Warlord

As early May rolled around, Canterlot was once again hosting the Grand Galloping Gala. Brian knew he had to be in attendance, and decided that he and his guard would have new outfits made for it.

“Rarity, would you mind helping me with a few outfits?”

“Of course, what do you need,” she asked

“I was hoping you could assist in creating a few jackets for the females in my guard. Here's the design what it looks like,” he said pulling a picture of a female Navy Service Dress Blue uniform out of his bag
“I'll work on the male jackets.”

“In the picture, she is wearing a skirt. Do you want me to make that as well to complete the outfit,” she asked

“Yes, please. I'm going to make a pair of pants for myself as the other three don't need it.”

While the two worked, they used templates from the first onto the next to ensure they are the same. Once the seven were finished, Brian withdrew the buttons and attached them to each jacket before he added an addition to his. As Celestia promoted him to Captain, he decided to attach the four gold bands onto his sleeves to denote that.

“Thank you for the help, Brian. These are wonderful,” she said

“Actually, I should thank you for helping me with this. They are going to love them.”

After he left, Brian headed to a shoe store and found a pair of black dress shoes that were similar to the actual pair at home.

“That will be 250 bits,” the cashier said before looking at who the buyer was “For you, Prince Dragnov, free.”

“Here's the bits for the shoes. I'd actually prefer to just pay.”

After running that errand, Brian returned home where his guard was waiting. None of them knew about the uniforms as it was supposed to be a surprise.

“Girls, these are for you. Guys, these are yours.”

“That one's yours,” Cien asked

“Yes. There is one more thing I have for you.”

Everyone departed to separate areas of the castle to change. Brian made sure to throw on everything as it was proper. Once everyone was done, they seemed to like it.

“These are nice. Thank you sir,” Carmichael said

“They are comfortable. The skirt is different,” Lightning Flash said

“Why do you have pants,” Hannibal asked

“This is the complete uniform that my dad wore as a human in the Navy. These are for you,” he said handing them a SEAL trident

“What are these,” Cien asked

“You’ve seen the challenge coin I gave you, right,” he asked as they nodded “This is the United States Navy SEAL emblem on one side. I'll help put them on.”

Once they were on, he had to admit that it was nice to see everyone looked alike. Even at a formal event, he was planning on wearing the uniform to make him stand out.

Before they were done, he handed everyone a dress shirt and tie to wear under the jacket. He made sure each of the guys had their tie correct while Octavia helped the girls in putting on their neck tab correctly. Octavia decided on wearing a simple black dress to match her husband's uniform.

Once the carriage dropped everyone off, Brian told everyone to go and have fun while he met with Celestia.

“Good evening Brian. That is a nice uniform you have. I take it, the emblem on your chest is the same that you have on the coins,” Celestia asked

“Yes. All six of the Midnight Guard are wearing similar outfits. The girls are wearing skirts to match, and I'm the only male who's used to wearing pants.”

He was asked to help greet the visitors that were waiting in line. A few caught his attention as they reappeared a second time, thinking no one would notice.

“If you have been greeted by the princess and myself, please step aside and let others have a chance.”

They watched as a small group walked away and made the line much shorter to Celestia’s relief.

“Thank you,” she whispered to him

“You're welcome,” he whispered back

With a much shorter line, Celestia was able to join in the festivities of her own party. As they headed in the main room, Twilight and their loved ones entered.

“Brian, nice outfit. Thank you for helping us get together that day,” Twilight said

“Thank you for that as well. I don't think I'd have the confidence to ask Twilight to marry me, if it wasn't for you,” Flash Sentry said

“This is Cheese Sandwich. He's a party planner like me,” Pinkie said cheerfully

“Pleasure’s mine,” Cheese said offering a hoof

Brian shook it and was met by the old joy buzzer trick. He didn't mind, as it was fun.

“And of course, you know Prince Blueblood,” Rarity said

“And just so you know; break Rarity’s heart and I hurt you. You'll go from ‘Blueblood’ to ‘Bluebell’ in moments and Poison Joke won't be required. Understand,” Brian asked Blueblood
“Rarity, would you want his balls on a silver platter if that happens?”

“I would. Thank you,” Rarity replied as Blueblood cringed

“Yo, Brian! You know Soarin, right,” Rainbow Dash asked

“So, you're the true “Fastest in Equestria’, huh? It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Dragnov,” Soarin said

“It's ‘Brian’. Dash can keep the title. Someone is bound to dethrone her eventually.”

“That's not true,” Dash said

“If I kept the title, no one will break it. Besides, records are meant to be broken.”

“True. It was nice to meet you Brian,” Soarin said

“Brian, this is my marefriend Treehugger. We're planning on getting married soon,” Fluttershy said

“Congratulations. Hope I'm invited.”

“We were actually planning on having it tonight,” Treehugger said

“Well, that's something to definitely look forward to tonight.”

“And I'd like to introduce you to Pear Bend,” Applejack said

“Nice to meet a member of the Pear linage.”

“Wasn't you grandfather a Pear,” Rainbow Dash asked as AJ nodded “Doesn't that make you family and isn't that wrong?”

“Actually, it's not as bad as it could be. The two of you are related, but not directly. Distance is a good thing in this case.”

“What do you mean,” Pear Bend asked

“Both sides of the family, Apples and Pears are linked by AJ’s parents and grandfather. The family branches off at that point where different members have kids of their own, making a person have second, third cousins and so on. As you aren't direct family, it's not considered incest.”

“Thank you for that. I actually didn't know,” Pear Bend said

“Neither did I,” AJ added

“You're welcome. I probably mixed some knowledge from when I was human, but it still works the same.”

After meeting the mane-six’s loved ones, Brian and Octavia started to have a dance as he felt someone tapping on his shoulder.

“Nice look Brian. That's what your dad wore when you were human,” Thorn commented

“Yeah, I based it off my old man's uniform. All members of the guard are wearing it was well.”

“Have you seen Rose? I thought she'd be here,” Thorn asked

“No, I haven't.”

As the two were talking, Brian spotted his brother Knight Shield with a light pink Pegasus mare with light red mane and light red feather tips with a cutie mark of a rose losing petals wearing a dark pink dress.

“Hi dad. Where are my manners? I'm Rose Petal,” she said bowing

“She's my girlfriend,” Deltorix added

“You don't have to bow to me. You two are a good couple. It's cool that both of you met working in R&D.”

“Thank you. Princess Celestia asked me to assist with my expertise in botany,” Rose said

“I could probably introduce you to some of the deadliest plants humans have.”

“Really? That would be great,” she said enthusiastically

The night surprisingly passed without incident for the first time in years. Brian shared a dance with his daughters for the first time

“Thank you dad for this,” Harmony said as they danced

“You'll always be my little girl. Besides one dance won't hurt.”

‘That's my wife, you jerk!’

‘I knew her before you married her!’

“Oi! You two really want to start throwing punches? Follow me.”

Brian grabbed the two stallions and teleported them down to the R&D room. He pushed them into the training room where a boxing ring popped up.

“If you don’t want to ruin your jackets, I'd suggest removing them. Now, you have five minutes to settle your differences in that ring. By the way, no punches to the groin.”

Brian climbed out and sat down at a table that contained a ring bell and a timer. Once he struck the bell, the timer started and the two stallions started throwing punches. Afterwards, he led the two back upstairs to rejoin the gala.

“Where did you take the two of them,” Celestia asked

“Down to R&D to settle their differences. I gave them five minutes to get their anger out.”

“You two settled your differences,” Celestia directed towards the others

“Yes. He let us fight and it calmed us down,” one stallion replied

“Sorry about earlier with your wife,” the other stallion said

“It's alright. I shouldn't have been so rude,” the first replied

The night ended and everyone else headed home while Twilight and the others stayed behind. Celestia agreed to have the weddings in private with just everyone there.

“Which of you would like to go first,” Celestia asked

“I'll go,” Twilight said

One by one each of the mane-six were married and the group celebrated afterwards by enjoying a multilayered cake. After they finished eating, the remaining members of the mane-six and Octavia started to pass out. Moments later everyone woke up and were surprised by what happened.

“Princess Celestia what happened,” Twilight asked “Why did everyone pass out?”

“They just became alicorns,” Celestia replied

“Well, judging by their current appearance, everyone is suffering from ‘Alicornis Defectis’,” Brian said jokingly

“What do you mean by that,” Applejack asked curiously

“None of you have wings or horns. In other words; defective alicorns. I mean no harm by the comment. Just trying to lighten the mood.”

“It is strange how you all became alicorns, but didn't alter appearance,” Luna added

“At current count; we have six (seven) true alicorns, and six that have alicorn status without the wings and horns.”

“What about me? Don't I count,” Knight Shield asked

“Therein lies a conundrum. How you became an alicorn. Discord brought you here already ascended.”

“And Flurry Heart is unique herself. She is the first to be born an alicorn,” Twilight said

“In a few days, why don't we head to the Crystal Kingdom? Just the four of us,” Octavia suggested motioning to her daughters

“Sounds good. As it's up north, I'll bring my manticore cloak, just in case.”

“Just be careful. Sombra was a very cruel ruler. With your appearance, some might mistake you as his reincarnation,” Celestia said

“Once I get close, I'll store the cloak in my bag for safety. Out of habit, I'll bring my butterfly swords, just in case.”

“If you don't mind, I'd like to come with. I've always wanted to see the kingdom,” Rose Petal said

“Of course the two of you are welcome. Thorn, if you want, you can join us.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to decline. I went there once and wasn't completely impressed,” Thorn said

“Dad, you never told me you were there,” Rose said

“You never asked. It was honestly so long ago, I barely remember,” Thorn answered

The next day, the six waited at the train station and were given the private car in the back. Both males fell asleep as the ride took about four hours to get to their destination.

Brian and Knight Shield were waking up just as the train arrived at Crystal Station. Brian pulled out his cloak as soon as he stepped on the platform due to the cold. Octavia led the way to the city, while he was looking at the snow and had an idea for later.

‘Sombra’s back.’

‘That's not Sombra. Must be his reincarnation.’

“Brian, allow me to welcome you to the Crystal Empire,” Shining Armor said

“Thank you. This is a lot different then I imagined.”

As they were talking, Brian removed the cloak and stored it in the bag as some citizens emerged to see what was going on. Once they realized it wasn't Sombra, many seemed to be relieved.

“Still carrying the blades? You shouldn't need them,” Shining said

“Sorry, it's habitual,” Brian replied removing the sheathes

Shining led the group into the city and upon reaching the castle, they were greeted by Cadence. Looking at the size, Knight Shield started laughing, before getting slapped in the back of the head.

“What is so funny? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Princess Cadence,” she said

Knight Shield stopped laughing long enough to say, “Knight Shield. Brian, care to explain?”

“I'm not sure it's appropriate due to our current company.”

“What is it,” Cadence asked

“Looking at the size of the castle, it seems Sombra was compensating for something,” Brian said as Deltorix resumed laughing

“Compensating for what,” Cadence asked curiously

“It's a joke from when we were human. Basically, he needed something to augment the size of Little Jimmy.”

All the girls blushed at the comment, while Shining seemed to be slightly annoyed at someone joking about size.

“I hate you,” a voice yelled

“What's that about?”

“Flurry Heart has been acting out and yelling at us recently. We don't know what to do,” Shining said

“If you don't mind, could you lead me to her room? Perhaps I can talk to her.”

“If we are unable to do something, what makes you think you'll be different,” Cadence asked

“I've been in her position before.”

Cadence led him up to her room and left without saying anything. Brian casually knocked on the door and waited for a reply.

“Permission to enter?”

“What do you want? They send you,” Flurry demanded

“Yes and no. I asked to talk to you. Anything we say will be confidential.”

Flurry Heart opened the door and allowed him to enter. While she sat on her bed, Brian simply chose the floor.

“I hate my parents. I never asked to be a princess or alicorn. They never ask me anything, but tell me what to do,” she said “I can't have friends because I'll outlive them.”

“You don't hate them. Parents always believe they know what's best for their children. As for friends, don't think about the distant future.”

“And you know this how,” she demanded

“Because I went through the same thing. I yelled at my parents and cursed at them too many times to count. There were times I actually thought about ending it, but I couldn't. You have parents that love you very much.”

“What happened to yours,” Flurry asked

“Dead. When I was human, my father shot my mom before killing himself. Mentally, they weren't the only ones that died as a part of me did as well.”

“I'm sorry to hear that,” she said hugging him

“It's been years but I'll never forget that moment. You might say you hate your parents, but if they were to die tomorrow, you'd change your opinion. Don't say things that you may regret. Yes; you are an alicorn, but it doesn't mean you can't have friends.”

“Thank you Prince Dragnov,” she said

“Just ‘Brian’ will suffice; and you're welcome.”

“Maybe they do think they know what's best for me. I'll apologize to them later. And I promise not to repeat anything you've told me,” she said hugging him again “What do I do about making friends?”

“Be yourself. If you need help, perhaps talking to Twilight could be beneficial.”

Later that night during dinner, Shining and Cadence were surprised when Flurry arrived and joined everyone without yelling. It was a nice change, although neither would admit it.

“Mom, dad I have something to tell you. I'm sorry about yelling at you,” Flurry said

“What brought about the change,” Shining asked

“Our conversation together,” Flurry said

“What did you talk about,” Cadence asked

“I plead the Fifth. Sorry, I promised not to talk about it.”

“Tomorrow I'm going to talk to the others in town to see about making friends,” Flurry decided

“Brian, would you like to see more of the castle, tomorrow? I'm sure your magic might reveal some interesting things,” Cadence asked

“Yes, please.”

The next day the group was given a tour of the castle. As they approached the throne, Brian sensed the difference in magic.

“This isn't the original throne is it?”

“How'd you know,” Cadence asked

“I can tell.”

After using a quick spell, the area changed and along with Sombra’s throne, a pit opened up with a long spiral staircase. Wanting to check out the bottom, Brian withdrew a snowboard and strapped it on to his rear hooves.

“I hope you don't mind if I take a look.”

“I don't. Twily was the only person to go down those steps. And what is that you have,” Shining replied

“A snowboard, from home. It sounded good to get down. I'll see you there. Geronimo!”

As he said that, Brian jumping on the first step and rode the way down with the others trailing. With the speed, Brian unintentionally started riding the wall itself. Once at the bottom, he removed the board and stored it back inside his pouch.

“Oh, what a rush,” he said as the others joined him

“Speak for yourself,” Knight Shield said panting

“What's with the moving door?”

“Probably one of Sombra’s traps,” Cadence said

Brian sent a spark to open the door and walked inside as everyone else stayed put. The room was designed to show the visitor's biggest fears. He was shown the memory of his parent's death. Having seen it replayed so many times before, the scene didn't shock him as much. Once it was over, he calmly went to join the others.

“What did you see,” Shining asked

“My darkest fear. After seeing it for years, it doesn't hurt that much.”

“What is that fear, if you don’t mind me asking,” Cadence asked

“My parent's murder-suicide. They died a month before I was sent here, when I was human. It was the same thing that triggered the creation of Ignis all those years ago."

“I'm sorry if it brought back any bad memories,” Shining said

“It's alright. I've gotten used to the memory by now.”

Brian concentrated a moment and resent a spark to open the door. Once it was opened, the view changed to the outside with a different staircase leading upwards.

“That's different. What's up there.”

“This is where the Crystal Heart was kept,” Shining said

“That was what we saw upon entering,” Knight Shield asked

“Yes. That is the Crystal Heart,” Cadence answered

Once they finished, the group headed back topside, but decided with three alicorns, a few could be flown up. Cadence had her husband on her back as did Deltorix with his wife. Brian decided to have Octavia on his back but grabbed the others using his magic.

“Are you okay? That took a lot out of you,” Octavia said

“I'm alright. It did take a little out, but I should be fine with some rest.”

That night he rested peacefully and the group planned on heading home soon. In the morning while waiting for the train, Brian wanted on having some fun. Having not been in the snow in quite some time, he decided on making snow angels which caused the others to follow along.

“What do you call these things,” Octavia asked

“Snow angels. And this,” Brian answer making a snowball “is a snowball fight!”

Without knowing how, everyone started throwing snow before they decided to get to the train station and clean off just before it approached. The ride home was quiet as everyone ended up sleeping the entire trip. Instead of just heading to Ponyville, they got off at Canterlot.

“What brings you back here after your trip to the Crystal Kingdom,” Celestia asked

“The six of you,” Brian said gesturing to the mane-six and his wife

“What do you mean,” Twilight asked

“How exactly did you become alicorns?”

“Maybe I can help,” Discord said popping up “It’s about the status quo.”

“Come again,” Applejack asked

“I'll try to explain it as best as I can,” Discord replied pulling out a pair of whiteboards with everyone's photo

“The six on the left are true alicorns; while the other six have what Brian termed as ‘Alicornis Defectis’. Let's start with our royalty. All four princesses and our sole prince have ascended to become alicorns by their magic prowess. Miss Flurry Heart has become the first to be born an alicorn. Sorry, Knight Shield this part doesn't concern you. The six of you became alicorns; but even I, the Lord of Chaos, can't begin to explain what happened. But back to what I said with the status quo. Perhaps the reason you didn't receive additional horns or wings is so everyone doesn't become alicorns, but those chosen by Harmony,” Discord explained

“What about me,” Knight Shield asked

“As I said previously, Del. You are an oddball. Whereas I ascended due to my ability, you somehow were sent here as an alicorn. None of us can figure out why.”

“That's good, I think. I'm cool with being the oddball,” Knight Shield said

“Let's Change the subject. Brian, Octavia, would the two of you like to perform for us? It would be a private concert for just everyone here,” Celestia asked

“I'm game. Do you want to join, Mel?”

“Of course I'll join the two of you,” Melody replied

“Discord, would you mind summoning a pair of cellos and a viola?”

“Very well. Here you are,” Discord said snapping his fingers

After a few moments to make sure the instruments were tuned, the three began playing. Instead of a cacophony of noise, Melody started first and played for about half an hour before Brian joined in as his daughter dropped out. He also played for the same time, before Octavia joined in as he faded out. Octavia started playing and entered a sort of trance as she played.

Brian noticed a musical staff appeared and flowed around her cello with notes appearing. The notes that showed up were the same ones she played, almost as if the music was being written right in front of them.

Brian quickly pulled out his phone and started recording. Octavia managed to play for forty-five minutes before ending. He led everyone in applause as no one could say they heard anything better.

“That was beautiful, darling. How did you get that ribbon flowing around you,” Rarity asked

“Thank you, but I don't know what ribbon you are talking about,” Octavia replied

“Here. This should help,” Brian said showing her the video

“That is amazing! I honestly wasn't looking when I played. Once I started, I closed my eyes and let my body move on its own. How did this happen,” Octavia answered

“We don't know. I've never seen this happening,” Celestia said

“Well, at least we've seen something new and unexpected,” Discord said

“Agreed. If that is the result of you becoming an ‘alicorn’, maybe the rest of you might have something similar.”

“But how would we figure out how,” Pinkie asked

“No idea.”

“Well, hopefully we can get an answer as to how that happened,” Twilight said