Celestia quickly made her way into the holding cell where her new guest, the Slayer, was being held. In her arms she held the journal Star Swirl wrote in almost a millennia ago, hoping to get some answers from it. Once she entered the room, her sister Luna, still limping from her wound, followed her in. The guard who had been posted there quietly sat in one of the chairs, his head was slumped down and he was quietly snoring.

She pulled up the shutters in the room and saw him walking around the room in a seemingly bored circle while his companion Vega talked on about a subject she wasn't entirely familiar with. Taking the key from the slumbering guard she walked over to the door. “Sister wait,” Luna said, “Are you sure he's. . . friendly?”

“Well he's listened so far, if he was here to kill us well. . . we'ed know.” She said, turning the key she opened the door and walked into the room. He and Vega looked at her.

“Princess, how does everyone fare?” Vega asked.

“Not well, we still don't have an exact number of casualties and we just received word from Queen Gwendolyn from Griffonstone, her city was attacked as well. They had to retreat to the city of Gweer, deep in the mountains."

“That is not good then. Do you have something for us?”

“Mainly for him. . . ” She pointed at the Slayer. He crooked his head in surprise and walked over to her. She set the book down on the table and slid it towards him. He walked over and opened the book, inside he saw the words and pictured the old wizard wrote down and drew. He looked at the pictures of the accurately drawn Imps and Barons.

“Where did you get these?” Vega asked.

“An old friend of ours, the wizard named Star Swirl the bearded wrote these. Long ago a man, much like him came to our world in a portal just the same. His name was Argus, and he told us about you.” She said. The Slayer looked at her and then looked back at the book. “He told us about your people, about the Wraiths, the Knight Sentinels, and the demons that attack us now. Sadly. . . he died.” He studied the old book, flipping the page to see a well drawn portrait of Argus without his helmet.

He had little hair, a complete buzz cut was common among the knights. He had scars across his face and one of his eye's was a different color than the other.

“Where. . . ” He said in the lowest of voices, looking up at Celestia with his deep and intimidating blue eyes. She gulped.

“In the catacombs, here in the city. I can take you to him if you want?” He nodded in response. Celestia picked the book back up and walked towards the door. “Good, follow me please.” She pulled on the handle of the metal door, it didn't budge. She pulled on it several more times, making the same thudding sound. “Luna the doors jammed again, go get the pry bar please.” There was a muffled response from behind the door.

He walked towards her, simply nudging her to the side. He then reeled back his fist and punched the door, hard enough to create a fist indent on the other side of it. Pulling on the now barely functioning door knob he pulled the broken door open, it squeaked open now. Once it was open he looked at the princess and gestured her forward. “Thank you.” When they walked out he saw her sister Luna standing there in shock with the stationed guard next to her.

“That door was as durable as a banks vault, and he broke it.” Luna said.

“Come now sister, he needs to see the catacombs.” She said walking past her and the guard.

“The. . . the catacombs? What in Equestria for?”

“He wants to see him.” Luna stared as they left the room. Huffing quietly she quickly caught up to them.

As always the catacombs were always silent, damp, cold, and devoid of life, save the occasional rat or two. It was mainly used by high ranking members of the Equestrian parliament, those born and die into nobility, military commanders and hero's, and the only non-Equestrian in their history. Once a large gold mine that dried up centuries before the city was built, now it serves as a crypt for the royal class, while the other citizens of Canterlot used a large mausoleum and cemetery in the lower district, probably flooded with wounded and dead now.

At the farthest corner of the catacombs, in the oldest area of the city itself, lay Argus, the Night Sentinel that came to Equestria many years ago and died defending it. The catacombs were barely lit, the only light visible were from the magic lights from the horns of the two princesses, their escorts lantern, and the lights coming from the Slayers helm. Once they reached the end the Slayer looked up at the large stone door blocking the way in. He walked forward, cracking his knuckles, getting ready to rip it open. "No need for that." Celestia said, nudging him aside.

Her horn glowed bright yet again, this time engulfing the whole door with magic. Stepping back, he watched as the door was slowly moved outward and then to the side. After she had moved it she took the lantern from her escorts hand and used her magic to move the flame about the room and onto a brazier of oil. Once the tiny flame danced its way to the oil it lit up the entire room and then some, finally revealing the massive marble sarcophagus that held Argus.

“This is him.” Luna said. The Slayer moved forward and looked at the coffin. Once a beautiful white color like Celestia's coat, it was now a dark tan due to its age. On its lid was the effigy of the Night Sentinel's figure neatly carved onto it. He was laying down, hands folded and holding his swords handle which was on his chest and pointing downward towards his feet, and his helmet rest beside his head, allowing the Slayer to see his face. He brushed his hand against the old stone, wiping off years upon years of dust. “What did you plan on doing with him?”

He simply turned his head to glance at her only briefly before looking down at the sarcophagus. He lowered his large hands and latched onto the cracks on its lid. He lifted it up slightly, dust shooting off all over it, and slid it off the coffin. The heavy lid fell to the ground with a loud thud, causing the dust on it and around to form a large cloud but only to quickly dissipate soon after. “Why did you do that?” Celestia asked, looking at him in surprise and confusion.

The Slayer looked down at the Sentinels corpse. His armor was a light grey with black details and golden inlays around its edges. His visor was a green color now long faded with the rest of his armor, through it he could make out his empty eye sockets through it. He then drew his attention to his sword. It sat there on his chest, the same place shown on the lids mural of him. He reached down and gently moved Argus' hands away from it. He then took the old sword in his hands.

It was about five and a half feet long, big for a longsword, but the right size for him and the knight's that wielded them. It's leather sheath was in surprisingly good condition for being in the crypt for so long, but no doubt needed oiled. He took the grip in his hands and slowly unsheathed the blade.

Cobwebs and dust pulled off the blade as it was removed from the scabbard, but unlike the rest of the crypt, the sword still kept its razor sharp edge and shine, seeing himself and the princess behind him on the blade. He looked down at the body and leaned the sword against the tomb.

He gently removed the sentinels helmet, revealing his bare skull, showing the many healed and rebuilt fractures and wounds. He reached inside the helmet and removed a small chip from inside it and placed it in a port on the side of his helmet. He set the helmet next to him again, placing his hands back on his chest. Placing his hand on his skull the Slayer looked downward and began to speak, but in a language the princesses couldn't understand, though it was familiar for Argus spoke the same language when he arrived. “Whats he saying?” Luna asked. Vega soon formed outside of his helmet, facing them.

“I can translate if you'd wish?” He asked. Celestia nodded in response, he looked at the Slayer and back at them. “So you walk eternally through the shadow realms, standing against evil where all others would falter. May your thirst for retribution never quench, may the blood on your sword never dry, and may we never need you again. Rest, and finally join those who are now gone.” The Slayer was now standing, placing the seal back on the sarcophagus.

“Can he not understand us?”

“He can, his helmet has a build in translator in it and I have been teaching him, he only knows few words.” Vega said. He was now looking at them, sword in his hands. He slid it back in its sheath and held it close to his side.

“Let us leave. . . ” He said. Walking through Vega and past the princesses and their escort. The lights on his helmet turned back on and he made his way through the catacombs. Celestia quickly caught up to him.

“Wait, Slayer. I have a proposition.” He turned and loomed over her. “Help us, teach is how to defeat them.” She said.

“Our people will be flocking here in droves, we'll need to take back our towns and cites eventually, clear them from every nook and cranny of Equestria.” Luna said, quickly hobbling towards him. “We'll give you our best soldiers, train them to hunt these demons.” He looked at her with his imposing stare. He looked at the two escorts with them, studying them. He then looked back at the princesses and leaned forward.

“How many?” He said.

“You'll have to ween out the weak willed ones. . . bout eleven, possibly fewer once they're weened out.”

“Ready them. . . ” He said. He then turned and walked from the catacombs, with the princesses in tow.

***Two days later***

Ever since the invasion only two days prior Canterlot was being filled with hundreds of refugees and wounded from all across Equestria. The kingdoms largest cities are on lock down and hundreds of ghetto's were made in the parks and lower areas of the cities for the refugees. Along with the refugees came the few captured demons held in iron gibbets and cages. They hissed, spat, and tried to claw at those who came even close to them.

Many ponies tried to scrub away the blood and gore left over from the demons and citizens of Canterlot, though the pentagrams made of blood are still silhouetted into the stone and wood of the city.

The largest of these rally centers was a place called the Crystal Empire, some place far north of Canterlot. Many gawked at the large seven foot tall titan as he walked past them and towards the few demon prisoners, behind him was a large trio of Equestrian soldiers, all of high ranking status.

He walked towards on of the gibbets, inside it was a small Imp who upon seeing him, began to hiss and slowly kneel in fear of the man. The soldiers watched as the man sorted the cages into small groups. He stopped and looked at the group of soldiers. Vega soon formed outside of his helmet. “What uh. . . what's he want us to do?” One of them asked.

“I believe he is showing you the various types of demons there are and their strengths and weaknesses.” Another said. The Slayer pointed to one group and sat down. Taking out his chainsaw to clean out the bits of bone and flesh from it's blade.

Vega used the projector on the Slayers helm to show the various Imp types. The Vulgar, the grey's, copper Imps, wraith's, prowlers, and the maggot type.

“The Imp's are one of the most common type of demon in hell's army. They have thick skin that is a good defense against must cutting weapons but it is mainly used for heat resistance due to the sulfur rich environment they thrive in.” Vega said, showing making the various holograms larger and smaller when viewing a certain one.

“The grey for instance, real name unknown, are the tallest in the imp breed and by far the deadliest. About eight feet tall, long arms and legs, with four fingers on each hand they are excellent climbers. Unlike the other imps their bones are the strongest but that doesn't make them any less agile, they can easily glide through the air and leap an estimated thirty feet to catch their prey and their twelve eyes makes their sight the greatest of all demons.” That hologram then shrinks.

“Most imp breeds can use argent energy as an offensive weapon in combat,” He highlights the ones that can, the Grey, copper, and Vulgar. “they have distinct colors resembling fireballs in a way, Hell Knights can utilize them as well, so can Barons of hell.”

“I hate to interrupt sir but what are they weak too?” A unicorn said. The slayer looked over at him. He had a blonde mane with light blue highlights with the same color on his tail, his coat was a cream color.

“Well there are little. Bullets, as my companion has shown you all, work well though I fear your firearms will do little.” He said. “This. . . magic you use may be effective as well. But every imp type shares the same strength and agility that is far superior to your own.”

“What kinds do we need to be worried about?” Vega deletes the few holograms of the Imp types and shows the larger types, the Pinkie demon, Baron of Hell, Hell Knights, Revenants, Summoners, Arch-Viles, and many more. The Slayer didn't pay his teachings any mind, he already had many years of experience hunting and ripping these demons limb from limb, they'll never be like his knights of old.

The information from Argus' helmet provided him with some knowledge of Equestria and its neighboring kingdoms. A highly diverse land with several different kingdoms and races inhabiting it. Though many of the recordings and logs were with the princess of the sun.

A crash was then heard, quickly catching his attention. One of the cages was torn open by an imp. The copper colored demon quickly ran into the crowd of armored Equestrian's and made them scatter, taking one hostage. “Get this off of me! Somepony help!“ All the soldiers had their weapons drawn. The Slayer walked towards them, gently moving the guards out of the way.

The imp screeched at him and tightened his grip around the terrified soldier. As the Slayer drew closer the imp backed up towards a wall. It raked its claws against it, sharpening them and leaving a large mark. It then held them up to the Equestrian's face. “For Celestia's sake stop!”

The Slayer stopped, inside his helmet Vega was trying to make a strategy to save the Equestrian soldier, only leaving him with. . . minor injuries. He had been through this exact situation many times prior so he didn't pay the A.I. any mind. He knelt down and took a small, palm sized flat stone in his hand. The imp followed his movements very carefully, not knowing what he'd do next. He then turned around and walked back towards the other soldiers. “What are you doing! Help me!” The guard screamed.

The Slayer then quickly turned, throwing the rock as if he was skipping it across water. The rock then lodged into the imps eye, causing it to scream and loosen its grip on the Equestrian. Its captive then grabbed it by the arm and threw it towards the Slayer. Once it was in front of him he grabbed it by the neck, lifting the squealing and screaming creature off the ground.

He then rammed his free hand into the imps belly, breaking through the soft flesh. He grabbed its spine and tightened his grip around its neck. The imp screamed loudly and then the Slayer ripped the imp in two, sending its gore all over himself and the surrounding road. He then threw the lifeless corpse down. When he turned he saw another guard standing among the others. The pegasus walked to him. As he walked towards him he seemed to hesitate and shake. “Uhmm. . . m. . message from the princesses sir.” He said, the Slayer turned and loomed over him. “They have summoned you to the council meeting in the war room, atop the solar spire.”

He looked at the tallest tower on the citadel, he looked back down and walked forward, his trainees moving out of his way. A small trail of demon blood followed behind him.

Princess Luna walked out of the citadel, wearing a casual outfit that was a mix of a grey long sleeve shirt and jacket and plain black pants. As always her sword was on her belt. As she looked into the courtyard she saw the several soldiers and volunteers arming themselves and training. On one side of the courtyard she saw a much older officer instructing a group of about thirty or so civilian volunteers how to use the several muskets they had.

Due to their quick and easy use, many of the civilian volunteers would be rifleponies. Unlike the soldiers, who were dressed in various armors, the volunteers wore simple clothing save the powder bandoleer across their chest. Some had metal helmets given to them while some wore simple hats.

They were primarily armed with short swords made from steel, axe's, hatchets, billhooks, pikes, and even wooden clubs. The instructor was teaching them the use of the volley formation. Their targets, due to the increased amount of them in the city, were the corpses of the several demons that were killed. Their bodies were propped up on wooden poles.

Close by another officer was teaching volunteers how to use crossbows, while another was teaching them simple sword and hand-to-hand tactics. At another corner of the courtyard an artillery officer and his subordinates were showing a group of volunteers how to properly operate a falconet and a mortar. In the forges beneath and in Canterlot several sets a munitions grade armor was being quickly produced for the new swath of troops. These mainly consist of breastplates made of iron, steel, or a hardened leather.

The prisoners that were in the cells of Canterlot were being closely watched over by several high ranking centurions as they were being trained with simple weapons. The largest prisoner, and by far the most dangerous, was a chestnut colored earth pony with a copper and silver colored mane named Boxer. A former centurion turned bandit chieftain.

They needed close to eleven armor clad soldiers to restraint this beast that was close to the Slayer's height. He rarely talked, only glaring at anyone who passed him with his angry orange eyes. He was restrained in a large cell. "Princess." She turned around to see one of her personal guards, a bat pony clad in purple armor.

“Yes?”

“The Slayer approaches, your and the other lords await him.”

“Good good, see to it that—” She watched as the now bloodstained Slayer walked through the courtyard, getting many stares in the process. As he walked he left a trail of bloody footprints on the stone road. Before he could enter the citadel the princess stopped him. “You cant go in there like that.” She said. He looked down at himself and back up at her and shrugged. “Your about to meet the most powerful people on the continent, Queen Gwendolyn of Griffus, King Aspen of Thicket, Chief Thunderhooves of the great plans, and many more.” She walked over to spigot that was along the citadel wall. She picked up a hose. “Now. . . stand still please.”

He couldn't feel the water against his armor, nor could she see the disapproving look he was giving her through his helmet. The princess shot water at his breastplate and legs, the imps blood slowly creeping off and flowing into a nearby sewer drain. She motioned her hand and he turned around and outstretched his arms. She then sprayed his back with water. After a few minutes of the wash his armor did look rather clean, but not as clean and shiny as it once was. “Well that'll do, follow me please.”

The citadel was the same as he saw it prior, except the halls were filled with wounded soldiers. The wounded that could see watched him in awe as he walked among them, his footsteps heavy and echoing through the halls. At the end of the massive hall he saw guards much more different than the Equestrian ones. They were taller, only by a few inches of a foot and had bird like faces, beaks, feathers, and long cat like tails. “These must be the Griffons the Princess mentioned. Interesting.” Vega chimed. He ignored the A.I. and continued to walk towards the room with the princess, briefly glancing at one of the guards to his right, allowing his deep blue eye's to intimidate the young griff.

Once the door opened he could now see the many leaders of Equestria and beyond. On one side was the solar princess herself conversing with a female Griffon wearing a finely colored green tunic with a golden chalice brazen on it, a golden crown upon her head, and a sword sheathed on her belt. Her eye's were a green color with the feathers on her face were a dark brown color, save the few white and tan ones on her cheeks. She had a grey colored beak and hands. Behind her a grey colored tail swished around the floor.

Next to the Griffon was a a white colored Deer with large golden antlers. His plate armor was a deep silver color and almost reflected the nearby surroundings. On his belt was a long curved sword. Across the table was one of the large Bison chieftain's. He was a deep and shaggy brown, about eight feet tall with massive arms. He had various scars on his toned body as well as a few new ones possibly caused by demons. A feathered headdress on his head and clothing made from organic materials. On his belt was a long stone knife and a large axe with an metal blade. Even a Baron of hell my want to reconsider fighting this one. A nearby guard walked over and leaned towards the princess.

“Princess, he is here.” The praetorian's said. Celestia and the Griffon, whom he'd amuse is Queen Gwendolyn they mentioned prior, leaned up from the map.

“Slayer, I hope the soldiers were to your liking.” He didn't say anything to her, only after standing there silently for a minute he shrugged. “Well. . . I hope they fare well in your care.” He didn't just need capable warriors, he needed smart ones, ones who could stare hell itself and not fall insane.

“Princess, if I may?” One of her guards asked. She nodded. The soldier then walked over to the windows and pulled down the massive curtains to blot out the incoming rays of sunlight. The princess then pressed a small button next to the table. From the ceiling a large blue crystal came down from its resting place, being held onto by gold colored bars. Once it was in place a beam of sunlight came down and went into it, causing several beams to come off from it and around the table.

Within moments the rays made four figures, three were of the Equestrian species, two were Alicorn's. The last was a large bovine like the Buffalo he was standing next to, but this one had larger horns, a shaggier coat, and wore more metal for armor than the Buffalo, but they both had the similar three fingers. “Auntie Celestia it's good to see you, is everything well in Canterlot?” The pink Alicorn asked.

“No, not well at all. How many refugees have arrived in the Empire.”

“Too many, the Yaks have helped us in our defenses against these invaders but our troops morale is waning princess.” The Unicorn next to her said. When he motioned his arm towards the 'Yak' next to him, the Slayer noticed the matching rings on his and hers fingers.

“Expect more soon, anypony who cant fight is being flown to the empire. Have you relocated Cloudsdale yet?” The princess asked. She looked at the smaller Alicorn. She was smaller than the others and out of all the ones seen she looked to be the most worried.

“We're. . . alright princess, we'll be over dragon territory within four days. Luckily Ember has agreed to help us.” She said, not removing her hands from her face when she talked.

“Princess, is something the matter?” The Yak asked.

“Fluttershy's missing, Rarity and Applejack suspect she's gone back to Ponyville.” She said, her voice almost breaking.

“What in Equestria for?” Luna said, “Ponyville was evacuated two days ago, when did you find out she was gone?”

“This morning, both she and Rainbow Dash are gone.” She said.

“Her animals, she had many at her cottage in Ponyville.” The Deer King said. “I can send out my soldiers to track her and the element of loyalty down.”

“The only safe place near Ponyville is Thicket, Aspen, have the demons discovered the city yet?” Celestia asked, looking at the plate clad Deer.

“If they did, we'ed know by now. But the forest, even in these times is no place for somepony to be traveling in alone.” The Slayer looked at the large map, mainly at the highlighted town of Ponyville, which was directly below the city.

“Princesses, if I may?” Vega chimed, forming on the outside of his helmet again.

“You have an idea?”

“Thousands developing every second but this one seems the most promising.”

“Well. . . shoot.”

“While studying the notes left by Argus I discovered several mentioning a race of canine like beings called the Diamond Dog's and that there was a small tribe of them outside of Ponyville long before it was formed.”

“I know of these Diamond Dogs,” The purple princess said. “they kidnapped a friend of mine a few years back and forced her to locate gems, and I wouldn't say they're a small tribe. There hundreds of them in that old gem quarry.”

“Are they friendly towards Equestrian's?”

“Well, our relations had been getting better for sometime, friendly trade here and there. There chieftain, Talon, he'll be the one you'd need to talk too.” She said.

“You plan on taking the two elements to the Diamond Dogs?” An Equestrian praetorian close to Celestia asked.

“Yes, the Slayer and I,” He looked at the A.I. with his arms crossed, not really having a say in this plan. “and hopefully they'd be willing to escort them to this hidden city.” Vega looked at the Slayer. “There'll be plenty of demons to mangle on the way, so don't be to upset.”

In a way he then agreed, simply shrugging. . .

“Most of the time a Diamond Dog clan would ask for something in return, we'll send a few crates of rifles to them. Hopefully they'll accept.” Luna said. “And if they don't. . . well. . . ” The slayer looked at her. “Lets hope they do. And Slayer, the Diamond Dogs, if you haven't already learned, are hardy and skilled fighters, they're the ones who wouldn't shy away from a fight. If your looking for skilled warriors, I'd suggest one of them.” He nodded and beckoned Vega back into his helmet so he could prepare to leave.

“Before you leave, I'm sending one of my best with you.” Celestia said, gesturing towards one of her praetorian's. The Pegasus stallion walked forward and removed his purple and grey helmet. He had a cream colored coat and a golden mane with green eyes. “The is my captain of the guard, Cloud Singer.” The Pegasus looked at the Slayer and slightly bowed his head. “He'll accompany you to Ponyville.”

The Slayer looked him over. A fine set of plate armor with a long cape on the back, a longsword on his belt along with a dagger, three pistols, and a powder belt. He replied by bowing his head the same way the Pegasus did. “My student, Lunar Lullaby will also accompany you. He'll be waiting outside.”

“My nephew Galahad will join you Slayer.” The Griffon queen said. A Griffon, somewhat similar to herself walked to her. The only difference between them were their eye colors, his were a deep blue, and their feathers on their faces, his were a lighter shade of brown, almost a coffee color.

“I am sorry princess, but I cannot spare any warriors at the moment. Many were killed in my journey here.” The buffalo said.

“I understand chieftain, but thank you.” Celestia said.

“And I will meet you in Thicket, Slayer, get them there unharmed.” The Deer king said.

“Auntie I'll let you know if anything else happens.” Princess Candace said.

“Be safe Cadence, as you Twilight.” The holograms soon dissipated and the curtains were reopened to let the sun shine into the room.

“Lord Slayer, please if you'd accompany me to the courtyard.” Cloud Singer said. As soon as Vega dissipated into his helmet he walked towards the door, with the Griffon and Pegasus in tow.

The courtyard was still active and full of soldiers and volunteers. The booming of a cannon and rifle fire was common now as the many soldiers trained to fight the demons. “The princesses student should be out here somewhere,” Cloud Singer said, “he's a bat pony, bout my height with green hair and amber eye's.” He said again. The Slayer looked around the courtyard trying to identify the said, ‘Bat Pony’. But something else caught his eye.

“Right, when I find him I'll either look for you or head to the gardens.” The griff said.

Walking past Cloud Singer and the griffon Galahad he walked down the stairs, towards the group of conscripted prisoners. Upon seeing the massive cage he looked at the prisoner sitting inside. The large earth pony stallion was sitting against the back of the cage. His body, save the bottom of his hooves, were covered by the shade from the citadel and the Slayer could clearly see the white fetlocks covering his grey hooves. He looked at Cloud Singer, who quickly caught up to him to see why he was walking over to the cage. Vega scanned the ledger on the nearby table that held his information.

“Prisoner 11939, real name Boxer. He is seven-foot three, weight two-hundred and seventeen pounds, age; forty-one.” Vega said, “Reason for imprisonment; armed Robbery, arson, assault of an officer, Illegal purchase and selling of goods along the Equestrian boarders, bandit chieftain of a large bandit clan, desertion of the Equestrian army, capture of an officer, and piracy. Captured six months ago, arresting officers needed eleven personal to restrain him.”

He looked at Cloud Singer, back down at the prisoner, and back at him, pointing at the prisoner. “Him. . . ” He said. Cloud looked at the prisoner and back at the Slayer.

“Your kidding?” He shook his head. “No, he's in that cage for a reason, for many a good reason.” Vega came from his helmet.

“It is either you set him loose and give him his former equipment or my companion rips the cage apart.” Cloud and another officer stared at him and the cage. With a heavy sigh he looked at another officer.

“Inform the princesses and give Boxer his things.” The guard nodded and walked towards the keep. Cloud walked over to the cage and looked down at the stallion. “Boxer, starting at this moment you have been conscripted into the Equestrian military, though you are a former member you will be stripped of your former rank. The task we have at hand is to find the elements of Kindness and Loyalty, they are somewhere in the vicinity of Ponyville and the Everfree.” The stallion said nothing and stared at Cloud Singer.

“You will either report to me or the Slayer for any questions, though if you try to flee I or the Slayer will assure you don't return to Canterlot alive. Do I make myself clear.” The Stallion looked at him and the being in green armor.

“What if I say no?” He asked.

“Then you stay here and rot in the sun.”

“Mmm. . . I'll do it, but it'll need somethin' in return.”

“Name your price.”

“After this is finished, I'll leave Canterlot, Equestria even. Ah'll accept exile if it means I'm free. Dimondia's a pretty place this time of year.” The praetorian stared at the stallion for a brief moment before looking back at the Slayer.

“Deal, I'll pull some strings with the princesses, but no promises.” He stood up.

“Guess that works,” He stuck his arms out of the cage. A nearby guard took his shackles in hand and took them off. Boxer rubbed his sore wrists afterwards. The guard from earlier returned with a scroll and a crate. He gave the scroll to Cloud Singer and set the crate down.

Once the cages door was unlocked Boxer slowly walked out of it, covering his eye's once he saw the sun. To the Slayer he was indeed impressive to look at, slightly taller than he was but probably not as physically strong as him.

Not long after the crate was opened Boxer was reunited with the weapons and armor he was using when imprisoned. His weapon, a long ball and chain, the spikes on its iron ball were jagged and crooked and its handle had several studs on it and a leather loop to tie it to his belt. A small iron sword was sheathed onto his belt. His shield was a small heater shield modified into a targe with several small spikes jutting outward on it. His clothing consisted of brown wool pants, leather boots, a long and ripped up surcoat over mail that neigh touched the ground.

His pauldrons were old and dented, but still able to cover his shoulders and provided some protection. His arms were bare, save the shield strapped to his left arm. His helmet was a combination of an early greathelm welded to the bottom of a kettle helmet. Protecting the back and front of his neck was an aventail made of several different scale materials. Some looked like leather, copper, bronze, wood, bone, stone even. But the original scales were still there, they were made of steel. Atop the helmet were several small and jagged spikes.

Setting the last item into it's sheath, a pistol, Boxer turned and looked at the group. “Where we goin'?”

“Ponyville, two of the elements of harmony went missing and they may be there.” He said, the large stallion strapped his flail to his belt and walked with the Slayer. “We're to escort them to a Diamond Dog clan located in the nearby gem quarry, and possibly recruit someone from there.”

“Haven't been to Ponyville in a while, though I do remember me a cute mare that lived there.” He said, “Lived in the caves with the Diamond Dogs for a while, they'd buy the thing's I'd have and pay in gems. She sure did love them.”

“Know anyone in the caves that could be of use to us?”

“Possibly, if he's still there. Where we headin' now?”

“The gardens, there'll be a small airship waiting for us, the weapons we'll give the Diamond Dog's are aboard it.” As they continued back into the palace the number of wounded was starting to slowly diminish. Most were being moved outside is their injuries weren't to serious, while those with life threatening injuries have been taken to the palace's main apothecary for treatment.

The garden was nearly empty, even at this time of day. Flower's that had medicinal properties were all dug up, leaving bare pots and ground. Though even with the few flower's missing, the garden was still a lovely sight. The Slayer looked around it, seeing the many exotic tree's and statues that made of the garden. It reminded him of Argent d'nur before it's fall to the demons.

So long ago. . . He thought.

Near the center of the garden was the small airship that would carry them to the town of Ponyville and to deliver the supply of weapons to these, 'Diamond Dogs' he kept hearing about. He saw the griffon from before talking to another stallion, a bat pony stallion. It must've been the one that was assigned to him. As he was walking towards the airship something caught his eye.

The statue he saw was covered in vines from top to bottom, covering the figure it was supposed to represent. Once he reached the statue he made short work of the foliage that covered it.

Once the last vine was taken off he looked up at the statue of Argus. He stood atop a headless corpse, his sword was lowered and in his right hand. The head of said corpse was held by Argus, brandishing it victoriously in the air and holding it by it's horns. The said creature has shaggy fur on it's head and beard, it's mouth was agape, showing it's sharp and jagged teeth and long tongue.

“That is Grogar. . . well was.” The Slayer turned to see the bat pony he was supposed to meet earlier. “Story says that Argus didn't even use his sword to take his head, only his hands. My name is Lunar Lullaby, I was assigned to you.” If he had not been informed about these bat ponies prior he'd mistake them for a lesser form or descendant of demon offspring.

He wore long grey and blue robes with hints of chainmail under it, leather pauldrons on his shoulders, and metal gauntlets with finger plates. A long staff made of a gnarled oak and a green gem atop it. He had a smaller sword sheathed on his belt along with several pouches. His horn was much more different than a normal unicorns, his had a slight curve to it. Before he could say something in response Vega formed out from his helmet, causing the bat pony to jump back.

“Greetings, I am. . . are you well?” He asked, looking at the pony who was now holding his chest and breathing heavily.

“Luna's sweet name. . . you could have warned me.” He said, Boxer, who was walking past carrying a crate of rifles looked at him.

“Yeah that's something you gotta get used t'” He said.

“Apologies, my intention was not to frighten you.”

“No it's alright, just didn't expect you. When will we be off?”

“As soon as the crates are loaded onto the shuttle, might take a few.” The Slayer looked at one of the crates being carried by two guards. He quickly walked over to it and picked it up by its handles and lifted it up without any effort as the two guards that carried it prior looked at him.

He slammed the crate onto the deck of the airship and waved the crew and his new companions onto the ship. “Bit impatient isn't he.” Cloud Singer whispered to Galahad.

“Let's not keep him waiting then.” He said, loading the cloth wadding into his pistol while walking towards the ship. Once he was finished he set the pistol in a sheath on his side and took his seat on the deck. Cloud Singer and Lunar quickly followed them onto the airship and within a matter of minutes it lifted into the sky.

The Slayer leaned on the edge of the airship, looking at the vast and green countryside Equestria had to offer, filling his mind of past memories of a home long since gone. While he watched onward his new companions were bickering away, mainly the griffon and the pegasus while the bat watched them but said nothing. The convict had his back leaned against the railing and watched them bicker as well, chuckling slightly as they argued about a meaningless tactic against the demons.

The Everfree forest was indeed an impressive and massive forest. He couldn't see it's ending or beginning, just keeps going on in the distance. It must be teaming with demons at this point.

“Down there.” Vega said, “In the forest, do you see them.” The Slayer looked onto the highlighted area Vega mentioned and zoomed in with his helmets built-in binoculars. He couldn't see what he was talking about, but it was directly below the ship, and he could hear them only slightly.

The screams were heard again, this time only louder. Beings he was the only one that heard it he quickly un-holstered his sawed-off and stood on the railing. Boxer looked up at him. “The hell you doin'?”

Without warning, or single thought of hesitation, he jumped off of the railing and into the forest below. Cloud Singer looked towards the railing, only to see Boxer standing there with a rather shocked look on his face. “Where's the Slayer.” Boxer looked at him, back towards the plummeting Slayer, and back at him and pointed.

“Uhh. . . down.” The other three, followed by a few of the airships crew members, quickly rushed to the railing and looked down.

“He's gone barmy.” The Griffon said.

“Well, we're supposed to follow him aren't we.” Lunar said, jumping off the side and following him down.

“I don't have wings, looks like one of y'll'ave to carry m'.” Before Cloud could look at Galahad he was already over the side and flying towards the Slayer.

“Fine. . . just don't thrash around.” He said, putting on his helmet and walking towards Boxer.

“Fluttershy keep running!” Rainbow Dash said to her friend Fluttershy, who was right beside her cradling her pet rabbit Angel Bunny. “Once we get to the treeline we can fly out of here!” The snarls and howls of the demons behind them were getting closer and closer by the minute.

One of them, an Imp quickly closed the distance between them by jumping from branch to branch before landing on a weaker one and falling to the ground. Rainbow took the crossbow, which she stole from a sleeping guard, and fired a bolt at the Imp. The bolt dug deep into it's shoulder, the imp screeched and ripped out the bolt. Throwing it to the ground he quickly got onto all fours and chased them.

In front of them a much larger and pink demon with green eye's blocked their path. As they quickly stopped they tried running another direction but were quickly cutoff by another imp. Surrounded, imps and their larger commander now surrounding them it was only a matter of time before they pounced.

Fluttershy hugged and held Rainbow close as she cried into her shoulder, looking at the demons behind them. Rainbow held onto her friend and watched as the imp she had shot moments before slowly crawled towards them. It lifted up one of its arms and jumped at them. Rainbow closed her eye's and waited for it to end.

Above her she heard several branches break from an unknown and heavy force. The imp that lunged at her was suddenly crushed by something massive, it's impact shaking the ground and tree's around them, causing Fluttershy to stumble slightly.

When she opened her eye's she looked up at the massive figure before her. He was clad in green armor, holding some sort of strange gun. The imp that jumped at her was now a red mass of gore sitting in a crater under his feet. He looked at the two and motioned them back with his head. Quickly getting the message, Rainbow and Fluttershy quickly fled behind him as he stared at the baron. The Baron snarled and pointed forward at the Slayer, commanding his underlings to attack him.

The large figure then ran towards the demons, gun in hand and strait towards the largest one.

Author's Note

Now I do apologize for the rather long wait in this one's construction, been rather busy with graduating and getting employment. But here it is, chapter 2. Do enjoy for chapter 3 is already in the works.