An Echo of What Once Was

“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.