Game of Thrones: Equestria

The morning sun rose over the horizon as usual as a couple lay together in bed. Their bodies were still a bit sticky from last night but the mare was smiling the whole time throughout her slumber. Queen Antoinette then slowly opened her eyes and let out a small cute yawn before looking down. She saw that she was naked, which made her blush a little, but also noticed that she was laying on someone. She recognized the muscular form and tribal marked arms of her lover as he slept. She looked around the room to see that some of his wing’s feathers were scattered everywhere, which reminded her of what they did last night but she smiled lovingly at him. He had his arm draped over her which was very comforting as she rested her head on his chest again. His strong heartbeat soothed her as he slept and she nuzzled into him.

“My darling Dimitri…” she whispered as she rubbed her belly.

“I promise to raise our foal in your honor and tell it just how wonderful of a stallion you are.”

“Good to know.” Lock spoke as he gently held her close in surprise.

“Just make sure that he or she doesn’t spend too much time with Uncle Wulfric. He’s a bad influence.”

The last bit made the queen laugh as they cuddled once more and the rays of the morning sun began to peek through the curtains.

“Hmm? Ohh what’s this?~” Antoinette grinned at the little tent forming under the sheets.

“Do I excite you that much?”

“Well I can’t help it when I’m in the presence of a drop dead gorgeous mare like you,” Lock teased.

Antoinette bit her lip as she inched down under the covers until she was face to face with his hardening shaft. She then stuck out her tongue and gave it a long lick from the base to the tip, making Lock groan in satisfaction.

“Mmm~, tastes like us,” Antoinette cooed as she opened her maw and took the whole thing in her mouth.

“What a way to wake up…” Lock sighed as their morning got more heated.

In Imperius’ room, the young prince was sleeping soundly after passing out from yesterday’s training and eventful night. Before the hassassins attack, he had stayed by his new friend Gummy’s side and danced with her all night. Normally he would never have imagined spending time with another mare, but Gummy seemed to stand out among the countless others who sought out his attention. Gummy was bright, funny, good with a bow, and he never really felt as anxious as he usually did. If Imperius was honest with himself, he would say that he found Gumdrop to be a delight to be around.

As he started to wake up, he strangely felt like he wasn’t alone in his bedroom. Of course, in the past he would always turn to see Selene sleeping next to him after sneaking in his room. With this in mind, Imperius sighed as his vision cleared from his sleep.

“Selene, how many times do I have to tell you not to-”

His words were cut short when he saw that it was in fact not his sister laying next to him, but Gumdrop herself. Imperius was frozen stiff as the young mare was laying on her side, facing him, and she wore a grey tank top and pajama bottoms with little cupcake decorations. His face turned a bright shade of red when he noticed that her breasts were pushing against each other, giving him a full view of her cleavage.

“Uhh…Gummy?!?” He whimpered while his friend snuggled up to him with a crooked smile.

“Oh no mister eclair, I couldn't eat another bite…”

“Gummy wake up!!” The prince shouted but to no avail.

As Gummy continued to squirm about, the prince found himself in a very compromising position as her squirming caused him to be planted right under her flank.

“Heh heh…it tickles…Zzzzz…”

“MMMF FMM MFFMMM!!”

Imperius went bug eyed as her flank was on full display under her pajamas. Her tail swished side to side and Imperius began to feel light headed from all the blood rushing to his head. To make matters worse, the stimulation of her flank and breasts pressing on his body made a certain part of him down below begin to wake up.

NO! GODS, PLEASE NO! Imperius panicked in his mind.

In a last ditch effort, he had no choice but to grab her flank with both hands and lifted it off his muzzle to speak.

“GUMMY LOOK, CUPCAKES!!”

His plan to wake her instantly backfired as she sprung up and the full force of her soft cheeks smothered him as she darted her head around.

“WHERE?!? WHERE?!?” Gumdrop yelled in excitement, unaware of who she was sitting on.

“Huh? This isn’t my room.”

“MMMFF!! MMMMFF!!!”

“Hm? Impy?” She turned to see her friend squashed beneath her buttocks. Gummy was never the kind of mare to get flustered as often, but the sight of Imperius in between her flank cheeks made her blush and scramble off him.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Impy!” Gummy yelped as Imperius caught his breath.

“GAAASP!! Oh gods, I nearly died!!” He yelped with flushed cheeks before looking at Gumdrop.

“Gummy, why are you in my room?!?”

“I-I’m sorry!” Gummy said.

“I sorta have this little habit of sleepwalking whenever I eat something sweet! I had an extra cupcake before bed and I guess I kinda wandered into your room by accident.”

“You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

Gummy frowned and hung her head as her ears drooped.

“I…I didn’t mean to,” she whimpered as she climbed off his bed.

“I’m sorry, I’ll just go since you hate me now…”

“What? Gummy I don't hate you.” Imperius said, grabbing her arm.

“I was just surprised, is all. Also umm…” he turned away.

“Why…are you wearing that outfit?”

“Oh you like it? These are my favorite PJ'S, I especially love the printing on my shorts!”

The filly turned around to give a little booty dance that showed off her pajamas that made the prince’s nose bleed a bit before he began pushing her towards the door.

“W-Well that’s nice and all but I really must be getting ready. I trust you know the way back to your room?”

“Sure! See you later Impy!” Gummy chirped as she exited his room. As Imperius watched her walk away, he got an idea that he never considered doing. It may have been in the spur of the moment, but he was admittedly having a teen moment right now.

“G-GUMMY?!”

“Yeah Impy?” Gummy paused and turned around.

“W-WOULD Y-YOU LIKE TO G-GO TO LUNCH WITH ME?!” Imperius stammered.

Gumdrop squeed at the offer and jumped in excitement as her chest jiggled a bit.

“I’d love to!”

“G-great! See ya later!” The prince huffed as he slammed the door to calm down.

“I…I did it,” Imperius muttered as a feeling of pure excitement welled up inside him.

“I ASKED A GIRL OUT!” He cheered as he pumped his fists in the air.

A couple of guards were passing by and one of them smirked at the other.

“You owe me 20 bits.”

“Yeah yeah, don’t rub it in.”

Shortly after their morning exercise, Lock and Antoinette were walking arm in arm towards the dining hall as they discussed plans for the upcoming events involving Wulfric’s family.

“So this hunt, will you be participating?” She asked while cuddling his arm.

“Yeah, though I just wonder how I’ll hunt,” Lock hummed.

“I mean, I’m good with a bow and arrow since my adopted dad taught me when I was a boy, but I could also transform into a wolf and hunt that way.”

“You can change your form?” Antoinette asked, looking up at him.

“Oh yeah, you never saw me do it, have you?”

Antoinette shook her head as they stopped for a moment and Lock smirked at his lover. He stepped back and squatted down and took on his large wolf form, surprising the Prench Queen.

“This is how,” he said, making her squee and wrap her arms around his pelt.

“AAAH!! YOU’RE SO CUTE!!” She squeezed his neck tight before he transformed back.

“I’m impressed, but I think that form will be difficult to hunt in should your prey decide to find cover. Might I suggest a musket?" She suggested with a raised finger.

“Hold up…musket? As in an actual firearm?” Lock asked, surprised at the mention of it and she nodded.

“How is that possible? All I’ve seen around here in this world are people using crossbows or bow and arrows.”

“You have firearms in your world?”

“Sorta, but let’s just say they’re a bit more advanced than a musket. The enemy I face had the courtesy to outfit Dainn and his armies weaponry from my home world.”

“I see.” Antoinette sighed.

“To be honest, Prance has used firearms for centuries while many other countries prefer to use more traditional weapons. In fact, I plan to propose introducing them to Equestria for the war.”

“You sure that’s a good idea? Firearms are no joke, they can do more damage than any crossbow put together. I’ve even got my pistols with me, and they can do some serious damage if they fall in the wrong hands,” Lock explained.

“I understand my love, but this is necessary if we are to win this war.”

The couple turned a corner to see Applejack leaning her back against the wall as Wulfric kissed her belly and spoke to his unborn son.

“Testing, testing. This is your father speaking.” The king smirked as she laughed.

“Sugarcube, stop it!” Applejack giggled as he kissed her stomach once more.

“Hey there, Wulfric,” Lock called out as they approached the king.

“Good morning my friend,” Wulfric smiled.

“I was just having a nice chat with Tyr. He’s not in a very talkative mood, at least not yet.”

“Well if he’s anything like his dad, he’ll have plenty to say once he’s older,” Lock joked, making everyone laugh. Wulfric then noticed Antoinette’s arm wrapped around Lock’s as she cuddled him, making him smirk and cross his arms.

“I see you two were busy last night.”

“As were you.” Lock grinned back.

“Oh Wulfric, harder, harder!” Lock mocked out loud.

“Watch it, sugarcube.” Applejack cautioned before they left together.

“So where’s Lady Rainbow Dash?" Asked Antoinette.

“Oh. She’s still resting, went a bit wild on her last night.” Wulfric boasted, making the queen blush.

“Dude, maybe take it easy on your pregnant wife carrying twins?” Lock emphasized.

“No worries Lock, I didn't go too wild.”

“Whatever you say, man, it’s your funeral,” Lock shrugged.

“By the way, my sweet, you mentioned you own firearms as well?” Antoinette asked.

“I do, six-shooters, why?”

“May I see what they look like?”

Lock thought for a moment at the request, but since her country was no stranger to firearms, and she had plans to introduce her weaponry to Equestria, he figured it wouldn’t hurt. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out one of his unloaded pistols and held it up to show his mare.

“I own three others, it’s served me well and is very powerful.”

After examining the strange weapon, the queen returned it to her love as they finally entered the dining hall to find the rest of the royals enjoying Celestia’s signature pancakes. When the others sat down and were served their breakfast, Marshall noticed Imperius was eating his food rather slowly and was in a bit of a daze and smiling to himself.

“You look happy son. Something you want to share?” Marshall asked after taking a bite.

Imperius shot his head up and looked around to see his father arch a brow at him.

“U-Uh…it’s nothing,” Imperius fibbed as he resumed eating.

“cough, lie, cough,” Applejack purposely said.

“Sweetie, what seems to be the matter? You can tell us,” Celestia pleaded.

“Uh…w-well I’m going out later today,” Imperius admitted.

“I see, well I suppose I can accompany you-”

“With…a girl…”

The lord regent choked on his coffee as Luna patted his back while the others perked up in surprise.

“Ooh, who is she?” Celestia inquired while leaning over slightly.

“Well…you remember Gumdrop from the party?”

“The recruit I set you up with as your training partner?” Lock asked.

“Y-Yeah,” Imperius nodded.

“I asked her out this morning.”

Suddenly, Celestia couldn’t hold in her excitement and teleported beside Imperius and scooped him up in her signature bear hugs and pranced around.

“Aaaah! My baby boy’s first crush!!”

“Wait a second,” said Marshall.

“How did you meet her this morning when she stayed in a room separate from yours?”

The prince began to sweat nervously and gulped, especially since Selene was right there across the table with a murderous glare in her eyes.

“Sh-she…u-um…well y-you see…” Imperius tried to speak.

“Hi Impy!”

All heads turned to see Gumdrop pass by and waved her hand through the window.

“I’m looking forward to our date! And sorry again for waking you up in your room and sitting on your face! See ya later!” She chirped as she skipped away.

Imperius felt a cold chill run up his spine as he turned to see not just his sister but all three of his parents staring down on him like ominous figures.

“My my, our sweet boy is so naughty.” Said Luna.

“Indeed, to think I raised him to have class and act like a gentleman,” Marshall said.

“Brother…prepare to have your wings clipped,” Selene seethed.

“…Help!” Imperius yelped.

“No way, I ain’t touching that dude,” Beorn shook his head.

“Sorry, cuz, but you’re on your own,” Apple Jewel shrugged.

Lock and Wulfric couldn’t hold it in anymore as both men fell backwards and began to laugh their asses off.

“PFFFFFFT HAAAAAAAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAA!!!” Lock roared as he and Wulfric rolled on the floor.

“HE WORKS ALMOST AS FAST AS YOU, WULFRIC!!! HAAHAHAAHAA!!!”

“BAH HAHAHAHAHA!! Boy’s got spunk, that's for sure! Marshall, go easy on the lad.”

“No promises.” Marshall growled while cracking his knuckles.

After the breakfast fiasco, the family began making preparations for a private hunt that will happen in a week’s time. Meanwhile, they also took the opportunity to discuss battle plans and negotiations for the Prench alliance with Queen Antoinette.

“I am pleased that I was able to not only seek out a worthy male to bless me with an heir, but to also rekindle our alliance so that we may fight together once again,” Antoinette said to Celestia as the royals sat in the meeting room.

“Indeed, I am glad you had agreed to support us, Antoinette,” Celestia nodded as she signed the alliance treaty.

“However I must admit, I did not expect you to also fall in love with Dimitri as well.”

Antoinette smiled as she clinged to her love while Wulfric looked pensively at the map.

“I normally don’t like using Prench weapons, but I have gotten reports of mercs using muskets and cannons on the field. Most likely those kirin dogs.”

“Kirin?” Lock perked up.

“They’re enemies in this world?”

“Not exactly. Just small guilds looking to earn money. Any we interrogate just drink a vial of water that takes away their voice.”

“From the stream of silence,” Lock said aloud, making everyone turn to him in surprise.

“You know of it, good.” The king said with a smirk.

“Yeah, it not only takes away your voice, but it also takes away your emotions. You just become void of feelings and be mute. They should have an antidote to rid them of the effects, but I doubt they’d just hand it out.”

“That is a discussion for another time. Meeting adjourned.” Marshall said as they stood up and left the room one by one.

“Um…Lock?” Antoinette called quietly to her lover.

“What’s up, babe?” Lock answered.

“Listen…about what I said last night. I really don't mind sharing you with the other mares.” She gave a warm smile as they noticed Wulfric gently holding Applejack.

“I appreciate that, Antoinette, I really do,” Lock said as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Thing is, I think Wulfric might be content with just having his wives to himself. Of course, that includes the shield maids, according to him. But as for you and me, our relationship is separate from what I have with Wulfric and his herd. To be honest, I’m rather happy to have you as a personal marefriend.”

“Oh you’re sweet.” She said, pecking his cheek.

“But on the off chance it does happen. What should I expect from your friend?”

“Just a word of warning,” Lock leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“While I prefer sensual and calm, he’s more on the rough and tumble if you know what I mean.”

The queen let out a short gasp as her cheeks turned bright pink after hearing this but continued to watch the king show his more gentle side as he hugged his children who had just finished their lessons.

“He’s a very gentle soul,” Antoinette smiled.

“That he is, I’m gonna go for a fly so I’ll talk to you later,” Lock said as he parted ways.

“Have a nice flight, my love!” Antoinette called out as he took to the skies.

Lock flew up high in the air until he was high enough for no other eyes to see him. He landed on a cloud and sat down as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it and smoked. As he did, he then dropped the act and grunted in pain as he looked down to lift up his shirt. The stab wound he received when he fought those intruders that attacked Selene left a scar, but he noticed that the scar had unnerving green veins coming from it.

“Well…that’s not good,” Lock thought out loud.

Back on the ground, Imperius was making his way through town and kept pulling the collar of his shirt and rubbing his ear. He had gotten an ear full of scolding and lecturing from his family, Selene especially, but shook his head since he was on his way to meet someone at the local café.

The streets were now busier than ever now that the alliance with Prance was official. Prench merchants and chefs were selling and trading their goods as many customers flocked to their wagons while others went to the food carts to try foreign cuisine.

"Come come my friends, try the finest cheeses in all of prance!!"

"Feel this fabric, it will be like wearing a cloud!"

The prince smiled at how well everyone was doing as he neared his destination. The Prancing Pony then came into view and there stood Gummy in front. She wore a light blue top and a frilly dress that went down to her knees. Her mane was styled in her usual braid and her tail was as curly as Pinkie Pie’s, a trait she got from her mother.

“Over here, Impy!” Gummy called out with a wave.

Imperius waved back as he weaved his way through the crowd until finally getting a good view of Gummy’s dress.

“Whoa…”

“Hehehe, you like it?” Gummy smiled as she twirled around.

“I picked it out just for you!”

“F-For me?” Imperius blushed.

“Yeah! Come on, let’s get a table,” Gummy said as she grabbed Imperius’ hand. They both found a table and sat down as a waiter walked up to them and pulled out a notepad.

“Welcome, my prince, what may I get for you and your date?”

“Ummm I”ll have the oat burger and fries.” Said Imperius, scratching his chin.

“Veggie pizza!!” Gummy cheered aloud.

The waiter nodded and left after writing their order down. The two sat together, with Imperius feeling a little awkward, as some ponies began to notice the prince and the young mare he sat with.

“Is that prince Imperius?”

“Who’s that mare he’s with?”

“Well now, did the young prince finally break out of his shell?”

“Lucky mare, wonder what she did to bribe him to go out with him.”

Imperius instinctively unfurled his wings and wrapped them around his head, feeling embarrassed at all the unwanted attention he was getting.

“What’s wrong Impy? Why are you hiding behind your wings?” Gummy asked.

“I’ve never done this before.” The prince said as a few of the other mares giggled.

“Never? As in never been on a date?” Gummy asked and Imperious nodded as he peeked through his wings.

“This is the first date I’ve ever been on, I…have a bit of a fear of mares.”

“Well you don’t seem afraid when you’re around me, how come you’re afraid of mares?”

“Blame my sister parading me around as a baby,” the prince sighed.

Gummy smiled pityingly at Imperious as she reached over and pulled his wing out of the way.

“Impy, it’s okay, if it makes you feel any better, you’re the first boy to actually ask me out on a date.”

"Really?"

“Sure! Boys never really approached me because they say I’m too hyperactive, but that’s only because I was raised by two ponies who make people laugh on a daily basis!” Gummy explained.

“I guess you could say no pony could ever keep up with me.”

“So what made you enlist as a recruit in the first place?” Imperius asked, slowly furling his wings back.

“Well. During the war, my mom made all kinds of stuff to keep the soldiers happy. She said that when they bit into one of her treats, their faces lit up and they were smiling again!”

“Got that right little missy!” Called the chef of the inn with a happy smile.

“Pinkie Pie’s cupcakes are to DIE for!”

“So I assume you got your love of baking from Pinkie as well?”

“You bet! I learned everything I know about baking from my momma!”

“Ugh. How distasteful.” A girl’s voice called out when the prince turned to see one of the noble’s daughters enter the inn.

“A prince dining in a place like this? And with a commoner no less!”

“What’s wrong with this place?” Gummy wondered.

“What isn’t wrong, is the better question. Why, prince Imperius, I insist that you join me at my father’s personal outside dining area. We have a wide variety of exquisite cuisine, fit for a prince,” the noble daughter said, batting her eyelashes.

“Rich food. Been there, done that, I’ll pass.” The prince said, shocking her.

“Besides, we already ordered and I’d hate for the royal family’s reputation to be tarnished simply because I walked out of one of my father’s old war buddies establishments.”

“But, prince Imperius-”

“Forgive me for being blunt, ma’am, but if you don’t have anything important that demands my full attention, I’d rather you left my date and I alone,” Imperius added, not bothering to look at her.

“Also, you might have just a little too much makeup on for your own good.”

The inn applauded while the mare stormed off in a huff as the couple was brought their meals and enjoyed the rest of their date touring the city.

“That food was sure yummy!” Gummy said, rubbing her belly as they walked.

“I agree, I kinda miss just being a normal pony besides everypony kissing up to me,” Imperius sighed.

“You don’t like it when they kiss up to you?” Gummy asked, hatching a little scheme.

“Not really, it’s a bit exhausting,” the prince shook his head, unaware of the mare inching closer.

“Honestly, it’s a wonder how my mothers and father put up with the nobility and their crap. I sometimes wish that they would just-”

Smooch

“MMM?!?” The prince’s wings suddenly sprang out and all in the street were astonished at the bold display Gumdrop just gave as she broke the kiss with a smile.

“How’s that for kissing up to you?” Gummy winked as Imperius stood frozen like a statue.

“I uhhh I….swoooon!!”

THUMP!

“So cute.” Gummy giggled at the crooked smile and flushed cheeks of her date.

Gummy then flagged down some nearby guards and had them escort the prince back to the castle as she followed. There were confused stares from the staff they passed by until they reached his bedroom and the guards set him on his bed.

“Thanks for the date, Impy, I really enjoyed you standing up for me,” Gummy whispered as she pecked him on the cheek and walked out.

Meanwhile

“How bad is it, doc?” Lock asked as he sat in the medical bay, alone with a doctor he met in secret. The stallion was examining his infection and had a grim look on his face.

“Basilisk poison, it’s bad. At this rate, you’ll have a few months.”

“I see…” Lock nodded as he stood up.

“I’m amazed you’re still standing and the infection isn’t as bad as it should be,” the doctor said.

“I’m what you might call a special case,” Lock said as he put his clothes back on.

“I will inform the royals,” the doctor said, but Lock grabbed his shoulder before he left.

“Doc, with all due respect, don’t tell anyone about this,” Lock insisted.

“Just tell me if there’s a cure?”

“Yes but it’s hard to get. It’s a rare herb that grows on the peaks of Mount Everhoof.”

“Everhoof, huh? Where Gusty the Great’s enchanted winds make it near impossible to climb.”

“Yup. You’d have to be crazy to climb that place. I can give you some meds to slow the poison but I suggest avoiding any and all physical activities.”

“That’s gonna be a bit of a tall order, considering I’m about to go on a hunt with Wulfric…cough.”

Lock looked into his hand and saw a few drops of blood, making him narrow his eyes as he reached for a paper towel to wipe it off.

“I’ll figure something out, thanks for your time. And please, this stays in this room,” Lock said as he left with his medication.

“You’re the patient.”

One Week Later

The morning sun’s rays shined down on the courtyard as all the royals gathered in front of the carriages that would take them to their hunting grounds. The Princesses and their family, Wulfric and his family, and even Shining Armor, who received an invite earlier in the week, stood together as they prepared to depart.

“Food? Check. Tents? Check. Weapons? Check.”

“Needy mares? Check~.” Said Rainbow with a wink.

Wulfric responded by slapping her flank with a grin.

“I’ll never get tired of doing that.”

“Wulfric!” Shining called out as he walked up with a younger stallion.

“Thanks again for inviting me, I’d like you to meet my new protégé, Flash Sentry.”

“Sir! It’s an honor to meet you, sir!” Flash saluted.

“At ease, soldier. This is a hunting party, not a battalion.”

“Sorry sir it’s just such an honor to meet you in person.” Flash chuckled nervously as the wagons were loaded.

“Everything set Rainbow?” Applejack whispered while keeping an eye on the others.

“Oh yeah, I even convinced the queen.” Rainbow smirked before getting into the wagon with their children.

“Alright! Move it out!!” The head coachmen shouted as he urged two large bears to begin hauling the wagons. The caravan wade their way out of the city and along the path towards Whitetale woods. Wulfric and his family were enjoying themselves but soon realized there was something, or rather, someone missing.

“Where’s Lock?” Rainbow wondered.

“He said he’d meet us at Whitetale, said that he had something important to take care of,” Wulfric said.

Meanwhile, in Marshall’s wagon, Celestia and Luna were conversing with each other as Selene sat on her father’s lap and gazed out the window. Her attention then turned to her brother, who seemed to be staring off into space again.

“You seem happy brother. Your date go well?” She asked, snapping him out of it.

“Oh, yeah it went great,” Imperius said sheepishly.

“Gummy and I had a nice conversation and meal at a café and we walked through town.”

“Really? Then how come I heard from the guards that they had to carry you back to your room since you supposedly lost consciousness?” Selene questioned.

“Umm...It was hot?” His voice cracked.

“Uh huh, sure it was,” Selene rolled her eyes.

About an hour later, the caravan arrived at their destination and stopped in an open area in the woods. As the soldiers took point around the carriages, the servants were setting up their tents and built a campsite. Wulfric pulled out a couple long bows and handed one to Beorn.

“This’ll be a fine hunt, son,” Wulfric grinned.

“I’ll make sure we track down the largest boar and use its tusks to make a necklace for you.”

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, dad,” Beorn smiled.

As the king readied his hunting party and the women were settling in, Dimitri had finally caught up with the caravan and landed within the campsite. He was greeted by any whom he passed by, but some seemed to notice a few feathers from his wings on the ground. The man then was met with the other royals, and Shining was the first to greet Dimitri.

“Hey there Shining, good to see you again,” Lock said, shaking his hand.

“Likewise, Lock, how has Wulfric’s family been treating you?” Shining asked.

“Pretty well, in fact, he’s been a good friend this past month and I’ve been very appreciative.”

Shining nodded as he went to join Wulfric and his family. Though he too noticed a couple of his feathers on the ground and he seemed to be a little out of breath for some reason.

“Hey Lock, why don’t you take a rest? We can handle this.” Shining suggested as he gave a few coughs.

“Nah, I’m fine, just a little winded is all,” Lock smiled, wiping his mouth. Wulfric and his family saw their human companion as Wulfric fist bumped the human.

“So, you and your boy seem fired up to hunt,” Lock smirked.

“Of course, my father and I hunted when I was young, it’s tradition,” Wulfric boasted.

“Then how’s about we make things interesting,” Lock said as he leaned in to whisper. When Lock spoke his proposal, Wulfric gained a wide grin and looked very giddy at the bet.

“What do you say?”

“Keep talkin’,” Wulfric replied as his interest was piqued.

“Whoever hunts the largest, gets all three for a week. No questions, all kinks allowed.”

“You’re on. Just be sure your gal is ready.”

Lock nodded but then coughed a little. Only as he coughed, he then began coughing more, making Rainbow and Applejack a little worried.

“Sugarcube?” Applejack held him up as he wiped his mouth.

“It’s nothing.”

“Nothing?! Explain that!!” Said Rainbow pointing to the drops of blood on his hand.

“It’s…uh,” Lock tried to say.

“Lock, why are you coughing blood?” Wulfric questioned.

Seeing no way out of this, Lock sighed as he quietly brought the three to a secluded area away from the camp.

“I didn’t think it was this bothersome, but I guess that’s what I get for being careless,” Lock grumbled.

“Tell us what’s going on!” Rainbow demanded.

Lock frowned and lifted his shirt up to reveal his infected scar. The three gasped as the green veins had spread a bit more as Lock just stood there.

“Got it the night those intruders came for your family. Basilisk venom, those bastards had laced their daggers with the stuff. I’ve tried healing myself with my flames, but for some reason it’s only delaying the inevitable.”

“Looks bad.” Wulfric said while examining the wound and took a quick sniff.

“Blech! And it’s festering!!”

“Doc says…a few months until-”

“Don’t. Say it!” The king shouted with his hand raised.

“We need to cure this soon or you’ll end up worse.”

“That’s the good news, there is a cure. However, the bad news is where the cure is: Mt. Everhoof.”

The group sighed after hearing this and were at a loss at what to do. The doctors who joined the hunt, escorted Lock into his tent along with Antoinette who was very worried about her lover. As Lock laid in bed, Antoinette held his hand and Lock smiled at her, only for him to erupt in a coughing fit and spit out blood in a rag.

“Shit, damn stuff is in my lungs,” Lock grunted.

“Ohh and the girls and I had a surprise for you boys.” Antoinette smirked as she held his hand.

“I’m sure it would’ve been nice,” Lock smiled as he reached over and placed his hand on her belly.

“My only regret…is not being there when she’s born.”

“She?”

Lock smiled at his mare and nodded.

“A little filly, congrats.”

The queen gasped as tears welled up in her eyes and immediately started to break down crying.

“Hey come on, don’t be sad.”

“No, I’m happy!” She chirped.

“Antoinette, I’m sorry,” Lock frowned.

“I…I wish I were stronger, for you and our daughter.”

“Don’t say that.” She smiled and kissed his forehead.

“You are plenty strong for both of us. Now rest. I need to talk with the girls about our surprise.”

In hopes of lightening the mood, Antoinette lifted her dress to flash him her slender legs and a brief look at her undergarments with a wink before exiting the tent with a sway in her hips.

“Heh, that mare sure is an interesting one,” Lock chuckled as he leaned back on his hands.

As for Antoinette, she kept up the reassuring act for his sake but soon found herself frowning and hurried to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. She soon found them by the campfire and approached them with worry.

“Lady Applejack, Lady Rainbow Dash, I would like to know what afflicts our mate please,” Antoinette said with worry.

“It’s basilisk venom sugarcube. It’s not looking too good.” Said Applejack.

“Is there a cure?”

“He said there is, but it’s at the top of Mt. Everhoof,” Rainbow said.

“Are you going to send somepony there to get it?”

“It’s not that simple, sugarcube, the place is surrounded by enchanted winds and-”

“Please!” Antoinette cried.

“He needs to be okay!”

“Woah, chill out Antoinette, we’ll try to find a way but-”

“Don’t you two realize?! I’m pregnant with his foal!”

The whole camp dropped what they were doing in complete shock. Normally this would have been good news if it weren’t for their current situation as Antoinette hugged her belly with worry.

"Oh hon, we had no idea…" The farm mare replied while helping her to sit down.

“He has to be okay…” Antoinette muttered, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I know he’s not to remain in this world for long, but he deserves to see his daughter before he leaves!”

Applejack comforted her in a warm hug and gently rocked back and forth like she was a foal when Wulfric walked up with a few scouts.

“These men have volunteered to get the herb. Celestia has arranged a portal to Everhoof, he’ll be fine.”

Antoinette sniffled and nodded as Celestia used her magic to open a portal. The winds from the mountain in the distance blew through as the scouts stepped through and saluted before the portal closed.

“Now then, let us resume enjoying our outing and start this hunt. Beorn, Shining, you’re with me. Marshall, you take Imperius and young Flash Sentry. By this day’s end, we’ll have hunted down a worthy bounty!”

The camp cheered as they went to their respective tents to prepare while Wulfric gave a sigh of relief and sat by the fire.

“Hmm Applejack, should we?” Whispered Rainbow who could see her husband was emotionally exhausted from keeping their spirits up.

“Normally I would, hon, but as things are, I think it’s best we just be there for him to lean on,” Applejack said.

“Okay, but if he keeps up that gloomy attitude, I’m stepping in.”

“Deal.”

The mid afternoon sun was now high in the sky as the hunt had begun. Wulfric was armed with a longbow, along with Beorn and Shining, as they crept through the trees and were following tracks they had found.

“Keep sharp, they’re close, I can feel it in my gut,” Wulfric muttered.

“Dad, over here!” Beorn called out in a hushed voice as he pointed to a fresh mud wallow.

“Looks big.”

“Very big…good work son, keep your eyes open.”

The hunters stalked the woulds, making every step careful as they followed the trail and came across a small stream flowing under a rotting log.

“This must be their watering hole. Split up, we’ll cover more ground.” Said Shining as he loaded his crossbow.

The king and prince nodded as they separated from their companion. The two followed the tracks and ventured further into the woods. From the brush, a huge boar, the biggest one Wulfric had ever seen, came trudging out as it sniffed the ground.

“Odin’s beard…!” Wulfric muttered as they kept low to the ground.

“Holy crap, that boar’s huge!” Beorn added.

“That’s not just any boar, that’s an alpha! The proof are those large tusks of his. Ready your bow, son, this kill is yours.”

The prince knocked his arrow and slowly lined up his shot as he listened to the sound of the string tightening with his pull. With one well placed shot, the boar thrashed about and roared with anger before keeling over and falling to the ground in exhaustion. Wulfric and his son approached the dying beast with care as it huffed with blood pooling beneath it.

“Son.” Wulfric spoke gently as handed his son a hunting knife.

“Finish what you started.”

Beorn knelt before the boar, knife in hand as he looked it in the eye and could see how much pain it was in.

“Forgive me.” The prince said with a tear in his eye before plunging the knife into its side as it gave one loud grunt before fading away.

“Well done, boy, its tusks will make a fine necklace,” Wulfric said with pride. Shining soon returned to them and went wide eyed at the dead boar before them.

“Sweet Celestia, is that an alpha?”

“Yep, and my son was the one that brought it down,” Wulfric said as she began removing the tusks.

Beorn sniffed and wiped his nose, trying not to feel pity for the beast when his father placed his hand on his shoulder.

“There is no shame in tears my son. Death is just another path in life. One that we all must take.”

“I know, it’s just hard to watch something else die,” Beorn admitted.

“Your dad and I know that feeling all too well, Beorn,” Shining said as Wulfric started to fashion the necklace for Beorn.

“He and I went through Tartarus during the war and watched many good soldiers lose their lives, especially by our own hands. Ain’t that right, Wulfric?”

“Aye but we honor those warriors be they enemy or friend. There, all done.” Wulfric smirked as he placed the necklace around his son’s neck.

“A fine gift for a great hunter!”

“Thanks dad, I-”

SNAP

All flinched at the sound of a twig snapping and looked around for the source but saw nothing.

“We should go...now.” Shining said while Wulfric hoisted the boar over his shoulders.

“Agreed. Where’s Marshall? He should’ve been back by now.”

Marshall was busy stalking his own prey just a little further from the group. He spotted a fairly large boar and prepared to fire when the sound of a snapping twig startled the beast making it run off.

“Damn.” The lord regent cursed as he headed back to the others. Suddenly, the faint aroma of smoke caught his attention and he went to investigate, finding a recently abandoned camp.

“Odd…” he said while investigating the campsite and found a burnt piece of parchment in the embers. At first it didn’t seem important as most of the words were blackened by the smoke save for three that sent a chill up his spine.

“Kill the king”

“Oh gods…WULFRIC!!”

Back at the camp, Lock was smoking a cigarette after he had taken some of his pills to ease the pain. The doctors were checking on him periodically as the man minded his own business.

“Damn, I’m bored.”

“Then maybe I can help?”

In a puff of flames, Lucifer appeared, much to Dimitri’s annoyance.

“What do you want?”

“Is that any way to speak to someone who wishes to warn you?”

“And what would that be?”

“Your friend, the Caribou king, is about to be ambushed.”

Lock’s eyes widened as the cigarette dropped from his mouth. He wasted no time to spring out of bed, grab his swords, and jump out of the tent.

“TO ARMS!! ALL MEN TO ARMS!! THE KING IS IN TROUBLE!! BATTLE STATIONS!!”

By the time Lock sounded the alarm, a horn was sounded and the sounds of clashing steel echoed in the forest.

“To the king! Unleash the wolves!!” A shield maid commanded as several dire wolves took off into the forest with their masters following.

“Lock!”

The man turned to see Applejack, Rainbow, and Antoinette run up to him before he took off after them.

“I need to go, Wulfric is in trouble.”

“What?! But Lock you’re sick!” Antoinette said.

“I don’t care! I’m going after him!”

“Please be careful,” Applejack pleaded.

Lock nodded and unfurled his wings and shot through the air. He flew through the trees, passing the wolves, Vikings, and soldiers as he honed in on the fighting. He ignored the pain starting to well up inside him as he neared his destination and came to a shocking sight. A large group of bandits had surrounded Wulfric, Shining, and Beorn and they were beginning to be overwhelmed.

“WULFRIC!! DOWN!!” Lock roared as he raised his ignited fist up.

“HELLFIRE FIST!!!”

In a burst of flames, a huge gap was created in the circle and the three escaped with the rest of the bandits chasing them.

“Keep running boys!!” Wulfric said as he turned around and unsheathed his sword; Kingslayer.

“You want me?!? HERE I AM!!”

SWOOSH!!

With the first swing, the king cut down seven foes in one swing as his blade cut through them like paper.

“Dad!” Beorn called out as Shining pulled him along.

“We gotta keep moving!” Shining said.

“But my dad!” Beorn said. A bandit was about to attack them from behind when Lock swooped in and sliced his head off with his sword.

“Both of you keep going! I’m going back to help!”

“But Lock!”

“I SAID GET FUCKING MOVING!!” Lock barked as he ran the other way and slashed his way back to Wulfric.

“TWO-SWORD STYLE: FOX HUNT!!”

The twin blades suddenly became a blur as many more bandits were cut down. Soon, Marshall entered the fray and began hacking his way towards his friends until one of the bandits managed to score a hit on Wulfric. Cutting his left arm.

“Our only target is you and the boy! You need not drag your friends into this!!” One bandit shouted before he hit Wulfric with a magic blast that sent him flying.

“WULFRIC!!” Lock shouted as he watched his friend struggle to stand while spitting out a mouthful of dirt and blood.

“GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU BASTARDS!!”

Lock raised his arms in the air as bolts of electricity sparked around his blades.

“60,000,000 VOLT: THUNDERBIRD!!!”

Lock swung his swords to the side as the blast of electricity shot forward and took the form of a large bird. The attack shocked many of the bandits as Wulfric continued to be pelted from all sides.

“Give up! Even with your demonic friend, you and your son will still die this day!” A bandit demanded.

“You think…that because I bleed and out of breath…that I will just lay here and die while you kill my son?!” Wulfric wheezed.

“Will you really risk yourself for one child’s life?”

“You’ll never stop at one…”

SCHWING!!

“I’LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!!!”

Wulfric then began hacking and slashing away at any bandit that came his way. One tried to stab him in his side but he dodged and bashed his head in the bandit’s face before cutting his gut apart. Two more attempted to come at him from different sides as Wulfric grabbed a spear and vaulted over them. He then brought down his sword and cut their heads clean off. However, some unicorn bandits managed to blast him, making the king grunt in pain but roared a battle cry as he kept on fighting.

“Marshall! We need to get to him now!” Lock called out as he tried to summon more of his power.

As the battle raged on, a lone archer was spotted atop a nearby slope and was aiming towards the king eagerly taking aim at his target.

THWACK!!

“UUGH!!”

The arrow struck Wulfric square in the left side of his chest as the initial impact of the shot knocked the wind out of him, yet despite the pain he continued fighting.

“AAAAHHH!!!”

With his strength now fading, Wulfric fought with everything he had and cut down the bandits by the dozen.

THWACK!!

A second arrow pierced him on his right lung with the archer grinning in satisfaction as he watched his target struggle. Wulfric fell to his knee as the world began to spin and his breathing became heavy yet still he refused to give in.

“....RRRRRAAAAGH!!!” With the last of his strength, the king fought off the remaining bandits until a third and final arrow struck him in his stomach.

“You’re so weak.” One of them mocked as he yanked away the king’s sword and fled with the survivors. The archer however was not done and prepared to fire another shot, grinning with anticipation.

“Blueblood sends his regards…”

“NOO!!” Cried Shining Armor as he tackled the archer from behind. They tumbled down the slope, exchanging blows until Lock landed a clean hit with his six-shooter right in the bandit’s heart.

As the bandits fled the scene, all three men slowly turned around and went wide eyed. Their friend, comrade, and brother in arms, Wulfric Warborn, lay dying on the ground.

“WULFRIC!!!”

Marshall cradled his head while Shining ripped open his shirt to see just how bad his injuries were.

“M-my son! Where is my son?” He panted through the pain.

“He’s safe! Cough,Your son is safe! Cough cough, just hang in there!” Lock said as he paid no attention to his own blood being spit out and ignited his hands. He placed them on his chest and summoned as much power as he could.

“D-Dimitri…”

“Don’t speak!” Lock snapped as he made his hands grow as bright as possible.

“You listen and you listen well, keep those eyes open! I’m gonna make you as well as I can and we’ll patch you up!”

“D-Dimitri…give me a sword.” He grunted, reaching out his hand when Marshall gave him his.

“Thank you…”

“…Lock why isn’t it working?!?” Shining Armor shouted as Wulfric became weaker.

“I’M FUCKING TRYING!! COUGH, MY FLAMES ARE AS POWERFUL AS THEY CAN BE! UNLESS-”

Lock gasped as he then realized his condition. He grit his teeth, still coughing, but still tried his damndest to heal his friend.

“…mortal.”

“What?” Marshall said.

“His condition…is mortal. I…I can’t heal mortal wounds and conditions.”

“Dimitri…it’s okay,” Wulfric weakly smiled.

“No! No it isn’t! You can’t die! Not you! Just stay with us!”

“Yeah, come on! You’re gonna be a dad again, remember?” Shining sobbed as he watched his old friend fade when the guards finally arrived.

“HELP US!!” Marshall roared as the two unicorns began casting their healing magic on him.

“Damn it, he’s lost too much blood!!”

“Dimitri…I need…you to promise me something,” Wulfric croaked.

“Don’t you fucking dare!” Lock snapped as he desperately enhanced as much power as possible, blood leaking from his mouth.

“You are gonna live, you’re gonna see your unborn children’s faces, you’re gonna see your son get married, and you’re gonna grow old with your wives! I won’t let you die! Not like this! Not like Joshua!”

“Please…promise me…you’ll watch after my family…please…” The king begged while gripping Marshall’s sword for dear life.

Dimitri grit his teeth as he coughed more blood, and lowered his head on Wulfric’s chest. He reluctantly deactivated his flames and reached over to hold Wulfric’s free hand and hold it close.

“I…I swear to you,” Lock muttered as he gripped his friend’s hand.

“I swear…I’ll watch over them as if they were my own blood.”

“That’s all…I could ever ask…” Wulfric muttered as his eyes grew heavy.

“Wulfric…!” Shining said, as Marshall pounded the dirt with his fist.

“Odin’s valkyries…call for me,” Wulfric said.

“I now go…to join my mother and father…in Valhalla. Thank you, my friends…my brothers…May Odin smile down…upon you all.”

Before anyone could say anything more, Wulfric’s grip loosened from Dimitri’s and fell to the ground. Shining looked away, tears streaming down his face, Marshall on his hands and knees as he continued to slam his fists in the ground, and Dimitri just sat there on his knees and stared at Wulfric. The King of the North, Lord of the four clans, war hero of Equestria, Wulfric Warborn, has passed away with a peaceful smile on his face.

End.