Shining and the others were still in absolute shock. If the evidence was to be believed, I had just single-handedly wiped out most of the palace's defenders, and had rescued Dash and Pinkie!

I looked back at them again. "Well guys, I think that we can call this a job well done! The hostages are safe, Danin is dead...."

"Um, Stud?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah Dash?"

She pointed to the body in the throne room. "Um, that's not Danin."

"Wait, what?!" I looked back at the body. "WELL THEN WHO WAS THAT?!?!?!? AND WHERE'S THE REAL DANIN?!?!?!"

"Um, that's Danin's brother, Dactyl. And according to him, the real Danin is currently in some city called Bryerton."

"WHAT?!?!?!"

While I was struggling to even compute this, Shining and the others went into the throne room to get the bodies.

"Um, yeah Leopard, two things. First of all, whoever this guy is, he ain't Danin. He's too young! Secondly, he's not dead."

"WHAT?!?!?! I hit him with my ax in the chest, he HAS to be dead!"

Shining shrugged. "Well, your aim must have been a little off, because although his wounds are incredibly serious, he's not dead, at least, not yet."

I then gave the orders for others to check the archives for personnel records, so that we could figure out who he really was, just in case he wasn't who Dash claimed that he was. Other medics were trying to stabilize his condition, so that his life could be saved. All while this was going on, Dan was reunited with Pinkie Pie, and shared a few tender moments with her.

After we had some solid results, I grabbed my radio again.

"Don, come in now! Please pick up!"

This time though, he did answer. "Yeah, Leopard, I'm here. Sorry about last time. I was just in severe shock, and then my radio batteries went dead, and I was busy directing things, all while trying to get new batteries, but I digress. Anyway, so you've rescued Dash and Pinkie Pie, Shining and co. rescued Private Cole, as well as a number of slaves, and we're all done out here, so I take it that you're heading back outside now?"

I shook my head. "As much as I want to Don, there's still work to be done. The guy up here in the throne room wasn't Danin."

"Wait.....what? He wasn't......Danin? Well then who the f@#k was he?!?!?!"

I sighed. "Well, according to the records, he is related to Danin. In fact, it's his own brother, a Caribou named Dactyl."

"Wait, Dactyl? Never heard of him. And how could he be Danin's brother? The records never mentioned him having any brothers!"

"That's what we thought too. However, a search through the archives revealed that Danin's brother Dactyl was actually a pretty interesting guy. He was not only a prince, but also a general! However, when his father, King Bacheon died, they both made a grab for the throne. Danin won that power struggle, and had Dactyl thrown into prison. After that, all records of Dactyl were withdrawn from the public. Later on, according to what Dash told me that Dactyl himself said, Danin fled to Bryerton, and since he didn't have the guts to kill his brother himself, he left him in charge, basically to die."

Don was shocked. '"Wow, um, that's a really cowardly move! However, I take it that Dactyl is dead?"

I shook my head. "Surprisingly, no. He's alive, at least for the time being, although he is in critical condition. The medics are moving him out of here, and to where he can be given better medical care. Also, how are Stuggs and Rodin doing?"

"Well, Stuggs is still being interrogated, although he is cooperating. He signed a term of surrender, although we'll need Rodin to sign it as well for it to be official. As for Rodin himself, his back injuries did require surgery, although Dr. Fritz believes that he'll make a full recovery, however, it still remains to be seen on whether or not he'll be able to walk again. He can feel his legs, but he cannot stand on them as of yet. He's not being the most cooperative ever, but Stuggs is doing what he can to convince him to cooperate."

I nodded. "Ok, good. So Stuggs, Rodin, and hopefully Dactyl too, will be able to stand trial. However, this leaves us with another dilemma; what to do about Bryerton, the 450 miles of fields, mines, small towns and villages left in the Caribou Empire, and of course, Danin himself."

"Yes, and this is something that we need to discuss with the Princesses immediately. I have a plan for what to do, but we will need to discuss it with them first. Also, the families of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are on standby as well, so we will need to talk to them too."

I nodded. "Yeah, copy that Don, and we're on our way out of here now. Our forces are securing the rest of the city as we speak, so we'll just lower the flag on top of the palace, replace it with the US flag and the Equestrian flag, and then we'll be right on down."

"Ok, copy that, Don out."

I then looked back at Dash. "Shall we go now Dash?"

She nodded. "Sure Stud. I've been DYING for a shower, and some proper food, not to mention getting dressed again!"

I nodded. "Sure, and that DEFINITELY can be arranged! Your duffel bag was recovered from the train's wreck, and I've been keeping it safe for you ever since."

She hugged me. "*squee* Thanks Stud, you're the greatest!"

I blushed. "Aww shucks Dash, I don't know what to say!"

"Well then don't say anything; just get me out of here, and back to the Battleship Express!"

"Right away Dashie!"

I then gave Argus the command to move, and away we went.

After we'd made it out of the Imperial Palace again, up on the roof, the Caribou flag had been removed, and replaced with the American flag, and the Equestrian Flag.

The time was getting close to Noon, and after we'd ridden through the rest of the city, we eventually made it back to the Battleship Express. There was a small crowd waiting for us when we did. Twilight, Applejack, Jim, and others were eagerly awaiting our arrival with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

"RAINBOW!!!" Twilight cried when she saw her.

"TWI, AJ!!!!" She dismounted from Argus, and went over to hug her friends.

"PINKIE!!!" Pinkie cheered. They all hugged. All 4 of them were now safe from the two greatest slave empires to have ever existed. Their coltfriends had truly stopped at nothing to get them back, and had wiped out both the Zebra Empire, and the Caribou Empire. Now, only a tiny portion of the Caribou Empire remained, even if only for a little while longer.

Eventually though, the calls were made to Canterlot. The Princesses had been watching the live-feed from the battle, but when they heard the news, they were besides themselves with joy, and immediately summoned not only Fluttershy and Rarity, but also the families of Dash and Pinkie. She didn't tell them what happened, although she did say that we had an update for them.

I sat down in front of a screen. Sure enough, Dash's parents were put on.

"Oh, Captain Leopard. It's nice to see you again." Windy said when she saw me.

I nodded. "Likewise, Mrs. Windy."

"So, Princess Celestia told us that you had an update for us?"

I nodded slowly. "Yes, we do."

Now Bow spoke up. "Did.....you find our Dashie? Is.....she safe?"

I sighed, and after taking my Kitsune mask off, I rubbed my face with my hands. "I'm sorry", I said softly, "I'm so, so sorry....."

Both Bow and Windy looked like they were going to cry. However, I then smirked a bit. ".....So sorry for pulling a stunt like this!"

I then ducked a bit, and Dash popped up from behind me. "MOM, DAD!!!! I'M HERE, I'M OK!!!!"

"WHAT?!?!?!" Her parents screamed so loud that it very nearly broke the speakers. "DASHIE!!!!! YOU'RE ALIVE!!!!!"

She nodded. "Yep! All thanks to my stud Leopard! He busted in, and saved me, and Pinkie Pie. He's the real hero here!"

"Thank you!" Windy said with tears in her eyes. "You've saved my daughter's life! You're our hero, as well as hers!"

I blushed a bit. "Aww shucks Mrs. Windy, I didn't really do anything, aside from my job, and living up to the promise that I made to both you, and Mr. Hothoof to bring your daughter home safe, or die trying."

"And thank you again for doing that, Captain Leopard." Bow then sighed a bit. "And, I think that we should live up to OUR end of the promise, and now that you've brought Dash home safe, you now have our permission to marry her!"

"WHAT, REALLY!?!?!" Dash was shocked.

"Yep!" Windy told her. "We told Captain Leopard that if he brought you home safe, then he had our permission to marry you."

"*SQUEE!!!!!*" Dash then grabbed me, and pulled me into a kiss, right there in the PCC, right in front of everyone, and everypony.

"Awww!!!!!" Everyone and everypony cooed.

Eventually, Dash ended our kiss.

"So, when will you all come home?" Bow asked.

I shrugged. "That's the thing, Mr. Hothoof, I don't know. The truth is, the Caribou still have one final stronghold in the city of Bryerton, which is 450 miles away from here. We will be giving them one final call to surrender, before we will wipe them out. Then, once Bryerton is no more and the Equestrian forces have finished securing the empire, which will most likely be by the end of the week, it'll be another 2 days journey home. Today is Friday, July 27th, 2029, so by Wednesday at the latest, we'll be back in Ponyville, although our target date is Tuesday, July 31st."

Her parents nodded. "Well, you guys just do what you have to do, BUT BRING DASH HOME SAFE!!!! We are COUNTING on you!"

I saluted. "I will, you all can count on me!"

After saying our goodbyes, we signed off for the time being.

Meanwhile, Dan was busy assuring Pinkie's family that she was safe.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad! I'm safe! The Humans saved me!"

"Thank you", Her dad said to Dan.

"Eh, the one that you should really thank would be my superior, Captain Leopard. He was the one who got them out. I was a part of his team, but he was the one who got them to safety."

"So, you protected him while he did his good work?" Her mom asked.

Dan nodded. "Yes. He led the way, and we followed behind securing the area. I was the second human into the throne room where Pinkie was being held, and I was the one who got her out of Donneth."

"And for that, we thank you. You've done our family a great service!"

Dan saluted. "I was only doing my job, Mr. and Mrs. Pie. It's what I was supposed to do. Plus, I made a promise to all of you that I would not rest until I had brought your daughter home safely. I was simply honoring that promise."

They both nodded, and then the rest of Pinkie's sister's thanked Dan for his service.

In the same room once these conversations were over, Dash and Pinkie also assured Fluttershy and Rarity that they were ok as well.

"Oh, I'm so glad you two are ok! I was crushed when I heard the news from Todd that you weren't at Zebrica!"

Dash nodded. "Yeah, I can understand that Fluttershy! And it's so great that we're safe now as well!"

"AND the Humans dealt with the monstrous brutes who abused you as well! Even though as a lady I do not condone their methods of violence, the Caribou had it coming to them! And so did the Zebras!"

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah, but now they're gone, so we're safe!"

"Um, any ideas on when you'll be back here in Ponyville Dash?"

Dash then asked me when we would be back in Ponyville. "Eh, Stud said that we should be back by Tuesday, July 31st, or by Wednesday at the very latest. The Caribou still have one final stronghold in Bryerton, and that HAS to be destroyed before the war can end!"

"Yeah! The war's almost over, so just hang on a little longer guys! We'll be home soon!"

Fluttershy and Rarity nodded, and then they ended the call for the time being.

Once the calls to the families were done, the last order of business was to discuss the final 20% or so of the Caribou Empire that was still standing.

"So how are the other battalions coming Princess Celestia?" Don asked.

"Well, they've managed to repair the Highlands Trestle Bridge, and are ready to come to Donneth, Carlon, and Danton once you've all moved on. This war is really coming to a close Major Don. You boys have REALLY done us a great service!"

Don nodded. "Thank you, Princess. However, even though we've captured General Stuggs, General Rodin, and Prince Dactyl, only Stuggs has signed the terms of the surrender. We don't know Dactyl's situation, as he's still undergoing surgery, although Rodin may be coming around to sign the terms as well."

Celestia frowned. "Unfortunately though, that still leaves Danin on the loose, as well as Bryerton to deal with as well."

"Which constitutes nearly 20% of the remaining Caribou Empire." Shining added. "However, Bryerton is their only remaining city. There are maybe 2 or 3 small towns, and a number of villages and settlements, but for the most parts, it's just 450 miles of wide open fields, farmland, and areas set aside for mining resources."

"And what will be your plan for going about this General Shining?"

Shining sighed. "We have a plan, but for that, I'll turn it over to Major Don. He's the better explainer, since it was his plan. Take it away Major Don."

Don nodded. "Thank you General." He then turned to the princesses. "Ok, here's the deal. The Caribou now really have no infrastructure, no military, and no real way to resist us anymore. They've really lost all of their bargaining power, and have one stronghold city left. The way I see it, the rest of the war can go 1 of 2 ways.

The first way is that we give them a call for surrender, they all lay down their arms, and surrender to us. We capture Bryerton and the rest of the Caribou Empire, bag Danin, and then after securing terms of surrender, we bring all war criminals back to Eqestria to stand trial. Your military forces possess the rest of the Caribou Empire, and under new leadership, we begin to help the Caribou rebuild, only this time, under heavy supervision!"

Luna frowned a bit. "Yes, but I take it that that's only the best case scenario. What's the other plan?"

Don frowned. "That would be the more likely scenario, unfortunately. The way I see it, now that Donneth is gone, the writing is on the wall for the Caribou. They've lost the war, and I do know that a number of them are going to surrender to us now. We will accept their surrender, and spare their lives, as well as any collateral attached to them. If they don't surrender, then we just flatten them, remove their slaves, and then see if we can't spare at least some collateral with this."

Don then looked at the maps again. "Then comes Bryerton. We've sent out the drones, and the city seems to be largely abandoned. The only ones left in there are most likely the hard-core, Danin-worshiping, crazed nut-jobs, and fanatics. There may be slaves, in which case, we slip in, liberate them, then get out. Then, due to the extreme danger, we'll just wipe out the city with a nuclear strike. We're not going to risk ground forces just to deal with a bunch of fanatics."

"But you will try and rescue all of the slaves, and any POW's?"

Don nodded. "Of course! We will ALWAYS try to save those that we can. My plan is for us to get as close to Bryerton as we can, before sending in our troops that can fly, so that they can scour the city for slaves, POW's, and any other prisoners. Then, we'll take care of the city."

Celestia nodded. "Just, do whatever you have to do, Major. The war is practically over now, so just finish this final drive, and deal with the Caribou."

"As you wish, Princesses. I'll get the first part of the plan going now. I think the time has come to send out transmissions to Bryerton, as well as the surrounding areas, and telling them to surrender."

Celestia nodded, and with all of us still on the video call, Don began sending out signals to Bryerton, and the surrounding areas.

In Bryerton, the situation was indeed looking very grim. Danin had lost contact with Dactyl, Stuggs, Rodin, and the rest of Donneth.

"Well, that's that I suppose. The city fell. We're the last one's standing."

Most of the city's residents had been evacuated to the surrounding area, including slaves, and even POW's.

"Release all of the prisoners." Danin told his guards. "Send them out to the surrounding areas so that the Humans will find them."

"What? Why?!"

"Because, the war is practically lost. No sense in losing an investment. Those slaves and prisoners are of no further use to us, and if we just up and kill them, the Humans will just wipe us all out."

Danin's orders were carried out, and all slaves, and prisoners were released, and sent outside of the city.

Suddenly though, Danin began to receive a transmission.

"Sir, receiving a transmission from the Humans, Priority 1!"

Danin sighed. "Thank you Commander Dothan. Patch them through."

Dothan nodded. "As you wish, King Danin." He then turned on the screen on his end.

Sure enough, on the screen was a table with Major Don, myself, and Jim, as well as General Shining. On screens behind us, Danin could also see the Princesses.

"What do you all want?" Danin asked.

"What we want, is for you to surrender Danin. Donneth has fallen, and Stuggs, Rodin, and your brother, Dactyl, with it. If you continue to resist us, there will be only pain. There will be no escape for you this time Danin. We will come, and we will kill all of those who do not surrender!"

Danin merely glared at the screen. "Which is why I've already sent away those who wish to surrender. I've disowned them from my empire. Most of the area around us wants to surrender as well. And yes, this does include all slaves, POW's, and other prisoners. However, all of those still inside Bryerton WILL NOT be surrendering! We WILL fight you to the bitter end!"

Don sighed. "Which is what we were expecting of you. However, we will be confirming this ourselves. We're heading your way very shortly Danin. Tonight, the sun will set on the Caribou Empire for the last time."

"And we will all be dining in Tartarus", Danin muttered. "Do whatever you wish Kid, we will not be surrendering. You may not be ghosts, but you ARE Harbingers! And we WILL be fighting to the end!" Danin then terminated the call.

Don sighed. "Well, that was something, I suppose."

I looked at the maps. "Well, he's certainly gone unhinged, that's for sure! However, if what he said is indeed correct, and he did release all of those who wished to surrender, then maybe our job will be made that much easier."

"Assuming of course that Danin was indeed telling the truth. Most likely though, even if he wasn't, there most likely will be many who want to surrender to us now."

I nodded. "Yeah, so when do we move out?"

"Um, Princesses, how soon can the next wave of the occupation force get here?"

Celestia turned to Luna. "Well", She said at last, "The force is on standby, so should I tell them that they can move in now?"

Don nodded. "Yes, as we need to be on our way as soon as possible. The whole area is secured, so they can move in at any time."

"Ok, I'll tell them that they can move into the area. They should arrive within the hour."

"Ok, copy that." Then the call ended.

Sure enough, an hour or so later, the force did indeed arrive. In another hour or so, they were ready to go, and with all of us on the train, at 2pm, we departed for Bryerton. Stuggs was sitting in a prison cell, while Rodin and Dactyl were under guard in a makeshift military hospital. Other prisoners were being held in prison as well. Donneth would be where they would remain until we returned that way.

Driving the engine was Tertiary Crew, as Primary needed a break, and Alex, and I, the engineer and fireman of Secondary Crew, were spending time with our marefriends.

Back in my room, I was sitting with Dash and Aurora. I'd taken off Sombra's armor at that point, and had returned it to the crate underneath my bed. I'd also removed Sombra's horn from my head, and placed it in the safe next to my desk.

"There, free from my powers, at least for now." I thought. I was glad, the headaches and internal pain resulting from my using magic were really affecting my physical health.

"Gosh, you really haven't changed this place too much since I was last here!"

I nodded, smiling a bit. "Yeah, well, it's only been about 2 1/2 weeks since Appaloosa Dash. It's felt like so much longer, even though it wasn't."

Dash sat on my lap. She was maybe about to kiss me, but then she stopped. "Ok, I noticed it before, but now I'm certain; something's VERY different about you! You don't look too much like a Human anymore, you look like a Bat-Pony!"

I laughed a bit. "That's because I AM different Dash! Thanks to an attempted murder attempt in Zandia by General Tarrath, I was blasted with a special gun that began to tear my genetics apart. In order for my life to be saved, 45% of my wolf genetics were removed, and replaced with those of a Bat-Pony. The changes that you see before you are the result of that. I'm now 50% Human, 45% Bat-Pony, and still 5% wolf."

Dash looked me over. "Well, your hair's black now, as is your tail, you have Bat-Pony eyes, and fangs! You also have gray, furry pony ears, dark gray fur on your legs, which don't really look like wolf legs anymore, but instead those of a Pony, and you still have wolf paws. I also see that you still have your Pegasus wings, even though they're black now instead of gray."

"And, what do you think? Am I still likable?"

Dash kissed me gently on the nose. "You look a little bit like a predatory beast, and I like it! You're still my handsome Stud, even if you've changed a little bit."

We kissed for a few more moments, and then Dash looked back at me. "Hey Stud, can I use your shower while we're moving? I REALLY need to freshen up! The shower in the harem chamber was absolute SHIT!!!!"

I nodded. "Sure thing, although be careful, as the water can splash around."

She hugged me again. "*Squee* Thanks Stud, you're the best!"

"Don't mention it Dash."

She then went over to my bathroom.

I then frowned. "Oh, um, Dash?"

"Yeah Stud?"

"Can.....you, maybe leave the door open while you're in there? There's....um....a c-couple of things that I need to talk to you about."

"What do you mean Stud?" I heard the shower turn on, but the door stayed open.

"I mean that.....while you were in captivity....I, um....." I glanced over at Aurora. "I......kinda did a few things that I REALLY regret now! I have to come clean about this, and I DO NOT want to put this off any longer! I HAVE to get this off my chest!"

I then heard the water shut off, and Dash walked back into the room. She took a seat next to me on the bed. "Hey, what's wrong Stud? What do you have to tell me?"

I again hesitated.

She leaned against me a bit. (She was also still naked during this time.) "Shh, it's ok Stud. I haven't really been the most honest with you either. I.....held something back, and I kinda regret not telling you about it."

"Can, I go first though? Because if what you're going to tell me was about something that you had to do in captivity, I really DO NOT want to hear about it! Captivity is horrible, and they can make you do terrible things, trust me, I'd know!"

She shook her head. "No, it was something else, but you can go first if you want."

I then broke down, and confessed everything. I told her about the night that I'd had sex with Aurora, to all about Sombra, and my relationship with him. Truth be told, I actually felt a whole lot better now that I had it out in the open.

".....And so that's the scoop Dash. Sombra left me when I found you earlier today in the throne room, although I still have all of his powers. And now, you're most likely going to gut me alive, just like I told Aurora that you were going to. I f@#ked up big time!" I then buried my face into my hands, and cried.

I felt Dash wrap her arms and wings around me. "Shh, it's ok Stud. I don't hate you. I'm upset that you showed some poor judgement", Here she also looked over at Aurora, who was still lying on her rug, "But yet, Aurora's been with you longer. Plus, it was just a one-time thing, right?"

"Yeah, and it was kinda my fault." Aurora put in. "I was feeling kinda 'frisky' and Master tried to remind me about you, but I didn't listen. It was just one night though, the night after the Battle of Zebrica. After that, it was one campaign after another."

Dash sighed. "Yeah, and I still think that it's gross. But this whole thing with you and Sombra? That's actually kinda cool! To have actually had him as a part of you, and able to wear his armor, and use his powers! I guess it really is true what the other guys were saying, you really ARE the reborn King Sombra!"

"And, you're not mad about that?"

"Eh, well, kinda. I'm mad that you had sex with him, but yet, I'm not mad that you got his drop-dead gorgeous looks! Captain 'Stud' Leopard, King Sombra reborn!"

"Campbell." I whispered softly.

"What was that Stud?"

I looked up at her. "A good while back, you asked me what my real name was. The truth is, even I myself have long-forgotten my first name, but my last name is 'Campbell'."

Dash looked at me in surprise. "Wow, um, you, really don't look like a 'Campbell' to me. Although, I think that I'll just stick with 'Stud', if you don't mind. Also, I like 'Leopard' much better anyway, so I'll just keep calling you that as well."

"Captain X 'Leopard' Campbell. That was my full name. But yeah, you can call me whatever you want Dash. I'm personally going to stick with Leopard."

Dash nodded, but it was then, that I remembered my conversation with Spitfire. "And Dash?"

"Yeah Stud?"

"And while we're on the subject of being honest with each other, why did you never tell me about your little 'wager' with Spitfire?"

I felt Dash tense a little bit. "Oh......yeah, um, about that........" She paused for a few moments. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I didn't want to tell you, because I didn't want you to freak out. Plus, how do you even know about this? Who told you?"

"Spitfire did. She called me one day on a video call just before the invasion of the Caribou Empire began. She was asking about you, and there seemed to be something that she wanted to tell me, but she was hesitating. Eventually, she told me all about your little 'wager'. When I heard what the two of you did, I was so shocked that I literally passed out!"

"You did not! Really?"

"He did!" Aurora piped up. "I was right there when it happened! He really did pass out! And so did Major Don when he heard what was said as well! Don't worry though, he didn't tell anyone."

"And what did you tell her?" Dash asked me.

I sighed. "I told her that I was going to need some SERIOUS time to think about all of this!" I then frowned. "Hmm, speaking of Spitfire though, I told her just a few nights ago that I would call her just as soon as you were safe, so I'd better do that now!"

I then got up from the bed, and went over to my desk. "Hey DELCI?"

"Yes Sir?"

"Patch me through to the Wonderbolt Academy, Priority 2. Just do whatever you did to connect Spitfire to me, but this time do it backwards."

"Yes Sir!"

I then flipped on the screen, and waited for a reply.

Sure enough, Spitfire answered. "Um, hello? Who is this?"

"Hey Spits, it's me, Leopard."

She smiled. "Oh, hey Stud! How are you doing?"

"Pretty good, all things considered. I've got more news from the front."

Spitfire looked slightly nervous. "Um, w-what news?"

Dash then popped up beside me. "He means that he found ME!!!!"

"DASH!!!!! You're ok!!!!!"

she smirked. "Hey Spits, and yeah, I'm ok! Stud here was able to rescue me in time, BEFORE anything bad happened!"

Spitfire then turned to me. "Thanks Stud, you've saved our best flyer!"

I shrugged. "It's nothing Spits, I was just doing my job. Plus, I promised everypony that I would bring Dash home safely, so I did! And while I have the two of you in the same room, (technically speaking) can I PLEASE know WHY you thought that your little wager was a good idea?!"

They both looked at each other. Spitfire spoke first. "Well, um....actually, I can't really even remember why we were arguing anymore, and I guess that, in the heat of the moment, we just kinda.....did that, without really thinking through any of the consequences."

"Yeah", Dash agreed. "It was a spur of the moment thing, and now we've actually signed the contract in our own blood, so it is official."

"Who....even NOTARIZED something like that?!"

"Um, well....we kinda got it notarized BEFORE we signed it. Dash got it from an official at Ponyville town Hall, and we then sighed it, in the presence of multiple witnesses, IN OUR OWN BLOOD, and it was notarized by an official in Cloudsdale. Of course, we didn't tell the full story of what he was notarizing, but he didn't really ask any questions. All he said was 'Signed in blood, and needing notarization eh? Hmm, well, I've seen weirder things than this!' Nevertheless, he notarized it, then we raced, Dash won, the contract was now valid, and now we arrive at the present moment."

I put my hands over my face. "And where exactly, pray tell IS this document?"

"It's at the city hall in Cloudsdale. I asked for it to be put into official writing, so most likely, it went into the archives."

"And with all of this supposedly 'legal red tape' that you both went through for this little dick-waving contest of yours, that had LIFE-CHANGING CONSEQUENCES, how....in the heck....did your PARENTS never find out about this?!"

They both looked at each other, and then back at me. Dash finally spoke up. "Um, well, we are both adult mares Stud, and we do have our own lives. We just did it without our parents finding out."

"And how, pray tell, were you ever going to explain this to them, when the time came?"

Spitfire sighed. "Hmm, that's the hard part. Neither of us had any ideas for that. Like we've both said, we never fully thought this through when we raced. Just now, with you asking these questions, is the full reality of what we've done really beginning to catch up to us! I mean, we thought it through after the fact, but with the Imperial War going on, it took a back seat. Now, thanks to you, the war may be coming to a close, and it'll be time to pay the piper."

I sighed. "For now, I say that we keep this under wraps, and discuss it in private once Dash and I get back to Ponyville."

Spitfire brightened up a bit. "Oh yeah, and when are you guys going to get back?"

"Eh, according to the plan, we strike the final Caribou stronghold tonight, eliminate the last holdouts, then the surrender is signed by General Stuggs, General Rodin, and hopefully Prince Dactyl, and then, once everything has been secured, we turn around for our 2 day trip home. If all goes according to the plan, we'll be home by Tuesday, July 31st, or Wednesday, August 1st at the latest."

She smirked. "Heh, that's good. I've been DYING to meet you in person! I almost got the chance to when you first arrived, but I never could catch you at just the right moment. Then, the Battle of Ponyville happened, and then you were on your way to war. Plus, you know that half of Equestria's going to be SWARMING to Ponyville to see you guys all come home, right?"

I sighed. "Yeah, I know! I wanted to meet you then too, but likewise, I just never got the chance. Ever since our arrival here, we and our exploits have been the ONLY things that Ponies can talk about! Crowd control will be a nightmare. Just make sure to get a good cloud above the station to sit on, and I'll see if I can spot you."

She laughed. "I won't be able to get a cloud Stud! All of the Wonderbolts will be there, as will the Princesses. We'll all be VIP's. We'll get our own area to be in close to the station platform. Plus, we'll be performing at the Victory Ball in Canterlot, whenever that happens."

"Wait, what? What, 'Victory Ball'?"

Spitfire looked at her notes. "The ball that will be thrown once the war is over. It'll be to celebrate our victory. Now that you've made that possible, you all might be honored guests!"

I shrugged. "I don't know about that, as I don't really do balls, (and the last ball that I went to ended with the Futas deciding to do a sneak attack on where we were in Topeka, KS!) but I'll see. It might be fun."

We talked about this for a little while longer, until I noticed the time. "Uh, oh, it's almost 1pm! Our operation could begin at any time, and I HAVE to go get ready! I'll talk to you again later Sitsy. Hopefully, the war will be over by then!"

She nodded. "Sure, now get back out there, and save the world Champ! And take good care of Dash!"

I nodded. "I will Spitsy, goodbye!"

"Bye Stud! And bye for now Dash!"

"Bye Spits!"

The call was then ended, and Dash finally went to take her shower, while I went to get dressed for battle again.

All while we passed through the remainder of Caribou territory, we were followed by the Equestrian battalions that were taking charge of the areas. Caribou, slaves, and others all lined the tracks, preparing to surrender to us when we passed through.

All over the place were white flags, and absolutely no resistance to speak of. Maybe a few angry protests here and there, but no real threats. First, the Caribou had 20% of their empire remaining, then 18%, then, 15%, 11%, and then, by the time that we reached maybe 2 miles away from Bryerton, the Caribou's only held the city, which constituted maybe 2%. 98% of the Caribou Empire was completely gone.

We tried to get close, but maybe 2 miles out, we discovered that the Bryerton defenders had dismantled the tracks! We brought our train to a stop at where the tracks had begun to be torn up, and knew that we would have to go on foot, paw, and hoof.

As quickly as we could, we surrounded the city, and made ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that there would be no escaping this time!

"This is it Danin!" Don told him on a video call. "Come on out, and surrender to us now! Your empire is FINISHED!!!! All you have left is the city of Bryerton, NOTHING ELSE!!!!

"No! Like I told you before Kid, I'm going down swinging!"

"And, how many are in there with you?"

"By my headcount, maybe 5,000 of my last remaining soldiers. The rest have already fled, and have surrendered. We also released all of our females, and other prisoners to you as well. We 5,000 are the last Caribou standing."

"You know that we're gonna have to come in there, and verify that, right Danin?"

"You come in here, and you DIE!!!!"

Don sighed. "Unfortunately, I CANNOT just take your word for it Danin! We have to make sure that all of your slaves, POW's, and other prisoners, are FREE!!!"

This call however, was just Don was just stalling for time. Thanks to a few Diamond Dog defectors who agreed to help us, we tunneled underneath the city in record time, and once we popped up inside, we went on a stealth-ops mission. From one end of the city to the other, we scoured around high and low for anyone who didn't belong there. In the end, we did uncover 5 slaves, 11 POW's, and maybe a few other political prisoners as well. That was it. We also hid explosives for the city's final destruction.

"These must have been slaves of the highest value, in addition to the worst POW's, and political prisoners!" I muttered. "Well, at any rate though, they're safe now, and we can get out of here!"

We all then got back down the tunnels, and the Diamond Dogs collapsed them behind us. It was as if those tunnels were never there.

"Ok, Don, we're clear! We've got all of the remaining prisoners, maybe 19 Caribou, and Ponies in total, we've set all of the blasting charges, and now we're back outside!"

"Roger that Leopard! And was Danin still there?"

"Yep, I saw him with my own eyes! Sergeant Dothan was there too."

"Um, who's Sergeant Dothan again?"

"Oh, he was the Caribou sergeant who led the first raid on the train in Ponyville, and he was there at the Battle of Ponyville. I'm surprised that you forgot him so easily, ESPECIALLY after you had him take that rude, and vulgar letter to Overlord Zakia!"

"Oh yeah! NOW I remember! Yeah, a real nasty fellow! But anyway, how many enemy soldiers were in there?"

"Well, by our numbers, MAYBE 1,000-2,000 if we were feeling generous. Danin is literally at the end of his rope! He's now got nowhere else to run, and we're preparing to destroy him for the last time!"

"Roger that Leopard, just get back to the train! The Princesses just told me that this last bit is going to be live on the air, so once again, watch your mouth!"

"Are we live right now?"

"Yes!"

"Ok, roger that Don, we're heading back now!"

Once the prisoners were secured, I went outside until I was standing next to the train. Don then turned the cameras towards Bryerton. I was carrying a police baton in my hand.

"Hey Stud, I thought that we were going to nuke the city!"

I half-turned to her. "We were, but then Don came up with a better idea. For the destruction of all of Bryerton, we will need the entire orchestra for this one!"

Dash looked all around. "Wait, what orchestra? I don't see any instruments!"

"And you won't." I then turned towards the camera closest to me. "And now, I dedicate this concerto to all of those who have lost their lives in this god-awful war. Both Human and Pony alike who gave the ultimate sacrifice, this one's for you!"

I then tapped my baton on a drain pipe close to me. "First, the strings...." I muttered. Dash looked at me like I was losing my mind. "And then the brass....."

Dash then stiffened. From the speakers on the train, she began to hear music.

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"Wait, I hear it!" The unmistakable sounds of the "1812 Overture" began to play. "How did you guys even do all of this?"

I smirked. "You think that's cool Dash, wait for it! Here comes the crescendo!"

*BOOM!!!!*

With that, in perfect time to the music, the entire city began to blow itself apart! We'd planted all of the explosives in just the right spots, for this PERFECT form of destruction. However, we did slightly miscalculate how far some of the debris was going to be thrown. Some of our soldiers had to run for cover, and some pieces even bounced off of the train itself!

"IT'S BEAUTIFUL, AIN'T IT DAHSHIE!?!?!" I laughed. Dash just put her hands over her mouth.

All across the rest of Equestria, this was all being played out live on television. Even Stuggs and Rodin saw it, and it scared both of them. I was also hit with a chunk of flying debris, which thankfully, (since I was wearing my helmet) only served to knock me unconscious. I was then picked up, and dragged away to the train's medical coach.

A number of hours later, I woke up in my bed. Dash was by my side, as was Aurora.

"Ouch, oh, my head.....what happened?"

"Oh stud!" Dash hugged me. "You scared me back there. You got hit in the helmet with a chunk of debris, and got knocked out. DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!"

I rubbed my sore head. "Well, I didn't do that on purpose, if that's what you're implying!" I then looked outside. I saw that the sun was setting. I also felt that the train was moving. "Oh, so I take it that we're on our way back to Donneth now?"

She nodded. "Yeah, we're on our way back. Major Don said that we would spend the night in Donneth, and then head back on our way again tomorrow. Bryerton is now eliminated, and everypony inside with it!"

I lay back on my bed. "So that means that aside from the formalities, and of course, the final signing of the surrender forms, the war is finally over!"

Dash looked down at me with tears in her eyes. "Yes Stud, it's all over! Once we're back in Donneth, we'll spend the night, and then tomorrow morning, all of the meetings for the surrender will take place. And then, once everything's done, we're on our way home again!"

I sighed. "So then, let the victory celebrations begin!"

Dash smirked a bit at me. "And do you know what that means Stud?"

I knew what the look on her face meant. "Um, I'm gonna guess victory sex?"

She jumped into my arms. "And you'd be right!" she whispered as she nipped my neck gently.

"Ok, I'll just give you two some alone time!" Aurora then left the room, and kicked the door shut behind herself. "I'll be back when you two are asleep!" She then left to go and talk to Amanda again for a while. She was also kind enough, (thanks to her battle-suit) to hang the "Do Not Disturb!" sign on my door!

"Thanks Aurora!"

"You're welcome Master!"

Dash and I then settled in to enjoy ourselves for the night.

Yes, it's official now. Just in case I haven't implied it enough already,

💞💓Leopard X Rainbow Dash💓💞

Author's Note

And, that was chapter 27. I know that I promise a "nuclear holocaust", but yet, after thinking it over, I decided to go with a more, eh, "Classy" option for the final destruction of the Caribou!

Also, yes, I FINALLY revealed what Captain Leopard's real name is! Campbell, the true name, for our favorite Captain!

So now it's just down to Stuggs, Rodin, and Dactyl. Will Stuggs be able to convince the other 2 to sign the terms of surrender? And when they do, what will happen to all of them? In fact, what'll happen to ALL of the war prisoners that we've manage to capture? Well, most likely, they'll stand trial, but what'll happen to them after that?

Also, how will the victory celebrations go? Will they be big? What will the crowds be like when we return to Ponyville? And, how will this story end? Well, you know the drill! Stay tuned, and I'll tell you!

And, as always comments, feedback, questions, as well as spreading the word about this story, are always appreciated, and I'll see you all in Chapter 28! (Or Chapter 27.5 if you read the "EXPLICIT!!!" ones!) There's only 3 more chapters after this one, 1 "EXPLICIT!!!" chapter, 1 regular chapter, and the epilogue, so the end is in sight!

ScarFox out for now!

Also, more questions that I'd like you to answer. Is Danin really dead, or do we just THINK that he is? What about Sombra? Will he ever return? And what ever happened to Empress Demetria, and her people escaping from Las Vegas way back in Chapter 4? Are any of them still alive, and if so, will they return? And finally, how will "Battleship Express" end? I'd like to hear from YOU GUYS!!!