The Knights Trinity

Chapter Five: A Royal Meeting

The trio woke the next morning feeling refreshed. Anthony suggested they take their gear so they would be prepared if things went south. They dawned their combat gear, and weapons, but decided on leaving the rucksacks behind. After a quick breakfast they headed to the train station with Twilight to meet the other ponies. The train arrived on schedule and the group hopped on board.

Anthony sat down dropped the magazine out of his rifle and field stripped it. As he pulled the small cleaning kit out of his pocket Twilight walked over and sat next to him.

“Could you possible explain this thing to me?” she asked.

Anthony picked up the magazine and showed it to Twilight.

“This is a magazine it holds thirty of the brass bullets or rounds as we call them. He pushed a round free of the magazine and held it up. This end is called the slug it is made of a blended metal alloy, The brass part is called a casing, this contains the explosive powder. Here on the back is the primer, when struck it causes the spark that ignites the powder.”

Next he picked up the upper and lower receivers.

“This is the bolt it pushes the bullet into the barrel. Inside this is the firing pin. When you pull this trigger the firing pin slams forward into the primer causing the spark. This explosion launches the slug down the barrel at an extremely high rate of speed towards your target.”

Twilight looked over the small bullet.

“So this little piece of metal on the end is what does the damage.”

“Well at the speed it travels it can put a hole clean through a pony.”

Twilight gulped hard.

“Clear though? These truly are powerful and dangerous. I understand why you worry about somepony messing with it. Are the smaller ones as powerful?”

“Kinda, they operate at a lot shorter distance though. These aren’t even the most powerful weapons humans have created either. We created devices that can destroy entire cities almost instantly.”

“That’s simply barbaric.” said Rarity with a gasp.

“Humanity at its finest. Finding better ways to kill each other.” replied Adrian.

Anthony and Twilight hadn’t noticed everypony else was listening to the conversation.

“Well not all humans are like that. As an enemy developed a new more efficient weapon we had to develop ones to counter theirs. The end result are weapons of mass destruction. The good part is that since we know the destructive power of these weapons they are more of a deterrent. There have only been two that were ever used in our history.”

“So while ninety percent of the population sleeps comfortably, the other ten percent is either fighting or training to fight.” added Dustin. “

I’ll say its kinda nice to be somewhere we don’t have to worry about those things for awhile.” said Anthony.

Applejack trotted over. “So what do ya keep in all them fancy saddlebags.”

“I’ll show you what I carry” said Dustin standing up.

One by one he started to empty out the pouches on his M.O.L.L.Y. Gear.
“A lot comes down to personal preference really, but we all carry six rifle magazines and four handgun magazines”

“SIX! That would be two hundred and ten rounds altogether.” said Twilight.

“These are called field dressings. Its like a bandage we use to stop bleeding. Here are all the magazines. This is a flashlight.”

Dustin flipped the switch causing it to light up

“That’s cool.” said Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah it comes in handy at night, but not as handy as these.”

Dustin held up a strange looking contraption.

“These are night vision goggles. With these we can see in the dark.”

“Whoa that’s awesome.” was all Dustin heard before they were pulled from his hand.

Rainbow Dash turned the goggles over in her hooves trying to figure out how they worked.

“They won’t work in the daylight Rainbow Dash.” said Dustin snatching them back from her. “Remind me sometime and I’ll show you how they work.”

“Do ya promise?” asked Rainbow Dash almost pouting.

“Yeah, I promise.”

“So what else do ya have?”

“Well, we also have this thing called a camel back.” said Dustin turning around. “It holds water for us to drink when we are out on missions and such.”

Next he opened his aid bag. “This stuff we use to treat serious injuries.”

Rainbow Dash reached down and touched one of the hand grenades still resting in the pouch on Dustin’s chest. Dustin saw what was happening and jerked backwards.

“Don’t touch that!!” he yelled. “That’s another weapon, but once its activated there is no stopping it.”

Tears started forming in Rainbow Dash’s eyes, out of fear at Dustin’s sudden outburst.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you mad.” she said floating backwards.

Dustin reached over and grabbed her hoof.

“I’m not mad.” he said calming himself down. “I just don’t want anyone getting hurt because of this stuff. I like your attitude and spirit it would suck if something happened to you.”

Rainbow looked down at Dustin’s hand. Suddenly she pulled her hoof back.

“Hands off you jerk!”

Dustin stepped back from the display. “Hey, sorry.”

“Rainbow Dash!! Whats yer problem.” asked Applejack.

“Just forget it alright.” she snapped.

“Its okay Applejack.”, said Dustin as he started putting his gear away.

Rainbow Dash flew to the back of the car and sat by herself while the others talked about the remainder of the strange equipment.

After a few hours they finally arrived at the Canterlot train station. As they walked onto the platform the strangers caught the attention of the Royal Guard. They were quickly surrounded by a group of heavily armed and armored ponies. The trio formed the defensive triangle and brought their weapons to the ready.

Six ponies shoved their way into the circle forming a barrier between the guards and the humans.

I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. These humans are my guests and I have brought them here at the request of Princess Celestia herself. Sword Dancer stepped towards the princess and bowed.

“Your highness, we have orders to escort your group directly to the throne room.”

“Then please lead the way.”, said Twilight refusing to leave the humans side.

“Group! Escort formation.” shouted Sword Dancer.

The guard ponies snapped to attention and formed equal ranks on each side of the group.”

Sword Dancer joined the princess inside the formation.

“Princess are you sure they can be trusted? Even Princess Luna has her doubts.”

“I would trust these humans with my life sergeant, and your a fool for questioning it. Shall we be on our way?”

“Yes your highness, Group FORWARD March.”

Twilight looked up at Anthony and winked. Anthony took the hint that the situation was under control. Slowly he lowered his weapon motioning for Dustin and Adrian to do the same.

The three stepped into a tight “V” formation behind the princess and they started out down the brick road towards the Canterlot Castle. Dustin and Adrian stared in awe at the vast city. The architecture rivaled even some on earth. It was absolutely amazing. Anthony stepped up next to Twilight as they walked.

“Twilight after all you’ve learned about us, did you really mean what you said back there?”-

Twilight smiled broadly.

“Of course I did your my friends. I understand not all humans are good. Some are even capable of great evil, but the three of you are protectors. My heart tells me you are good stallio...gentlemen, and I just know you would never hurt me or my friends.”

Anthony nodded. “Thanks for your trust Twilight, it’s appreciated.”

While walking through the streets of Canterlot the Royal Guard escort drew a lot of attention. Half way through town Canterlot Castle came into view.

“Would ya look at that.” said Anthony with a whistle.

“Whoopie! Another Castle.”, replied Adrian sarcastically

Sword Dancer looked over his shoulder and glared.

The gate guards bowed as they saw Twilight approaching, causing her to blush lightly. Soon they found themselves standing at the large double doors of the throne room. A magical aura covered the doors as they slowly started to open inward revealing a lavishly decorated room. At the top of a short set of stairs sitting on two couch-like thrones were the princesses. Royal guards lined the walls on each standing below large windows which seemed to depict ponies in various situations. The doors closed behind the group as they stopped in the center of the room.

The ponies all bowed low.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna let me introduce Dustin, Anthony, and Adrian of Earth.” said Twilght as she rose. Each human bowed as their name was said.
Princess Celestia stood and walked down to the humans waving off the escort detail. Only Sword Dancer and two others remained, standing behind the three strangers.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope you were all welcomed warmly into our world.” she said with a smile.

“There were a few hiccups along the way, but everything worked out in the end.” said Anthony, causing Twilight to blush again.

Dustin noticed a look of anger and disgust on Luna’s face while Anthony and Celestia spoke.

“I suppose you have a long list of questions you would like to ask. So please feel free, my sister and I would be happy to answer to the best of our ability.”

Dustin quickly stepped in between Anthony and Princess Celestia.

“Forgive me your Highness but it doesn’t seem your sister shares your sentiment.”

Luna jumped to her feet.

“You insolent cur.” she snapped. “How dare you speak of me in such a manner.”

Celestia stepped in front of Luna raising her hoof.

“Are you going to allow these...these humans to speak in such a manner in OUR throne room.”

“Calm yourself Luna! Remember all of Equestria is at risk.” replied Celestia sternly.

“Forgive my sister, she has her reasons to be concerned. Please allow me to explain. Long ago humans inhabited the lands of Equestria. A magic oracle sensed humanities growing strength and capacity for destruction. It used its power to send all humans to the realm of earth to ensure Equestria’s peaceful existence.

“Sent to earth? That makes no sense. If humanity was cast out, why bring us back now?”asked Dustin.

A war is coming to our land, so the oracle brought you all here as our Champions. It chose the three of you because you all possess the qualities and values of great champions. My sister fears you would turn your weapons against us, but without your help the peaceful land of Equestria well fall. So I implore you to stand and fight by our side as allies. You will be treated as royalty wanting for nothing. Will you all stand as the Knights Trinity of Equestria?”

Anthony stepped next to Dustin.

“If we win your war or decide to refuse, will you have this oracle return us to earth?”

Celestia lowered her head.

“I am truly sorry but we can never send you back to earth. The oracle died expending the last of its magic to bring you here. Princess Luna and I do not possess the magic or knowledge to send you home. However, if you refuse to help we will respect your decision. You can live as peaceful a life as you can find among us.”

“You mean we got dragged here against our will and no matter what we do, we can never go home.’ yelled Adrian. “This is bullshit.”

An aura of magic glowed around the handles of Sword Dancers blades in response to Adrian’s outburst.

Dustin dropped his head and stared at the floor in front of him.

“Please forgive us. We didn’t wish this upon you and it wasn’t the princesses that brought you here.” pleaded Twilight.

“You knew about this and you didn’t say anything.” yelled Anthony as he turned to face her. I trusted you, and you said that you trusted us. Was it all a lie? Did you mean anything you said?”

Twilight sank back as tears started down her face.

“Anthony!! Do not blame Twilight. I ordered her not to share this information as I wished to tell you myself.” said Celestria as she stepped in front of Twilight. “If you wish to be angry with somepony be angry with me.”

Anthony regained his composer and looked into Twilight’s eyes. He felt like an asshole for lashing out at her like that. It wasn’t even Twilight that he was mad at. He walked over and grabbed Adrian and Dustin by the arm. We need to talk.

“Your Highness, is there somewhere we can be alone for a little while?” asked Anthony

“Of course, there are several empty rooms in the hall outside the throne room. Feel free to use which ever you like. When you wish to speak to us again we will be here.”

Anthony bowed, and together the three of them walked out of the throne room and into a nearby door. Applejack and Rainbow Dash started after them but were stopped by Princess Celestia.

“Leave them be. They are in need of time to comprehend the current situation. They will come to us when they are ready.”

“Do you now see my concern now dear sister? The anger they exhibit is.”

“Is expected from somepony that was just told all they know is lost to them forever.” replied Celestia cutting her sister off.

…..

Dustin sat on the bed in silence as Adrian paced anxiously around the room.

“Can you believe this crap.” mumbled Adrian. “Hey just drag us here, then tell us we can never leave, so why not fight for them. That lunar bitch is right to be worried about us. Maybe I’ll take over this place for myself.”

“Calm down dude. We need to finish talking to them, but we need to do it with a clear head. We need to get as much information as we can. That way we can figure out exactly what we are going to do.” said Anthony.

“I’ll tell you what we are going to do. We’re gonna go get the rest of our gear and go back to where we started. Maybe out there is an answer to a way home.”

“Didn’t you hear what she said? We’re stuck here now, that’s it, game over!”

“You actually believe that shit. Just wait, if we fight for them and we manage to survive that will change. Suddenly, some magical way to go home will pop out of the blue. So maybe we should take a princess hostage until they send us back.”

“Hostages....Are you serious? What are we terrorists now? If your right then the logical coarse of action is to stay and help them. Then either we go home or we live the rest of our lives like kings.”

“Or we die trying!” shouted Adrian bluntly as he stepped directly in front of Anthony.

“Come on Dustin back me up. What do you think?” said Adrian looking to his comrade.

Dustin looked up wiping a tears from his eye. “I think you both need to SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!! My kids, I’m never gonna see them again. What’s going to happen to them. Are we dead on earth or did we just vanish. I don’t want my son growing up thinking his dad was a coward that ran away. Or having my family hanging on to the hope that someday I might come home. They deserves better then that. But, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life worrying about them either. If we are really stuck here, I think we should figure shit out and make the best of it. If you don’t wanna do that then we should wander back into that forest and feed ourselves to those fucking wolf things.”

Dustin’s words struck home with his friends as they stood staring at him in silence. Adrian looked over to Anthony and shook his head.

“I’m sorry brother. I kinda lost my head there. We should take some time to think this through and go back and hear them out. We can figure out what to do from there.

“Apparently we’re the only three humans here so we have to watch each others backs.” replied Anthony pulling Dustin up off the bed.

Dustin looked at his friends and shrugged before walking out the door into the long hallway. After a few quick steps he stormed off at a slow jog.

He found the best way to clear his head was through a little physical exertion. But, it wasn’t long before he heard the sound of hooves on the marble floor behind him.

Dustin glanced over his shoulder and saw one of the guards trying very hard to trail him inconspicuously, but failing miserably.

He ran around the next corner and ducked behind one of the large stone pillars. As the guard clumsily followed, he stopped trying to figure out where the human had gone. Without warning Dustin swung out around the pillar. THUD!! He had struck the guard in the helmet with the butt of his rifle. The sound echoed down the empty hallway causing Dustin to cringe.
.......

Twilight sat softly weeping as Applejack and Rarity tried to comfort her.

“What have I done? What if they choose not to fight for us because of me?” whispered Twilight to her friends.

“Come now darling its not your fault. I think they were being a little insensitive.”

Fluttershy let out an Eep when the large doors opened with a groan behind her. Anthony and Adrian walked back to the center of the room and bowed. Celestia lowered her head to the pair as Anthony straightened out and walked towards her.

Your Highness, may I ask a question?

The white mare again bowed her head.

“It seems to me you are putting a lot of faith into this oracle. To blindly trust three creatures from a race which was sent away from your land could easily be a fools errand. How do you even know that we can help? And what happens if we fail?”

“I do have faith in the oracle, it has never lead me astray before and I see no reason for it to do so now. And if you are to refuse or fail, the peaceful lives of my subjects will come to an end. My sister and I love all our ponies and would do anything, even die for them if necessary. This is not the first time a great threat has challenged the peace of our land. However, we have always managed to handle these situations on our own or with the help of Twilight and her friends. So if the oracle says we must trust you to do the right thing then trust you we shall.

“Trust us so much you have to put us under guard?” shouted Dustin as he plowed through the throne room doors.

He walked to the center of the room and threw the unconscious stallion on the floor.

The other guards charged forward and surrounded Dustin, weapons at the ready.

“STOP!!” yelled Celestia in a voice so loud the guards winced.

“What is the meaning of this?” she asked pointing at the pony on the floor.

A victorious smirk crossed Luna’s face until she realized Celestia had directed the question at her.

“I believe that question should be asked of the human dear sister.” replied Luna bluntly.

Sword Dancer quickly stepped forward and bowed.

“Your highness, I am the one at blame here. I ordered this guard to keep an eye on the humans as we were unaware of their intent, and motives. I was simply looking out for the safety of the ponies I have sworn an oath to protect.”

“Sword Dancer, you were given this promotion for your dedication and hard work. While your heart may have been in the right place you have jeopardized more then you realize.” stated Celestia with a hint of anger in her voice. “You shall apologize to our guest at once and I shall have your letter of resignation immediately.”

The pony’s head slumped as he looked to Luna to intervene, but she stood silently by. He turned to the trio and straighten up taking a deep breath.

“Please accept my apology. I acted alone and without the knowledge or consent of the princesses. Please do not hold my actions against them, nor let it sway your decision.”

Anthony walked over looking down at Sword Dancer.

“Your Highness. I feel he truly had your best interest in mind when he made this decision. If the rolls were reversed, I feel we would have taken the same precautions. A soldier with that kind of loyalty is not someone you want to give up so easily. He is doing a fine job so please reconsider.”

Sword Dancer looked up at Anthony and smiled. Even though he didn’t speak, Anthony could see the thanks in his eyes.

“Very well!” replied Celestia, the motherly tone again returning to her voice. “Sword Dancer as it appears no harm has come of your actions you shall continue as head of the Royal Guard. However, next time you will consult with me before giving such an order. I will gladly hear out your reasons of concern and suggestions.”

“Certainly your highness.”

Celestia looked over the three humans and frowned as she focused in on Dustin.

“Dustin, the situation seems to be weighing more heavily on your heart then your comrades. Is there anything we can do to ease this burden.”

Dustin simply turned and walked out the same way he had entered.

“Give us time your highness. This is a lot to take in.” said Anthony shaking his head as Dustin disappeared around a corner.

“Take as much time as you need. The rooms are available to you as long as you like and we can have food delivered if you wish.

With that Adrian and Anthony turned and went in search of their friend.

…..

Dustin moved quietly through the castle avoiding guards and anybody else for that matter.

“Were the hell is the front door?” he said to himself as he turned down another corridor. After nearly an hour of wondering he found an open window and climbed out. The fresh air felt good against his face. He didn’t know where he was going or why, he just kept walking. Before long he was standing back at the train station reading the sign. Realizing he didn’t even know what a bit was he knew he would have to improvise. After the next train pulled into the station he hid at the end of the walkway and waited for the conductor to board the other passengers. As the grey pony turned to step on the train Dustin sprang up and ran jumping onto the back of the last car. He lite a cigarette and watched as Canterlot slowly disappeared behind him.

….

Adrian rounded another corner and the hall looked exactly like the last one he had come down. This place is a damn maze, he thought regretting the decision to split up and search. As he turned the next corner he tripped over something and landed hard on the floor.

“Ah shucks, I sure am sorry Adrian. Ah didn mean ta trip ya.” came Apple Jack’s country draw.

“Its alright” he replied sitting up.

As he turned his head he found himself almost nose to nose with the orange mare. He couldn’t help but notice her blonde mane and the sweet smell of apples. He shook his head and leaned back once he saw that Apple Jack was blushing.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Well, Anthony came back to the throne room and said he couldn find you er Dustin so we decided to help look. Celestia figured it might work a whole lot better if’n we did it and not the royal guards.”

“Fair enough, were is Anthony?”

“He’s with Twilight an Rarity. We’re supose ta meet back at ya’lls room in an hour,

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’ll look for Dustin with you so I don’t get lost again.”

“Not a problem Sugar cube. Any idea were we should start lookin?”

“If I had to guess he’s probably tryin to find a way outside. He’ll probably want some fresh air to help clear his head.”

“Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are searchin the garden, and Rainbow Dash is flyin all over the place. So we should probably help here in the castle.”

“Lead the way.” said Adrian gesturing down the hallway.

“So it must be a pretty tough life for ya back home, always fightin and all.”

“We don’t fight all the time. Sometimes we have years between fights, but we train a lot to stay prepared. On my off time I hang out with my friends. We go bowling, hang out at dance halls and drink beer. I like to spend a lot of time outside also. What about you?”

“Well shucks, I have so much work ta do around the apple farm I ain’t got a lot of free time. We’re always short hoofed so its just my brother and I. I do try and go to the spa with Rarity on occasion. I compete in a few rodeo’s from time ta time, if I c’n make it.”

The two of them continued talking as they walked off together to search as much of the castle as they could.

…..

Dustin watched the ground as the train started slowing to stop at the Ponyville station. Once he felt comfortable with the speed he jumped rolling as he hit the ground. He stood up brushing the dust off his uniform and headed of towards the castle, sticking to the edge of town to avoid the ponies. He just had to figure out how to get past Twilight’s dragon.

“Hey Mister Dustin.” came the call from his right.

He looked over and saw Scootaloo zipping towards him on her scooter.

“Oh uh, hey Scootaloo, what are you doing?” asked Dustin not slowing his pace.

“When did you all get back from Canterlot?” she asked looking around. “And where is everypony else?”

“I came back alone. The big city was a little more then I was use to.”

“Cool, that means we can hang out til they get back.” replied Scootaloo as she raced around him.

“Actually, I plan on leavin here shortly, and I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone you saw me.”

“Leavin?? Where are you gonna go?”

“I’m going to find a way home. Celestia said we are stuck here forever, but there has to be a way back.”

Scootaloo was to busy watching Dustin that she didn’t see the rock in front of her. The scooter hit and came to a sudden stop sending Scootaloo over the handle bars head over hooves. She landed with audible thud and slid across the ground.

“OW OW OW OW!” she cried as she sat up on her flank.

Dustin ran up and checked her over. He saw a scrape on her front right leg which was starting to bleed. He pulled open his aid bag and immediately started to clean up the small wound.

“Wow, your pretty good at that.” said Scootaloo as she watched him work.

“I have a couple little ones back home, so I have a bit of practice patching up scrapes and bruises.”

After he finished wrapping the gauze he leaned over and kissed the affected area out of habit. Scootaloo sat and stared at him as a smile crossed her face.

“Your fillies are really lucky to have a dad like you. I bet they miss you as much as you miss them.”

“Probably, I’ve just been away from home so much lately. I don’t know what happened before we came here. I don’t want them to think I didn’t care about them and chose not to come home.”

“I can see why its so important for you to get home. It would be hard to stay here without knowing what happened. There would be a lot of unanswered questions. But, Princess Luna and Celestia are the most powerful ponies in all Equestria. If they don’t know how to help you I don’t know how your gonna get back.”

Suddenly Scootaloo’s eyes shot wide open.

“I know, I’ll get you home. Lets get your stuff and move out because I’m goin with you.”

Dustin sat on the ground and stared at the little filly and her giant smile. He was lost in his own thoughts for awhile when Scootaloo broke the silents.

“Hello? Are we going or not?”

“Sorry Scootaloo but you can’t go back with me.”

The look on her face at the news was nearly heartbreaking.

“But, I promised I would help you.”

Dustin reached over and ran his hand through her mane.

“You already have Scootaloo. You already have.”

The filly’s face turned from a look of sadness to a look of confusion.

“I did?”

“Do you know what time the next train leaves for Canterlot?”

“I though you were going to try and find a way home.”

“Not yet. I need to talk to the Princess’s again.”

“Alright!!”

“There’s a schedule posted at the train station. So lets go

Together they headed of toward the station only to find there were no more trains that day. Dustin sat on the bench with Scootaloo and the sat silently staring at the sky as the sun slowly set and the moon crept higher into the sky. Before long bothe had fallen asleep. Early the next morning Dustin was jerked awake by the sound of a steam whistle, the train to Canterlot had arrived. Scootaloo loaned Dustin the bits he needed and he was off.

He sat alone getting several odd stares from other passengers but he didn’t care. He was to busy in his own mind. Hoping he was making the right decision, and hoping that his plan would somehow work. By the time he arrived in Canterlot the sun was dropping low over the horizon. He walked to the front gates of the castle and asked the guards to let him in.

One of the guards nodded.

“Your friends have been looking for you. I’ll take you to them.”

The guard pony led him through the castle to the room he and the others had been in earlier. Dustin swallowed hard and stepped inside.

“Where in the fuck have you been.” asked Adrian as he walked over and punched Dustin in the shoulder.

“We searched this entire castle trying to find you.” added Anthony.

“I just had to get things straight in my head but, I have an idea. Its a long shot but we’ll see if the princesses can help.”

Dustin lead the trio into the throne room and stood before the princesses.

“Your Highness, is there anyway you can tell what happened to us on earth. I need to know, its the only way we will find closure for our lives there.”

Celestia looked over to her sister. With a sigh Luna stepped forward.

“If you wish I can combine the memories of your last moments on earth so we can ALL witness what has happened. We will be there as invisible observers, unable to intervene or interact. But be forewarned , your minds could be suppressing memories for your own sanity. Unlocking these memories could be dangerous to you all.”

Dustin looked back at Anthony and Adrian as they both nodded in agreement. He then looked at the other ponies in the room.

“So you all know, our memories on this matter are scattered. However, what we do recall could prove to be a traumatizing experienced for anyone who has never experienced war. It is brutal, bloody and will not be easily forgotten. So if any of you chose not to do this we’ll understand.”

Twilight looked up at Anthony.

“I’m staying! I’d like to think we are friends, and seeing this will let us understand what you’ve gone through. Just know regardless of what we see, we’ll be here for you all.”

The other five ponies joined Twilight in agreement.

“Alright then. Princess Luna if you would please let us see what happened.”

“As you wish.” was all she said as her horn started to glow.

Tendrils of light leaped from her horn to the heads of the three humans and then to Celestia and the other six ponies. They all found themselves standing on the side of a road in Iraq. Princess Luna floated nearby surrounded by a glowing orb of light.

“Where are we?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Is this your home?”

“No.” replied Anthony This is the country of Iraq. We were here fighting to over throw an evil ruler and help ensure the safety of our country.”

Two Bradley’s came into view. The ponies jaws dropped as they stared at the war machines rolling towards them. Suddenly, the front vehicle exploded. They all recoiled from the blast as the vehicle rolled to a stop in front of them. . Two bodies impacted the ground next to them and then they heard the screams. Anthony pointed at the two bodies.

“That is Dustin and I.” is all he said as he looked over the injuries to the image of his own body. Anthony watched as he grabbed Dustin and they moved to the back of the vehicle freeing Adrian. Two more humans ran up from the second vehicle and started to help Dustin. Then the gun fire started. Fluttershy ran behind Twilight and Applejack covering her ears as she coward in terror. The Bradley’s main gun roared out returning fire as one of the two humans fell.

Luna watched as Dustin dragged the wounded human to his friends despite his own injuries. Anthony pulled out the field dressings and started to help the human. Three rockets flew in from the darkness hitting and destroying the second bradley. The ponies watched as Dustin, Anthony and Adrian surrounded the wounded human and fought with all they had. Anthony was the first one to be hit. The real Anthony grabbed his chest remembering the pain of the impact. As the trio fired into the darkness a mass of shadowy figures emerged from every direction charging in. One of the shadow men made it through the hail of bullets. He fired a single round into Adrian’s head at point blank range killing him instantly. Anthony rolled on his side as another figure broke through and drove a bayonet into his ribs.

Seeing his friends fall, Dustin pulled a grenade from its pouch. Rainbow Dash recognized the round object he held and watched intently. Blood sprayed from his shoulder as a round ripped through it. The force knocked him backwards onto the wounded soldier. The black figures surrounded them speaking in a strange language. Dustin looked at the grenade in his hand and then to his friends. He slowly raised himself up and yelled.

“I curse you all to join us in hell.” with that he pulled the pin. A few of the figures shot Dustin and the wounded soldier behind him. Seconds later there was one more explosion and everything went black.”

Anthony opened his eyes. He was shaking and covered in sweat. He looked to see Adrian and Dustin in much the same state. Then the trio heard the crying of six ponies, some uncontrollably. Only Celestia and Luna held back their tears, though a sad expression was on their faces.

“That was absolutely horrible.” choked Rarity, her mascara running down her cheeks.

“Is that what your lives were like everyday?” asked Twilight between sobs.

Fluttershy was curled up rocking back and forth as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie tried to comfort her.

Luna walked forward and lowered her head.

“I feel I must apologize.” said Luna the harsh tone fading from her voice. “It is true that humans are dangerous beings. But, to see what you endured to fight for a land that was not your own. And to fight so fiercely to protect the lives of your friends is commendable indeed. Even when things were hopeless you fought to your death. Never giving up on the chance your friends would survive. I have done you a great disservice though my words and actions. Please forgive me for that.

Her eyes then narrowed as she looked at the weapons they carried still.

“However, seeing that you still carry those powerful tools of war, I reserve placing my trust in any of you!”

Dustin walked up and placed a hand on Luna’s neck as he leaned in close to her ear. Luna’s eyes went wide and the Royal Guard tensed at the action, but Celestia raised her hoof.

“Thank you” he whispered. My family will know I died with honor and my children will be proud of their father.”

Dustin walked back and joined his friends wiping a tear from his face.

“So that’s it.” said Adrian quietly. “We really are dead.”

Anthony looked up at the other two and managed a smile.

“Do you remember what I said in the forest about purgatory? Maybe this is our chance, I suggest we make the most of it. We are here, so all we have left to do now is decide how we live.”

Rainbow Dash flew over to Dustin. She rubbed her front hooves together as she looked at the floor.

“I-I just wanted to say sorry for how I acted on the train. I didn’t know what that thing was, but now I understand why you got mad. You really meant what you said didn’t you”

“Yeah, and I wasn’t mad. I just never want to see a friend get hurt. Especially if I could have prevented it.”

Rainbow Dash smiled as she took his hand with her hoof.

“Your still gonna show me how those night vision thingies work right?”

“I promised I would didn’t I.” replied Dustin with a smile. “Lets go check on Fluttershy I’m kinda worried about her.”

Anthony watched the exchange and looked over to Twilight. He saw her head jerk occasionally as she tried to stop her crying. She tried to smile as he walked over and knelt down in front of her.

“Can you forgive me?” is all he asked.

Twilight sat up and put her hooves around his neck hugging him.

“Of course I can. I don’t know what I would do if I was in your situation. I know it can’t be easy.”

Adrian walked over to Anthony and nudged his shoulder.

“We need to talk” he said as he started off towards Dustin.

“We have to accept it, we’re stuck here. Be it the magical land of Equestria, or purgatory this is home now. So what are we going to do.” asked Dustin.

“Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.” said Anthony with a smile.

“I still think this is crazy! Just wanted you guys to know that, but we were brought here for a reason. It could be fun to find out what it is.” replied Adrian.

Dustin turned back to the princesses and snapped to attention, with Adrian and Anthony following suit. The three gave the princesses a steady and proud salute.

“The Knights Trinity of Equestria are here and at your highness's service.” said Dustin as they quickly lowered their arms.

Princess Celestia and Luna both bowed to the three soldiers, causing everyone else in the throne room to bow as well.

“We thank you for your allegiance. Equestria will be forever in your debt.” said Celestia.