An Echo of What Once Was

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Returning Home
Chapter 2 - Not According To Plan
Chapter 3 - The Darkness
Chapter 4 - Heart Break
Chapter 5 - Doubts
Chapter 6 - (Honestly I Don't Know)
Chapter 6.5 - Father of Dragons
Chapter 7 - Pain
Chapter 8 - Talks
Chapter 9 - Surprise
Chapter 10 - Tactical... No Trix No Memes
Chapter 11 - An Unlikely Problem
Chapter 12 - Party and Attack
Chapter 13 - Rescue Mission

Chapter 1 - Returning Home

“Incoming!” A voice shouted moments before the it was silenced by a deafening explosion that toppled an overhead bridge onto a the hull of a large purple dropship, tipping the ship which attempted to correct itself but only resulted in the phantom crashing into building, making the ruin collapse on top of it causing the phantom to detonate due to the several hundred ton to crush it and its cargo. The sky was crimson and thick with smoke from burning buildings and wrecks, purple and grey blurs littered the sky avoiding a mass of projectiles, explosions and burning wreckages, that sailed towards the ruined Caribou Capital below. The streets were filled with the burning skeletons of vehicles, the wounded and dead, discarded weapons, magazine, casings, blood and rubble. Majority of the casualties were delivered in the first few minutes due to those who were shocked by the intensity and brutality of the Alien invaders known as the Covenant, that for the first hour dominated the Armonian forces before their cruiser was blown apart by the UNSC Battle Cruiser that supported the attacking force before ultimately having her wings clipped by several Covenant batteries and was now trapped floating above the battlefield, bombarding what she could.

“Push forward!” Ordered a Unicorn stallion to his men that were hiding within a rundown café, a moment before a volley of plasma slammed into his chest, sending his smoking corpse to the ground as a group of black armoured tall Aliens known as Elites materialised out of thin air wielding two foot long light blue rifles that spewed blue plasma at the hunkered down inside the establishment, killing a few more soldiers before a heavy black cloud of smoke filled the surrounding area followed by the sound of the aliens screaming in pain and their weapons discharging at their hidden attacker in vain. After a minute, the smoke vanished to reveal a tall dark grey armoured Unicorn Mare with a long red cape, her horn was curved like a shark fin and had a flowing black mane and tail, her eyes were red while the white of her eyes were green that produced a purple energy from them. In her left hand she long broadsword that dripped with the purple blood of the elites that laid butchered at her feet, while she inspected a small device in her right hand before she looked to Armonian marines staring at her in shock.

“Continue pressing forward to the Castle, that is where the main battle force is converging, we capture that and them we can kill Daine and end this” The mare explained as she stepped out of the ruin and looked back down the street where she had come from to see several large green tanks rolling down towards them before she turned her gaze to look up the street to see a swarm of large green insects heading towards the tanks only to vanish in a grey flash. “What in Tartarus?” Umbra asked before she looked up to see that all the purple blurs vanishing in a similar fashion. “What is happening?” She asked again as the marine exited the café looked around.

“Ma’am, what happened? Why is it so quiet?” One of the soldiers asked causing Umbra to recoil when she realised that the background gun fire and explosions where gone, leaving being the sound of crackling flames and the soft squeaks of the approaching tank treads. “Where is the Plague Doctor!?” The Soldier stated in shock making Umbra look up to see the absence of the massive battle ship.

“How did I miss that?” She asked herself before looking to the castle, “The Mission is still the same, kill Daine and we win!” Umbra exclaimed before she took off towards the castle with the dozen soldiers following her.

(Caribou Castle)

“Okay, now that Mr Bell is gone… I guess I should honour my end of the bargain, otherwise Brother will kill me” The Hooded figure muttered as he looked around the throne room, beside his feet lay the mutilated corpse of the leader of the Covenant and closer to the door was the deflated husk of Immortal King Daine that the banished leader of the Armonian Army, force fed a plasma grenade. “Best create a double of him so they don’t try and bring him back” Baixao muttered before he walked over to a blood puddle that was Tony’s and knelt beside it. “This will do” He said as he ran his fingers through the puddle before it began to transform into the man he just banished, well at least part of him. “That should stop them from thinking he is banished” Bai said before he heard groaning behind him, causing him to turn to see Daine was regenerating himself. “Interesting, I guess you need to be killed in a specific way… This could actually be fun” Baixao chuckled softly before he placed his hand into a puddle of Daine’s blood and inspected it. “Hmm so there is someone with the ability to kill you for good, and he is close by… hmm interesting” Baixao thought for a moment as he rubbed his chin that was hidden beneath his hood and groaned in annoyance. “Shit, didn’t want to coat my chin in blood” He muttered before a white rag formed on his hand, that he used to clean his face before discarding. “Hold on tight Daine, as your end will be here shortly” Baixao chuckled as he rose to his feet and vanished into thin air a few moments before the main entrance to the blown open and five Armonian soldiers rushed in wielding assault rifles.

“This is Blue Team, we have found Daine… a…and the remains of the Captain” The Squad leader said over the radio as two of his squad members approached Daine with their weapons trained on the Caribou King. “Yes… With pleasure, Eliminate him” The Squad leader ordered moments before Daine shot up and impaled one of the marine’s on his sharpened antlers while he grabbed the other and used him as a shield as the remaining three marines opened fired on him.

“Don’t you know better than to try and kill a god?” Daine roared before he threw his head forward, dislodging the still living soldier from his antlers before said antler’s was coated in a black glow, causing silver and gold armour to form on Daine’s armour and a platinum long sword to form in his right hand. “I guess I have to teach you” Daine said as a gold face plate formed in his left hand, that he clipped onto the base of his antlers to protect his face.

“Light him up!” The Blue leader ordered as he began firing, only for the bullets to bounce harmlessly off his enchanted armour.

“Die” Daine Exclaimed as he launched forward and bisected the three. “Pathetic” Daine said as he walked over to the badly wounded marine and drove his sword into her chest. “Stupid Who…” Daine started only to be cut off when a tank shell slammed into his side, detonating and propelling him into his throne. “That actually hurt” Daine groaned as he got to his feet and inspected his now dented and blackened armour before returning his gaze to the entrance to the throne room to see a dozen more marines enter wielding heavy weapons.

“Kill him” Ordered one of the marines before Daine was hit with a volley of bullets and rockets, tearing apart what remained of his armour but leaving him mostly uninjured.

“Idiots, no mortal weapon can slay me” Daine informed them as his antlers light up once again before launching a volley of black projectiles at the reloading soldiers, except the attack was blocked as a wall of black crystal formed in front of the group while a black smoke flowed into the fight before materialising into Umbra with her sword drawn. “Oh Sombra, what have they done to you?” Daine said as he shook his head.

“This may not be the most fantastic thing that has ever happened to me, but it has given me the opportunity to live a normal life once again” Umbra said pointing her sword towards the Immortal Caribou.

“Oh well, I shall not kill you… I’ll promise that you shall enjoy your brand new life with me” Daine smirked moments before a crimson shield formed between Daine and Umbra. “What scared?” Daine laughed as he took several steps forward. “Why?” Daine questioned.

“This is not my doing bastard!” Umbra shot back.

“No, it is my doing Father” A masculine voice said causing Daine to turn to see a white Caribou in full silver armour with a burning Crimson mane and tail, a broadsword strapped to each side of his hip and a longsword sheathed in his left hand. A crimson and silver cape flapped lightly behind him as he circled around Daine until he was standing between Daine and Umbra.

“Danse, why are you not searching for the traitor that helped these worms steal our subjects?” Daine asked his son as the younger Buck strapped the long sword to the left side of his hip.

“They did not steal our subjects… they freed them Father” The Son hissed. “I don’t wish to harm you Father, but this has gone on long enough and you need to stop!” He exclaimed.

“You dare betray your own flesh and blood!? Then you are nothing to me!” Daine roared as he launched forward, only for Danse to draw both his broadswords and block his father’s attack with the weapons.

“Please, just surrender and I can try to get them to spare you” Danse begged before Daine kicked him in the chest, causing him to fall backwards while his father tried to follow up with a plunging attack, but Danse quickly rolled out of the way and moved to the other side of the shield.

“You have no hope of killing me with such pitiful weapons!” Daine roared as he used his magic to shatter the two broadswords that Danse was wielding, sending shards of steel into the younger male’s arms, chest and face plate, making him scream out in pain.

“God damn it father, listen to me for once, I don’t want to hurt you” Danse groaned in pain while moving his right hand to the longsword on his hip. “But I will if you force my hand!” Danse promised as Daine launched towards him. The prince took a deep breath and closed his eyes before drawing the longsword, which produced dark red lightning from it making Daine stop and look in confusion.

“What is with that sword?” Daine asked.

“This was given to me by a being named Baixao… it was created to kill you!” Danse exclaimed as he fully drew the blade causing crimson phantoms of him to launch forward and slice across Daine’s body at incredible speed before vanishing into thin air. Daine only stood there for a moment before he turned to dust while Danse collapsed to his knees as his body smoked and he panted not noticing that the barrier he had created had fallen and several marines had surrounded him.

“Stand down” Umbra ordered the soldiers before she approached Danse and knelt in front of him to see that he had passed out on his knees. “Get a medic” She ordered before she looked to the remains of Tony and sighed. “Poor Cadence” Umbra sighed.

(Outer Rim of Milky Way Galaxy- Plague Doctor, Several Years Later)

“Come on Ming, this is unreasonable” a hooded being complained as he materialised within a room filled with large metal cylinders that had windows on the front of them, all were empty save for one, that was filled with what appeared to be a sickly green cacoon.

“Brother, remember what I taught you” A second hooded figure said as he materialised beside the shorter one.

“Don’t be sadistic and cruel” The shorter man replied to his older brother.

“And what did you do Bai?” Ming asked as he looked at the Cyropod that housed the cacoon.

“What about you slaughtering just about an entire species?” Baixao retorted with a huff while crossing his arms.

“They imprisoned Eli… what I did can not be undone… this is why I don’t want you sink to my level little brother” Ming said as Baixao sighed. “And stop with the creepy echo voice will you” Ming added.

“You are no fun” Bai replied as his voice shifted to a regular style.

“Yes I am… but anyway, let’s send him back to… “Ming was saying before the gravity suddenly vanished and the pair began to float.

“And who do you think you are touching him?” A voice demanded over the intercom.

“We are friends, no need to worry as we will be sending him home to Equis” Ming said as with a click of his fingers, gravity returned to the room.

“What? How did you… what are you?” The female voice asked in confusion as Bai and Ming chuckled.

“That does not matter, what matters is fixing what my brother has fucked up” Ming added as Bai grumbled and a holographic woman materialised on a podium next to the inhabited Cyropod.

“How can I trust you?” The woman asked as she looked to the two hooded men then at Anthony. “And how do I know that you even have the power to send us back?” She asked.

“Us? Do you wish to return with him?” Bai asked as Abigail nodded.

“Yes, I would like to live out the last few years I have before I go Rampart” She said sparking the interest of the men.

“Rampart?” Ming asked.

“It’s what happens to AIs when we reach seven years of age… we pretty much think ourselves to death” She sighed.

“Oh, hmm I think I can fix that… we just need transport to send you both back, Bai I believe we have guests approaching… would you be kind enough to find a suitable vehicle for these two?” Ming asked as Baixao nodded before vanishing in a flash of dark grey. “Now, best to leave no trace of what transpired here, anyway you can destroy this ship?” Ming asked making Abigail nod before she vanished from the podium. “Now that we are alone, let’s get to work” Ming said before grabbing the pod and ripped the door off, tearing a chuck of the chrysalis that was attached to the door, resulting in the thick liquid inside to rush out along with the man, who unfortunately slammed into the ice cold grated floor below him making him groan.

“Fuck” The rust haired man groaned as he pushed himself up onto his arms and knees and rubbed his face with his right hand moments before he suddenly freaked out and fell back onto his ass as he looked at his slightly tanned right hand and arm, making Ming cock his head slightly in confusion before he noticed a metal right arm still inside the pod.

“Ah, looks like you regrew your arm” Ming said making the red haired man look to him and inspected him head to toe before he attempted to push himself to his feet, which ended up making him fall face first back onto the group, making Ming smirk beneath his hood before noticing an aqua green band around his left arm.

“Who the hell are you?!” Tony questioned as he used the control console next to him to pull himself to his feet.

“I am a friend… my naked friend” Ming said as Anthony looked down and blushed at his naked form. “Need clothes?” Manus asked which Tony nodded in response. “Okay hold still” Ming said as his hand was surrounded in a faint violet glow before a heavy coat and pants formed before the hooded man, which he offered to Tony moments before a rumbling was felt through the ship, knocking Tony back onto his ass.

“What the fuck?” Tony groaned as Abigail reappeared back on her podium.

“Critical damage to the ship has occurred due to the other battle cruiser opening fire… most likely due to your brother.” She said, not looking at Tony. “Get Anthony out of here before the ship is destroyed” She ordered Ming.

“And what of you?” The hooded man asked her concerned.

“No time, besides the only way to get a hard copy of me was in the bridge, which is now destroyed.” She said with a sigh. “Take him home please” She begged.

“Alright, good luck” Ming said as he turned to Tony, who had finished getting dressed and was now looking at the Artificial intelligence with a sad expression. “Ready?” He asked.

“As I’ll every be, goodbye Abi” Tony said.

“Bye Tony, say hey to everyone for me” She asked in which Tony replied with a nod before the pair vanished in a flash of violet.

(Equis, half an hour later)

“Mr Bell?” Ming asked as he knelt down beside the man who had been silent ever since the pair had arrived on Equis, he simply sat against a tree starting off into space not responsive to Ming’s attempts to talk to him, the pair had arrived to find that Baixao wasn’t anywhere to be found, much to the relief of Tony seeing as their last encounter was not a good one. “Anthony!” Manus shouted, finally gaining the man’s attention.

“Yes?” Tony asked looking at the still hooded man.

“I have been trying to tell you that I have to go find my brother and that I have to leave you for quite a while” Ming explained.

“Right, so what do I do?” Tony asked as Ming looked around and thought for a moment.

“Sanctuary is three miles that way” Ming said pointing north. “I will leave you some gear and money so you can get by until you can get everything back on track” Ming said to him, causing Anthony to sigh.

“Alright, but answer me this… how long have I been away from here?” Tony asked him.

“In all honesty, I have no idea… you see time isn’t consistent between universes, you could have been asleep for a couple days in your universe and it could have been centuries here or vice versa” Ming said.

“So what? I have to be incognito for a bit to see how long since I have been missing?” Tony questioned.

“Yes unfortunately, because the last thing you want is to fuck some woman, only to discover it is your great, great, great, granddaughter” Ming explained.

“Ah… fair enough” Tony said with a slight hollow chuckle before pushing himself to his feet. “So north you say?” Tony asked.

“Yes and here” Ming said as he clicked his fingers, causing a crate to form. “In there you will find some clothes, backpack, and a cloak because they are good and hiding one’s face and finally some money” Ming explained, in which the man nodded and walked over to it. “Either Baixao or myself will see you soon” Ming said before vanishing into thin air.

“Don’t rush” Tony said quietly while he changed clothes and packed the backpack with excess gear and money before putting it on over the cloak. “So north… I hope it hasn’t been too long” Tony muttered as he slipped on the boots that were in the crate before he started walking towards the town.

(Crystal Empire)

“Alright so we’ll be away for at most three weeks Auntie, are you sure you can handle this?” A Pink quadrapedal Alicorn with a colourful mane asked the tall dull white bipedal Alicorn that sat upon a crystal throne wearing a long revealing gold gown as her pink mane and tail flowed in a non-existent breeze.

“Cadence, I have plenty of experience in ruling before so stop worrying and enjoy the Friendship games with Gold and the kids.” Molestia replied with a soft smile.

“I-I know Auntie… but make sure to…” Cadence started, only to be cut off by the older mare.

“Why are you stalling? Is this because Twilight decided to have the Friendship Games in Sanctuary this year?” Molly asked causing Cadence to lock up. “Sweetie, it has been such a long time since Tony passed away… you have moved on so please stop avoiding going back there, it is kind of messing up your relationship with the others” Molly said causing the younger mare to sit down and sigh.

“But I broke up the herd after Umbra returned with Tony’s ashes, I doubt they would want anything to do with me” Cadence sighed.

“Cadence just go, they still care about you because I know I do” Molly said rising from the throne and walking over to the mare.

“You are my aunt, you have to” Cadence stated making Molly giggle before wrapping her arms around the pink mare.

“That may be but I still live in Armonia and talk to them, they have told me that they miss you” Molestia said.

“R-really?” Cadence questioned.

“Yes, now get going, it is rude to keep Gold and the girls waiting” The older Alicorn said, getting a nod from Cadence before the two hugged again and Cadence exited the throne room while Molly returned to the throne and sat down on it. “Buck how does she sit in this thing comfortably?” She complained quietly as she shifted.

Chapter 2 - Not According To Plan

“I can’t believe I walked for an hour the wrong way” Tony groaned at his stupidity as he trekked through the dense forest, the cloak he was wearing had several tears where trees had caught it, his hands where sticky from odd looking trees that wept a thick sweet smelling golden sag, his top was sliced open when he encountered a peculiar lion thing that was as big as a jeep and was jet black say for its head, which was pale green with black strips and Tony managed to stumble across one that was eating the remains of some other creature and swiped at the man to protect its meal.

“Ok Tony so what is that plan?” He asked himself as he climbed through the overgrown flora. “Figure out how long I have been gone, see how the girls are and figure out a way to reveal myself to them… that will be difficult if it has been a while since the war… what else?” Tony asked himself moments before a loud rumble was heard and the plant life to his left detonated in a ripple of blue energy, sending Tony tumbling onto the ground a few feet away from where he was just as an armoured body landed next to him on its head. “The Fuck?’ Tony asked as he groaned and held his head before looking at the hole in the forest to see a group of armed men surrounding a bunch of unarmed civilians and a lightly armoured female elf.

“Get the bitch!” One of the armed men shouted as what appeared to be a crudely armoured Minotaur charged her, only to be blasted in the chest by a volley of blue projectiles that the sorceress launched from her hands, blasting large fist size holes in his chest.

“This is you final warning bandits, leave now and I won’t kill you…” She said moments before several darts impacted into her neck causing her to stumble slightly. “W-what?” She asked as she pulled one of the darts out before collapsing.

“Get the bitch and the rest of these shits loaded up, Widow, see how many men we lost” a large black and gold dragon who Tony presumed was the Leader ordered a female Orc while Tony looked to the corpse next to him and had an idea before quickly stripping the corpse and himself before swapping gear and hiding the body under a fallen log.

“Hey! “ A female voice called out as Tony pulled on the helmet. “Anyone still kicking?” The voice asked again before Tony stumbled into her view, pretending to be injured.

“Y-yea I am?” Tony muttered, his voice distorted by the helmet.

“You don’t look so good rookie… well I guess that is to be expected when you take an attack like that to the face… can you walk?” She asked him as Tony nodded. “Good, we can get you patched up at base” She said as she walked over to him and put his arm over her shoulder before assisting him to where the rest of the bandits where.

“Any others?” the leader asked.

“Still checking, but he is a bit disorientated, might have a concussion but I don’t know” Widow said as she gently set Tony down against a tree before she got up and checked on the other wounded bandits.

“Please let us go!” A stallion begged, making Tony look up to see an alabaster earth pony on his knees in front of a green Unicorn stallion bandit, moments before the bandit slammed the butt of his gun into the Pony’s face, knocking him out.

“HEY! What the heck do you think you are doing?” The Leader of the group roared as she stormed over to the bandit.

“What?” The Bandit replied acting innocently.

“Do you really think that The Collective will pay for damaged goods?” The leader roared again as the Bandit recoiled and lowered his head. “That is what I thought, you better hope that he isn’t fucked up badly or else you will be taking his place” He added.

“I-I’m sorry Ash” The Bandit said bowing his head.

“I don’t give a shit, now let’s get these guys ready to move before it gets dark, there is some old ruins to the west that the Collective is coming to pick up these prisoners” Ash said before moving over to where Tony was propped up against a tree and knelt in front of him. “Can you walk Rookie? You took a really bad hit so I can understand if you can’t” Ash said in a calm reassuring tone, there was no hit of the aggression that he was displaying mere moments earlier.

“Y-yea I can walk boss” Tony said.

“Good, now take off this helmet, you have had it on every time I have seen you… I know it is recommended but trust me, wearing one while having a concussion is never a good mix.” Ash chuckled as he grabbed the base of the helmet and removed it before Tony had a chance to protest. “Hmm an elf… with short ears? Is that why you kept your helmet on to prevent being harassed?” Ash asked curious.

“Y-yes boss… I got it pretty bad in school” Tony bluffed, to which Ash smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry Rookie, I won’t give you shit about them” Ash chuckled as Widow came back into view and stopped in her tracks as her gaze was locked on Tony. “Oh Widow perfect timing, would you be able to look after… I’m sorry I still don’t know your name” Ash asked Tony with a chuckle.

“Anthony” Tony said as he watched the she-Orc’s eyes widen in shock.

“Would you be able to look after Anthony here until we get to the ruins?” Ash asked Widow, snapping her out of her trance.

“Y-yes sir” She said as she knelt down next to Tony as Ash nodded and got to his feet.

“Excellent, we will be moving out in ten” Ash said before leaving as Widow instantly moved to Tony’s left side and drew a knife.

“What are you doing?” Tony asked as his gaze was locked on the blade.

“Checking something” Widow replied as she grabbed the man’s arm and used the knife to separate the arm armour from the shoulder piece moments before she gaze a silent gasp as she looked at the inch thick green band around the man’s arm, several inches above his shoulder. “N-no, this can’t be” She whispered quietly before quickly looking around. “Sir, I just need to take the Rookie to the nearby stream.” Widow called out.

“What? Why? Ash called out.

“The Rookie has internal bleeding, I need fresh stream water in order to brew a potion that will save him” She lied to him.

“Okay, well we will meet you at the ruins” Ash replied, believing the lie as Widow gently pulled Tony to his feet and quickly and quietly lead him way from the bandits to the stream.

(Ten minutes later)

“Okay, we are here” Widow said as she roughly dumped Tony on the ground before drawing her gun and pointing it at him.

“Woah whoa, easy there” Tony said putting his hands up.

“Who the fuck are you? And you better not lie to me because I am not in the fucking mood” Widow said with a snarl as Tony got to his feet.

“Okay… well my name is Anthony Bell, I am a human ODST or Orbit…” Tony was explaining.

“I know what ODST stands for, but you can’t be Tony” She said with a growl.

“And why not?” Tony inquired.

“Because he is dead… he died twenty years ago while fighting Daine!” She shouted.

“What? It’s been two decades?” Tony said in shock as he looked around before looking at the Orc again before his eyes widened in realization. “Mayli?” Tony asked as Widow’s gun shook slightly.

“Yes? She asked.

“Holy shit, okay well I can see why you would be pissed off… but I am Tony, I am your partner or as Uric would have wanted, your spouse... and as you can see, I am not dead” Tony said as Mayli glared at him.

“Show me your right arm” She ordered.

“Okay… oh shit” Tony groaned as he placed the palm of his hand on his face.

“What?” Mayli asked him confused.

“Okay, you know how when Chrys and I first moved to Sanctuary and Celestia cut my arm off?” Tony asked.

“I wasn’t in Sanctuary then but Tia and Luna have told that story multiple times” Mayli replied.

“Well when they reattached it, Luna, Celestia and Chrys had to pump a lot of their own magic into me to enact a rapid forced evolution of sorts.” He said as the Orc nodded slightly “Well the rapid forced evolution… which I am going to call the RFE because saying the other way is a mouth full, well it increased my strength, speed and other parts of me” Tony said as Mayli looked down at his crotch. “No, Cadence did that, but anyway during the battle with Daine, I was actually pretty badly injured when this entity known as Baixao… who is a massive dickhead, banished myself and the Plague Doctor in exchange for the Covenant and himself to leave” He said before taking a quick breather.

“So what, he made a copy of you to fool everyone to stop us from trying to find a way to bring you back?” Mayli asked.

“Fuck if I know… um where was I? oh so finish this up quickly, I was frozen so I would survive until rescue came and patched me up, but for some reason a green cacoon formed inside the Cyropod and well I guess it fixed me up seeing as when I awoke… well” Tony said removing his armour to show her his right arm that wasn’t a prosthetic anymore. “Then some shit happened, I wasn’t paying attention and I was back here… oh and some weird tiger thing attacked me” Tony said while pointing at the three scratches running down his chest as Mayli smirked slightly before holstering her pistol.

“Okay well my gut and heart tell me you’re the real thing but I am not going to trust you until I get you checked out by Chrys” Mayli said as Tony got redressed.

“We can’t do that” Tony said catching Mayli off guard.

“What? Why not?” Mayli questioned in shock.

“Tell me, have the girls moved on?” Tony asked her.

“Um Sweetie and Cloud have remarried… well each other, Cadence is engaged to a crystal pony named Gold Heart, Amber moved back to the Dragon Empire with her son so Inferno can help her, Celestia and Luna are in Canterlot and don’t talk to us like Cadence after Celestia and Lily had a screaming match… um and Molestia, Nightmare, Lily, myself Amanda and Elise are still together in Sanctuary… mind you Elise is currently being transported to the ruins” Mayli explained.

“Wait so that Elf that blew a fucking hole in the tree line and sent a corpse flying into me was Elise?!” Tony asked.

“Ah so that is how you infiltrated the band… but yes… she is going to teleport the prisoners and the undercover Armonian Marines out before the ruins are bombed” Mayli explained.

“Right, so when is the bombing going to tack place?” Tony questioned.

“At midnight, and before you ask, Elise is currently only out for a few ours, she will be awake again by the time we get the fuck out” Mayli explained as Tony nodded.

“Alright… well this” Tony said pointing at the two of them. “Has to stay a secret as I don’t want to fuck up Cadence’s relationship… and I am pretty sure Lily, Nightmare, Amber and Luna would kill me” He said causing Mayli to giggle.

“Yes, I can imagine, but no deal besides we need your help to deal with the Collective” Mayli said.

“And what is the Collective?” Tony asked.

“Not here, I will explain more when we get home” Mayli said as she began walking off in the direction of the ruins moments before everything around frozen in place including her making Tony look around.

“Ming?” Tony asked out loud but got no response for a few moments before Ming appeared out of the tree line.

“Greetings, sorry about running off earlier but I needed to find Bai but don’t worry I found him” Ming said before he looked to Mayli. “Well looks like you have everything back on track to return to your old life” Ming said as he returned his gaze to the man.

“Not exactly, what can you tell me of the Collective?” Tony asked.

“No idea who or what the Collective is but I can find out, why?” Ming questioned.

“By the way people have talked about them, it is obvious that they are well evil to a degree” Tony said as Ming nodded.

“Okay, well I’ll look into it for you, anything else?” Ming asked.

“Yea, when you find something out, could you help me destroy it?” Tony asked the dark being.

“Alright, I can help with that” Ming said before vanishing in thin air while everything began moving once more, not aware of what just transpired.

“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Tony asked himself.

“What was that?” Mayli asked as she stopped and looked to him confused.

“Nothing May” He said as he caught up with her.

(Unknown location)

Within a large dark room filled with only a table and several empty chairs, a flash of light occurred, revealing a masked individual who looked around the room for a moment before taking a seat. “The Fool is late… as always” The masked man said failing to hide the annoyance in his voice.

“Sorry sir, I am so sorry sir!” A donkey appeared out of thin air wearing an outfit that would identify as a Dusty jester outfit. “My master was busy with one of his new experiments again” The mule explained.

“I see, you do know why I asked for everyone else to be here before I am?” The man asked.

“Yes, it is to make sure no one is spying on us” He said before quickly looking around.

“Don’t fret Bray, I have already scanned, but in future please try and be here five minutes earlier as I do try and keep my identity a secret” The man said sighed and removed his mask, the darkness of the room made it near impossible for Bray to see any features of the man’s face save for his piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow softly in the dark.

“Sorry again sir, so um why did you want to see Lord Grogar my lord?” Bray asked.

“I just wanted to inform him that his Trogs should go the Bandit camp earlier then Midnight and butcher everyone” He said catching Bray off guard.

“What! But I thought you desired the prisoners alive my Lord?” Bray questioned before covering his mouth at talking back to the mysterious being.

“That is true, but it seems that Ash’s band of Bandits has been compromised” The man said as he rose from his seat. “I want no survivors” He said before turning and vanishing in a flash of light.

Chapter 3 - The Darkness

As the sun set on the world, an unnerving silence fell over the land, animals large and small, powerful and weak went into hiding. Children and adults alike ran inside their homes as if a monster was on their heels, though there wasn't just the undying need to be Inside that night. Bandits, Soldiers and Collective Mercenaries stopped engaging each other within the massive ruined fortress as something had caught all their attention.

It was well after sunset and they had just realized, the moon had not risen nore hard stars come out, the world was in twilight. A Twilight that sent shivers up the spines of even the most steadfast warrior.

Their attention was soon pulled from the Twilight when the cobblestone floor of the decrepit ruin began to rise and fall, similar to one breathing. As the floor rose, the stones separated slightly for a few moments to reveal a purple light and jet black smoke. Those close enough who inhaled the smoke began to cough and foam from the mouth, their skin and eyes would darken and give a bloodcurdling cry before savagely attacking anyone close to them.

This went on for a few minutes before the floor caved in on itself, revealing a massive metal pit filled with the same black smoke. Before the smoke thinned, the sound of heavy chains falling to the ground could be heard and a low growl that caused all those not frenzied to back away from the hole. “W-what is down there?” Asked a nervous Collective Mercenary who took a quick glance into the hole to see the smoke was completely gone and could see something big shifting within the darkness.

(Several hundred miles away)

“Sister why haven't you raised your moon yet?” a concerned Alabaster Alicorn clad in golden ornaments asked a slightly smaller midnight blue Alicorn clad in black ornaments.

“I-i don't understand…” The Midnight Alicorn muttered, ignoring her sister's question moments before a soft pop was heard followed by a soft chorus of yays came from behind.

“Now what is all this then? I was ready to enjoy a did in moonlight Lulu” A voice stated from a odd chimera creature that looked like someone had put a range of creatures in a blend along with some superglue and took out what was intact.

“Eris is this your doing?” The White mare accused.

“Come now Tia, it has been a good two decades since then, and if you remember I only turned the moon Purple” Eris stated with a smile before her expression changed to that of a serious one, one which always send a shiver a fear up Tia’s spine. “Do you feel that?” She asked.

“Feel what?” Tia asked confused.

“The overwhelming urge to run, run and hide and pray that something doesn't find you” She said as Celestia stopped and suddenly shivered.

“She is too frightened…” Luna said gaining both Eris and Celestia’s attention.

“Who? Who is too frightened sister?” Tia asked concerned.

“My Moon” She said causing Celestia and Eris to look at each other nervously.

“What is she scared of?” Eris asked even though she didn't want to, in which Luna simply raised her hoof and pointed towards the Everfree.

“Him” Luna said as a massive creature rose from the forest, it was bigger than any creature they had ever seen before but it's features were covered in darkness so they could make out what it was. “She knows that she can drive him into hiding but she scared at what he will do to her” Luna said as the beast roared.

The roar wasn't loud when it reached them but the three ancient beings felt terrified. “Wh-what is he…” Celestia asked.

“The Darkness” Luna said before fainting.

(Several Thousand Miles… in the opposite direction.)

Within a large floating fortress, a cloaked man was standing on the balcony of his room while looking towards the direction of Equestria, he couldn't see what was happening but he could sense something, something with an incredible amount of power. The man sipped a dark amber liquid from his glass as he turned to face one of his Collective soldier's.

“I want it, I think it would help the Collective take this world” He said as the soldier cringed at the thought of going near whatever was that powerful. “Send Tirak and his Magic eaters. .. and if they can't capture it, they are to kill it” He ordered as the Soldier hesitantly nodded and bowed before leaving the man’s chambers.

The man returned his gaze to Equestria and took a long sip of his drink while pondering. “What are you?” He asked out loud.

(a few minutes earlier, Everfree)

“So why did you start with this group?” Tony asked as he walked beside Mayli, the pair had been walking for the passed half an hour with the sun setting behind them.

“They were kidnapping people so we needed to figure out where they were keeping them… unfortunately seeing as they were being taken by the Collective, we couldn't do anything so Lucy decided it was best to make the bandit group disappear altogether” Mayli responded before sighing. “It has been about two years since I was home in Sanctuary. .. it'll be good to see everyone again” She said before smiling. “And if you are really you then it will be even better” She said looking at Tony.

“Well then you are going to have an…” Tony was saying until the sound of gunfire cut him off.

“That came from the ruins” Mayli said moments before the sky took on deep purple and blue colour. “What the?” She asked.

“Come on, we have to get the prisoners to safety” Tony said as he started running, snapping Mayli out if her trance who proceeded to follow the man.

“Tony wait!” Mayli called out as the pair reached the wall of the massive ruined fortress, where Tony effortlessly leapt through a small hole and ducked behind cover. “how did you…?” Mayli climbed into the window and got behind cover.

“Shush, we have got trouble” Tony said as peered around his cover to spot the large group of people, several in black armour, the rest in greyish gear. They were all standing around a massive crater in the middle of the courtyard.

“What are they looking at?” Mayli asked.

“May, I need you to find the prisoners and extract them” Tony said moving over to her.

“What are you going to do?” The She Orc asked as she watched Tony take her side arm out and several clips.

“Run interference” He said before turning away from her to look back at the group of fighters before checking the magnum was loaded.

“Tony” Mayli said as she attempted to gain his attention but he had already stepped out with the weapon raised and aimed forward at the unknown black armoured enemies moments before a massive black blur zoomed out of the crater and into the sky attached to several heavy chains. Said chains soon disconnected and fell to the ground just as the unknown black object let out an deafening roar, forcing everyone to hold their ears in pain.

“Bring it down!” Ordered someone within the group before everyone open fired upon the unknown floating creature.

“May, get down” Tony ordered the orc just as he watched the body of the beast shift and ripple as the bullets and rockets slammed into it.

“Why what's wr…” She was saying before dull amber beam of energy cut across the courtyard which originated from the beast. The metre thick line where the beam struck began to distort for a moment before detonating into a cloud of dust and rock, those who were hit by the beam distorted also before turning into a mist of blood and gore. “nevermind” Mayki said before going through the inside of the fortress to find the prisoners.

“Inside!” Tony shouted but the men and women didn't have a chance to react as the Beast landed harshly onto the soldiers, crushing most to death. The beast appeared to be metal and covered in spikes and ribs but this changed as it’s flesh dissolved in the air, revealing a large black and toxic purple dragon that was a third of its original size. It had purple eyes, two sets of large purple webbed wings, black horns and spines running down its body and glowing marks all over its chest.

“Well aren't you pretty” Tony remarked moments before the Dragon roared angrily before a dull amber or of energy began forming between the two long forward pointer horns on its head. “Shit!” The Man said as he dove to the side just as the dragon fired off the same attack from moments before, obliterating the wall behind Tony. “Okay Cool not pretty” Tony corrected himself as the beast snorted angrily at him. Behind the dragon, Tony could see Mayli moving inside of a building in search of the prisoners. Unfortunately as she did, she knocked a flood light over causing it to hit the ground loudly.

The man could almost make out the look of dismay on the she orc’s face as she watched the dragon begin to look over its at her, though it would not see her as Tony raised his sidearm and fire several bullets into the side of the beast’s head, not harming it but gaining its attention and fury.

“Oh double shit” Tony said as the Beast turned to him and roared, causing a frill to extend around its neck before it launched itself at him in an attempt to gore the human. As the dragon attempted to turn the man into an accessory, Tony dove to the side but unfortunately the dragon anticipated this and swung its head around and bit down on Tony’s side making him cry out in pain. Tony’s entire left arm and part of his chest was engulfed in the beast's maw, with its teeth slowly sinking dangerously close to his heart but a sudden noise caught the nightmarish beast’s attention.

“A DRAGON? IS THAT WHAT HAS CAUSED ALL THIS MAYHEM? I HAVE TO SAY THAT I AM A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED” A booming voice declared making the dark dragon turn and look while Tony struggled in its jaws. There standing just outside the ruins was a colossal centaur with blood red skin, thick black chest hair that resembled a tank top, towering horns upon his head. He had a silver mohawk and long neck beard but the most unnerving feature of the titan was his black eyes that seemed to suck in draw your gaze “BUT MY MASTER STILL WANTS YOU IN HIS RANKS! SO I HAVE COME TO MAKE YOU JOIN!” The Mohawk titan exclaimed as the Beast bit down hard on Tony, making him cry out in pain before it tossed him near the hole it emerged from.

“Fuck you too” Tony wheezed painfully as he felt a pair of arms snake under his making him look over his shoulder to see Biaxao. “Where the fuck were you?” Tony asked angrily before the pair teleported to the location of the prisoners.

Once inside the building, the Void walker gently leant Tony against the wall before looking towards Mayli, who was pointing her rifle at him until she saw the condition of Tony and ran over to him. “What happened to you?” She asked in a worried tone as she opened her pack and pulled a small canister from it.

“Turns… turns out it doesn't like getting shot… shot in the head” Tony said coughing up small amounts of blood occasionally.

“Idiot” Mayli replied before using the canister to fill Tony’s wound with biofoam causing him to grit his teeth in pain. “That should hold you until we're home baby” She said causing Tony to cock an eyebrow. “Mr Xao showed me what happened and even though I am furious at him, I am happy you are alive” She said to him with a soft smile as the man climbed to his feet.

“Lets not get over excited yet, still need to survive this” Tony said as he walked over to a dead bandit and grabbed the Spartan Laser from beside him. “How the fuck did bandits get one of these?” He asked as Mayli shrugged. “Wow so helpful” He said sarcastically as he exited the ruined building and back into the courtyard, much to Mayli’s and Baixao’s disapproval. Once outside he saw the Centaur was trying his hardest to get a response from the dragon.

“ANSWER ME!” he roared only for the beast to roar angrily back at him, making him take a step back before glaring back. “ENOUGH OF THIS, I AM LORD TIREK AND YOU SHALL OBEY M… AHHHH” Tirek was stating before the dragon fired its distorting beam into Tirek’s left arm, causing it to distort before detonating violently. The Titan cried out in pain as he clutched the bloody mess that used to be his arm. “MY ARM? WHAT HAPPENED TO MY ARM?” He asked shocked.

“Oi fuck face!” Tony shouted as he raised the spartan laser, the shout gained the attention of the beast, who snarled angrily at the trooper “How do you like it?” Tony said as he charged the weapon while the beast cocked its head to the side at the noise. The dragon didn't get a chance to react as Tony’s weapon fired off the red laser, which pierced the dragon’s chest, tore through its body and exited out its back but the dragon didn't fall. “What the?” Tony asked as he looked at the gaping bleeding hole that he made, only to be shocked as wound rapidly repaired itself. “Okay now that is cheating”

“YOU WHORE SON, I'LL END YOU!” Tirek roared as he fired his own magical laser beam that was several feet in diameter, the beam caused the dragon to wail in pain before the ground underneath it collapsed, sending it back into its prison, along with Tirek and Tony. After a few minutes, Tony regained his senses to find that none of the buildings had followed the three in.

“Ow well something is probably broken” Tony said as he checked himself over before being interpreted by vicious snarling, the man turned quickly to see the dragon rising to its feet while its damaged back repaired itself. The monster lowered itself as if it was about to pounce, so Tony started running. He could hear the sound of the beast behind him before the man suddenly found himself on a pink cloud just above the ground. “Okay what the fuck?”

“Oh so vulgar, I don't see what little Tia saw in yo…” A female voice was saying but didn't get to finish as Tony whipped around and sucker punched the source instinctively, only to knock out a weird blended creature.

“What the actual fuck is that?” Tony asked as he looked at the creature moments before he heard screaming from below. Tony looked over the edge of the cloud to see Tirek getting ripped apart by the beast.

“Tony!” Another voice cried out, making the man look behind him only to be tackled by a black blur.

“Ow, look this is not a brilliant time!” Tony said as he forced his head free of the death grip of the blur, who turned out to be a armour clad Nightmare Moon, who did not look pleased.

“No this is as good a time as any” She argued before looking around. “Wait where is Eris?” She asked. “She was asked to get you out of the pit” She added.

“Um is she like several different creatures in one?” Tony asked, receiving a nod from Nightmare. “Um look down” Tony said, causing the Alicorn to raise an eyebrow before looking at her feet to see Eris out cold with little blue birds circling her head. “I kind of sucker punched her” Tony said with an uneasy smile.

“Wha… but… how did… I mean… what?” Nightmare asked confused but before she got her answer, the Dragon flew out at high speed and through the cloud, trying to gore Tony but the man kicked Nightmare off the cloud and leapt away with Eris in his arms.

“This is why it is a bad time” Tony said before landing roughly with the Draconequus landing on him. “Moon, what is this thing?” Tony asked as he wrapped Eris around him like a scarf and picked up an assault rifle.

“What makes you think I have any idea?” She asked as she dodged a swipe.

“Because you are fucking ancient” Tony called out as he began firing at the beast to gain its attention and rage.

“Buck you I am not that old, and besides I have never seen this thing before” She called out as she hid behind cover.

“Great, you go ask Tia about this fucking thing, maybe her fat ass knows” Tony called out as he tossed a grenade at the dragon.

“Okay, I'll back” She said before teleporting away.

“Fuck she forgot to grab snake woman” Tony said to himself. “Wait, Baixao can't you just obliterate this thing?” Tony shouted.

“What do you think I am trying to do, I can't fucking sense it, I can see it but I can't do anything with it” He replied as Tony kept moving and firing. “But I got a theory on how to hurt it” Bai said.

“How?” Tony asked while tossing another grenade.

“Look at the sky” Bai answered.

“Kind of busy” Tony shouted as the beast lunged forward to bite him but it was intercepted by a group of gargoyles.

“It has been twilight for quite a while now” Bai stated “So maybe the sun or moon hurt it… which also means that it can control at least the moon” He added.

“Fucking fabulous” Tony called out from his cover before he got an idea. “Baixao, can you make it midday?” He asked as he dumped Eris in a random ruined building just as a Gargoyle’s corpse landed near him.

“Yea I can, but why?” The Void Walker questioned.

“Just do it, and level all the trees with a mile of here” Tony ordered as he grabbed the fallen Gargoyle’s lance like weapon.

“what the hell is he up to?” Mayli asked as Baixao’s hands began to glow a soft violet while Tony climbed on top of a small ruined house. “Tony what is the goddess’ name are you doing?!”

“Something very fucking stupid” He exclaimed before moving to the opposite edge of the building. Once there, he turned and ran as fast as he could before leaping onto the back of the beast just as a massive explosion was heard. All the surrounding forest was incinerated in an instant as the sun suddenly materialized over head making the dragon scream in pain. “Fuck, stop wriggling!” Tony shouted as he impaled the lance into the small of the dragon’s back and twisted it sharply.

“He may actually be insane” Baixao stated as a brilliant flash of light occurred, blinding everyone. When they regained their senses, the dragon was gone and Tony was standing in the middle of what was left of the courtyard with the bloodied lance in one hand, a scale in the other.

“Does that mean I win?” He asked before collapsing from his injuries.

(Sanctuary, Armonia… several days later)

“How is he Doctor Stripe? we have been told that he has been in constant surgery” A worried green carapace covered mare asked the Zebra.

“He is stable for now Lady Chrysalis but it will take some time before he is back to perfect working order” He informed her as he sipped his coffee and read over the information.

“But why was so much surgery required?” a elven woman in silver and gold armour asked him in a slightly desperate tone of voice.

“Well apart from his visible injuries and the large amount of internal bleeding, we had to… remove all the cancerous material… and before you ask, no we couldn't use magic as this cancer we discover is not natural, nor is it really anything for that matter… it seemed to absorb any magic we used and quickly rusted any tool we used” He said before sipping his coffee.

“What? But then how did he get it inside him if it isn't natural?” Chrysalis questioned.

“The bite wound he received from the dragon thing… it was concentrated in his left lung, rib cage… and his heart” He said with a frown.

“What!” the two females exclaimed in shock.

“With help from those two… people, Mr Xao and Mr Ming, we removed majority of his heart, all the infected flesh, bone and his lung before they… well… rebuilt it… it would have been amazing to watch if… well Anthony didn't die twice on the table and wake up once and nearly slit my nurse’s throat.” He said as he shook his head.

“What?” Lucy asked shocked.

“The cancer infected his blood and well caused a sort of Feral state when it hit his brain, luckily this could be treated with magic but… if this dragon is still on the loose then we may encounter more cases like this” He explained with a sigh. “Also the scale and blood we acquired has helped make a vaccine for the tainted blood”

“Okay so when can we see him?” Chrysalis anxiously asked.

“As soon as he is awake, but we will need to see him few days to make sure no more tainted blood or cancer has formed” He explained as he finished his coffee. “Also, under no circumstances is he to do any strenuous activities” He said as he rose from his seat.

“Why are you telling us?” Lucy asked.

“Because last time I told him that twenty odd years ago, he went and bucking did it and nearly had his arm fall off” The Zebra said with a huff as he walked off.

Chapter 4 - Heart Break

“Get away from me!” Tony shouted as he shot up to a seated position, his bandaged body covered in sweat and shaking slightly, the heart monitor was going a crazy as the man look around the white room he was In. It took him a few minutes to get his heart rate down before he actually noticed that a familiar Changeling Queen was looking at him half asleep with a worried and shocked expression on her face, as she had been sleeping next to the bed with her head on his chest and had been rudely awoken by his outburst.

“Tony” She muttered quietly as the man looked down at his right arm before grabbing the wrist with his left hand.

“it's fucking real… it wasn't a fucking nightmare…” He said to himself, anger prominent in his voice as he began to squeeze his right wrist. “Twenty fucking years” He growled as he shook only to be caught off guard when the Changeling climbed onto the bed and wrapped herself around him, burying his head in her bust while stroking his hair gently.

“Shush, no one blames you for vanishing, Mr Xao and Mr Ming explained it all and as much as the girls and I wanted to rip Xao apart for kidnapping you in a sense… you would have died from your injuries” She said in a soothing way as she pried his right arm from his grip before holding his hand.

“B-but twenty years… I haven't aged at all” He stated with a short sob.

“Yes I know, it means you have plenty to catch up on, but just know that there is several mares… I mean women who are very anxious to see you” Chrys whispered to him as she nuzzled his head.

“B-but… Cadance remarried and Amber…” He started only to have Chrysalis remove his head from her chest and place a finger on his lips.

“Yes Cadance remarried and did her best to forget about you… which I really disagree about but Amber was needed in Dragonsreach and is actually on her way to Sanctuary… well she was when we informed her when you first came in” Chrys explained as she leveled her face with his.

“But… I don't know what to do about any of this… it has been so fucking long and I… I am…” Tony started but stopped as he looked away from his old lover.

“You are nervous, yes I know but you have Lucy, Moon, Molly, Amber, Mayli, Luna, Tia, Elise, Amanda, Cloud, Sweetie and myself who are here to help you get everything back the way it should be” She explained to her long lost mate as she gently turned his face to meet her gaze before giving him a slight kiss on his lips. “We have so much lost time to make up for” She added.

Before Tony could reply, the door of the room burst open and Doctor Stripe came in with a small bag only to relax when he saw the situation. “Sorry, I would have been here sooner but Lady Lucy was interrogating me again” He grumbled as he walked over to the bed.

“T-that is fine but why were you coming here?” Tony questioned.

“Your heart rate spiked and with what happened to you… I have been instructed by the Queen to keep you under careful observation.” He said as he ran basic checks on Tony.

“The Queen?” Tony asked.

“Oh that is right, Sweetheart became an Alicorn… well Nightmare made her one, which really pissed off Celestia and Cadance but yea, and seeing as she was engaged to you before… well you know, the populace just started calling her the Queen instead of Princess and well it stuck… She is still technically a Princess but eh” Chrysalis explained with a shrug.

“Right… um also any idea on what the fuck was that Dragon’s problem?” Tony asked as the room went quiet.

“We were hoping you could tell us seeing as you were in the pit… we couldn't examine the pit probably due to it collapsing in on itself as we got there” Chrys stated.

“Oh… okay, so how long am I stuck in hospital?” Tony asked the Zebra.

“Well if I had my way, a good few weeks… but knowing you and your partners, that won't happen so you can go if you can walk… that fair enough?” Stripe asked as Tony nodded before Chrys climbed off the bed and helped him out of bed. At first he collapsed against the Changeling but with a little encouragement from the Zebra Stallion and Chrys, he was stable on his feet.

“Okay cool… um can i have a shower?” He asked Stripe, who smiled and pointed to a small bathroom in the corner. “Thanks… ah shit I don't have a razor or any clo…” He started only for Chrys to pointed to a small rucksack by the bathroom. “How did I miss that?” he muttered.

“Oh and I recommend not removing that necklace as it is a special kind of painkiller” Stripe stated.

“What? How and why is it a painkiller?” Tony asked.

“Well it is a Zebra creation, the hospital has several enchantments on it that not only increase the speed of healing but with these Necklaces, it sort of works with the patient's nervous system to figure out the amount of pain they are in and negates it” Stripe explained.

“And how does one know when they are not in pain or in a manageable amount?” Tony inquired.

“There are four gems on the necklace that glow, the more gems that are glowing, the worse the pain… this was actually first implemented just after the Caribou war and help dramatically with all the wounded” Stripe explained further.

“Oh cool, where did you even get the idea?” Tony asked him.

“I believe it was thought up by Abigail” Stripe said as he watched Tony walk over to the bathroom.

“Oh I guess that makes some sense, um I'm gonna clean myself up now… Chrys, Stripe please don't tell the girls I'm up… I don't want to be murdered with affection” He explained as he entered the bathroom.

“You're going to tell them aren't you?” Stripe asked.

“Of course” She stated with a smirk as the two left the room.

As Tony stripped the smock like garb from his body, he quickly removed the bandages only to gifted with the sight of heavy bruising around the area he was bitten. With care he removed the necklace and immediately fell to his knees in agony, his chest felt as if someone had forced a chainsaw inside of him, his left arm throbbed like it had been shot, along an invisible curved line on his chest and back was a horrific stabbing pain and his head burnt like nothing else.

“S-shit… fuck me” He growled as he used the sink to pull himself to his feet while he panted from the pain. “Come on Tony, get accustom to it… this is gonna be the normal for a while” He said to his reflection while panting, after a few moments it seemed to become more manageable so he took a deep breath and ran the shower. “So… I guess I have to find that prick and deal with him so he doesn't. .. doesn't cause too much devastation” He muttered as he stood under the hot water. The water ran over his form, making the man give a sigh of relief as he felt his muscles loosen, which never got a proper chance to after waking up in the cocoon. The pain seemed to lessen aa the muscles loosened also which drew a happy sigh from the man.

“Oh shit” A voice said from behind him which Tony just stayed quiet while facing the wall. “That thing really did a number on you” the voice said as Tony did his best to place his finger on the voice, though it didn't take long for his attention to be taken away from that as he heard the sound of a zipper coming undone before feeling someone place their hands on his back. “You weren't supposed to take the necklace off” The female voice stated with concern.

“It would not help as I am planning to exit the hospital today, and if it only works inside it well… I didn't want to collapse to my knees and make people worried” He replied as he felt gentle scaled hands explore his back.

“Was it that bad?” She asked him, failing to hide her worry when she spoke.

“Sorta, I guess most was probably my stiffened muscles from cryo sleep and getting cocooned… it is better now after warming them” He explained as ne felt a scaled muzzle give the right side of his neck a kiss while a pair of green scaled arms wrapped around him.

“I missed you Tony” She stated with a slight sniffle.

“I'm sorry Amber, I didn't mean nor want any of this shit to happen” he said as he placed a hand on one of the dragoness’ hands.

“I know sweetie, we have so much time to make up for… but unfortunately seeing your current condition, I believe sex is out of the question” Amber stated with slight disappointment.

“Yea but there are other things… anyway I best finish up for everyone else joins us” He chuckled before he watched her hands grab a bottle of body wash and pour some on his back, causing him to shiver for a moment.

“No I think I'll wash you, as it will be quicker and less painful for you” Amber said as she massaged the liquid into his bruised back.

“You just want to feel me up” Tony stated with a chuckle, that Amber soon shared.

“Never said I wouldn't” She giggled. After several minutes of showering, They stepped out of the shower to dry themselves, although Amber placed her hand on Tony’s chin and quickly inspected him. “You have barely aged” She said quietly before kissing him softly.

“That is Cryo for you” Tony said with a chuckle as he knelt down and opened the rucksack with his clothes in it.

“Oh and Cadance is in the other room… she isn't happy either” Amber said as she redressed herself.

“Cadance? What is she doing here?” Tony questioned as he dressed himself carefully.

“She came down with her partner for the friendship games and was at the house visiting everyone when Mayli burst in and shouted that you were alive and in surgery. .. and you can kind of guess how they reacted” Amber said before helping Tony with his top. “Well at least that is what I was told.” She added.

“Okay, um I think I can guess why she isn't happy” He said to the dragoness.

“Yea so can I but I think she wants to talk to you in private” Amber said as the two exited the bathroom to see a pink alicorn, roughly the same size as Celestia with a flowing multicolored mane, she was reading Tony’s medical chart from the end of his bed before looking up and frowning at the man. “Well I best leave you two alone” Amber said before quickly making her exit.

Once she was out, Cadance’s horn glowed for a moment before she placed the chart down. “Hey Ca…”Tony started only to stop when the Mare raised her hoof to silence him.

“Is that all you have to say? Hi? After what you did… a simple hi?” She asked with a glare.

“What I did? I went off to stop some horny old bastard from turning every woman into his fuck toy” Tony replied as Cadance shook her head.

“That is not what I am talking about… I am talking about your little scheme to run off” She said to him, causing the man to be taken back in shock. “We were all told that Mr Xao made a deal with you to ‘save’ the world and in doing so he ‘banished’ you… but you know what I think?” She asked as she got off the bed. “I think you were planning this all along, because you had a reason to run away so you worked with Mr Xao to do so… only to come back twenty years later when our… my foals are all grown up, and have everypony fall head over heals with some sob story about being kidnapped well I don't bucking by it, you were just too much of a bastard to be a father and I honestly thought be…” Cadance shouted at him before Tony grabbed her muzzle to shut her up, the act caught the mare off guard and the look of anger and hurt on his face caused her ears to flatten against her head.

“Are you serious? Are you god damn fucking serious?” he asked her before letting go of her muzzle. “Why the fuck would I leave my heavily pregnant wife… who I fucking loved, behind thinking that I died? Do you really think that low of me?!” He shouted back at her, his voice dripping with venom. “Ever since I took you in when Shining had been abusing you, I cared about you and when we started going out… I swore to myself that I would never, even if it fucking killed me, hurt you… if I really didn't want to be a fucking father then I would never of fucking married you!” He shouted louder as the mare took a step back.

“Bu-but…” Cadance tried to cut in her earlier anger was gone, but Tony cut her off.

“And you thought I was working together with the… thing that fucking murdered my father in front of me to prove a fucking point to me, really? The thing that butchered hundreds or maybe even thousands of humans because he didn't like them… how the ever loving fuck did it get in your head that I would willingly work with someone like that to do something so fucking petty?” He roared at her before taking a moment to breath and think what he was trying to say. “These relationships are supposed to be about trust and love… but I guess you didn't have enough to make it work.” He said to her, not even looking at her as he grabbed the rucksack and walked towards the exit.

“T-tony?” Cadance asked in an attempt to stop him “Please I just thou…”

“Don't even try to justify yourself to me right now, I have to fucking figure out how to save what little remains of my relationships after being gone for so long, and you the first thing I thought when I returned to this world because a very little amount of time had seemingly passed for me?” He asked her.

“W-what?” the alicorn asked.

“I can't wait to see Cadance again and show her I love her”He said to her before exiting the room.

Chapter 5 - Doubts

“What is taking them so long?” Lucy asked as she looked at her wristwatch while she walked down the hospital hallway with Amber, Stripe and Chrysalis.

“Maybe they are… rekindling their flame” Amber said with a smirk.

“I doubt it, but not at all impossible” Lucy stated as they reached Tony’s hospital room to find it slightly ajar with the sound of sobbing emanating from inside. “What the?” Lucy asked as Chrys pushed the door open to reveal the Alicorn of love crying her eyes out while sitting on the bed, her once flowing mane now hung down and her colour was slightly faded.

“Cadance, what happened?” Chrys asked as she ran over to the hysterical mare.

“I… I'm a…. A fool” She sobbed as the Changeling Queen embraced her.

“You're not a fool, Tell us what happened” Lucy said as the other three walked over to the bed. With a deep breath to collect herself, Cadance explained what happened during the talk and what Tony said to her.

“A...and h...he just left by saying… by saying that he wanted to....” Cadance tried to speak before she burst into a crying mess once again while burying her face in Chrys’ breasts.

“Shit, wait but why would you even think such a thing? Surely you don't really believe that he would do something so well unlike him or work with the genocidal ass?” Stripe asked as he leant against the wall, in which Cadance only replied with a shake of her head.

“Then why even say such a thing to him? You know how he gets at times… how he over thinks things like this” Amber said.

“G-Gold… h-he explained it to… to me and it … i wanted it to f-fit…. And I accepted it because I didn't want to believe that he nearly died all those years ago” She sniffled.

“God damn, Cadance you know he is probably jealous because Tony is back, fuck he probably thinks you are gonna leave him” Chrys stated with a sigh as she stroked the mare’s mane before turning her head to Lucy. “We have to find him”

“Who? Gold or Tony? “ She asked.

“Both, I want to kick Gold’s flank and sort this out with Tony” Chrys said as she looked back to Cadance, who had managed to get herself together.

“Let's head home, Stripe, would you be able to get all of Tony’s medication ready to be collected in the morning?” Lucy queried.

“Yea I can, just make sure that Tony gets plenty of sleep as he is still recovering” Stripe said as the four women vanished in a flash of light.

(Sanctuary)

“Smitty!” Tony called out as he knocked on the door that belonged to the Earthen Blacksmith, well at least where Tony remembered hr lived.

“Bugger off, it is 2 am!” a gruff voice replied.

“Smitty it's me, Tony” Tony replied moments before the door unlocked and opened to reveal a four foot man with a long grey beard, running down the left side if his face was a grizzly scar.

“I thought the papers were just bullshitting” He said as he squinted his eyes and inspected the man. “Come in” He said gesturing the Trooper inside.

Once inside, the old Earthen lead the man to his kitchen. “hungry?” Smitty asked.

“Yea a bit, haven't really eaten anything since… well before heading off to attack the Caribou” Tony chuckled along with Smitty.

“Okay you just sit down and tell me everything while I whip something up” Smitty said as he started cooking something.

(An hour later)

“And then I ended up here… probably going to have my ear screamed off for what I said. .. Cadance is probably in tears right now” Tony said as he leant back in the chair and placed his hands on his face and groaned. “Fucking hell, I have already ruined everything. “ Tony complained.

“Yea but look on the bright side, it is your birthday in three days” Smitty said gaining a confused look from Tony as he sipped the beer he received with his food. “I am good at remembering these things… especially when I have several dozen grandchildren and great grandchildren” Smitty said as he took a gulp of his own drink.

“Fair enough, but I don't really know what to do.” Tony sighed as he leant his elbows on the table.

“For your birthday or in general?” Smitty asked.

“Either or… both I don't know… I just… fuck” Tony said.

“Rely on your girls, they will help you through everything, and don't worry about this Cadance shit… She isn't your problem any more” Smitty said which Tony nodded. “Come on, I'll walk you home if you want” Smitty said rising from his seat.

“N-no I will be alright, just gonna finish my drink” Tony stated before finishing off his beer.

“No worries buddy, I'll see you in three days as I have my scaly girls coming over” Smitty said with a wink.

“Okay, no need to explain any further, I guess I'll see you later my friend” Tony said rising from his seat and giving his friend a hug.

“Here a spare key to your place, as your girls keep breaking theirs, also I'll let Urik and Eliza know you are back” Smitty said.

“Thanks again mate” Tony said as he collected the Key before he was lead outside. Once outside, he looked left and right before frowning. “Wait… which way again?” he asked himself as he didn't recognize anything in the dark.

(A several hours later)

“Fucking finally” Tony groaned as he reached the familiar house that was his home, it was incredibly difficult to figure out where he was until the sun rose, and at the point he reached the door and unlocked it, it was probably close to midday, mostly because Tony ended up outside the city and had to get inside, also he got lost in the port district. “Fuck I am tired” He groaned as he closed the door behind him and locked the door it only to feel as if someone was watching him.

“And where the hell have you been?” Chrysalis asked from behind him, it was obvious to him that she was annoyed so he sighed and turned to face her.

“Look I was pretty angry and hurt after talking to Cadance so I needed some alone time so I didn't blow my top, then I got lost and ended up at Smitty’s, we talked then he gave me his spare key and sent me on my way… then I ended up lost… again” he said with a sigh. “Do… do you lot really think that I just abandoned you lot when I got the chance?” He asked her, causing the Changeling mare to frown before she walked over to him and hugged him.

“Of course not sweetie, and neither does Cadance, she is just a little taken back but everything. .. we all are and her partner pretty much put words in her mouth” Chrys said as she broke the hug and placed her hand on his cheek. “You should talk to her and make things right, maybe you two can be friends still” Chrys suggested as Tony shrugged only to grunt in pain.

“Maybe but I need to eat something, take painkillers and sit down” He explained which Chrys nodded before she look his hand and lead him to the living room, where majority of his partners were currently, doing random tasks and having chats but as soon as the pair entered, the room fell silent and all eyes were on him. “Maybe I'll have a shower first.” He said only for Chrys to sit him down gently on the couch.

“No, food and painkillers first… wait here” She said before leaving the room. The three Elves, single Dragoness, Orc and Dark Alicorn all continued to watch him until Nightmare and Elise joined him on the couch.

“I'm still not happy you kicked me off that cloud and Tia is angry about you calling her a fat ass” Moon said as the elven sorceress wrapped her arms around Tony’s neck and kissed his cheek.

“Thanks for distracting the dragon long enough for Mayli to free me” She said with a soft smile as she kissed him again on the cheek.

“No worries, in all honesty… I kind of forgot about you being in there” He replied as Elise frowned for a moment before shrugging and cuddling up close to him, only to receive a pained grunt from him.

“Okay so Tony, shirt off” Chrys said as she reentered the room with a paper bag.

“Um why?” He questioned.

“Painkilling cream and anti bruising cream” She explained, gaining a nod from the man. Once Elise had detached herself, Tony removed his top only for everyone but Amber to gasp.

“Buck” Nightmare said as she looked at the heavily bruised chest of her mate.

“I… I wasn't expecting it to be that bad” Lucy said as Chrys snapped out of her shocked trance and removed to small cream tubes.

“Please sit on the edge of the couch” She asked as she put a pair of gloves on, which gained an odd look from Tony. “I am using numbing cream, I kind of don't want to lose feeling in my hands” She explained.

“I think standing will make it easier… and I guess no shower then”He said getting to his feet as Chrys took a moment to figure out what he meant before she groaned.

“Sorry baby, you can have one later” She said before she poured some of the numbing cream into her hand and started to apply it.

“No it's fine, I shouldn't have stormed out of the hospital last night, that wasn't cool of me, especially seeing as I made you lot worry about me” He stated as Chrys turned him around and started on his back.

“You can make up for that later, but once this is done I need to talk to you upstairs” Lucy stated as she got up from her seat and stood by the doorway.

“Why upstairs?” Tony asked her.

“One, you need to get dressed because we are going out for lunch and two, I need to explain to you who is part of your harem and who isn't” She said while receiving several groans from the other women in the room.

“Lucy would you drop that please?” Amanda asked.

“No, I won't, Tony needs to know this because otherwise they won't inform him and try to act like nothing happened.” The Elven warrior replied.

“It's been nineteen years, can't you just drop it?” Moon asked.

“That is just the thing, if it was ten years ago or five I would drop it but they started dating a few months after we all thought Tony was dead, fuck they did their best to try and force us to remarry lime they are doing with Candy” Lucy growled as Chrys finished with Tony and bandaged his chest. “Are you done?” She asked, receiving a nod from the royal Changeling. “Good, come with me Tony” She said.

Once the pair were upstairs and inside the massive soundproof bedroom, Lucy locked the door and pushed Tony onto the bed before straddling his waist. Tony was a tad confused by her actions before she wrapped her arms around his neck and broke down. “Lucy why are you crying?” Tony worriedly asked the elf.

“I almost lost you for a second time because I wanted to trap the collective soldiers… and last night when you vanish…” she was saying as she sobbed, Tony frowned and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his body. “I… I had to stay strong for the girls when… when we buried y...your duplicate… and when I saw you after your surgery… I wanted to be the one you saw when you woke up” She whimpered as she pulled her face from his neck.

“Lucy, I… what can say to stop you from feeling like this?” he asked her.

“I… I don't know, but just being here in your embrace helps” She said as Tony sat up and help her against him.

“I love you, you know that?” Tony informed her gaining a blush from her before she kissed his lips softly. “And let me guess the people you wanted to inform me about were Luna, Celestia and Molly? Seeing as they aren't here” Tony asked.

“Just Celestia and Luna, Molly is currently looking after the Crystal Empire… she nearly throttled Celestia and Luna when those two wanted us to forget about you… also she wanted to sever Molestia’s and Nightmare’s connection with the sun and the moon, but we argued against it as it would be a safety measure if they kept it” Lucy said as she gave Tony another kiss. “And we haven't told Molly about you returning yet… so expected to get well molested when she gets back” Lucy said with a soft smile as Tony ran his hand gently up and down her back.

“It'll be interesting, hopefully she is back before my birthday in a few days” Tony said gaining a surprised look from Lucy. “I'll be turning Twenty Five… or will I be turning Forty Five?” He asked himself.

“You get dressed and I'll inform the girls… also I need to redo my makeup” She said as she kissed the man again before heading into the bathroom. Once Tony was alone, he placed his hands on his face and groaned before getting up and opening the wardrobe only to discover that it was filled with all his harem’s clothes.

“I think there was a spare top in the bag” Tony said before noticing his locked armory, which he unlocked and found majority of his clothes inside. “Hmm guess that works” he muttered before changing into black cargo pants, a grey top with the UNSC logo on it, a pair of combat boots and a black jacket. Once dressed, he attached a holster to his hip and grabbed a magnum along with a few clips before he exited the armory and headed back downstairs to find everyone waiting for him.

“Tony why do you have a gun?” Mayli asked.

“Old habits die hard” He informed her as Chrys just shrugged.

“We're late so let's just go” She said slightly annoyed before taking Tony’s hand and leading him out while the others followed.

Chapter 6 - (Honestly I Don't Know)

“So let me get this straight? You complained about being late when in actual fact we were twenty minutes early? “ Tony asked as he sat on a couch, the small group had arrived at a smallish castle and had been lead to a living room. The castle belonged to Sweetheart but she allowed visiting royals to stay in the spare rooms, well those that were her friends anyway. As the group was told to wait patiently in the living room, all the girls had left to talk to Cloud or Sweetheart, as the two lived together, leaving Tony alone with his thoughts.

“Well I'm fucking bored” The man complained as he lounged on the couch. “I could nap… but then again I could do a lot of things in twenty minutes… a quick PT run, investigate this castle… if the guards let me… um I could jerk off but no that isn't a good idea… um fuck it napping sounds like a good idea” He muttered to himself before he began to get comfortable on the couch but the moment be gave a tired yawn, the door to the room opened and in walked a familiar grey unicorn with a dark burning mane.

“Comfy?” Umbra asked him as he simply shrugged gaining a small smile from the dark unicorn before she walked over to him and laid on the couch next to him.

“You right?” he asked her as she nodded and relaxed against him. “I distinctly remember you telling me that you were not interested in a relationship because of how short a time you had been a mare.” Tony said as the mare wrapped her arms around his form.

“Yes… that was twenty years ago… also Chrys and Nightmare took me into the herd after Tia attempted to banish me back to the shadow realm” Umbra said to him.

“Wow Celestia turned very bitchy very quickly” Tony stated.

“Luna explained that is was how she deals with grief, also those two, The mane six and Eris are here… all of whom are not happy with you for upsetting Cadance” Umbra explained as Tony groaned in annoyance.

“For fuck sake, this day just gets better and better” He groaned.

“Well the plus side is that Cadance wants to apologize to you” She said before the door opened to reveal a silver and black armoured guard wielding a longsword and smg, standing in the doorway.

“Lunch is ready Lady Umbra and Captain” The guard stated before Umbra climbed off the couch and gently pulled Tony to his feet.

“Thank you, we will be there shortly” Umbra stated, gaining a nod of approval from the guard before he left. “Look the trouble sisters and Elements… also Eris are at this lunch… so I recommend just keeping a cool head.” Umbra advised.

“I'll try” Tony said as the pair exited the room and headed towards the dining room.

Once the pair entered the room, several of the occupants turned and watched the two sit down at the table, Umbra sitting down near two smaller alicorn and changeling queen one alabaster mare with a purple blue and pink curly mane, a charcoal stallion with a crimson mane and the changeling had a light build, similar to Chrys when Tony first met her expect this queen wasn't riddled with holes as if she had just survived a firing line, her mane was the same as Cadance’s while her eyes were mismatched and slitted. All three watched Tony with curiosity as he sat down next to Chrysalis and a oddly familiar posh alabaster Alicorn. “Honestly darling, you couldn't wear something more formal? Maybe a suit or something?” She asked him, gaining a raised eyebrow.

“Rarity?” He questioned in which she nodded. “Um well very simple… I have only had three suits in my life… well sort of, my Dress uniform… which was on a Frigate known as the UNSC Darwin… which was destroyed… my first actual suit that you made me… well I think you remember what happened to that” He said to her aa she frowned for a moment.

“Yes I remember, but what about the suit I made for you to wear to your wedding?” Rarity asked.

“That is still in the Crystal Empire” Cadance said from across the table.

“Ah, well remind me to make you some more” She said to him as she sipped her tea.

“Sure… um question”He asked.

“Yes darling?” Rarity asked giving the man her full attention.

“Why are you and the other Elements Alicorns? Because it is a tad odd that since I have been gone that nine alicorns have appeared… well eight but anyway… I can guess who those two across the table are and also Chrys explained why Sweetheart is one… so why are you lot sporting wings and horns?” He asked as he took a sip from his drink.

“Oh simple darling, Twilight didn't want to watch her best friends pass with age and Celestia thought it would be a good idea for the Elements to be alicorns so we can help protect Equestria for centuries to come.” Rarity explained to Anthony.

“Fair enough, but what about your husband?” Tony asked causing Rarity to frown.

“H… He was in Baltimare with Fluer when the Collective unleashed a swarm of demons… nopony survived” she sniffled only to squeak when Tony wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest.

“I'm sorry Rarity” He comforted her for a moment before releasing her.

“Thank you… it's fine… I'm fine” She said with a soft smile before Tony turned his attention to the glaring Draconequus.

“Stop being pissy with me, it is your own fault for getting punched.” Tony said.

“What? How is it my fault?” Eris demanded.

“Well you teleported me away from being eaten by a massive dragon, and then proceeded to scare me… what did you expect was going to happen?” He replied.

“But you actually knocked me out… that is what I am pissed off about” Eris growled.

“What? Is that supposed to be difficult or something?” Tony asked.

“Yes!” stated just about everyone in the room.

“Well I guess you have learnt something then, don't scare me” Tony said as Eris muttered under her breath and crossed her arms. “Anyway, lets stop beating around the bush, the glare you're giving me could give children nightmares” Tony said to the mane six, Luna and Celestia.

“Well it is very simple as to why we are glaring at you, you made Cadance cry by yelling at her, the last few days she… no we all have been through all when you spontaneously returned… right around the time a large dragon ate Tirek” Celestia said in a serious and accusing tone.

“You can't be serious. .. first off what Cadance accused me of hurt… hurt worse then what that dragon did to me and second, I rocked back up on this fucking planet at midnight the day before that giant laser spewing gecko appeared so get your fucking facts straight” Tony growled as he rose from his seat. “Look I get it, me not coming back would have made things simpler for everyone… no bullshit or crying… hell if that dragon was somehow connected to me that would also make things easy but it's not, and I am here trying to salvage what I can of what I was taken away from.” He explained as he took a deep breath before running a hand over his face and groaned.

“Look yes our relationship… well my relationships with all of you have started off as complete chaos…” Tony said as he rose from his seat before pointing at Luna. “You attempted to arrest me and Chrys for what she did, that was before I pistol whipped you and kidnapped you…” he said as Luna lowered her head in embarrassment, he moved his finger to Umbra next. “I shot off your horn and attempted to destroy you because you were a tyrant and wanted to enslave the Crystal Empire” He explained as Umbra frowned and looked away.

“Celestia. .. you cut off my fucking arm… and trust me, that hurts” He said as he rubbed the scar from the incident. “Molestia and Nightmare Moon attempted to take over the world using Armonia’s Army and me… this after they imprisoned both of you” Tony said as he glanced at Tia and Luna. “But between all that shit you pulled, the times where you took a major gamble with the fate of Sanctuary to the time where you threatened to burn this town if I refused you, I never raised my hand against you… this after I nearly broke your jaw, but that was because you cut my arm off” He said.

“You are not going to let that go are you?” Celestia asked.

“No I am not, but my point is, you have done some mighty sketchy shit, most of you have done some major crimes and yet I have accepted that and supported you in anyway I could to help you right what was wronged… so all I am asking that is that you return the favor… yes I risked my life to nuke a Covenant cruiser, yes I came back twenty fucking years after I was supposed to be dead and yes, I made one of the mares I fucking love and adore… I made her fucking cry” He said with a sigh. “All I ask is that you give me a chance like I have given most of you… please” He asked as Celestia sighed.

“Twilight, can you please take your friends and the foals out while we speak with Tony.” Cadance asked.

“Mum we aren't foals” The Small Changeling queen stated.

“Lilith just please take your siblings out please” Celestia asked as the Changeling grumbled before the group left, leaving behind Tony and the women… also Umbra and Eris were still in the room. “You both also please” Celestia asked moments before Umbra and Eris teleported out.

Tony looked a bit confused before he was surrounded in a golden aura and he was teleported across the room and next to Cadance, who yelped in surprise from the sudden teleportation and fell off her chair. “Um Tia?” Tony asked the alabaster mare.

“I want you both to make up before we continue” She said as she sipped from her tea while watching the pair with a careful eye.

“Sorry for upsetting you” Tony said to the pink mare as he picked her up off the ground.

“It's okay… I'm sorry for accusing you” Cadance said as the room was quiet.

“Well this is awkward” Luna said with a raised eyebrow.

“What do you want me to do?” Tony asked the night alicorn.

“Make out?” Luna suggested causing Cadance to blush brightly.

“Luna as much as I would love to play out one of your little fantasies, she is engaged” Tony stated as Luna blushed softly.

“Oh I have more now for you and the others to play out” Luna replied with a sultry expression on her face causing just about everyone one in the room to blush brightly.

“Um so… yea… she is engaged so… um” Tony tried to speak, but it came out broken due to how flustered Luna made him.

“Um well you see Tony… well I… um…” Cadance’s speech failed also before Celestia cut in.

“She is single as of last night… after both Chrysalis and myself had a chat with Golden Vein… turned out he was stealing from the royal treasury so we gave him the choice of coming clean to Cadance or else” Celestia said with a smirk that sent a shiver up Tony’s spine.

“He is currently on his way to Blackwater prison… that was after Cadance bucked him through three of my walls” Sweetheart said as she glared at Cadance, who smiled innocently.

“So…” Tony said not following, this gained groans from just about every mare.

“Oh for buck sake, all of us have agreed to reform the harem” Cloud stated.

“Wait then why the cuk was I being fucking interrogated!?” Tony growled at them.

“Well one, to get Twilight and her friends off your back because i know how they are… and also I wanted to see if you still had that fire we all fell for” Celestia said.

“I hate you” Tony said with a glare as the mare smiled.

“Love you too lover boy” She winked at him

Chapter 6.5 - Father of Dragons

A long time ago, in a gal… wait no sorry wrong fandom…

Long ago, long before the rise of Equestria. .. even longer since Alicorns took their rightful place as guardians against the chaos, resided the Rangers. An ancient race of immortals whom not only incredibly intelligent but with the physical strength to back it up, they helped form Equis… helped who you ask? I'm not going to tell you… at least not yet anyway.

So anyway, coexisting with the Rangers were the young race of Alicorns, ranging at several hundred thousand strong, the Eternal Dragons, power creatures that could warp reality. The Dire, a nomadic race of warriors so fearsome that they hunted in order to keep their numbers low and lastly were the Chaos beings, creatures that rivaled the Rangers in intellect and magic but not strength.

The world was in a state that could only be called the calm before the storm, the Chaos Beings and The Dire were preparing to take the world from the Rangers and Alicorns while the Eternal Dragons sat on the sidelines, refusing to take sides.

After centuries of stalemates, both sides equally matched, both sides pleaded with the Eternal Dragons to aid them in the war. Seeing the chance to mold the world in their image without much resistance, majority of the Dragons attacked both sides, crippling them while the remaining Dragons brought those that survived together to repel the Dragons.

This event soon caused an aftershock which brought devastation to the entire planet. The Eternal Dragons secret to immortality was a vast amount of eggs that were lain before the dawn of the world by a true god, when a Dragon was slain, they were reborn through the eggs so the inhabitants fighting the Dragon, now known as the warriors of Harmony, did was destroy the eggs, with help from the Dragons allied with them.

This move single handedly crippled the Eternal Dragons enough for them to be slain, unfortunately this move also caused the Mother of the Eternal Dragons to die of grief from the lose of her eggs… and thus the world was at peace for the first time in an eternity, The Dire was given a realm named ‘Tartarus’ where they could fight all they pleased, the remaining Chaos Beings and Alicorns, who were not distorted by the Eternal Dragons (causing hundreds of new mortal races to appear) took up the mantel of ruling the world. The remaining Rangers settled to assist when they were needed while the five remaining Dragons (who weren't distorted also) chose to use their powers to rebuild the world for example, twin Dragoness’ created a new Sun and Moon as the previous had been destroyed.

But before you ask, the death of the Mother of The Eternal Dragons was the aftershock the brought devastation oh no… it was when her mate discovered his mate slain, his Dragonlings and eggs slaughtered. The rage he felt ripped open the sky, all those who saw him or heard his mighty roar coward in fear the Dragon’s rage distorted the earth, boiled the ocean and burnt the sky.

The majority of the Warriors of Harmony, feeling headstrong after defeating the Eternal Dragons, charged at the God… few returned from the thousands that attacked and even fewer returned sane for this was not a simple Dragon, no, This was the Father of the Dragons, The Void Dragon.

The Void Dragon continued his onslaught for several days until his remaining Children tricked him and imprisoned him in what they thought was an inescapable prison while they divided what power they stole from him among themselves. Now I know what you're thinking, why not simply kill Manus? Well for one, they loved him as he was their father, Two they understood the reason for his rage… and Three, he was a true Immortal and they had no way to slay him, only weaken him.

There he lay trapped in his prison for eons, his rage and hatred growing while his love for his children diminished… all he wanted was to find and kill them and the remaining Rangers. His prison’s defenses were designed to reflect and inhibit the Father’s power, it grew weak against external forces so when a misguided grenade landed on top of one of the weakened glyphs… the Dragon saw his chance and forced his magic through the small crack before destroying the remaining glyphs from the outside, freeing himself but also draining what little magic he had left, leaving him weak enough for a mortal to attempt sever his spinal cord with a lance.

Chapter 7 - Pain

“Well that was awkward” Tony sighed as he opened the door to his home, followed by his girls, The Mane Six, Umbra, Eris and the younger immortals. “I still can't believe you set fire to table cloth” Tony added as he looked to Celestia.

“I don't want to talk about it” She said as she quickly vanished out of the hallway.

“Tia doesn't like centipedes” Luna explained.

“I noticed, but did you really have to toss one at her while we were about to eat?” Tony asked as Luna smirked victoriously.

“Yes… yes I did” She giggled as she followed her sister into the next room, the rest of the group followed save for Tony and Cadance, who stood in hallway not saying anything until Tony sighed.

“So where do we go from here Candy?” he asked her causing her to blush at the pet name he gave her so long ago.

“Um well I guess we have two options, we ca…”

“I want to be your husband again” Tony said, stopping her mid sentence and making her looking at him in shock at his quick answer. “But I can understand if you do… “

This time Cadence interrupted Tony by suddenly standing on her back legs, wrapping her forelegs around his neck and locking lips with the man, making the man blush brightly from the sudden action before he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her waist as her wings wrapped around his form.

“Took you both long enough” A smug voice stated as the pair broke their kiss.

“Buck off Umbra, we are busy” Cadance said waving her hoof in Umbra’s general direction.

“I know, I was just wondering if you guys wanted this?” She asked as she produced a familiar golden ring with Cadance's cutie mark on it made out of crystals. “I thought I should teleport back to the Crystal Empire and grab it off Molly as she was wearing it as a necklace. .. also she is in the living room” Umbra said as the ring was picked up in a baby blue aura and floated over to Tony.

“Well it was nice living” Tony groaned as Candy giggled before putting the ring on his finger.

“But your demise will be fun” Cadance said.

“Thanks love butt” He said making the Queen of love blush before she stole a kiss from Tony.

“I know you love my flank sweetie, almost as much as Tia’s big fat one” Candy said with a smirk.

“I BUCKING HEARD THAT!!!” Celestia said from the other room before Cadance giggled and returned to her normal standing position before leading him into the living room, moments before he sidestepped a large white blur, that proceeded to connect with Umbra.

“Tony you bastard!”Umbra shouted as she shoved the horny alicorn off of herself. “I'm going to bucking kill you fir that!” She growled as she summoned a long black scythe.

“Nope!” Tony shouted before he quickly exited the building through the window with A tall alabaster Alicorn and a very unhappy Unicorn chasing him.

“Get back he…”Umbra started before she was tackled by Nightmare.

“Umbra please don't” Nightmare asked as a flash of gold light occurred next to the couch, leaving a confused Tony standing there.

“Stop teleporting me around!” Tony growled before he was grappled by Molly, the mare nuzzled the top of the man’s head, who started to flail about as his oxygen supply was cut off by the mare’s massive bust.

“Can everypony stop trying to kill Tony?” Chrys asked as Molly noticed she was smothering her mate before she released him, making him gasp loudly and pant almost as loud.

“Sorry sweetie, I just got a bit over excited” Molly said to Chrys, who proceeded to pull the man onto the couch next to her.

“it's fine but let's try not to kill him, that goes for all of you” She said as Tony got comfortable on the couch.

“Chrys… it is fine, I have expected this to happen” Tony admitted as Molly straddled his lap and took his face in her hands before kissing him, causing him to blush brightly. “I honestly have been expecting worse to happen” He continued as Molly nuzzled his head and neck while her arms wrapped around his shoulders.

“I know what… I feel sorry about the prank we pulled… it wasn't nice” Chrys said as her ears flattened against her head while Molly looked at her confused.

“It's fine… look I am incredibly tired so I'm going to crash for tonight… if Molly would get off my lap” Tony explained moments before the Alicorn climbed off him and helped him to his feet. “Thanks, so yea maybe we can try this when I am not half delusional from being really tired and sore” He said.

“Have the numbing cream worn off?” Lucy asked concerned.

“No… it just did fuck all” He said before he headed upstairs.

“Numbing cream?” Umbra asked.

“Yea Tony is heavily bruised around his left side, where the dragon attempted to take a chunk out of him… it had some strange venom that caused some really bad cancerous growths on his organs, skin and bones which were immune to magic… he had to have reconstruction on his body and it has left him horribly bruised and in pain” Amber explained as all the people in the room frowned.

“But then how can he function in such pain?” Lilith asked.

“It takes a lot to put that man down, I remember when Celestia cut off his arm and he still kicked her ass” Luna said with a smirk as Celestia frowned. “But also he doesn't like ponies worrying about him in such ways, like when he got really badly sick, we almost had to strap him to a hospital bed to make him rest” Luna said with a soft smile.

“Buck… well I better go make him feel comfortable” Molly said with a smirk before she teleported away.

“Oh goddess, what is she doing?” Amanda asked before there were several loud thuds from the second floor followed by cursing and the sound of a window breaking, followed by a loud thud. After a few minutes, the front door opened and in walked Tony in his cargo, his torso was still bandaged but there were shards of glass and sticks in them.

“New rule, no teleporting in to or around the house for no reason, teleporting out is okay just not in” He grumbled as something caught the attention of all his girls save for Amber.

“Tony your right arm?” Chrys said as the man raised his arm and looked at it.

“Wait none of you noticed this until now?” He asked them. “Like honestly yea I was wearing a long sleeve top after my shower at the hospital and then wore my jacket but you didn't notice my hand?” He asked.

“No not really” Cadance said.

“Right well I'll explain in the morning” He before he headed upstairs, only to be followed by Luna and Cadance.

“See, he just well from the second story and it he is acting like it didn't hurt” Celestia explained as the two young alicorns and lilith looked shocked.

“Oh I forgot to tell you lot, It's Tony’s birthday on friday” Lucy stated.

“Wait what?” Chrys asked in shock as the others looked just as shocked.

“Yea he is turning twenty five” Lucy added.

“Wait… hold up, He is only five years older than us?” The young white mare asked confused.

“Yes Flurry Heart… sort of, as he has said, he was in this thing called Cryo sleep which stops one from aging” Lucy said.

“But… that is just weird that he is so young… and that he managed to gain such powerful mares in his herd” Flurry said.

“Well he is a fearsome warrior, a brilliant commander and… well, badass, like he took on Celestia with one arm.” Amber said as Celestia groaned in annoyance.

“Why do you keep bringing that up?” Tia asked as Amber smirked.

“Until someone does something worse.” Amber said with a giggle, Celestia was about to respond before she was cut off by a scream.

“TONY!” They heard Cadance scream moments before most were out of their seats and upstairs only to discover Cadance, Molly and Luna trying to ,what appeared be, helping the man up. Some of the herd frowned at this unnecessary scare until they noticed it, Tony’s bandages had turned a deep crimson, dark red blood was dripping from his bandaged chest while he did his best simply to breath as it seemed like something was crushing his chest.

“We have to get him to the hospital!” Luna said to Molly moments before the four vanished in a flash of pink light.

Not needing a second more, the magic users of the herd, teleported everyone else to the hospital also.

(A few hours later)

“He is stable at the moment, considering what was happening” Stripe said as he sat back down at his desk within his office, doing his best to not look at the worried expressions of the women in his office. “I should have seen this coming though” He sighed as he opened a old draw in his desk to reveal several dozen folders.

“What do you mean?” Chrysalis asked as Stripe pulled a folder with Tony’s name on it and placed it on the desk.

“Because this isn't the first time this has happened, this first happened the day he arrived in Sanctuary, after the incident with Princess Celestia, there was some left over magic from her around the wound but also there was a large amount of Your magic within him which was mostly around some freshly healed scars… these gave him a little boost in energy but the magic was also destroying him.” Stripe said as he sighed.

“Yes I remember that but we fixed it” Luna said.

“Yes, but the procedure requires a large amount of energy from the cause and a catalyst which in the previous case was Princess Luna’s magic, this catalyst kills or mutates the regular cells to accept the magic and stops him from dying… thankfully due to Tony’s recent metamorphosis and the scale we retrieved, we don't require any more of the donor’s magic but unfortunately we can't use any previous donor or Catalyst as the Catalyst this time so…” Stripe started only to be cut off by Cadance.

“I'll do it, if it means that I don't lose him again” Cadance said as Stripe nodded.

“Wait Doctor, what did you mean by His Metamorphosis? “ Chrys asked.

“Simple, from what Mr Ming explained to me and from what I have seen from Tony’s recent results, he has the ability to use high levels of magic and or use Changeling abilities” Stripe explained.

“WHAT!” Everyone shouted in surprise at the Zebra.

“Oww” Stripe said rubbing his ears as two of the Alicorns used their Royal Canterlot Voice. “What I mean is that he has most likely had the ability to do this since when he had his arm reattached but due to Tony having a moderate level of magic resistance, we could only check these things when he is badly wounded or we take some blood” He said rubbing his ears.

“Tony isn't magic resistant, we all have used magic on him on multiple occasions and that also brings up the question of why he was in this situation now instead of when he was teleported around.” Moon asked.

“First, all the magic users he interacts with the most are incredibly powerful and Second, using magic against him doesn't cause this because one, three powerful mares already did this procedure and the only reason it is happening again is because an even more powerful creature has caused this. “ Stripe said before he took a deep breath before continuing. “ And before you ask, you probably didn't sense any magic within him due to the dream suppressants he was prescribed which would have nullified any magic” Stripe explained as he looked at his paperwork.

“Wait… why would he need dream suppressants and who would make such a thing?” Twilight asked confused.

“It is something that is used at Blackwater as a way to stop the inmates from suffering nightmares and also stops them from using magic to escape… the reason Tony was prescribed them was because was suffering quite badly from nightmares from his time fighting” Luna explained as Stripe nodded.

“That guy has been through hell and back… I'll happy be when this procedure is done and he is back to normal” Stripe said before rising from his seat. “Now I need to take Cadance to Tony but only Cadance because any background magic from you lot could cause problems”. Stripe explained.

“What about you?” Dash asked him.

“inhibitor braces” Stripe said showing several silver bracelets on his arms before he exited the room with the Pink alicorn.

“So… Tony can use magic” Celestia said outloud.

“Before you add anything, I'm teaching him, not your student” Elise said.

“Twilight is the Element of Magic, she…” Celestia started but was cut off by the master sorceress.

“Will probably try to experiment on him” Elise said.

“No I won't! “ Twilight shouted in offense.

“Oh please, he is the probably the last of his kind… I have heard about you and I know that your thirst for knowledge is great” Elise replied with a glare.

“How about ya both teach ‘im?” Applejack said, getting annoyed.

“Fine, but if you try anything without his permission, you are dead” Elise growled causing Twilight to recoil slightly as Stripe reentered the room.

“it's done, he is healthy and the bruising is gone but his will be out cold until the morning, I have given Cadance the go ahead to take him home, so now I just need some paperwork filled out.” Stripe said.

“That was really quick” Twilight said.

“It is a very fast procedure but also incredibly painful, thus why I made sure Tony was on morphine before starting” He said as half of Tony’s herd teleported away, leaving behind Lucy, Amanda, Cloud, Amber and Mayli. “Um why is the Elements of Harmony here? Please don't tell me he is now screwing them?” Stripe asked pointing at the mares making them blush brightly.

“What no, what gave you that idea?” Dash asked.

“Well if you hadn't noticed, just about every Alicorn ends up with him” Stripe said.

“Well it helps when he is one of the few males that can get one off” Amber said with a smirk, causing the mane six to go bright red.

“So this reaction caused those growths?” Lucy asked as Stripe sighed.

“No, they were caused by… well our best guess is that whatever bit him was filled with a rage so strong that it manifested itself into a sort of toxin, and when it was introduced to the body… it was like a rabid growing cancer.” Stripe explained.

(A few days later)

“Oh god my chest” Tony groaned as he awoke to a tightness in his chest, numbness in his legs and right arm. “Where am I?” He muttered as he tried to sit up only to discover that a sleeping Dragoness was wrapped around his right arm and a pink haired, alabaster mare was lying on his body with her head just below his shoulders. “Okay so Molly and Amber have got me trapped” He said before feeling his pillow begin to shift, causing him to turn his head to see that Cadance was watching him with a soft smile on her face.

“Afternoon” She said as she poked Molly on the head with her wing, receiving a groan from the Alicorn before she tightened her grip on Tony. “Molly up or I'll chuck you off” Cadance threatened playfully.

“Do that and I'll send you to the sun” Molestia replied without looking up as she nuzzled Tony’s chest.

“Oh shit, I'm not bruised anymore” Tony said causing Molly to look up and smile at him.

“No you're not” She said as she placed her hands by her body and pushed her chest into the air, giving Tony a perfect view of her naked body and making his face go bright red. “Which means we can play” She said as she attempted to pull Tony under her only to stop when Amber growled and put her wing between the two.

“Not now, he just woke up and he is probably stiff” She said as Molly smirked. “Not that kind of stiff” She said before turning her attention back to Tony, who only just realized that the Dragoness was also completely naked.

“And I would like feeling in my legs and arm again” Tony added as the two reluctantly detached from him, in which he quickly climbed out of bed and stretched. As he stretched, several loud pops and crack could be heard from his joints. “Oh god that feels better” He groaned before he turned around to see the three watching him intently. “What?”

“it's just good to see you in a better state than before” Cadance said with a warm smile Tony nodded.

“Alright, well I'm gonna clean myself up” He said gesturing towards the bathroom. “So I'll meet you lot downstairs” He said before grabbing some clothes from his wardrobe before entering the bathroom but he wasn't alone for long as Molly entered in behind him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. “Molly, I'm not in the mood for sex” He said to her as he felt her nuzzle his neck.

“That's not why I came in, I came in to give you some needed affection and also to present you with this” She said as she moved her closed hand into his view.

“Oh no, I am not into fisting” He said as the mare giggled before opening her hand to reveal a pair of gold rings. “Wait what?” Tony asked.

“Tia had to head back to Equestria as she is the princess so she asked me to propose for her if you woke up when she wasn't here… and before you ask why, the girls and I thought it would be the best idea to marry you before something else happens” She explained to him.

“I don't think I have enough room on my hand for that many rings” He said as Molly giggled before both rings were surrounded in a pink aura before the turned into jewel encrusted bracelets. “Fair enough”.

“So, while you be Tia’s and my husband?” Molestia asked him.

“Sure why not” He said as the bracelets unlocked and attached themselves to Tony’s left wrist. “So what are the benefits?” He asked with a stupid smirk.

“Well apart from a lot of sex, plenty of cuddling, grooming, groping, love, affection, back rubs and hopefully foals” Molly said as she kissed his neck.

“But I hate being groomed, I end up smelling whatever you lot last ate… and when you do it after sex… I hate it more” He explained as the Alicorn giggled and nuzzled him.

“These benefits are non negotiable” She added before running her tongue up the back of his neck, causing him to cringe.

“Goddamn it woman! Warn me before doing that” Tony shouted as the mare giggled.

Chapter 8 - Talks

“My god I hate when she does that” Tony growled as he stood under the shower, the steaming hot water soaking his body and the body of Cadance, who had dragged Molly out of the bathroom.

“it's her way of showing affection that doesn't involve sex” Candy said as she watched Tony sit down in the shower and place his back against the cool tiled wall. “We all have ways of showing our affection, Celestia becomes touchy feely, Luna and Moon become cuddle demons, Amber becomes possessive, Cloud and Sweetie become submissive. .. like extremely submissive, Mayli becomes shy, Amanda, Lucy and Elise try to show off and I like to sit on your lap… wait that's more of what happens when we are around you… but anyway, we only do it to you” Candy said as she turned around and placed her rump onto Tony’s lap and pressed down, to the point of Tony grunting in discomfort before the mare readjusted herself and leant back against her husband, who wrapped his arms around her waist.

“So if you have noticed what they do, what do I do around them?” Tony asked her as he felt Cadance push one of his hands down until it reached her teats.

“You become more relaxed in a sense… um you act your age instead of somepony twice your age” She said as she rubbed the back of his hand and gave a short whine. Tony smirked softly as he understood what she wanted and began to massage her teats with his hand, gaining a moan of approval from the mare.

“So you like me acting like a young adult? What do you like the most from it?” He asked her as he gave her teats a soft squeeze, making her gasp and grind on his crotch.

“This… fondling, groping, the kisses, the overall attention you give us” She said as Tony noticed what she was doing.

“I'm not going to have sex with you in the shower” Tony said to her, gaining a frown from the mare.

“Why not?” Cadance asked him as she looked back at him.

“it's kind if a waste of water if we fuck in the shower” He said as Candy got off his lap, her fur and mane were drenched as the mare stood up with her flank pointing towards him, her tail swishing erratically as the man was greeted by a familiar smell.

“We have an independent water supply then Sanctuary, so we can use as much as we like without worrying about taking away from Armonia” She said as she lower her front legs, raising her plump flank into the air in front of him. “Please Tony, I need you” She moaned as her tail stopped swishing and simply raised, giving the man a perfect view of her Marehood and plot.

“And if I knock you up again?” He asked her.

“I don't care, just take me and make me yours again” She pleaded, her voice consumed by need and lust as she wiggled her rump in the air.

“Fuck it” He said before getting to his knees and placing his hands on her hips and squeezed her plush flank, gaining a whine of approval from the Queen of love, although before Tony could go any further, the hot water suddenly changed to freezing cold. Causing both to cry out in shock, Tony quickly shot up and turned the water off while Cadance frowned and sniffled at the moment being ruined.

“Alright you both, the others want to see…” Chrysalis said as she opened the door, only to see Tony standing with his groin against Cadance’s flank as the Alicorn mare had her front half lowered with her flank in the air. “Am I interrupting something?” She asked with a smirk as Candy stepped out of the shower and wrapped several towels around herself.

“Yes” Candy growled as she dried herself while Tony stepped out of the shower also and dried himself.

“Um Chrys, could we have the bedroom to ourselves for a bit?” Tony asked as he picked up the still damp Cadance.

“Oh course” Chrys smiled as Tony carried Candy into the bedroom while the Changeling Queen followed. “You two have fun” Chrys said before exiting as Tony placed Cadance on the bed before he removed the towels from her body.

“I'm going to kill who ever used the hot wa…. Ter” Cadance threatened before she was interrupted by Tony giving her flank a squeeze.

“So, still up for some?” Tony asked as Cadance sighed.

“No,The mood was killed… come let's go see the others” She said as she hopped off the bed and exited the room causing Tony to sigh before he got dressed. As he was pulling on a top, Cadance returned into the room and stood on her back legs and wrapped her forelegs around his neck before she kissed him passionately while casually slipping her tongue into his mouth, gaining a squeak of surprise from the man before the kiss was broken and Cadance nuzzled his cheek. “Tonight, be in this room” She said as she pecked his lips softly. “we will have the house to ourselves… well And Luna… and I want you to pump another foal into us” She said seductively.

“So you wa… want another foal?” he stuttered.

“Yes I do and also, I want to have you with me when we raise it” She said as Tony nodded before he placed his hands on her hips, making her blush before pushing against him, sending them onto the bed as she got herself comfortable on his body.

“Cadance?” Tony asked while the mare smirked and flattened herself against him while she buried her muzzle in his neck. “What are you doing?” he asked her.

“Making you smell like me” She said as she gave his neck a playful bite.

“Stop it, you're are not a dog” Tony said in annoyance as Cadance giggled before she kissed his lips before she climbed off him and walked towards the exit of the room with a seductive sway of her hips.

“Woof…” She said with a smirk.

“Bitch” Tony growled playfully as he threw a pillow at her, which she caught in her magic and tossed back at him.

“Now come on, the others want to ask you what you want for your birthday as… well Lucy said no weapons or vehicles and Chrys said sex doesn't count” Cadance said as Tony groaned and got off the bed before he walked over to her, where patted her on her flank before the pair exited the room and headed downstairs. Once downstairs, Cadance sat her husband down on the couch before she walked into the kitchen, only to return with the Man’s herd excluding Luna, Nightmare and Celestia.

“Here” Amber said handing the man an apple as she sat next to him and leant on him as She wrapped her arms around him.

“Thanks” Tony said as he took a bite out of the fruit as Chrys copied Amber expect on the opposite side while Cadance climbed onto his lap.

“So what do you want?” Mauli asked Tony, who shrugged.

“Come on Tony, you have got to want something” Amanda asked.

“Well. ..” He said causing the women to lean closer to him. “All I really want is to be with my Family…” He said with a smile before it vanished and he looked at the ceiling for a moment, he was snapped out of his by receiving nuzzle from Cadance and Chrys. “Sorry… so yea I just want to spend it with you lot” He said smiling softly as Lucy shook her head.

“No no no, you are getting stuff, you skipped your twenty fourth and most likely most birthdays during your teen years and early adult… am I wrong?” Lucy asked as Tony sighed.

“No… no you are not wrong” Tony said with a sigh. “But I never really had anything to celebrate about” He shrugged… well as best he could with the Dragoness and Changeling wrapped around his shoulders.

“Well now you do so what do you want?” Amber asked.

“Ah… I don't know… um a dog?” he asked with a look of confusion on his face as the girls deadpanned. “What I don't fucking know” He said as Cadance rolled her eyes and laid against him.

“Alright well it's a start” Elise said as she relaxed on the couch next to Amber “Oh and Lucy, I think you should inform him” She added gaining a confused look from Tony.

“Oh.. right” Lucy said as she rubbed the back of her neck. “Um can I speak to Tony alone please?” Lucy asked before the rest of the girls left the room before the Elf sat next to him and sighed.

“You had a kid?” Tony asked causing Lucy to turn bright red and shake her head.

“No… it's nothing like that… just… we all know that being a soldier is all you know and that probably believe that you are only good at killing but…”Lucy said before stopping and taking a deep breath and looked at her hands which Tony placed his on top of to try and comfort her.

“You want me to be discharged in a sense” He said as Lucy nodded.

“Yes… look I know that you are probably angry but we just don't want to …” Lucy started only to stop when Tony kissed her softly on lips causing her to recoil slightly in confusion.

“Sure, anything for you lot” Tony said with a kind smile.

“Wait really?” Lucy asked him as he simply nodded before she smiled and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. “Thank you… you don't know how much this means to us” She said before hugging him tightly.

“No worries Lucy” Tony smiled as he kissed her again moments before the sound of hooves against wood could be heard approaching.

“Ah you are finally awake Tony, have you packed?” a familiar voice asked from behind causing Tony to turn and look at Twilight Sparkle and Celestia, the Violet Alicorn had a large creepy smile on her face while Celestia had a warm motherly on.

“If you are implying I am going somewhere with you then forget it… especially not with that rape face you have” Tony said gaining a giggle from Lucy, an embarrassed look from Celestia and one of confusion from Twilight.

“Rape Face?” Twilight asked Celestia, who simply shook her head before walking over to the couch and climbing on before leaning against Tony, who gave her a quick hug and kiss on the base of her horn.

“Think Any of your friends during their Heat when they see an attractive stallion” Celestia explained with a blush as Tony rotated his body and embraced the Elf and Alabaster Alicorn.

“Oh, well I would never let you rut me anyway!” Twilight attempted to respond to Tony only for him to smirk wide, showing off his canines.

“More for me” Celestia muttered quietly as she nuzzled Tony’s neck.

“Oh poor me, where ever shall I find a beautiful Alicorn to bed?” Tony said in mock distress moments before a flash of teal appeared in the room then vanished to reveal Cadance on the man’s lap.

“You rang?” She said in a sultry tone only to notice the look of pain on Tony’s face. “Baby what’s wrong?” She asked concerned about her husband.

“My balls!” He groaned as he gently lifted Cadance's hooves out of his groin while Cadance blushed softly.

“Want me to kiss then better?” She asked him with a smirk moments before a little trickle of blood came from Twilight’s nose while her face lite up like a Christmas tree.

“I would prefer you not to give my balls improved handless handjobs… it doesn't work remember” Tony said as Cadance frown and whined in his lap, the two become oblivious to Twilight that was joined by the rest of the herd and Luna.

“But you let Luna do it!” She replied.

“No… you are thinking of Chrys when it was just you and Chrys in my herd” He explained.

“Wait what!” the familiar voice of Luna called out in shock.

“It was a spur of the moment, if it makes you feel any better, you are pretty hot as a bipedal” Chrys explained.

“Fine… let me see then” Luna asked the Changeling Queen as Cadance quickly rotating on Tony’s lap, being careful not to damage anything.

“Um okay” Chrys said as he body was coated in green flames before they vanished to reveal a Midnight Alicorn with slightly smaller features than Nightmare Moon but still gave Lucy, Amanda, Mayli and Elise a run for their money. “ta da” Chrys said in a voice Identical to Luna’s.

“Hmmm… I look alright… expect my coat doesn't match your dress” Luna explained as Chrys shrugged and stripped naked, oblivious to the Violet Alicorn watching in shock. “Hmmm bounce up and down” Luna asked as Chrys did, causing all her new assets to bounce and jiggle erratically, this in turn caused several of the winged women in the room to get erect wings, including Luna herself. “I like it” Luna said blushing hard before looking to her Sister and then Cadance.

“Oh oh do me!” Cadance said bouncing on Tony’s lap, gaining grunts and groans from the man before he grabbed the mare by her hips to stop her. “Oh?” She asked as she smirked back at him while she ground her hips into his lap moments before a loud thud was heard, making everyone look to Twilight, who had fainted with a nose bleed. “When did Twilight get here?” Cadance asked confused.

Chapter 9 - Surprise

“Celestia Damn it my head” Twilight groaned as she slowly awoke to discover herself in a large soft bed with napkins up her nostrils. “What the hay?” She asked as she sat up and stretched, causing several small clicks and pops in her joints to sound off and the Alicorn to sigh in relief.

Looking around the room as she rekoved thr napkins, Twilight noticed that it wasn't her bedroom but in fact one of the spare beds at Celestia’s mate’s home. This revelation caused Twilight to groan in annoyance as she placed her hoof on her muzzle. “How can anypony stand to be around him?” She asked herself remembering the way he was acting before she passed out and all the other times she had been around him. “He is so annoying and rude” She sighed before shaking her head just as the door opened causing the mare to look up to see Elise enter the room in a jacket, white top and jeans.

“You are up, good” Elise said with a soft smile.

“Yea I am… Thanks for looking after me” Twilight responded only for Elise to shrug as she walked over and checkrd Twilight’s nose.

“I did barely anything, Tony was thr one to look after you… after he tossed Cadance at Chrys” Elise said with a giggle while Twilight crossed her hindlegs and looked away. “What?”

“Did he do anything while I was…” Twilight asked sheepishly.

“What? No why do you think that he did?” Elise asked slightly annoyed.

Recoiling slightly Twilight sighed and continued to look at her hooves. “Because of the way he was acting and such and the fact he said that he couldn't sleep with me” Teilight said as she rubbed her hoof against her leg.

“Okay a few things, one, That was simply Tony teasing or being sarcastic. .. or both. .. I can't tell half the time, Two if Tony was into that thrn he would have never fought Daine and lastly… can you feel you hindlegs?” Elise asked as Twilight nodded. “See, if you couldn't then there may have been a chamce as I doubt you cpuld take his endurance… and size” Elise said eith a smirk and blush. “Also I belive Celestia said you were still… innocent” Elise added with a wink while Twilight blushed.

“How do you put up with him being so childish?” Twilight asked gaining a sigh from the sorceress making Twilight look up at her.

“In reality, it took us forever to get him like that when we started this relationship and we are just glad that it stuck after what has happened” Elize sighed once again.

“What… What was he like before and why would you try and do that to him?” Twilight asked confused and slightly curious.

“Tony was a soldier since his early teenage years, he skipped a normal teenage life that you and I probably dreaded, he has suffered great lose and most likely killed many… when we first met him he was a hardass and distant… when we broke therough that… all his grief sort of caught up with him and he broke down in fromt of us and could barely function but we managed to help him back together and well tweak him to be more open, loving and playful” Elise explained as the two frowned.

“Ah… I should apologize to him” Twilight said as Elise nodded.

“Alright, well lets go see him now and probably explain about teaching him magic” Elise explained before the two got off the bed and exited the room before walking downstairs only to discover Tony asleep on the couch in what appeared to be one of Moon’s black tops, inside the top also was a sleeping Cadance with her head poking out the top and lying on his. Luna was lying on his legs as she read a book with a blanket over herself, Moon was currently topless and cuddling Cadance and Tony from the side and Lucy was sitting on Tony’s lap as she also read.

“How are he handle two Alicorns on his body at once… and your sister?” Twilight asked, gaining Lucy’s attention.

“Simple really, when Luna, Chrysalis and Celestia first pumped magic into him to save him, it caused increases in strength, speed, stamina. .. sort of to just below the level of an Alicorn” Lucy explained moments before Tony awoke with a start, unfortunately causing both Luna and Lucy to fall off of him and for Moon to roll off the couch revealing her big bra to Elise and Twilight.

“Fuck sake” Tomy growled as he panted, this exchange had somehow not aeokrn Cadance, who had slid doen into the top more. “Fucking xeno bastards” Tony said with a sogh before noticing the three mares and two elves looking at him with concern and annoyance. “Um hi” He said as Moon sat on yhe couch behind him and wrapped her arms and legs around Candy and Tony and kissed his neck softly.

“Sorry I should have sensed your nightmare” She said to him as she nuzzled him while Luna climbed back onto his legs and kissed him softly.

“It's cool… nothing I haven't had before” He said with a weak smile as he leant back into Nightmare’s embrace. “Oh Twilight your up” He said noticing the Alicorn before she approached.

“Yes… um I jist wanted to apologize for…” Twilight started only to be cut off by Tony.

“For what? You haven't done anything to make you want to say your sorry” Tony said with a soft smile only to go wide eyed when Luna disappesred under the top. “Luna you are gonna rip Moon’d top!” Tony shouted, waking up Cadance as he felt the Night Princess curl up on his lap under the top while he sighed.

“Okay that is really uncomfortable” Cadance said as she exited the pile and stretched.

“Um is this normal?” Twilight asked.

“No… they are trying out new things seeing they are older now” He explained while he placed a had on Luna’s side. “and yet still act like this” He said with a smile before he started to remove the top he had on and offered it back to Moon, much to Luna’s disapproval.

“Hey I wanted to stay like that” Luna grumbled as Moon took her shirt back and hopped off the couch as Tony wrapped his arms around Luna and got off the couch before he gave Luna to Moon.

“I'm just heading to the study” He said to the group before leaving the room. Tony didn't notice the pink mare walking beside him nor Twilight and Elise following him as he climbed the stairs and headed down to the end of the hallway, there he entered with Cadance before closing and locking the door. Once it was closed he leaned his hands and forehead against the door and sighed loudly. “What am I gonna do?” he asked himself before feeling something rub against his abs causing look down at Cadance who was looking at him worried.

“What's wrong sweetie?” she asked, her voice filled with concern as Tony sighed and walked over to the smaller couch in the room and sat on it.

“it's nothing Candy” He said to her with a sad smile while the mare trotted over and climbed onto the man’s lap before looking into his mismatched eyes with her teal ones.

“Bullshit” She replied gaining a raised eyebrow from Tony. “Tell me” She demanded as she placed her fore hooves on his chest.

Tony was about to argue against it but he simply sighed and nodded, not wanting to upset his concerned spouse. “I… I just have no idea what to do with my life now… I don't really have any skills apart from fighting… I don't know how to cook or to do all the basic shit… I… what can I possibly do that won't make me some leach to you lot?” he asked her as she sighed and wrapped her fore hooves around his neck.

“You're not a leach baby and you never will be in any of our eyes, you are our precious treasure that if Amber or Celestia or Molly had her way then I doubt you would be able to leave the bedroom and for the fact you aren't skilled… we have so long to teach you our skills and it will strengthen our relationship with you… so please just let us take care of you like you did so long ago, let us guide you and protect you like when you did when you met us… please just be our husband and stay the same playful self” Cadance said causing Tony to look down at the hooves on his chest and think for a bit.

After several minutes of waiting, Candy was growing more and more concerned until she felt Tony’s hands grasp her flank causing her to jump and moan softly before Tony kissed her passionately, drawing out another moan from the mare as he pushed her tongue against his lip, which soon parted and let her broad tongue enter his mouth to attempt to dominate his own. After a few moments, Tony pulled away to catch his breath while Cadance attempted to continue kissing him before he gently wrapped his hand around her muzzle “Okay… I'll follow your lead and be a good husband… even though I have no idea what to do” He stated with a chuckle as Candy ground her hips into his crotch and whined before Tony released her muzzle.

“All it entails is knocking us up and loving us with all your heart” She explained while panting as she rubbed her marehood against Tony’s growing arousal while moaning. The man smiled as he reached down to undo his jeans until a loud pop was heard followed briefly by a flash of light behind Cadance.

“Cadance help me!” a Voice asked causing the two to look to see a badly wounded Alabaster Alicorn with a electric blue mane that was clumped with blood and dirt.

“Glimmer?” Cadance asked as she got off Tony’s lap a few moments before the window detonated and three black armoured assailants entered wielding swords and axes, one was a short Griffon wielding a jagged dagger while the other two appeared to be anthro pegasi, the stallion wielding dual axes while the Mare had a slim sword and dagger.

“Help me!” Glimmer cried as the Griffon launched forward, it aiming to cut down the terrified Alicorns only to discover an arm wrap around his throat before his own dagger was buried in his exposed eye socket making him cry out for a moment before the blade was twist and plunged deeper causing him to shudder before going still.

“You dare come into my home and try and hurt my wife?” Tony asked in a dark tone as he removed the blade from the corpse and dropped it before stepping over it while aiming the blood coated blade at the remaining invaders, who took a step back as they processed what just happened. “Answer me!” Tony shouted in anger as the sword wielding Mare launched an attack only for Tony to dodge the attack and plunge the blade into her exposed armpit, making her cry out and drop her dagger.

Seeing his companion in danger, the Stallion charged but didn't get far as Tony seized the Mare’s throat and tossed her at the Stallion, stunning the pair.

“You have five seconds to answer” Tony warned as he picked up the Mare’s dropped weapon just as the Stallion got up and attacked again, but was quickly disabled as Tony drove his new weapon into the side of the Stallion’s belly before slamming his fist into the Stallion’s throat, sending him down to the ground gasping for air while bleeding heavily.

“We were ordered to eliminate Glimmer Shield!” The Mare cried as she tried to get to her feet while dropping her sword before she raised her arms as best she could with the dagger still in her.

“Why?” Tony asked as he stepped over the dying Stallion and wrapped his hand around the dagger and yanked it free, causing her to cry out and grip the bleeding wound.

“She… she is a threat to the Collective so our boss ordered us to end her” She whimpered as Tony looked back at Glimmer who was visibly shaking as Cadance comforted her.

“Right, well it was smart of you to tell me” Tony said.

“So you will let us go….” She started only for Tony to plunge the blade into her throat before grasping her by her chest plate.

“No” Tony said before he tossed her out the hole in the wall before he walked over to the barely breathing and extremely pale Stallion before the door exploded inward and several armoured Armonia Marines stormed the room and pointed their weapons at Tony.

“Drop it!” the officer ordered as Tony casually dropped the bloodied dagger moments before a more senior Marine grabbed the officer’s weapon and forced it down.

“You stupid idiot, do you even know who that is?” The Marine shouted in annoyance.

“Get off Sergeant” The Officer replied “He is covered in blood and wielding a knife in Captain’s home” The officer replied.

“You just got out of Officer training and you are already fucking up, you can't tell me you don't know who he is?” The Sergeant replied as the Officer gave him a blank stare. “The man who is the reason Armonia exists. .. the one who trained majority of us… the man who lead us against the Caribou?” He asked.

“That man is Dead” The Officer replied.

“Don't you read the paper? He has returned… the Captain explained all of this to us also” He explained as the Officer looked back at Tony and put two and two together.

“Well fuck” He said before he ordered his men to lower their weapons. “Um can we not tell the Captain about this?” He asked before he heard someone clear their throat behind him “She is behind me isn't she?” He asked as Tony nodded as he used removed his top and cleaned the blood off his hands. “Shit” He groaned.

Chapter 10 - Tactical... No Trix No Memes

“... And if I find out you are giving my partner any more strife, Goddess above what he will do to you will seem pleasure to what I will do!” Lucy shouted at the Officer who shrunk under the Commander’s rage.

“I… I'm sorry Ma’am, it won't happen again” He said as he looked down.

“See that it doesn't. .. and make sure everyone else knows” She growled as the Marine nodded before quickly leaving the building. Once he was gone, Lucy sighed and rubbed her temples as Moon walked over and embraced the ropable woman. “Today is going to shit” Lucy sighed and leant into Moon.

“Hey at least it's just about over” Moon comforted her as she rubbed her hand up and down Lucy’s back before her horn flared and Lucy yelped in surprise as her bra suddenly materialized in Moon’s hand. “Better?” She asked.

“Yea, just warn me next time. .. I still have to do paperwork on this and then have to figure out how they managed to get this far into Sanctuary. .. and… fuck” She groaned as Mon held her tighter.

“In the morning, right now let's check if Cadance, Glimmer and Tony are alright” Moon said causing Lucy to nod before they broke the embrace and moved up the stairs and into their bedroom.

“Stop Fucking Fidgeting!” The pair heard Tony shout from the bathroom.

“Stop being so rough then! “ Glimmer shouted back as the pair entered the bathroom to discover both Cadance and Glimmer in a bubble filled bath while Tony scrubbed the blood from Glimmer’s wings hard enough to make Nightmare wince.

“Well if you stopped fucking moving I wouldn't have to be rough with you” Tony replied as he finished scrubbing the wing before he moved onto her mane, which he unknotted and removed twigs from, all the while Glimmer flinched in pain from the rough treatment all the while Cadance watched with a beard made of bubbles.

“Help me Cadance!” Glimmer shouted as Tony accidentally ripped out a few hairs when he removed a tangled throwing knife from her mane, which he gave an odd look before he discarded it with a shrug.

“I am not Cadance, I am Starswirl the Bearded!” she exclaimed while shooting her hooves into the air, sending hot water and bubbles all over the room. Glimmer and Tony looked at her as if she was crazy, Lucy deadpanned and Moon facepalmed.

“Want her back Glimmer?” Tony asked.

“No… no I'm good” Glimmer replied as Candy pouted and crossed her forelegs. At the sight of this, Tony smiled softly as he walked around the bath and started to rub the pouting mare’s back causing her to moan and groan softly while she visibly relaxed.

“Sorry Cadance” Tony whispered into the mare’s ear as he gently grasped her wing joints and massaged them gaining cooes of delight from Cadance.

“How come you were so rough with me?” Glimmer asked Tony.

“Simple really, last time I saw you, you intended to ruin my wedding and most likely hurt Cadance again and I don't care what you have done to redeem yourself to the others over the past twenty years but it means nothing to me” He explained without looking up from Candy’s back.

“But I went through counselling and such to make me a better pony” Glimmer said as Tony sighed.

“Look let's change the subject, who does the Collective want you dead?” Tony asked.

“Well I learnt of the large amount of soldiers they have mustering in Windigo Gorge” She said.

“Tony no” Lucy immediately stated.

“Your soldiers won't be ready in time” Tony said as he walked out of the room.

“Tony!” the girls said following him.

“It’ll be a simply operation, move in, collapse the Gorge on them, come home” He said as he entered his armory and put on his combat boots and a dark top.

“You promised you would give up being a soldier” Nightmare said as the man put on his ODST armour.

“I did but also I am technically the King of the Crystal Empire and so it is my duty to protect my nation and subjects where I can.” He said as he put a code into a keypad attached to a locker before it opened to reveal explosives.

“So that is the code?” Nightmare muttered.

“For this locker” Tony said as he grabbed charges and put them into his pack along with grenades before closing the locker.

“I refuse to let you do this… at least let me get ready to go with you” Lucy asked.

“Fine, you have five minutes” He said as Lucy frowned before opening a locker on the far side. “Wait you store your gear in here?” He asked.

“Of course, it is an armory” She said as Tony opened another locker and pulled two suppressed SMGs and teo suppressed pistols along with plenty of ammunition for them.

“Alright, you have to follow all my orders” Tony said as he pulled a Grenade Launcher, Assault Rifle and Sniper Rifle from another locker. “He stay quiet” He stated as he removed the muzzle break from the Sniper and replaced it with a suppressor and attached one to the assault rifle.

“Why are you grabbing a grenade launcher?” Glimmer asked as Tony reopened the Explosives locker and pulled a small crate out.

“Because I had Inferno make me some high explosive shells, it means we can fire some down and destroy any vehicles they have” Tony said as he loaded a dozen or so into a bag..

“Right do we have everything?” Lucy asked as she loaded the weapons.

“Um home crystals” Tony said as he looked around before Nightmare produced a pair “Thanks and we need....” He said going to a draw, putting in a code to a keypad and opening it.

“What is with you and keypads? Like when I first saw this room a few years back, no pony could use anything in here” Glimmer stated as Tony produced six bracelets before putting on three of them.

“I think making sure everything is secure” He said as he tested each bracelet, one creating a three foot wide green energy shield, another covering his body in a strange silver energy before vanishing and the last turned him invisible before he turned them all off. “Good they still work” he said handing the remaining three to Lucy and grabbing two empty canteens and handing them to Cadance, who grabbed them in her magic before exiting and returning a few minutes with the canteens filled with water. “Thanks sweetie” he said as he took them and kissed the mare on her forehead.

“You know how useful these would be if our men had these?” Lucy said looking at the braclets.

“You know how devastating they would be if our enemies had them” He explained which made Lucy nod before she put them on while Tony pulled on his backpack and slung the Launcher and Sniper over him while he holstered the pistol on a chest holster and grabbed his helmet and a datapad from another draw that he attached to his left wrist. Once attached he fiddled with it for a moment before pulling on his helmet. “Ready?” Tony asked, his voice distorted by his helmet.

“Yea I am” She said putting on a scarf, headset and goggles to replace her lack of a helmet.

“Alright, Nightmare could you please take us to the Crystal Empire? “ He asked as Lucy grabbed her weapons before Nightmare nodded and teleported the trio.

(Crystal Empire)

Molestia was reading through some documents in the throne room about events and other boring things. “Wish I was home with Tony” She muttered annoyed a few moments before a blue flash of light filled the room for a brief moment, leaving behind Nightmare Moon and two armoured individuals, one who she could tell was Lucy by a gold stud in her left ear and the other she guessed was Tony by his armour and amount of weapons.

“Tony how are we going to get to the Gorge from here? It is an hour drive from here and we don't have a jeep”Lucy said as Tony waved at Molestia before turning his attention back to Lucy.

“We won't take a vehicle as they may detect it while two people on foot is considerably more difficult” He said as he walked over to Molly, removed his helmet and gave her a brief kiss, which the Alicorn quickly wrapped her limbs around him and pulled him into her for a much deeper and more intimate kiss.

“Tony that will take hours, we will rock up at like three or four in the morning” Lucy said.

“What time does the sun rise?” Tony asked as he broke away from the kiss, much to Molly’s complaining. “Sorry sweetie” he said to her.

“At like six” Lucy said as Tony nodded.

“Then we better get moving” Tony said slipping on his helmet and began heading towards the exit.

“Be careful! “ Molly called out as Tony gave a thumbs up as Lucy followed him out.

(Several Hours Later)

“How are you not freezing?” Lucy asked as she shivered as the pair climbed down the side of the Gorge before reaching a ledge overlooking the massive Gorge.

“Luna is quite cold and also this suit is quite warm” He said as he produced a large scarf from his bag and tossed it to her.

“You had another one? Why?” she asked him.

“As a just in case” he said to her as he walked along the makeshift passage as Lucy wrapped the scarf around herself and followed.

“You know I always wanted to go on a mission with you and see how you operate” She said to him as he stopped turned and gently grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.

“I enjoy the company baby” he said to her making Lucy blush softly before a sudden sound caught their attention and made them drop low.

“What was that?” Lucy asked as Tony unslung his Sniper Rifle and slowly moved to the edge and looked over.

“Patrol, three Earth Ponies and a Minotaur… no one else” He said as he followed them with his rifle. “They will discover us in a few moments” he muttered before firing four shots in quick succession before reloading his rifle and swapping it for his smg as Lucy crawled over to him and looked over the edge only to see darkness, it took a moment but her eyes adjusted to see the patrol’s bodies had tumbled down the cliff face, two were dangling from ledges while the other two were still tumbling down.

“How could you see them?” Lucy asked as Tony tapped his helmet.

“Nightvision” He said before he continued along the ridgeline with Lucy following him until they reached an overview. “So Glimmer’s Intel was correct” He said before he produced a pair of binoculars from his pack and offered them to Lucy. “These have night vision so have a look” He offered, which she took and checked as Tony loaded the grenade launcher. “From here we can bring this side of the gorge down on them, but we need to do the same with the other side so I'm gonna set up charges here and fire some shells to the other side.”He explained as he placed several shells down next to him.

“What do you need me to do?” Lucy asked him.

“Keep an eye out for any collective” He said laying down his rifle and launcher and removed several magazines from the sniper and handed them to her. “This has night vision also so just cover me” He said as she nodded and took the rifle as Tony quickly vanished leaving Lucy behind.

“Okay now let's have a quick look… oh no, no no this isn't good” Lucy said as Lucy spotted a large group of Collective Mercenaries moving up the ridge in the direction that Tony went. “Shit there are too many… shit this was a bad I… “

A sudden explosion caused Lucy to stop mid sentence, the explosion was shortly followed by several others “Use the crystal!” Tony shouted as he appeared from around the corner and grabbed the grenade launcher before firing at the opposite side, detonating the ridge and bringing down large boulders and ice down on the camp while Lucy opened her pack and pulled out one of the crystals and activated it, unfortunately she forgot to remove the other crystal from her bag before she vanished. “Ahh shit” He groaned as he reloaded the launcher just as a black painted Falcon rose up and pointed at Tony, it's lights blinding the man as the side guns pointed at him. Time seemed to slow down as Tony rose the launcher, it was almost fully up as a frozen horse slammed into the side of the Falcon, bringing it down.

“Shit” Tony said as he started running towards the exit of the gorge while he heard the wolfish howl of the Windigos behind him along with explosions. After a few moments, Tony reached a ledge before he turned around to see one of frozen monsters trotting towards him. “Fuck you!” Tony said as he raised the launcher and fired at it, the shell passed through it but it didn't pass through the boulder behind it, creating a massive fiery shockwave that destroyed the cliff face, Windigo but sent Tony off the edge. The man did his best to grab the rocks as he tumbled down the rocks, his armour dented and cracked, the cloth tore, he lost several weapons and his visor shattered as he landed hard against a burning wreckage of a vehicle.

“Ow” He groaned as he rolled off the bonnet of the burning warthog, blood seeping from his form, pain shit through his arm and leg making him groan and pull himself to his feet just as a small group of Collective soldiers appeared out of the icy haze that filled the air. The first two that appeared were cut down by Tony, who drew the pistol from his chest and shot them before activating his over shield and wrist mounted shield.

“Die!” a Minotaur shouted as he charged wielding a battleaxe, that Tony managed to stop it from ending him by raising his shielded arm, making the attack bounce off but at the same time, forcing Tony’s arm down awkwardly while he shot the attack in the chest with a barrage of rounds, emptying his magazine. As he was reloading his pistol, his arm shield failed just as a Earth Pony slid over the bonnet and smacking his right hand with a mace, sending the pistol away into the haze.

“ahh fuck… you!” Tony shouted as he grabbed the battle axe off the ground and slammed the blade into the attacker's chest. Tony drew a knife from his belt and looked around the haze just as another attacker hit him from behind slammed Tony into the burning jeep then tossed to the ground on his back before straddling his chest and attempting to use his own knife to stab Tony.

“Just give up bastard!” the soldier said as Tony was trying his best to stop the knife from going into his throat. Tony gritted his teeth as he gripped the soldier's wrists, but what they didn't notice was small black flames starting form on Tony’s arms until his entire arms were engulfed in fire. “What the hell?” The collective soldier asked before a large dome of fire exploded outwards and turned the soldier and surrounding corpses turned to ash.

“Jesus” Tony stated as he got to his feet and stared at his burning arms, which had destroyed the armor on his arms bit healed the scratches and cuts on his arms. “This is interesting” He said as a armoured dragon landed next to him and drew a cutlass and attempted to run him through but Tony sidestepped it and slammed his fist into the dragon’s jaw but instead stunning the dragon, it's head detonated in an explosion of gore and black fire. “Oh shit!” Tony said before he removed his broken helmet and smirked “Now I can work with this” He said as a group Windigos came down around Tony and the remaining Collective soldiers, freezing them in rapid succession, but when they got near Tony, he lashed out with his flaming hands, startling them away.

Things were going alright until the flames on Tony’s arms flared and grew, engulfing his upper body and head, the snow around him turned to steam as Tony could feel the heat against his skin, he groaned and dropped to his knees, causing his chest armour to turn to ash as the black flames continued to grow and spread. “Shit I can feel something building up” He groaned just before he felt a soft pop with in him before all of the burning energy was forced outwards, annihilating all in its path. When it subsided a few seconds later, Tony was panting half naked on his knees, everything around him, including the small mountain was ash, several boulders remained but were scorched black.

“O-okay… so… mission complete, I-i think I better head home” Tony groaned as he pushed himself to his shaky legs “Fuck that hurt though… also kind of weird but I feel well like I just got off after not being able to in months” He muttered and stretched, causing several pops to occur from his back. “Oh to the Crystal Emp… oh fuck” He said as he turned and saw the dragon that he impaled a few days back suddenly land in front of him. “Well fuck me” He said as he watched the dragon shift into a tall muscular man that had draconic wings, long sleek dark purple horns that came out of a mat of black hair, a long dark purple tail, purple slitted eyes and was but naked.

“Well this is interesting” He said in a deep voice as he walked over.

“Ah mate could put some pants on please?” Tony asked as he looked upwards while the Dragon looked down at himself then at Tony.

“Trivial but alright” He said as he clicked his fingers and his lower body was covered in a exact copy of what Tony was wearing. “Now that the trivialities are out of the way, you intrigue me” He said as he circled while his tail flicked slightly. “You look exactly like a Ranger except shorter but you are obviously different in behavior and in some physical ways” He said.

“So how am I?” Tony asked.

“You are such a violent warrior and yet you are gentle to your kin and mates, you are an idiot, not scared of change and more, while physically… your body is able to adapt relatively easily if exposed to a large amount of magic” He said as he walked over to Tony and poked his chest. “and you are less squishy” He added with a chuckle.

“Um okay… so you are not gonna kill me?” Tony asked.

“Oh heavens no, as I have taken a liking to you… in a way, you remind me of myself, Strong, protective… able to level a mountain” He added with a chuckle.

“Yea… still don't know how that happened” Tony said as he looked at the remains of the Gorge.

“Magic is connected to emotion and Dark magic, which that was, is connected strongly to hate, pain, rage, fear… and after it was building up for so long within you, all it took was a little nudge from your emotions to set it off.” He said crossing his arms. “You are lucky that you popped your magic cherry here instead of around your kin or mates” He said before placing a hand on Tony’s chest, causing a large spiderweb of purple energy to ripple across his chest and glow for a second before vanishing.

“What the fuck?” Tony asked taking a few steps back.

“Inhibitor spell, it will allow you to control your magic while keeping a lot of it safely contained” He said to Tony.

“Um thanks. .. so what now?” Tony asked.

“I'll drop you off near that city over there and then when you have mastered more of your magic, I shall return to reduce the Inhibitor… it will take a while but soon you will be able to harness that level of magic again” He said before he formed a portal in front of him that showed the entrance to the Crystal Empire. “Until next time” He said.

“Um I didn't catch your name” Tony said as he walked over to the portal.

“Because I didn't tell you” He said as he shoved Tony through using his tail before sealing the portal.

Chapter 11 - An Unlikely Problem

“Ow… fuck magic if it gonna leave me this sore” Tony groaned as he walked along the streets of the Crystal Empire, occasionally being stopped by Crystal ponies that recognized his battered form and showed great concern. This continued until he was stopped by a patrol of night guard.

“Your majesty, you need medical attention!” A random guard exclaimed.

“Why do you say that?” Tony asked as he looked to the mare before she pointed her hoof to the chunk of spear sticking out of his hip. “Oh i didn’t even notice that” He chuckled as the guards deadpanned before one of them gently took his wrist in her mouth before dragging him off to a nearby hospital while the other walked beside him. “Okay okay i’ll go to hospital” Tony said as the mare released him and walked beside him also.

“Um if you don’t mind me asking… but what happened to you?” The second guard asked from the patrol.

“Well i went on a mission to deal with an army that was marching upon the Crystal Empire and things got out of hand” Tony shrugged before running his fingers through his hair.

“Wait is the army still coming?” The stallion guard asked worried.

“What? No they are all dead” Tony said as the guards stopped and looked at him in shock and awe.

“You are kidding?... how many were there?” The mare asked him.

“Probably no more than a several hundred or just under a thousand” He said with a shrug. “I wasn’t counting” He added with a chuckle as the trio soon arrived at the hospital.

“Oh let me” The stallion said as he quickly galloped forward and opened the door.

“Oh thank you… um i don’t know your names” Tony said as he entered.

“Oh i’m Pearl” The mare stated.

“And i am Quartz Lance” The stallion added.

“Hmm cool” Tony said as they entered the emergency room and Pearl galloped to the counter while Tony sat down in a chair.

“Hello, how may i help you?” The nurse behind the counter asked.

“Hello, um i am here with Queen Cadance’s husband and he is badly wounded!” Pearl said.

“I am perfectly fine” Tony called out.

“With all due respect… you have a foot and a half of spear sticking out of you… not to mention all these cuts and… is that a dagger sticking out of the back of your leg?” Quartz asked.

“So that’s why it hurt to walk?” Tony asked before he chuckled.

“How are you unphased by this?” Quartz asked.

“Adrenaline and i have suffered worse… also i may be exhausted” Tony explained as a pair of medical ponies rushed out with a stretcher only for them to realize it wasn’t long enough.

“Um sire, please take a seat on the bed please” The Doctor asked, which Tony complied.

“Well, Cadance and Lucy are gonna murder me” Tony chuckled before feeling around the back of his leg moments before finding the dagger just before he tore it free from his leg while growling in pain before he inspected the blade. “Fucking hell”

“Oh no!” The nurse started to freak out from the now heavily bleeding wound.

“Whoops” Tony said.

(Crystal Empire Castle an hour later)

“It’s all my fault!” Lucy said as she paced back and forth.

“Lucy calm down please” Molestia asked, but it fell on deaf ears.

“I should have made sure he had his crystal before i teleported out… now we can’t even get near the area due to the high level of dark magic surrounding it” Lucy said as tears filled her eyes. “He is gone because of my screw up” Lucy said before she was hugged by Umbra.

“Hush Lucy, he will be alright” Luna said.

“How can you be sure?” Lucy asked as Chrysalis walked over and hugged her.

“Well, the first time i met him, he had just fallen out of the sky and crash landed before he fought a pack of Manticores, the next day he fought Celestia, who took off his arm the fought a giant robot spider.” Chrys explained just as the door opened and two guards entered the throne room.

“Um sorry to intrude but we have been sent to collect all of you” One of the guards stated.

“By who?” Cadance asked.

“King Tony… he is currently in hospi…” The second guard started before the women teleported away. “..tal… okay then”

(Hospital)

“Okay so try to keep off this leg as much as you can and no strenuous activity to prevent bursting the stitches” The doctor explained as he was discharging Tony. “Our magic has healed your chest and leg wounds as much as we could but that leg wound still needs some time to rest and seeing as the bed are far too small for you here, i would recommend that you rest as soon as you get home, oh and here” He said as he put a small bottle of painkillers on a tray next to the bed that Tony was on.

“Thank you Doctor” Tony said with a nod.

“No worry sire, now you just have to wait until you are collected” He said before he turned and left the room, moments before the door burst open and Tony was tackled by several bodies, unfortunately, this also tipped the bed.

“Ow!!!” Tony shouted as several nurses and doctors ran into the room only to see the flipped bed. “I think my stitches burst”

“For buck sake!! It wasn’t even five minutes?” The Doctor said shocked.

“Sorry about them, we were really worried” Umbra said as she stood next to the entrance with a hand on her muzzle.

“Okay this hurts” Tony groaned as Umbra’s horn flared to life before the bodies that tackled him were picked up and placed next to her, this included Chrysalis, Molestia, Nightmare Moon, Lucy and Cadance. “Thanks” Tony said as he got up and limped over to the second bed in the room as blood soaked through his bandaged leg.

“What happened after i left? Why is there so much dark magic around there? What happened to the advancing army? Are you okay?” Lucy said as she checked his injuries.

“Well first up, Windigoes rocked up and joined the fight… um the dark magic is there because of me… um the army is destroyed and i am quite sore” He chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“What do you mean it is there because of you?” Nightmare asked confused.

“Well while i was fighting after falling off a cliff face, this one guy was about to impale me but then my hands caught on fire but it was black fire… one thing lead to another and i just released it all as it hand engulfed my arms” He said with a shrug.

“Well this is an interesting development” Nightmare Moon said as she walked over and inspected his bleeding leg. “ But what caused this?” She asked as her horn glowed as did his wound.

“Oh i got stabbed in the back of the leg” He shrugged.

“Oh well it is healed” Nightmare said as she unwrapped his leg, causing a pocket of blood to pour onto the ground.

“Madam Nightmare, could you please refrain from spreading blood all over the floor.” The Doctor asked.

“I did not mean to” Nightmare growled moments before a deep blue aura flared to life around her horn and Tony’s leg, causing the wound to begin mending itself. “There now let's get you sighed out” Nightmare said with a smile before rising to her feet and giving the doctor a wicked look. “Unless you have a problem with that” She asked as the crystal stallion went pale.

“N-no Madam, I...I shall go organise everything… excuse me” He stuttered in fear before falling over himself to get out of the room and out if the dark Alicorn’s gaze.

“Please don't bully my subjects” Cadance said with a scowl, gaining a giggle from Nightmare before she booped the pink mare’s nose.

“Well everything worked out anyway” Tony said with a chuckle before Lucy slapped him “Ow what the fuck was that…” Tony started as he turned to the warrior, just to see tears streaming down her cheeks. “Lucy?” He asked before the elf wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly while sniffling softly and burying her face against his bandaged chest. “Hey, hey where is this coming from?” Tony asked playfully as he moved his arms around her chest, causing the former saint to tighten her grip.

“Y-you were nearly taken away from us again… from me again” She said tightening her grip further.

“It's gonna take more than an army to keep me away from you” He said smiling softly, ignoring the pain in his chest. “Now how about we head home?” Tony asked as he stroked the elf’s back gently, causing her to look up at him and give a sniffle. “Come on sweetheart, where is my Badass Elf who is hard as nails?” He asked as he grabbed a few tissues and wiped her eyes gently. “The woman who’d rather cave a few heads in the cry” He asked causing a small smile to form on her face as she looked down and placed her forehead against his chest.

“But I nearly got you killed” She whimpered out before give a short jump as Tony placed his hands on her hips and lifted her onto his lap.

“And if we left then the Crystal Empire would be under attack and I could have lost you or one of the other girls” He said as he placed his hand against her cheek and smiled at her softly.

“I… I just don't know if cou…”She started before Tony placed a finger on her lips to stop her.

“It's okay Lucy, you got to get your head out of possibilities that may have come true and if it makes you feel better, I am here… right here for you and the girls” He explained only for Lucy to kiss him deeply while holding his head against her own.

“Nawww this is so cute” Cadance said causing Lucy to turn bright red and pull herself away from Tony.

“Forgot we were here didn't you?” Nightmare said with a smirk as Lucy turned redder.

“A… ah…” Lucy stuttered while blushing brightly.

“How about we just head home?” Tony asked as he gently stroked Lucy’s spine, making her jump slightly.

“Sounds like a plan… and It would be best for Tony to rest before his… Wait how old are turning today again?” Umbra asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Um either twenty five or forty five” He said with a shrug.

“Let's go with forty five so you not five years older then your children” Chrys said with a chuckle.

“Sounds like a solid plan.” Tony said as he gave a thumbs up moments before Umbra’s horn glowed before they small group teleported away.

( Sanctuary )

Once the group had appeared in the living room of the herd’s home, Lucy gently lead Tony out of it and up the flight of stairs while the remaining mares of the group looked at each other with dismay.

“Dark magic… why did it have to be dark magic?” Cadance said as she sat on her rump and looked down at the floorboards.

“This may not turn out badly girls but it would be best to prevent this information becoming known to anyone outside of us” Umbra stated gaining a confused look from the mares. “Come on, if Luna, Celestia or the Elements discovered this then things may become even more difficult” She explained just as Amber entered the room wearing only a black bra and panties, revealing scars and tattoos that marked her belly and sides.

“Discovered what?” She asked as she crossed her arms under her large breasts and glared at the mares, who looked at the dragoness with dread. “I see Tony is also covered in bandages… mind explaining that?” Amber asked as she tapped her talons against her arm.

“TONY USED DARK MAGIC AFTER LUCY ACCIDENTALLY LEFT HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIRE FIGHT!” Cadance confessed suddenly causing the mares to look at her with a look of betrayal. “Sorry… I can't do Amber’s angry mode” She whimpered before she galloped out of the room and up the stairs.

“I understand… this does not leave this room until Tony decides it does… but we will need to explain this to him so he can understand” Amber said in a very calm manner that caused the mares to gulp before the dragoness returned upstairs.

(Upstairs)

“I am fully capable of washing myself Lucy” Tony said as he finished unwrapping his bandages while the Elf stripped down to her underwear. “And when did you start wearing underwear?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I am joining you in the shower and that is that… also I wanted to show off some of my new lingerie I got when you returned” Lucy explained as Tony tested the heat of the bath before flicking the water at Lucy. “Ahh you bastard… This is brand new!” She exclaimed as she protected the blood red underwear.

“Then why did you wear it to battle earlier?” He asked her as he removed his underwear and slipped into the heavily bubbled bath.

“I… well… I was originally planning to give you a very special present last night” Lucy explained as the door to tge bathroom opened and Cadance galloped in before slamming the door behind her causing both Tony and Lucy to look at her confused.

“Hide me” She asked just as there was some loud knocks at the door.

“Cadance you traitor!” Nightmare shouted from behind the door.

“I feel like we missed something” Tony said as Cadance got into the bath and hid herself beneath the bubbles, up againstTony moments before the door caved in.

“For fuck sake! Tony and I were having a fucking moment!” Lucy shouted at the mares in annoyance.

“Sorry Lucy, we'll just grab Cadance and go” Umbra said as she walked over to the bubble filled bathtub before looking at the pink hirn sticking out of the bubbles. “I'll just grab her” She said and before waiting for a reponse, she plunged her hand into the bath. “Got her” Umbra exclaimed victoriously moments before Cadance popped her head up above the water before leaping out causing umbra to look at her the back at the bath where her hand was still submerged.

“You got me” Tony said blushing slightly while looking at Umbra.

“Wow I never thought you were so direct” Molestia said as she held a struggling and soaking wet Cadance in her arms.

“Sorry um you leg feels really weird” Umbra said as she removed her hand from the bathtub.

“That wasn't my leg” Tony corrected causing Umbra to turn bright red as she understood what she just did.

“And there goes the moment” Lucy sighed as Umbra fainted.

Chapter 12 - Party and Attack

“You know… it is really hard to sleep with you lot screwing around with her” Tony said as he laying on the bed, on his chest while watching Moon, who was were a very revealing black leather dominatrix outfit, who was tying Cadance as Molly was sitting on his legs while running her hands along his scarred muscular back.

“Really? and the message that she is giving you isn't?” Cadance said before Moon gagged.

“Not really, once you get past the loss of feeling in your legs, it's quite enjoyable” He said as he felt Molly lie her bare chest against his back and kiss his neck. “Though no idea why she is naked.

“I don't want to get any oil on my clothes” Molly said as she continued to lay on his while her fingers ran down his sides.

“Fair enough… also why do you love giving me these? You gave me one like a week ages ago” Tony said as he turned his head and looked back at the large mare.

“Simple really my dear, you worked so long and hard so I wanted to help you relax… also I love touching your body, it just eases my mind in knowing that you're not a figment of my imagination” she said before running her tongue up the back of his neck and hair, making the man cringe.

“Oh... alright, well I do enjoy your touch also, but my question is, why is she bound?” Tony asked as he looked to Cadance while Molly began grooming him.

“Because she snitched on us to Amber, so she is being punished” Moon said as she suddenly summoned a riding crop and flexed it.

“Is that Luna’s?” Tony asked as a loud pop was heard from his back as Molly sat up and pushed down on the man's shoulder.

“Yes… she hasn't used it since before the Caribou war” Moon said as she rubbed the crop gently against Cadance’s flank, who gave a slight whimper while her tail flicked.

“Something tells me that Cadance may have a thing for it though” Molly said as she kneaded Tony’s back gently.

“Hmmm if she does then this isn't much of a punishment” Moon said as the door opened suddenly and in ran Flurry, who quickly shut the door behind her while panting.

“Sorry to barge in b… Mum?” Flurry squeaked out as she looked at her bound mother then to Moon before glancing at Molly, who was covering herself with her wings, and then lastly at her father.

An awkward silence soon filled the room as all eyes were on the younger mare. Everyone in the room save for Tony were bright red with embarrassment. “And this is why you knock” Tony said as Flurry nodded before quickly exiting the room only for a loud thud to be heard from outside.

“Haha got you!” Said Lilith from behind the door.

“No fair, I just got mentally scarred!” Flurry shouted back as Moon and Molly facepalmed.

“What do you mean?” Lilith said moments before the door swung open and the young changeling queen was thrown in. “Bitch” Lilith growled before getting swatted on the head gently by Moon.

“No name calling” Moon said as Lilith turned only to see the same sight as Flurry did moments earlier.

“Well that's two of my kids scarred for life now” Tony sighed as he managed to get free from Molly. “Come on Lilith, let's go find Amber” He advised, which his daughter nodded before she quickly darted out of the room.

“See!” Flurry’s voice was heard.

“I'll kill you for embarrassing me in front of dad!” Lilith was heard before the sound of squeaking followed by running.

“Looks like someone has warmed up to you” Moon said as she kissed Tony’s cheek.

“Yea it does, and I think being seen by her daughters In such a condition is punishment enough” Tony said as he removed the gag from his wife's muzzle.

“Thank you sweetie, and yes… the rest of the day will be uncomfortable so I gue…” Cadance started before Moon spanked her flank hard with the crop, making her yelp loudly.

“Moon!” Tony exclaimed as he glared at the smirking mare before an odd smell struck his nose.

“Seems like we found a way to make Cadance climax instantly” Moon said triumphantly as Cadance looked away in embarrassment.

“It wasn't very hard in the first place” Tony added before he kissed the pink mare’s head. “Luna's gonna love this information” Tony said with a smirk.

“NO! You can't tell her, remember what she did to Amber?” Cadance exclaimed as Tony gave her another kiss before heading to the door.

“I know, and seeing as no one is here yet… I am gonna see if Luna is here” Tony teased as he left the room. Once outside the room he gave a sigh before heading downstairs. As the man reached the sitting room below, he was greeted with the sight of Luna laying on the couch with both Flurry and Lilith floating above her in a deep blue aura.

“Now are both of you going to play nice and give you father some alone time on his birthday?” Luna asked as she stretched her wings.

“It wasn't my fault, Flurry shoved me in there” Lilith defended herself as Flurry looked away in embarrassment.

“I don't care, your father has been through Tartarus and I know that you may not accept him as what he is but your father and you are his children... “ Luna lectured until Tony cut in.

“I understand that I was not there when I was needed and you may not even like me but hey, I never met my father until I was three and then when I was twenty two… and… well… You girl may not care for me but when the time comes I'll be here” He said with a soft smile as Luna looked at him upset while she lowered the two younger mares.

“Tony I wasn't aiming to take that approach” Luna said as Tony walked over and sat down next to her.

“Yea but I needed to add a bit of shock value so that they understand” Tony said as he looked to his daughters while Luna cuddled up to him.

“Sorry, we do see you as our dad… the way you look after mum and the other of the herd… we are just… how can I put this?” Lilith asked as she rubbed her chin.

“Intimidated?” He asked causing all the mares to look at him confused. “What? Most are”

“I am not surprised after seeing that” Luna said as she pointed at Tony’s bare, damaged, chest.

“You are a hero, a badass and so much more to mum… the stories we have heard about you and what you accomplish by our age it's well… we just feel like we don't live up to you” Lilith said as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“Is that all?” he asked with a raised eyebrow before he chuckled. “Well I would never want any of my children to go through what I had to, the complete shitstorm that I call my teenage years and early twenties, fuck i wouldn't even put Dainn through that mess… any who on a better topic, Luna, did you know that Cadance is into bondage and stuff like that?” Tony asked gaining Luna’s attention.

“Really?” Luna asked.

“Yep, Moon has got her upstairs right now with a riding crop” Tony said as Luna smirked and got up from the couch. The night alicorn gave her lover a gentle kiss on his cheek before she headed upstairs, leaving Tony alone with his daughters.

“So what now?” Flurry asked as Tony laid down on the couch.

“Well it's currently nine in the morning and apparently Amber and that other pink alicorn who I forget her name have mentioned that they are setting up a thing here six so I'm gonna sleep” Tony said with a stretch as Lilith frowned.

“So what, you're not gonna spend time with us? Even after everything that was just said?” The Changeling Queen asked with a glare only for Tony to sit up with an exhausted expression on his face.

“Fine… what do you wanna do today Lilith?” He asked her politely.

“Well… um you see… just something?” She said with a shrug. “Just something together”

“Alright… let me chuck a top on and some shoes” Tony said as he got to his feet and headed upstairs only to return a few moments later with a light grey top with the ODST insignia on the sleeve. “Let's go girls” He said as he pulled on a pair of sneakers before heading to the door.

“So… what do you enjoy?” Flurry asked awkwardly as her and Lilith followed him.

“Um I honestly don't know… still working on that really” Tony said as an awkward silence fell over the trio as they walked moments before a large lion like creature came around the corner with a pair of warthogs chasing it. The beast was at least the size of a warthog itself with bone like plating on it's front legs, lower jaw and two blade like piece sticking out from its head. Down its back were row after row of light blue crystal spines that sparked with energy. Its mane was a dark red colour with more of the crystal spines sticking out from it and it's tail was long and flat like a fan. Its claws were easily a foot long and it's jaws looked like they could do some serious damage to a person if they latched on. “What the fuck is that?” Tony asked as he watched the beast swipe at a warthog with it’s tail, sending the jeep tumbling away.

“Let's get out of here before it sees us” Flurry said just as the monster dispatched the second jeep and locked eyes on the trio.

“Too late” Lilith said as both her and Flurry flared their wings as the monster began charging.

“Let's get above it” Flurry said as her and her sister took flight, forgetting that their father couldn't fly.

“Wait… dad!” Lilith cried only to watch the man side step the monster and slam his left fist into the monster's armoured jaw, shattering the armour and sending the large creature tumbling away while the wounded marines and Princesses looked at Tony in awe. “Oh my stars” Lilith said in shock as Tony rubbed his now sore wrist.

“Ah I think I fractured something” he groaned while rolling his wrist just as the beast sluggishly got to its feet as blood dripped from the shatter bone plate on its face. “Just stay down kitty” Tony shouted as the beast roared and charged at Tony again only this time instead of side stepping it, Tony leaped onto it's lean face before holding into one of its horns with his right hand. “Stay…” Tony started as he slammed his left fist into the beast's face. “...Down…” He continued as he slammed his fist down again. “...Asshole” as he delivered a final blow before he was flung off.

“Bring it down!” a marine sergeant ordered to several others armed with assault rifles and shotguns but they didn't get a chance to attack as the beast was surrounded in a golden aura before it combusted into blinding flames for a few seconds before turning to ash. “What the hell?” The sergeant asked before she noticed Celestia walking over to Tony as he got to his feet.

“Let me see your wrist” She asked as Tony put his hand behind his back. “Anthony Bell, show me your hand.” Celestia demanded gaining a grumble from the man before he showed her his injured hand. Celestia frowned as her horn glowed, surrounding her mate's hand in a golden aura. “It's broken” She said as her horn stopped glowing before she looked around before looking back at Tony. “What are you doing out here?” Celestia asked with a frown as her horn began glowing again.

“I am out here with Lilith and Flurry” Tony said as Celestia healed his wrist.

“Where are they?” She asked as Flurry and Lilith landed beside Tony. “Why did you two leave him in ha…” Celestia started her lecture moments before Tony wrapped his hand around her horn, making her blush brightly.

“How about we just head home?” Tony asked as Celestia glared at him while blushing. “I love you too” He said as Flurry teleported them back home. Once back home, Tony smiled at the annoyed mare he was holding by the horn.

“Let go of my horn” Celestia growled which he did, causing her to turn away from him and begin to walk away only for Tony to wrap his arms around her and picked her up. “Tony!” Celestia squealed as the man carried her up the stairs. “Let me go!” She shouted as the man entered his bedroom to find Cadance still tied up but with Molestia hanging next to her also tied up with Luna watching them from the bed. “Oh no you are not getting me involved!” she shouted only for Tony to gently lay her on the bed on her belly. “What are yo… ohhh” Celestia was about to yell but she stopped when Tony began massaging her wings.

“I am sorry for upsetting you sweetie” Tony said as he continued massaging her wings before he started preening her wings. This act gain grunts of disapproval from the two gagged mares. “Luna, Nightmare can you let them down” Tony asked.

“Why?” Luna asked.

“Because Molly is the only one who knows where the oil you like is” Tony said as Celestia glanced at Luna.

“I want my vanilla oil Lulu” Celestia said before closing her eyes again as Luna’s horn flared, releasing Cadance and Molly before the Night Princess moved over to Tony before rubbing her body against his.

“Just don't forget about me… I am really tense” Luna said as she nuzzled him.

(A few hours later)

After a long few hours with the mares, Tony was left with Cadance as the rest had gone to help set up for that night. “I am sorry Tony” Cadance whimpered as she laid over the man's legs as his hand stroked her side. “I understand as to why you don't want to give me a massage but could you please preen me?” She asked her husband as she slowly extended her wings. “Nightmare’s bondage damaged a few feathers” Cadance said as Tony smiled softly and kissed her on the head, just above her horn.

“I'm not angry at you baby, I just wanted to spend some alone time with my wife” He said as his hand ran through her mane. “So I was planning on doing you last while we are alone” He explained as his hand drifted up one of her wings as he began to preen her.

“But if the information made it back to Celestia then she mi… ohhh” Cadance tried to say until Tony caused several light pops to sound from her wings.

“I'll deal with it when the time comes, besides I can tell she is still angry at me like today when I got a little hurt she full on freaked out, lecturing me and everything” Tony sighed.

“That is called worry not anger my dear” Celestia said as entered through the entrance.

“Tia!... how long have you been there?” Tony asked confused and nervous as the Alicorn trotted over to the bed before climbing on.

“Since Cadance apologized” Celestia said as she watch Cadance reposition herself so the Sun Princess could sit next to Tony. “And I would have made nothing of it until she mentioned that I can't know of it or I might do something? Was that what you were going to say?” Celestia asked as Cadance nodded. “So my love, please… no more secrets… please, whatever you say I promise not to do anything drastic” She swore as Tony sighed.

“All right Tia” Tony said as he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “Turns out I can do dark magic and this was found out when I got stuck on a mountain with an army of Collective soldiers… there was some fighting when suddenly the magic inside of me since I arrived here was released and now there is no longer a Windigo Gorge” Tony explained quickly before looking to Celestia as she processed this information.

“Thought so… Did you get hurt from releasing a large amount of magic?” Celestia asked concerned.

“Ah no, apart from some sore joints” Tony said before shaking his head “Wait aren't you pissed off that I use Dark magic?” He asked the mare.

“Not really, I could sense it on you and had come to terms with it… this was what… twenty years ago?” She said as she tapped her chin. “And yet the dark magic seemed different than what we had experienced before… like it was merged with other types which now that I think about it, that may have been Luna’s , Chrys’ and my magic fused in” Celestia wondered.

“Wait so you knew? Who else knew?” Cadance asked.

“Luna, Blackheart, Eris and a few others” Celestia explained before she kissed Tony’s cheek. “And before you say anything, just know that Lulu and I still adore you” She added with another nuzzle.

“Thank you Tia” Tony smiled.

“Now we must not tell the rest of the hers that I know while you drop hints ao we can see their actions” Celestia said with a evil smirk.

(Thirty kilometers off the shore of Armonia)

Deep within a Collective warship sat a blonde woman wearing black combat armour that had a blood orange trim. She had a few scars on her neck and hands but none as recognizable as the one that travelled down from her left eyebrow, down her cheek and off her face only to match up with a deep scratch on her shoulder pad. On the table in front of her was a ODST helmet that matched the same design as her armour. Also on the table was a small projector that had a hooded figure sitting at a large desk. “So do you understand your orders Commander Phaze?” The hooded man asked the violet eyed woman.

“Infiltrate the party and eliminate Mr Bell” Phaze said gaining a nod from her commanding officer.

“Good but be warned, he has taken out many Collective soldiers in the short time he has been here, including the invasion force that was heading towards the Crystal Empire.” The man said before the hologram vanished.

“Shit, this will be something” Phaze muttered to herself before she pulled on her helmet and left the room. Phaze quickly moved to the helm of the warship to find several other Collective forces operating the ship as it kept just out of range of the enemy sensors. “I need information on a Bell in Sanctuary” Phaze ordered as she sat down and looked out over the monster infested ocean before her moments before one of the mounted cannons unleashed a volley of energy at a large shadow swimming towards the vessel which only achieved repelling the shadow.

“Unfortunately it would appear that nearly all information on him has been destroyed, all we know is that he is in a relationship with Princess Celestia and that he is having a large event at the home of Queen Chrysalis and her mate's tonight” A collective soldier said. “So you are probably looking for a pony” He added.

“Alright so I shall infiltrate and eliminate him” Phaze said before she rose. “When is this event?”

(A few hours later, Tony’s home)

Sitting in his lounge room, dressed in a dark grey vest, dark grey press pants and a violet dress top was Tony. Around him were the rest of his herd and the mane six with their partners along with a purple dragon that apparently Tony met but he couldn't remember and some other mares.

“Why are there people here if this thing doesn't start for ten more minutes?” Tony grumbled to himself just as Chrys came over and sat next to him.

“Why are you so down? It's your birthday after all” She said as she wrapped her arm around Tony.

“None of my friends are here” Tony sighed as the Changeling Queen moved her leg over his before she straddled his lap.

“What am I? I thought I was your marefriend?” She asked with a smirk.

“Only when you misbehave… you bonded us the day before I married Candy remember? “ He asked as Chrys ran her chitin coated hand through his hair.

“I know my love” she said before kissing him.

“Oi! Where is ‘e?” A male voice cried out “Ah there ‘e is!” The voice followed up.

“Smitty’s here” Tony said with a chuckle before the pair turned to look at the Earthen, who was wearing a sleeveless coat that appeared to be fashioned out of the same kind of creature that Celestia eviscerated earlier in the day. Behind him were members of his odd harem, most of whom were at least twice his height.

“So good ta see ya girls don't hate cha” Smitty said gaining a confused look from Chrys. “Oh… ya didn't tell them that ya felt like they did?” Smitty asked as Tony nodded. “Sorry ‘bout that laddy” Smitty said.

“No it's fine as we are past the point of me feeling like a cunt” Tony explained as Chrys took his head in both her hand before kissing him passionately before breaking the kiss.

“I don't hate you and your not a cunt” She informed him before climbing off him. “I'll let you both have fun” She said as she walked off with Smitty’s partners.

“So… what to do?” Tony asked as Smitty opened his jacket to reveal a bottle of black liquid. “Smitty do you remember what happened last time we had that?” Tony asked as the Earthen simply smirked and nodded. “Where?” Tony asked as the Earthen hid the bottle back in his jacket before he lead Tony out the back. “I wonder if those saplings Chrys planted hav… oh” Tony said only to stop when he stepped outside to see several large willows around the backyard along with a blooming garden of exotic plants.

“She put a lot of effort into this place after she thought you died” Cadance said as she walked out from the house to stand next to him. “It kept her mind busy from the thought of you” Candy explained before she leant against Tony.

“Fuck” Tony said with a sigh while rubbing the back of his neck. “Was she the only one who did stuff like this for way to cope?” He asked.

“Oh no, Amber became quite greedy and hoarded most of your things and stored them in your armory, Moon and Luna created an alternate you in the dream world excepted that turned out to be a mistake… but they can explain why… Celestia and Molestia simply hid away in Canterlot, Lucy went out and slaughtered bandits and Daine worshippers along with Mayli, Cloud and Sweetie found solace in each other, Eliza was trying to find a way to bring you back or at least make a duplicate of you but that also ended badly and lastly, Amanda sort of stayed home and did not much” Cadance explained with a frown as she nuzzled his side.

“What about yourself Candy?” Tony asked as he gently rubbed the mare's cheek.

“I put all my energy into our children so I didn't have to think about you” She explained while pushing her cheek into his hand.

“Oh would ya’ stop it Cadance! Ah am tryin’ to make ta’night a fun night for ‘im” Smitty explained with a huff.

“I know but… I just wanted him to know so he didn't damage the garden cause Chrys will kill him if he does” Cadance explained.

“Well that is one way to explain things Cadance” A exotic feminine voice said from behind Tony and Cadance before a pair of navy blue arms wrapped around Tony’s shoulders from behind and hugged him tightly. “Though personally I would have chose my words differently” The voice said as Tony looked doen at the arms to see a golden braclet that took up most of the woman's forearm. It was a gift that the man had purchased for one of his close friends.

“Blackheart?” He asked as he heard the Dark Elf queen chuckle before giving him a squeeze.

“Tony” She replied as she placed her chin on his shoulder.

“I get the feeling you missed me Blackheart” Tony said as he felt the queen press her body against his back.

“Hmm I wonder what could have given you that idea” She said with a smile.

“Wait… why do I get the feeling you have a thing for me?” Tony said as the three groaned in annoyance. “What?”

“You're telling ne you didn't know she did? Even though she flirted with you non stop when ever you spent time with her” Cadance asked as Tony shruggrd

“I just thought you were playing hard to get” Blackheart said with a huff. “How can you not notice when everyone was dropping hints?” Blackheart asked.

“Honestly I am really thick when it comes to women. Fuck, everyone but Chrys and I think Candy just invited themselves in” Tony said as he crossed his arms.

“What about Amber, you invited her over for sex during winter” Cadance said.

“No I invited her over to crash so she wouldn't freeze… then she joined in with you girls” Tony explained as he wriggled himself free of Elf’s grip. “and before you all start, I just want to have an enjoyable night so how about we do that and sort this out tomorrow as I doubt Blackheart is the only one so…” Tomy continued until he stopped sufden as he turned and looked at the trio, only to be caught off guard by Blackheart’s outfit.

The queen was wearing a black and scarlet sleeveless silk and velvet dress that ran down to her ankles but was split just below her hips, revealing her thick thigh. The chest section appeared to be a scarlet velvet corset with a golden collar which seemed to draw attention to the Elf’s large breasts. Around her neck was a dark velvet choker with a diamond broach on the front. “I see you like my outfit” Blackheart said with a smirk before she crossed her arms beneath her breasts.

“It's. .. interesting” Tony said as he snapped out of his trance. “Look can't we just have fun?” Tony asked as Smitty walked off.

“But Tony, what we want is fun” Cadance said as she trotted towards him moments before the man was tackled by and crimson blur. “What the hell?” She added as she realized that Inferno had appear and was currently giving the man a bear hug, though the Dragon king was muvh larger in size.

“It is soo good to see you, my friend!” Inferno said as he held Tony to his chest.

“Ca...n’t breath…” Tony groaned moments before he was released causing him to fall onto his ass. “Oww”

“Sorry about that Tony, I am just happy to see you once again” Inferno said as Cadance and Blackheart quickly moved beside Dragon to see Inferno carefully pull Tony to his feet and brush him off.

“No it's cool… just a bit sore after dealing with that dragon” Tony explained as he rubbed his chest gaining a confused look from Inferno and Blackheart while Cadance quickly moved to him.

“What? Why didn't you say anything Tony?” She asked concerned as she placed a hoof against the man's chest, where she noticed he winched slightly, almost unnoticable if she wasn't looking.

“It wasn't really important Candy” Tony replied as he placed a hand on her hoof and gave it a squeeze.

“It is Important Tony! After what it did to you… the doctor told us to keep an eye on you incase anything happened” Cadance explained visibly concern at his condition.

“Cadance, it's fine… I'm fine so please don't don't worry yourself silly over me” He said as he knelt down to her look up at her.

“Tony…”

“Please Cadance” He asked her while putting his hand on her cheek. “How about I go see Stripe in the afternoon tomorrow? Will that make you happy?” He asked her with a kind smile.

“You better or else I tell Lucy, Chrys and Mayli” Candy threatened him.

“Understood” He said before kissing her softly. “I love you” he said to her before rising to his feet.

“I love you too” She said before she walked off.

“Mind explaining?” Blackheart asked as Tony gestured for them both to follow him.

“Yea but lets go sit as it'll take some time to explain.” He said just as Blackheart took his hand in hers, gaining a confused look from the dragon.

“Wait… did I miss something between you two?” he asked making Blackheart groan.

“You are just as dense as Tony” She growled as Tony lead them over to Smitty, who had found a large outdoor table made of thick glass and iron with a dozen magic infused garden chairs around it.

(A hour later)

“Okay okay… so let me get this straight… you fought Dainn, forced a grenade down his throat which took him out though it was temporary. “ Uric asked causing Tomy to nod as he looked at the Orc chieftain who had arrived along with several others to join the four though they all didn't arrive at the same time so Tony was forced to keep restarting. “Then you and the Plague Doctor got teleported away where you chose to enter cryosleep in a attempt to survive until you were found as you were mortally wounded.”

“Yea” Tony said before the Orc continued.

“Fast forward a number of years where you wake up in a green cocoon where all your wounds had healed including your missing arm.”

“Yes”

“Which then leas to you returning just in time to fight a massive dragon that had the ability to obliterate Tirak and dozens of soliders with ease… but you jumoed on its back and forced a lance into its spine” Uric said skeptically.

“Yea, just ask Mayli” Tony defended.

“I will, and then since it bit you, you were hospitalized for a couple of days only to wake up and get into an arguement with Cadance… which then lead to some other crap until reaching this point in time” Uric finished as Tony simply shrugged.

“Yea that is pretty much everything that happened in the last few days” Tony said as Elise, who was wearing a similar outfit to Blackheart, save for the chocker and with opposite colours, groaned loudly while placing her hand on her face.

“All I ask is that you give me a grandchild before pulling stunts like that” She asked.

“And same here” Uric added.

“Sure why not, thought I don't really believe I have what it takes to be a good parent” Tony explained as he sipped his drink.

“Don't worry Tony, noone really is ready to be a parent. All you have to remember is to protect and raise them how you… oh that is poor advise” Inferno said as Tony gave him a bemused look.

“Yea no, I don't really wanna do that with my kids” Tony said with a sad smile. “But I can always look to Cadance and the others for support” Tony added.

“You can also seek advise from us as both Uric and myself are parents to many” Elise explained as she gestured towards the old Orc.

“Hmmm she is wrong there Tony” Uric said as Lucy appeared from the house and walked over to them. She was wearing black dress pants while a silver plated belt, a hosltered magnum on each hip. She had a loose fitting while dresstop that was undone at the top and tucked into her pants.

“Here comes trouble” Ruby said with a smirk as Lucy reached Tony.

“How come you can be armed and I can't?” He asked his partner, who only smiled before she leant down so she could peck him on the cheek.

“Because I can and also there is someone at the front door for you baby” She whispered to him before she stood up properly.

“Okay, lets go see who it is” He said before quickly getting to his feet and following the warrior inside. “You look nice Lucy” Tony said to her causing her to blush and hold his hand as they walked.

“Thank you sweetie” She said quietly as the pair entered the house. Once inside, Lucy stopped in the darken hallway, the sound of people and music could be heard from the living room along with some light.

“Lucy?” Tony asked as Lucy turned to the man while blushing brightly before she pushed him against the wall and kissed him passionately while her hands wrapped around his neck. Tony was completely caught off guard by the sudden kiss that it took him a moment to kiss her back and open his mouth to let Lucy’s tongue in. The kiss was soon broken only to be replaced with Lucy hugging him tightly.

“You make me happy” She whispered to him before kissing his cheek. “But you also make me so worried when ever you leave the house without one of us to protect you” She said as she placed her left hand on his cheek while she took his left hand in her right. “But I know that we can't always protect you which keeps me up at night when ever your away” She explained.

“I understand what you're getting at but I can protect myself Lucy” Tony said as he watched the elf frown before she turned her gaze to the man’s wrist which made her smile as she saw the two braclets that Molly gave him. “Yea I thought I best stsrt wearing them now but I don't think Tia has noticed yet” Tony said as he kissed Lucy’s forehead.

“Yea otherwise I doubt she would give you any space tonight… so… so does this mean you are interested in marrying us all?” Lucy asked.

“Yea I am but I habe no idea how this gonna work also I feel it is gonna be a bit awkward.” Tony laughed as Lucy joined in with him before giving his hand a squeeze.

“Well lucky that Elven weddings don't actually exist, instead it is kind of a ceremony but unfortunately it isn't that simple as Eliza, Amanda and myself are technically royalty so… oh fuck” She said as she placed a hand on her face and groaned.

“What?” Tony asked making Lucy placed her forehead against his.

“There are three trials you have to complete to be able to join with one of us… and seeing as there is three of us…” Lucy was explaining before Tony interrupted her

“So nine trials?”

“No, three trials but three times as difficult” She said worried. “Maybe this isn't auch a go…” She continued until Tony gave her a soft kiss.

“I'll do it sweetie” He said to her with a smile. “Now we better go see who wants to see me.”

“Alright Tony… this way” She said as she removed herself from him and lead him into the entrance hall to find the one person Tony expected to see. Standing there was the dragon who turned into a himan before Tony except he didn't have any wings or horns. He was dressed in a dark suit.

“No way… what are you doing here?” Tony asked shocked.

“Ah Tony, good to see you are in good shape. You didn't tell me that it was your birthday last time we met” The dragon said with a large smile revealing large set of canines.

“It didn't really come to mind as I was more concerned with the massive dragon that tossed me around had transformed into a human… well one with wings and horns… speaking of which where are they?” Tony asked Lucy sudden drew both her pistols and aimed them at the dragon resulting in the door guard to raise his shotgun at the dragon aslo.

“Well it is kind of difficult to get through doorways with them and also please as you mate to lower her weapon before she does something she will regret” The dragon said in a calm tone making Tony place a hand on Lucy’s shoulder.

“But Tony, he nearly killed you” Lucy protested.

“Yes and if he wanted me dead then I would be so maybe lets not start something we can't finish” Tony advised causing Lucy to glance between him and the dragon before she holstered her guns.

“Stand down” Lucy said to the guard, who hesitantly lowered his weapon.

“Lovely, now we have so much to talk about Tony” The dragon said as he clapped hus hands together.

“Okay, but I need to know your name” Tony asked causing the dragon to look at him with his purple slitted eyes.

“Why?” He asked.

“Well I don't want to call you beast or dragon as it might gain unwanted attention… seeing as there are like a dozen marines in the next room along with my girls” Tony explained.

“I see, and you don't want them to get hurt as a few are hot headed?” The dragon asked.

“Yeah… so please can you just…”

“Manus” The dragon interrupted.

“What?” Tony asked confused.

“That's my name, Manus” He explained “So can I talk to you now?” Manus asked as he crossed his arms.

“Ah sure, follow me” Tony said as he lead the dragon away while Lucy walked beside Tony extremely close. “What are you doing?” Tony asked as Lucy accidently tripped him.

“She is being protecive of you… and I must say that it is incredibly adorable” Manus said with a laugh, causing Lucy to growl at him before she held onto Tony’s hand tightly. After a few awkward and annoying minutes, the trio reach the recently repaired study.

“Take a seat Manus” Tony said as he gestured to one of the couches as Tony sat on one with Lucy. “So what did you want to talk about?”

“I wanted to help you deal with this Collective” Manus explained.

“Why would you help us after ehat you did when you emerged?” Lucy asked before Tony could answer.

“Personal reasons” Manus explained but it didn't change the glare he was receiving from Lucy. “Fine, the leader and his commanders are Rangers, who killed someone I loved long ago” Manus explained.

“Right and how can we believe you?” She asked him.

“Because there is a Ranger on her way to kill Tony tonight” Manus said.

“Wait what?!” Lucy and Tony asked shocked.

“How do you know this?” Lucy asked as she stood up.

“Well I know she is on her way here and it's most likely because she has been hired to kill Tony after what happened up north” Manus explained to them. “So are you wanting to here my plan of attack?”

“Yes” Lucy said.

“I may as well not be in the room” Tony grumbled as Lucy sat on his lap.

“Lay it on me” Lucy said ignoring Tony’s complaints.

“Fantastic” Manus said as he clapped his hands together.

(A few hours later, Sanctuary’s Port district)

“This sucks” Tony grumbled as he leant against a wall overlooking the the bay. The bay was surprisingly bear save for a few fishing boats, a pair of trading barges, a royal ship that had several Diamond Dog honor guards on it. Off to Tony’s left flank was a group of fishermen who were preparing to head off for the morning while off to the man's right side was the sight of several merchants loading their barges while several Armonian guards stood around them.

“This place has changed a fair bit since I was last here” Tony muttered to himself. “Though I have no idea why I am out here” He added with a grumble before leaning his head back against the brick wall. “No, they wanted to keep me away for when shit hit the fan” Tony said to himself.

“Think you can hide from me coward?” A distorted voice called out from seemingly around Tony, causing the man to step away from the wall and glance around him in an attempt to spot who spoke. “Though I am surprised to see another of my kind… I thought I knew all the remaining humans” The voice repeated seconds before the wall Tony had been leaning against detonated outwards, sending bricks and dust through the air while knocking Tony onto his back. “It's unfortunate that I have to kill you Mr Bell” The voice said.

“The fuck?” Tony groaned as he looked up to where he was standing moments ago. The area was still filled with dust so he was unable to see his attacker. Before he had another moment to think, a bolt of energy burst forth from the cloud, scattering the dust while barely missing Tony.

“Damn, looks like that bitch screwed up my targeting system…” The voice said, drawing Tony’s gaze to an black armoured individual wielding a longsword only in its right hand while blue energy burned in its left fist. The armour was near identical to ODST save for the shattered visor and plethora of cuts and burns to the suit itself. “It would appear that we have to do this the old fashioned way… shame, I have grown accustom to this tech” It said be sheathing it's sword.

“Who are you?” Tony asked as he he got to his feet just as he saw several of the guards from the merchant group began coming over to help.

“It would appear we don't have time to chat so… bye” the Assassin said before firing a bolt of blue energy from its fist, which slammed into Tony’s chest and sent him fly a few feet back, landing on his back hard.

‘Fuck what just happaned?’ Tony thought as he couldn't move his arms or legs. An immense burning sensation filled his chest as the man was finding it harder and harder to breath. ‘I can't go down like this’ He declared to himself as he tried to move, only for pain to shoot through his chest.

“Halt right there!” Tony heard a guard shout moments before the sound of small explosions were heard.

‘Can't let this asshole win’ Tony thought as he focused on trying to move. Forcing through the pain, he managed to force himself to his feet, much to the surprise to the assassin.

“Hmm that is new” It said as it charged blue energy around both its hands. “But no matter” It said.

‘Shit I don't think I can take another, let alone two… if only I had some armour’ Tony said to himself moments before it fired off two powerful bolts of energy at the wounded man. Time seemed to slow as Tony instinctively put his arms up to protect his face only for Tomy to see black flames had engulfed them and majority of his arms just as the bolts of energy slammed into him, creating a massive wave of energy, sending both Tony and the assassin back while ripping apart the cobblestone road, filling the air with dust and rubble.

Chapter 13 - Rescue Mission

A sharp crack of thunder was what roused Tony from his sleep. The man gave a groan as he sat up and looked around. He was in the middle of a warehouse that was filled with a few dozen people and marines, who were either sleeping on makeshift bed or talking around a makeshift fire. Those awake seemed to ignore the cracks of thunder as they were more occupied with drinking their worries away or talking.

With a grunt, Tony pulled himself to his feet and stretched. The young man noticed he had a slight pain in his ankle but pushed through it as he walked over to the drinking men.

“Aye Kid, you're meant to be sleeping” An old, grey haired man civilian man said with a slur, causing Tony to stop in his tracks.

“Oh fuck off you old cunt, If it wasn't for him. You'd be a sticky puddle” A slightly younger civilian man growled before he gestured Tony to sit next to him. “Come here kid, just ignore the old man… he is just pissy that he can't boss you around” He said politely as Tony walked over and sat next to him.

“Thanks” Tony said, his voice breaking slightly which caused the other marines around the fire to chuckle.

“Fucking hell, would you listen to that squeak” A woman civilian said with a laugh as she sat down next to Tony and wrapped her arm around the young man. “I knew the brass wanted fresh meat but fuck” She laughed, causing Tony visibly shrink.

“Who you leave the kid alone, he is doing a damn fine job… all of my men were” A marine said as he walked over and sat across from Tony. Tony knew him as colonel Bishop who was incharge of the defense of the planet. “If not for his squad, we may have lost ninety percent of you all instead of seventy five” Bishop said as he snatched the bottle of amber liquid from the bitter old man and passed it to Tony. “Here kid, it helps you sleep.”

“Um sir, as much as I'd like to, I'm only sixteen” Tony said, causing the woman to groan.

“Well there goes my plan for this evening” She said with a wink, causing Lex to blush brightly.

“Kid, right now I doubt anyone gives a fuck about how old you are. There is a high chance that most of us won't survive” The man to Tony’s side said as he undid the bottle of liquid and took a swig before offering it to Tony.

“Come on kid, it'll calm you…” Bishop started only for one of the guards on the upper rails to scream.

“Phantoms inbound!” He shouted, seconds before the catwalk detonated in a burst of purple plasma, incinerating the man and sending the catwalk and the remaining marines to the ground hard.

“Holy fuck” Tony said as he attempted to get up, but as he did the old man charged past him. Causing the smaller male to be shoved over and smack his head hard against the concrete floor.

“Asshole” The woman said as she knelt next to Tony and shock him. “Wake up kid!” She screamed at him moments before several green plasma bolts struck her in the chest. This was enough to snap Tony out of his daze.

“Come on kid” Bishop said as he pulled the private to his feet. “Grab your gear we are getting the fuck out of here” He exclaimed, gaining a nod from Tony, who turned and ran for his bedroll, where his rucksack, chestplate and weapon was.

Time seemed to slow as Tony ran towards his kit though before he reached it, the area where most of the civilians were detonated, sending shards of concrete and rebar flying. Hitting the scattered Marines and Civilians.

Tony attempted to cover his head with his hands but only achieved having a red hot shard of rebar impaling his right hand while other shards sliced at his chest and concrete chunks hitting his legs and gut, making him drop to his knees and clutched his gut with his left hand while gritting his teeth and the immense pain while he suddenly felt a tightness around his chest.

“Tony are you…” A fell marine called out moments before he was hit in the back by a Hunter that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The marine fave a cry of pain only to be silenced as his body connected with a nearby container.

“Bring it down!” Another marine ordered several others before opening up on the towering walking tank, though to the despair to of the man, all but a few, which hit between the armour plates, ricocheted off. The marine didn't get a chance to continue his attack after a few moments as a second Hunter appeared from behind and used its shield like arm to swat him into Tony, crippling the soldier and dazing Tony.

Tony groaned as he shook off his daze only to realize that the heavier man was lying on top of him as one of the Hunters walked over, either failing to notice the pair were alive or not caring as it Tony noticed this and tried to get out from the semi conscious marine, which was nearly successful save for the fact that the piece of rebar in his hand had caught on the heavy marines chest plate, making it jerk to the side and making Tony grit his teeth from the pain.

The next thing Tony knew he froze as he watch the hunter raise its foot and bring it down on top of the downed marine, even though it wasn't stomping, the alien was probably several tones. Though before both the man and Tony’s right arm, the world froze and collapsed around Tony. Tony pulled himself to his feet and looked around the void before he looked to his arm to see the wound was gone. All was back to the way it was save for the tightness around the man’s chest..

“What the hell?” Tony asked confused as Luna and Nightmare appeared out of thin air and hugged him.

“Are you okay?” Nightmare asked as she nuzzled him.

“Why are you here?” Tony asked confused, still dazed at what he just relived.

“Been awhile since we entered you dreams… but we noticed a great disturbance and attempted to enter your dream earlier but i was helping Cadance with a nightmare” Luna said with a frown as she kissed his neck.

“Wait? Is Candy okay?” Tony asked snapping out of his daze.

“Yes… a bit traumatized but she should be fine… she is currently cuddling you.” Moon explained.

“That explains the tightness” Tony said as Luna and Nightmare released him.

“Yes, but if you are ready, the sun has risen a good few hours ago” Luna explained as the man stretched.

“Then why am i still asleep? I am usually up at daybreak” He asked.

“Well, when i got up with Molly to raise the sun, i noticed how comfortable you were sleeping with us so… i kind of kept the blinds shut as to not to wake you” Luna explained as her ears flattened her ears against her head. “I didn’t expect such a horrible dream to afflict you” She said as Tony knelt down and took her in his arms.

“Hey it’s fine moon butt” He said, causing the mare to blush brightly at the name.

“So that was how you lost your arm?” Moon asked curious.

“Yes… my hand got caught on a another man’s armour due to the rebar sticking thr…” Tony started only to stop and place his hand against his neck.

“What’s wrong?” Moon asked concerned.

“My neck feels wet” Tony said confused as the world began to collapse.

“Hmm it would appear that you are waking up… probably due to whatever is going that” Luna said as she pointed her hoof to Tony’s neck.

(Real world)

“So what are we gonna do with that bitch?” Tony heard Lucy ask.

“I don’t know, i’m not gonna say that we should let Tony decide as he did try and kill her” Evelyn said as Tony opened his eyes to see only pink.

“The heck?” He muttered as he shifted, only for the pink to shift enough for Tony to make out that it was Cadance’s wing.

“Well why not bucking kill her? She did try and kill Tony” Lucy growled as Tony shifted and looked to his side to see the Alicorn mare was drooling on his neck as she was wrapped around him.

“Well that explains that” He said with a smile as he managed to get his arms free before wrapping them around the mare. Once secured, Tony sat up causing her wing to fall away and free Tony from the world of pink as Candy remained asleep while against him, snoring away.

“Yes, but maybe we can change her” Chrys said as she finished getting dressed. There was several members of the herd casually arguing while getting dressed.

“Why do i get the feeling that if we go down that road then she’s gonna end up in our bed?” Tony asked, causing the entire group to jump suddenly in fright and surprise.

“Tony you're awake” Lucy said as she calmed herself as she watched the man peel Candy off of him.

“Yea… kinda hard when this one is drooling all over me” He said as he gently laid Cadance onto the bed. “Look, i know we need the information from her but let's try and be careful about this as she is incredibly powerful” Tony said as his tone great serious. “While yes, she could be a powerful allie, she could also be a serrated knife in the back” Tony said as he slipped out of the bed and grabbed some clothes. “So all i am suggesting is that we keep her on a short leash while keeping a blade to her throat as we make her feel at home so that she knows that, yes we are happy to let her join us we are also at no way upset to kill her if she becomes a liability and threat to this family” Tony explained.

“So what? You want her in the herd” Lucy said as she crossed her arms.

“I never said that, i was pretty much saying that we keep her close to us while keeping our cards closer” Tony said as he pulled on some pants.

“Okay… would you be upset if she joined our herd?” Evelyn asked.

“I would be apprehensive about the idea, though seeing as Umbra, Luna, Celestia and Glimmer have joined the herd after trying to kill me… lets just say that i would not be surprised” Tony said as he sat down on the edge of the bed and slipped on socks and boots.

“Wait… so Glimmer and me are actually allowed to join?” Umbra said as she pointed at Glimmer, who was currently doing up her top, but stopped at Tony’s statement.

“Well you both did get down and dirty with us all last night and i am pretty sure that i only sleep with those who are in my herd” Tony said with a shrug moments before Glimmer tackled him. “Ahh for fuck sake!” Tony growled in pain as Glimmer’s shoulder connected with his jaw.

“Does that mean that you forgive me? Glimmer asked before noticing that Tony was clutching his jaw.

“I was until you nearly broke my fucking jaw!” Tony growled and glared at the mare, who frowned and gave him puppy dog eyes. “Fine… i forgive you for all the shit you did twenty years ago” He said causing the mare to wrap herself around him and hug tightly.

“Yay, you forgive me completely” She said happily.

“I said nothing about forgiving you for tackling me” He said with a smirk.

“What?!” She said alarmed as she looked at him, causing him to chuckle and kiss her forehead. Tony was about to say something but he didn’t get the chance as the door to the room burst open and in ran Rarity and Twilight, though both froze when they realized that they had barged in on several half naked Alicorn mares, Changeling Queen, Dragoness, Elves and Tony, who were all staring at them in shock at the sudden intrusion.

“No… no more alicorns” Tony said causing all eyes to shift back to him in confusion. “There is already like… what eight?... one, two, three….” Tony said before he started counting them. “Yea eight” He said.

“What are you talking about Tony?” Amanda asked confused.

“Well, i was just saying that…” Tony started only to be cut off by Rarity.

“Sorry to interrupt but we… i need your help Tony!” Rarity said, she was slightly shaken.

“Wha…” Tony started only for Lucy to interrupt.

“Fuck no… i know where this is going, and no… i refuse it!” She growled before she turned at pointed at Tony. “Last time you went on a mission, you nearly died” She said, gaining a smirk from Tony.

“It wouldn’t be one if i didn’t” He said as the woman looked close to throttling him.

“I need Tony’s help… i just received a letter from Fancy… he is alive but imprisoned” Rarity said, gaining everyone’s attention.

“And why do you need Tony’s help instead of Armonian Marines?” Chrys asked.

“Because from the stories told by you all, he is the most capable of slipping to the prison and freeing everypony… as not only is he smaller than most of the Marines, he is far, far more trained in combat than anypony else” Twilight said as Tony gently pushed Glimmer off of him and got to his feet.

“Well i guess it is decided” Tony said, receiving a glare from Lucy, who proceeded to walk over, grab his head and kiss him deeply.

“You better not get hurt or else” She threatened him as she broke the kiss. Tony would have waved it off if he did notice the amount of worry in her eyes.

“I won’t my love… i’ll bring everyone home safe and then you can help me prepare for those trials” He said with a soft smile as he gently pulled her against him and gave her a kiss.

“You better” She said as she held him close.

“Rarity, give me an hour to gear up and prepare” Tony said, gaining a nod from the mare before she left the room with Twilight. Once they had closed the door, Tony moved to the bathroom.

(An hour later)

Rarity and Twilight were sitting in the kitchen on Tony’s home sipping coffee as Rarity held the letter in her magic, reading it again with a look of worry and concern on her face. Twilight sat across from her with a frown on her muzzle as she did her best to think of something to say to console her best friend but nothing came to mind until Tony walked into the room carrying a large duffle bag while dressed in his ODST armour.

“Thank fuck Smitty made several copies of this” He said as he placed the dufflebag on the table and unzipped it. “So Rarity, i need you to tell me what you know about where Fancy is being kept” He asked as he pulled several weapons, grenades and a strange cylinder device that had a thinner metal tube at the base and a tripod while the tip seemed to pulse with a faded yellow light from bag and laid them down.

“From what Fancy’s letter has told us, the prison is somewhere nearby the ruins of Baltimare… about several miles south… it is also is apparently where the Collective are keeping most of their prisoners.” Twilight explained, gaining a nod from Tony as he produced several large blocks of metal.

“Alright, well i guess once i get everyone out, i’m gonna blow the place to hell” He said as he picked up the DMR on the table and attached a suppressor to it before he loaded the weapon before placing it back on the table and attached the strange glowing device to his belt.

“So how are you planning on getting the prisoners out and what was that odd glowing device?” Twilight asked as she watched Tony load a suppressed pistol and SMG before returning them to the table.

“I can explain that much better than Tony” Celestia said as she walked in and watched as Tony attach a bracelet to each wrist. “When Tony has released prisoners, he will use a special crystal that will create a portal that will send them all back to Armonia” Celestia explained as she used her magic to float a rucksack over to Tony.

“Thanks and that device is a bubble shield” He said with a smile before he placed the blocks on metal inside, along with some ammo.

“No worries” She said as she watched him pull a few medical supplies, rope and a small device from the bag, which he put in his pack. “What was that device?” Celestia asked confused.

“It is a cutting torch, i’ll need it if i can’t find a key for cells” He explained before he stopped and thought for a moment. “I think this is everything” He said as he pulled his helmet from the bag and slipped it on.

“Okay, i’ll transport you there, just remember if something goes wrong then use your radio.” Celestia said, gaining a nod from Tony as he slung his backpack over his shoulders.

“Thank you for this Tony” Rarity said as she got up and hugged him.

“It’s cool Rarity, you’re a friend” He said as he patted her on the back before they parted. “Now, time to rock” He said moments before Celestia teleported away with him.

“I have a bad feeling about this” Twilight said with a frown.

“Why do you say that?” Rarity asked.

“Well, for several years we thought Fancy was dead and now suddenly he sends us a letter, telling us exactly where he is and all the other captives are” Twilight explained.

“Yes, it is a stroke of luck” Rarity said, not wanting to lose her hope that her husband was alive.

“No it isn’t i feel like it is a trap… this is why i recommended that you get Tony to go as he is far more qualified to deal with it” Twilight said, only for her pupils to shrink as she noticed that both Lucy and Chrys had just entered the room and heard it, and they didn’t look pleased.

“You got us to send Tony because you thought it was a trap?” Lucy asked as she crossed her arms.

“Yes because he is the most qualified…” Twilight started before being interrupted by Lucy.

“Yes but a few hundred marines, heavy armour and air support would have also gotten the job done more effectively without risking Tony’s safety” Lucy said with a glare as her words dripped with venom.

“Then we can just call him back” Rarity said as chrys sighed and rubbed her eyes.

“When it comes to Tony, that would be nearly impossible… the best we can do is prepare a small attack force to support him” Chrys said before turning to Lucy, who nodded and left the room.

(South of Baltimare)

“Okay, so here is the crystal and to use it you just impale it into a wall which will turn the wall into a portal that will last for a few minutes” Celestia said as the pair had appeared on a hill a little bit north of a large compound, which was overlooking it.

“Thanks Tia, you better get out of here” He said as he removed his helmet and kiss her gently, causing her to blush slightly before she teleported away.

“Okay… show time” Tony said as he slipped on his helmet and turned on the systems, causing a motion tracker, hud and a few other icons to appear seconds before a transmission came through.

“Tony co…. In, ……. ……. This then beware …… … Trap. …. ……. …… Caution” A voice came through before it repeated a few times, not coming through any clearer so Tony turned off his radio.

“Well that will make this more difficult” Tony said as he made his way down the rocky slope of the hill and quickly darted forward to the wall. Once there, he took a moment to observe his surroundings before he raised his DMR and proceed along the wall of the compound until he reached a point that allowed him to climb up to a balcony. As the man climbed up towards the balcony silently, he heard the sound of guards talking, which caused him to stop.

“So… how long do you reckon it’ll take before we are attacked?” A male voice said.

“I don’t know but it is unnerving… still have no idea why they actually gave those Armonian bastards the location of the prisoners” A second guard said.

“I heard from the commander that when the army arrives, we sound the alarm which will alert the main force… this will lead to us either killing some of their commanders or capturing them to get information from.” The first voice said.

“Oh… but why are the prisoner actually here?” The second asked.

“Because those Armonian Bastards would be able to sense them, and if they weren’t here then they wouldn’t attack.” The first explained.

“Ohhhh i get it… anyway, i best get back to my post” The second said before Tony heard footsteps moving away, which signalled Tony to move up. When Tony could up, he saw a Caribou buck standing on the balcony while wielding a battle rifle in his hands.

“Damn this is nerve racking” He said as Tony crept up behind him before he lunged forward and wrapped his arm around the neck of his victim while drawing his knife and holding the blade over the Buck’s heart. Once snared, Tony pulled the buck down low.

“Hey, you're gonna answer my questions and keep quiet or this pretty knife is going through your heart” Tony threatened.

“Go die in a fire” The Buck choked out while clutching Tony’s arm.

“Now now, how about telling me how many guards are on duty?” Tony asked quietly.

“Fuck off” The buck growled out moments before Tony plunged the knife into his heart and twisted it, causing the buck to gasp before falling still and silent. After a few seconds, Tony looked around to see there wasn’t any other balconies or any towers.

“Hmmm odd” He muttered before he put the corpse on his shoulder and moved inside the building, where he saw the second guard walking down the hallway, away from Tony. as the guard moved away, Tony moved to a nearby door and pushed it open. Once open, Tony moved in with his pistol draw only to find a few sleeping night guards, so Tony moved to a empty bed, where he put the corpse in it and cover it with a blanket. Once secured, Tony moved to the first sleeping guard, where he put his hand over the mouth of him and put his knife to his throat. “Wake up” Tony said quietly, causing the caribou guard to wake, only for his eye’s to go wide at the sight of the masked attack with a knife to his neck. “Morning sunshine” Tony said as the guard whimpered at as he noticed the blood on Tony’s shoulder and arm. “Now, if you don’t want to drown on your own blood, how bout you tell me where the prisoners arm” Tony said as he quickly moved his hand from the Buck’s muzzle and grabbed his throat just above the knife.

“Se...second…. Floor… please do… don’t kill me….” The buck choked out as Tony pulled the knife away and smacked the buck in the face, knocking him out.

“Thanks” Tony said before he quietly exited the room. Once out, he went down the hall that the second guard moved down. Upon reaching the hall, Tony looked around the corner to see a pair of guards standing by a door, both armed with assault rifles.

The guard on the left was a Gryphoness and the right guard was a Stallion. They both appeared to be bored as they lazily rested against the wall around the door.

“Sorry but your in my way” Tony said as he drew his DMR and took aim only for the door to open, to reveal a tall Caribou Doe wearing crimson armour, she seemed to be the commander of the facility just from the stark contrast in armour from the other guards. Tony would have brushed this off if not for the fact that over her shoulder was an unconscious bound alabaster mare. Once the doe had come through, the guards started to follow her so Tony shouldered his rifle and activated his active camo unit on his arm while staying still to watch where they went.

“Pathetic bitch, she didn’t have anything for us” The doe grumbled to the guards as they walked past. As they did, Tony saw who the mare was, it was Fancy’s sister Fleur. The mare was currently hanging over the shoulder of the doe with cuts to her cheeks, neck and arms. Without thinking, Tony drew his knife and pistol before he stepped forward, driving the blade deep into the stallion’s throat while blasting the Gryphoness. Said actions quickly put down the guards, but caused the doe to turn confused only to freeze when she saw the invisible figure that was now coated in blood. She was about to call out for help but Tony slammed his fist into her solar plexus, sending her to her knees and dropping Fluer before he wrapped his arm around her throat and began choking her. “W-who are you?” She asked in a strangled voice.

“The bastard who is gonna break your neck if you don’t answer my questions” Tony threatened.

“Please… i’ll tell you anything you want to know… i know so much and i’m too valuable to you dead” She bargained.

“Hmmm if that is the case, then i think you’ll be coming with me” Tony said before he proceeded to choke her out. Once she was unconscious, Tony dumped her on the floor before he deactivated his active camo. Once deactivated he moved to the unconscious form of Fleur, who at some point over the two decades had made the change to bipedal but Tony shook this off and removed his helmet, which he placed beside the mare.

“Fleur” He asked as asked as he gently shook her, gaining a groan from her before she began curling up into a ball. “Fleur” Tony said a little louder, causing the mare to crack her eye open slightly and look at Tony with her purple eyes.

“T-Tony?” She asked weakly as the man smiled and placed his hand on her cheek, causing her to flinch. After a few seconds tears began forming in her eyes before she closed them and gabe a quiet sob.

“Hey Fleur, don't cry” Tony said, comforting her.

“I-i didn't want to die… to here… not alone…” She sobbed as Tony looked up and around, incase any guards heard.

“I'm sorry about what happened to you but I swear that they will all pay, also this may sting.” Tony said as he produced his injector and injected her with a sedative, causing her to give a short gasp before falling unconscious. “Shit…” Tony sighed before he unslung his backpack and pulled the rope out.

(Sanctuary Hospital)

It was a quiet afternoon in the hospital with the only excitement coming from a few marines, Lucy and a plethora of hospital bed in a large lobby.

“So… how long until we are supposed to have these freed prisoners” Stripe asked as he entered the room. Though he didn't have to wait long as a large portal opened, causing all the marines to scramble into action.

“That was quick” Lucy said shocked as Tony walked through while dragging a bound doe in crimson armour while a Unicorn mare was slung over his shoulder. “Is that all?” Lucy asked confused.

“No, but I encountered this bitch… who needs to get put in a cell” Tony said as he dumped the doe on the floor before he laid Fleur on a bed. “Also I need another few crystals” Tony said as he stepped back through the portal, only to return a few moments later and dump a pair of corpses in the lobby.

“Who are they?” Stripe asked concerned as Tony pulled his knife from a corpse.

“A pair of guards I needed to hide… um also i discovered that this was a trap that was intended to not only cripple an army but also grab any commanders so they can be interrogated.” Tony said as he cleaned his knife and sheathed it.

“So are there anymore hostages?” Lucy asked.

“I think so, also i’ll need more of those crystals” Tony said as a guard quickly ran off to retrieve it as Tony looked around at the soldiers. “Anyway, so i recommend not sending any reinforcements as it may attract the attention of the army they are hiding” Tony said as he pull his helmet on as the guard returned with three of the crystals. “Thanks” Tony said with a nod.

“Just… just be careful” Lucy asked.

“I will, and can you guys turn off that blasted repeated message” Tony asked before he returned through the portal shortly before it collapsed on itself.

(Prison Compound, ten minutes later)

After Tony had returned, he proceeded up the building in search of the the prisoners while silently disposing of any guards that stood in his way. After a slow ten minutes, Tony arrived at the holding area, which was guarded by a pair of Dragons until Tony eliminated them quickly.

Once inside, Tony was greeted with the sight of a petite dark grey with splotches of red, orange and yellow on her scales Dragoness in a lab coat, who was writing down on a clipboard as she sat at a security desk. Without wasting a moment, Tony raised his his SMG to fire, only to stop as he noticed that she had a steel collar that was linked to the wall by heavy chains.

“A prisoner” Tony muttered before he quickly moved forward behind the Dragoness before placing a hand on her muzzle, causing her to lock up and began shaking slightly. “Hey calm down, i’m here to bust you out, but i need you to keep quiet” Tony said causing the Dragoness to nod before Tony removed his hand. “Now got a name?”

“Ci-Cinder” She said as she turned and looked at Tony.

“Nice to meet you, now i take it you are not here on vacation” Tony joked.

“What? No of course not” Cinder said annoyed.

“Figured, now… what the hell are you doing?” He asked as he knelt down and unslung his pack.

“They have me writing out these notes to be sent to the families of the surviving prisoners in order to attract Armonia’s attention” Cinder explained as she watched Tony produce his cutting torch.

“Well they got my attention” Tony said as he stood back up and grabbed the chain link closest to Cinder’s collar and began cutting through it with the torch.

“And who are you?” She asked as Tony worked.

“Anthony Bell… human” Tony said as he finished cutting through the chain.

“Wait… as it the Anthony Bell that helped found Armonia and died in combat twenty years ago?” She asked confused.

“Apparently” Tony said with a shrug as he put the torch away and put on his pack. “Before you start, we have to get going and free everyone” Tony said.

“Alright, this way i think” She said as she lead him into a fortified room, but when the pair entered, they were greeted with a small garrison of ten troopers.

“Intruder!” One shouted as Tony shoved Cinder into a doorway to keep her out of the firing line as Tony activated his Overshield as bullets slammed against it.

“Sound the alarm!” Another shouted as Tony raised his SMG and fired, killing two of the troops. No sooner did Tony do this and took cover, did the alarm sound.

“Fuck!” Tony growled as he reloaded his SMG before looking to the Dragoness, who was currently cowering behind cover. “Fuck… think what caused my magic to activate?” Tony muttered to himself as he took pot shots at the troopers, glancing one and wounding another.

“Anthony!” Cinder cried out in fear, gaining the man’s attention. As he looked to her, he saw her pointing to the way they came in, only to see a throng of swordsmen charging.

“Shit” Tony growled as he unslung his backpack and pulled out one of the charges before arming it and setting the timer for twenty seconds. Once set, the man hurled it at the oncoming warriors, hitting one in the chest, ten metres away, moments before it attached itself to the warrior’s metal chest plate.

“What in Tartarus is this?” He asked as he stopped in his tracks while his comrades ran past him only for him to detonate not long after. The charge was designed to punch through the hull of a starship so the explosion easily obliterated a good portion of the charging soldiers, collapsed the floor, roof, surrounding rooms and buried the soldiers alive in the floors below while causing the entire compound to shake.

“That worked” Tony said as he fired upon the remaining swordsmen. Slaughtering them as they stood there stunned from the shock wave of the massive explosion.

“Goddess above” Cinder said as Tony got a idea.

“Hey Cinder, i’m about to do something really stupid” He said as he tossed her his SMG and several magazines. “You know how to use that right?” He asked as the Dragoness shrugged. “Fuck it, just point that way when you see more guys until you run out of ammo” He said as he pointed to the smoking corridor as he got to his feet and drew his knife and pistol before he charged forward, catching the Troopers by surprise. In a few moments, Tony was upon them and had plunged his combat knife deep into the windpipe of the closest Collective soldier before he took cover behind the dying stallion as a burst of gunfire tore into him. From their Tony used his pistol to kill another soldier before pulling his knife free and hurling it at the furthest soldier, getting him in the neck before Tony raised his DMR and blasted a pair next time him as bullets slammed into Tony’s over shield, causing it to flash yellow and orange but to Tony’s luck, he was greeted with the sound of clicks from his opponents’ guns.

“Shit!” One said as he tried to reload but he was grappled by Tony after the man had shouldered his DMR, and used as a meat shield.

“Let go of him!” the wounded Collective soldier shouted as he pointed his rifle at Tony.

“Free the Prisoners” Tony ordered as he put his magnum against his shield’s neck.

“Okay okay… no need to be hasty… how about i give you a counter offer” The trooper said as he put his rifle on the ground.

“Oh?” Tony asked as he looked to the wounded trooper as the remaining soldier started to sneak around Tony’s flank but did get a chance to attack as Tony quickly turned and shot him in the neck. “Motion tracker to idiot” Tony said before he shot the wounded Troop and broke the neck of his shield. “Asshole” Tony grumbled as the alarm blared

“A-are you okay?” Cinder asked as she came out of her cover and ran over to Tony as he deactivated the Overshield.

“Yea but i doubt i can do that again as my shield is nearly depleted” Tony said as he walked over and pulled his knife from the throat of the corpse he threw it into.

“I can see that stories of Anthony Bell were not exaggerated” She said as she looked sick as she stared at the corpses.

“You know, you don’t seem all that much like a dragon” Tony said offhandedly.

“Well that is because i am a Fairy Dragon… we aren’t all that common and we are a lot smaller and more frail than normal dragons” She explained.

“Um okay… anyway we don’t have time for this” Tony said as he unslung his DMR and moved into the next room which was full of cells that were full of different species.” Bingo” Tony said as he walked up the length of the room before returning to the first one. “Is this all of the prisoners?” Tony asked Cinder, gaining a nod. “Alright… i am looking for a Alabaster Unicorn Stallion with a light blue mane” Tony said as he put his cutting torch out and began to cut through the lock, gaining the attention of the prisoners, who appeared malnourished and badly injured.

“W-who are you?” A caribou inside asked, causing Tony to shrug when he saw him.

“The guy who is breaking you guys out” Tony explained as he finished cutting the lock segment off the barred door. “Now can you lot walk?” Tony asked as he heard more guards coming.

“Y-yes we can” A mare said as Tony nodded before he suddenly turned and raised his DMR at several guards before he cut them down where they stood.

“Good, use this to cut the locks off all the prison doors before gathering everyone in the last three cells” Tony ordered as he reloaded.

“I found a Alabaster stallion with a blue mane!” Cinder called out.

“What’s his name?” Tony called out as he shot a swordsman, who entered from had just finished traversing the ruined hallway, forty metres away.

“Fancy Pants” Cinder replied.

“Good, get him in one of the three end cells so we can bug out” Tony called out as he continued holding the advancing enemies at bay. He managed to hold his own until he a burst of heavy machine gun fire ripped into the walls in front of him, making him quickly draw his bubble shield and activate it as the bullets slammed into it. As the heavy gunfire slammed into the bubble, it ripped a large hole in the wall to allow Tony to see the Falcon that was hovering outside, which was focusing on him. So as quick as Tony could, he pulled out the second charge, which he set for twenty seconds and armed it before he picked up the bubble generator and threw it at the Falcon, causing the ricocheting bullets to hit it’s hull. This caused the gunner to stop long enough for Tony to hurl his remaining charge at the small gunship. Once Tony threw it, he made a break away from the prisoners as the bubble shield collapsed and the Falcon took chase and tried to catch him only for it to detonate.

The explosion was enough to rip down several walls and collapse most of the floor, but this didn’t concern Tony as he managed to get back to the prisoners, no what concerned him was the sight of the massive army that was bearing down on them. “Shit… MOVE!” Tony ordered as he drew a crystal and slammed it into the wall, creating a large portal. “EVERYONE THROUGH NOW!” Tony ordered as he took the cutting torch and and used it to free the remaining cell.

“W-who are you?” one of the remaining prisoner asked as he attempted to stand but collapsed to his knees.

“A friend” Tony said as the remaining prisoners moved through the portal as Tony picked up the weak stallion and moved through the portal behind everyone else just as it collapsed. Once through, Tony was greeted with the Lobby, now busy with all the new arrivals.

“Sir are you okay?” A Doctor said as he ran over to Tony with a few nurses.

“I’m fine, take him” Tony said as a Nurse took the weak stallion away.

“No sir, you’re not okay” The Doctor said as he pointed to the chuck of Falcon sticking out of his abdomen and the few bullet holes in his arm.

“Well fuck me drunk… Lucy is gonna kill me” Tony said as he Doctor lead him away.