

"Which by itself would rule out most if not all of the standard Nobles," I muttered. "Did the rune stones have any magical protection?"

"Some," Midnight said. "Not much, though."

"So that does not help us," I said. "But just from the silencing spell, we know it is not a standard Noble, who only uses spells for levitation, which narrows it down to those like you, Fleur, and unicorn guards."

"Most Nobles do hide their actual skill," Fleur said. "Though most do only have the ability to levitate, as silencing spells are kept for only those with access to the royal archives, and that is a short list."

"Then what are we waiting for," I said. "Midnight, would you care to take a sample of the magic residue?"

"That's not the actual term," she said, "but yeah, on it." She lit her horn, and a slight mist, one with no color, became visible before vanishing. "Okay, I have the wave length," she said. "Let's go."

"Then lead the way," I said.

"Right," she said, and went to leave the room, Fluer behind her, but before the second mare could leave, I grabbed her, and stopped her.

"What do you think you're doing," she nearly yelled.

"Getting a second opinion," I said. "Can you get the wave length as well?"

"Yes, but why do you care? Midnight has it already."

"Because with my past experiences," I said, "it is best to have more than one person to have access to the same thing, as a safety precaution."

"You don't trust my second in command?"

"Right now, the only ones I trust to not have sabotaged the defenses are those with princess Celestia, myself, and Twilight Sparkle. I have a saying, Captain. 'Do not trust any but yourself fully. If you do, you are liable to being stabbed in the back'. And right now, the fact the traitor may very well be a guard has me very wary of any I did not know the location of when it happened. Now, if you wish to ensure we capture the traitor, obtain the wave length."

"If it will get you to calm down, fine," she said before performing the same spell. "Now, can we leave?"

"Yes," I said, releasing her and following her out of the passage, Midnight having a slight lead.

"What took you both so long," she asked upon me and Fleur exiting the passageway ten minutes later.

"I needed to check on something I saw," I said. "I said Fleur could go on ahead, but she decided to stay and help me. Now, should we head to where the list of those who can get into the archives are?"

"Come on, then," she said.

We followed her out of the castle proper, and to the entrance building for the archives, where a single security pony, an earth pony stallion with a gray coat and black mane and tail, was in a security booth, three others behind a steel gate. "Ma'am," he said to Fleur.

"Hello, Steel," she said. "We need access to the list of ponies allowed access into the spell portion of the archives."

"May I ask why? Standard protocol."

"Investigating what happened last night," Fleur said.

"Right," the guard said. "I'll be right back." With that, he turned and went to a nearby desk to pick up a thin book, almost a pamphlet, really, and then walked back. "Here, Ma'am," he said. "Anything else?"

"Not now," Fleur said. "Come on, Ruso, Midnight. We need to pay those on this list a visit."

History lesson

Two hours have passed since I originally met Archivist, and I was currently on my way to the archive with Twilight, Rainbow, and Fleur- none of them knowing why- following me. If there is one current benefit of them being turned into Ifrit it is that they aren't verbally questioning it. I still had no weapons or my old armor on, much as I tried to do so. The Ifrit hand servant assigned to me told me that since I was recently awakened, Laval did not wish me in combat just yet, and since it was ordered while I was out, I can not over rule it.

Still, I am making the best of my situation by learning what I can of this race. We had just arrived outside the archive when I ordered the three behind me, "Do not speak unless your opinion is asked, and whatever is spoken inside will not leave it. Am I clear?"

"Yes, my liege," the three said.

"Good. Now come. I must not keep him waiting." With that, I stepped foot into the archive, a three story building made of quartz and with an open entrance that offered no protection. On the inside, or at least on the first floor, there was a back wall of shelves filled with books-which lit up Twilight's eyes I noted- and a single Ifrit reading a hard cover sitting in a chair. He looked up. "Ah, my king and his escorts. I was expecting you," he said before closing the book and standing up.

"I do not have all day, Archivist. I am here simply to sate my curiosity, so why did you need to see me?"

"Simply gauge your knowledge on Ifrit history," he said. "But first, may I get you four a drink?" As it fell under the opinion aspect of my orders the three spoke up with yes, while I said no.

Archivist nodded. "Then I will be back," he said before going to a separate room. A minute later, he returned with three glasses on a tray. "My apologies, these are the best drinks I could find that would agree with pony tastes."

"We aren't ponies," Twilight growled before taking her drink and Rainbows in her magical grasp and handing the latter her drink as Fleur took hers, and the three took a sip at the same time.

"Oh, I know," Archivist said. "What I meant to say was the drinks that will do what I want as quickly as possible," he said before the three of them fainted and the glasses dropped and broke on the floor, their drink spilling over the floor. I growled before he held up his hand. "They are alive, simply being freed of a spell Laval places them and everyone he turns to ensure their loyalty to him. That is to say, all converts."

"What do you speak of?" I growled at him.

"Whether the pure Ifrit know it or not, Laval has turned all outsiders thus far into Ifrit that haven't been killed," Archivist said. "Laval is also well versed in mind control as well, and puts a spell on them to ensure they are loyal to him and him alone. Only reason he didn't with you is because I did not let him near you as the ritual was being done on you, Ruso Tafam."

"Why would he do that?"

"Because he has had the throne since Ashen died, and does not wish to give it to you. All Ifrit today but me and him know only his rule, not yours, and all but me are loyal to him."

"So Ifrit have a long life span?" I asked. "That contradicts what Rainbow said; that he was descended from him."

"Self feeding-propaganda for the young ones, which given current capabilities, is not far fetched," he replied. "I, however, am from Ashen's time, the last of the Ifrit he personally created to record our history as it happened with an unbiased eye and granted longevity. I can still die, do not be mistaken, but if I do not die by blade, illness, or poison, I will live until the universe can no longer sustain even a single life. As for how none know the truth but him and me? A combination of loyalty spells, mind wipes, and selective purges of family blood lines."

"And just what did you mean by what you said earlier about the first king waking?" I asked, still on guard.

"What I said: the first King, Ashen, has awoken," Archivist said, and I think I detected a hint of happiness in his voice. "But with him, so have thirteen others: his six guard and the first queen and her guard. The latter group- the queen and her guard- I wish were not."

"Why?" I asked.

"To put it concisely, she and Ashen began a war with her being on one side, Ashen on the other," Archivist began. "It decimated our race, which was enhanced by Laval's purges, and nearly wiped out the ponies, who were the focal point. The queen, her name being Fernis, wanted them wiped out so the Ifrit would be the dominant magic race on Equis, while Ashen did not, and protected them. While he and his allies did win, it was at a great cost, and one of the pony soothsayers of the time foretold of the return of those fourteen, and the war resuming."

He turned around, and took a book off the shelf before turning back around, and tossing the book to me, which I caught. "A copy of Ifrit history, and the only one without Laval's bias in it," he told me. "From Ashen's first hand account of creating the Ifrit to just a week ago, everything is in there. If you wonder why it is so thin, it is because I prefer to have the feeling of a book in my hands, so it has been hollowed out and a data pad placed inside."

I looked at it. "Clever," I said. "But what of Rainbow, Twilight, and Fleur?"

"As I said, the loyalty spell is being removed, and they will wake in the hour. They will still be an Ifrit and see it as a blessing- side effect regardless of whatever else happens, so do not ask me to remove it- but they will not be loyal to Laval any more. As for why it is in drink form? Most Ifrit spells related to the mind are liquid based."

"That does not answer how you know I am not one" I told him.

"Subtle things," he said. "You feel uncomfortable in Ifrit made armor, you are not overtly hostile to subordinates, and, most importantly, the spell meant to bring Ashen to life failed. In part."

"In part?" I asked.

"Aye, something very odd," Archivist said. "Ashen, though he protected ponies and had their values, did not like being trapped in another's body unable to control it. The ritual failing means either you are not him, or something equally confusing."

"He is content with being a passenger," I concluded, to which Archivist nodded.

"Those are the two I came to, yes," he said before taking a flask from his robes. "Do not fear, this isn't poison," he told me. "It is something i prepared should the latter become true. You may not hear him if he is in you, but he is awake. Drinking this will allow you to."

"And why should I trust your words?" I asked him.

"Because if you do not, the ponies will fall," he said.

I eyed the flask. "I think I can do just fine without his advice," I said. "Still, I will keep it handy should I need the help."

"That is the least I can ask for, I suppose," Archivist said with a head bow as I stowed the flask on my waist. "The Queen, Fernis. Do you know who holds her spirit?"

"No, I do not," he replied. "Simply that it is not Ifrit, nor are the reincarnated guard spirits. Other than that, I do not know."

I sighed. "Never easy, the work of a hero is," I muttered. "So, in regards to Laval, what should I do?"

"As you did not take the potion, I would recommend avoiding him when you can," Archivist said. "As for those three," he said, gesturing to Fleur and the others, "as I said, they will no longer be loyal to Laval, secret or otherwise, but will still be Ifrit and see it as a blessing. However, from what I saw of their memories of you, they would still follow you, even if you weren't pretending. You've earned their respect. That plus Rainbow Dash feels as if she owes you for keeping her secret."

"I'll take what I can here," I said. "Can you do the same for the others that have been converted?"

"Why?" he asked.

"Because they deserve the choice to follow Laval or fight against him. Because even if it won't be agreed upon, the leaders of the world will need to unite to stop this threat, and we they will need every advantage they can get."

"You know they won't follow those they used to, right?" Archivist asked.

"Tell me, what kind of society are the Ifrit? Honor bound, or what?"

"Honor bound mixed with combat prowess," he replied before his eyes widened. "Oh. Well, I can't say for certain, but if you were to defeat the best fighter in this camp, who is turned himself, then the converted would most certainly follow you. The purebloods, however, won't. They see all converted as second-rate."

"I do not care about them," I said. "Only ensuring I'll have as many troops as possible."

Canterlot-war room

Celestia, garbed in her battle armor, was currently meeting with her two generals- the number having been knocked down after Rainbow, Twilight, Fleur, and Ruso left- as to how they were going to handle the Empire.

"Do they suspect anything?" Celestia asked them.

"No ma'am," one of the generals said. "At this stage, the only threat will be the second in commands should Ruso not return, as it is certain when he will, he will come after us."

"Then if he comes back, we share focus between him and the main targets," Celestia said. "Prepare the army, we march on the Empire tomorrow and should arrive in a week.

"And make sure to have broadcast spells so that everyone can see it fall."