Game of Thrones: Equestria

Beorn stepped out of his room to breathe in some fresh air and despite the snow now falling, he felt no chill and actually welcomed the sensation as it had been a long time since he felt the cold of his homeland.

On his bed were his new wives, each snuggling up to each other after a night of passion with their new husband and each had a brand new wedding ring on their fingers with a different variety of gems.

As he breathed in the morning air, two hands wrapped around him and he felt a gentle kiss on his cheek that made him smile.

"Crysta." He looked back to see his new queen.

"Mmm come back to bed my king~." Crysta purred while snuggling up to him.

“The sun will be up soon and I can’t sleep. Not while knowing what is coming for us…” Beorn said as the first snowflake fell from the sky and the two lovers looked up with warm smiles.

“The first snowfall, winter is here.” Crysta smiled while snuggling against his arm.

“Yes…it is.” Beorn said while looking down at the streets of Canterlot to see the shops opening and the first of its citizens stepping out to start their day.

The battle from days ago still weighed on the citizens of Canterlot. Blueblood was finally dead, his loyalist either sent to life in prison or executed, and the allied forces were still licking their wounds. This year’s winter was a tad colder than normal, and Beorn knew, as did the royals, knew it meant the coming final battle. Beorn’s wives all slowly rose from the bed and sauntered to the bathroom, glancing over their shoulders at their husband as he watched their asses sway left and right before they closed the door. Beorn chuckled as he walked over to the mirror and looked at himself. It was as if he was staring at a stranger with one eye, someone completely different from the stag from nearly a year ago. Beorn sighed and reached for a hairbrush on the nightstand his hand knocked it to the floor. He clicked his tongue and picked it up and stood back up to look in the mirror, only to see a figure wearing a hooded trench coat standing with his hands behind his back in the reflection behind him with two glowing red eyes.

“Good morning, young king,” the devil himself said calmly.

“I know you…” Beorn said while looking behind him to make sure this wasn’t a trick.

“What do you want with me?”

“Oh, just a friendly chat is all.” Lucifer smiled as he removed his hood and summoned up a pot of hot chocolate for himself.

“I do so love this time of year in…any reality actually. A time for generosity and good will.”

“Get to the point, demon, you bore me.” Beorn said bluntly before brushing his hair.

“The battle everyone seldom anticipates draws near."

“Hmph, very well,” Lucifer said as he paced behind Beorn.

"I have witnessed the Wendigo King’s army myself. Quite the foreboding sight, let me tell you.”

“I’m not worried,” Beorn said, brushing the side of his head.

“The allied armies are well-fitted and we have just as many numbers.”

“Perhaps, or perhaps you would like to ensure your victory?” The devil said, slowly bringing out one of his hands holding a blue fruit.

“This one’s quite special, if you want to keep your loved ones safe.”

Beorn had already seen what the devil fruit was capable of firsthand when Marshall consumed it and listened carefully to Lucifer's offer.

“Take this and victory will be guaranteed. No strings, all I want is my right hand man back where he belongs when this whole ordeal is over.”

“....No.”

“Pardon?”

“No. I already messed with enough forbidden magic to last me a lifetime.”

“Ah yes, the berserker brew.” Lucifer nodded as he made the fruit vanish in a puff of smoke.

“Funny thing. Did you know that it contains dragon’s blood?”

Beorn stared in shock as Lucifer gave his signature smirk.

“No? Well it’s no surprise your father forbade its use. That stuff is potent, downright lethal when consumed.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Beorn glared as he began braiding his hair.

“Truth be told…” Lucifer grew serious.

“Beorn, I advise you to be cautious of my Hand.”

“Uncle? Pfft, like I have anything to worry about from him,” Beorn scoffed.

“I am quite serious, boy,” Lucifer said.

“I have been witnessing Lockdrom’s journey since the day he first partook of my fruit. Even I am unsure how to explain it, but there is something about him that is more than meets the eye. Even Micheal, leader of the Archangels of God, has his suspicions about him.”

“Your point?” Beorn asked.

“My point being is Dimitri has gone through many hardships in his past, especially during his time as a soldier. That includes in this world. There is no telling what would happen if, say, one of his precious comrades-in-arms falls,” Lucifer said.

“Death comes for us all sooner or later, even I-”

“Again…” Lucifer cut Beorn off.

“You’re referring to my father…”

“Indeed, and you are practically like a son to him so I advise you to take my offer while you still have the chance.”

“And I already gave you my answer.” Beorn shot out of his seat and stared the devil in his eyes.

“Now leave or I will drag you out of there and make my decision more clear to you…”

Lucifer became annoyed with the young buck and simply vanished from sight just as the girls came out wearing bathrobes and looking refreshed.

“What were you looking at?” Azurys asked as she plopped herself on his lap.

“Nothing…just thinking about the holiday is all.” Beorn smiled before giving each of them a kiss.

“Well then let’s get going, we got so much to do!” Crysta chirped while pulling him out of his chair.

“Wait, where are we going?”

“The closet silly, we’re gonna model our new dresses for you~.” Ruko grinned while shoving him to the closet.

Meanwhile

Celestia awoke to the touch of her husband's hand caressing her belly as he gave each of them a morning kiss and nuzzle with Luna being the only grumpy one as she still had to attend the dream realm despite her pregnancy.

“Mmm what time is it?” Luna groaned while hiding her head under a pillow.

“It’s morning dear sister and Hearthswarming Eve.” Celestia beamed while giving a morning stretch.

“Only thing missing is our little ones rushing in to wake us up.” Marshall sighed before hearing the sound of clashing weapons in the courtyard.

“Sounds like the children are doing their morning practice.” Raven smiled while tying up the sash of her robe.

“Does it ever end with those kids?” Marshall wondered.

In the courtyard, Selene gracefully wielded a rapier while Imperius held his halberd with both hands. On the sidelines, Lock stood by and watched the two spar against one another. Selene went for a stab but Imperius side-stepped and slashed his spear at his sister. Selene backflipped and twirled until she landed on her feet with a smirk.

“Flashy movements aren’t everything, Selene,” Lock advised.

“Stay on the offensive. And Imperius, control your attacks so they are consistent.”

Imperius gave his halberd a few twirls as they began to circle each other and like a shot, both took their fight to the air and began a series of twirls and spins making it look like they were dancing with sparks flying everywhere.

“Getting tired little brother?” Selene teased while parrying his blows.

“On the contrary sister, I’m just getting-WARMED UP!!” Imperius shouted as his body suddenly became engulfed in flames, turning him into a living fireball.

“Here I come!”

With her quick thinking, Selene put up a barrier to halt his attack and the two were locked in midair.

“Kid’s got fight, I’ll give him that,” Lock chuckled.

“Indeed they do.” Discord poofed in next to Lock.

“How goes the colt’s training?”

“He’s gonna be officially knighted with a proper ceremony by his father later today,” Lock said.

“I’ve taught him all I can, he deserves his knighthood.”

“I also hear you finally accepted Selene?” Discord teased.

“Didn’t know you were into young mares.”

“Shut it, we ain’t done anything,” Lock said with a stink eye.

“Besides, Selene is a good mare. I just want her to be happy, same with the other women I’m with here in this world.”

“I see,” Discord hummed as he watched the two siblings spar.

“Say, I have an entertaining idea.” Discord whispered in Lock’s ear, which made the man eye him questionably.

“What? It’ll be funny and educational!”

“Please explain how this would be educational,” Lock deadpanned.

“Indeed,” Discord responded.

Lock merely rolled his eyes as Selene and Imperius went for another clash.

“Oi! Selene!” Lock called out, making Selene glance at him.

“If you win, I’ll take you out on a special Hearthswarming date!”

“....YEAAAAH!!!” Selene suddenly got a wellspring of power and sent her brother crashing into the bushes, much to her parents’ amusement.

“Ahh young love.” Celestia sighed.

Imperius scrambled out of the bushes covered in twigs and leaves and even spat out a bit of dirt while the guards helped clean him off.

“That…that was cheating!”

“No, that was motivation.” Lock said with a smug grin when Selene clinged onto him with an excited squeal.

“You put the moves on her and I’ll have your head! GOT IT?!?” Marshall shouted from the balcony.

“Darling, our little girl is growing up.” Luna said while combing her hair in front of the mirror alongside Raven and her sister.

“That makes it worse!”

“So where are we going?” Selene asked and proceeded to peck Lock’s cheek between each question.

“See a show? chu! A romantic dinner? chu! A midnight stroll? chu!”

“LOCK! I SWEAR TO GODS!” Marshall shouted.

“I didn’t even do anything,” Lock said while Selene kept kissing his cheek.

“Selene, you might wanna cool it with the kissing, your old man’s gonna bust a vein.”

“And your head!” Marshall added.

“As for what I have planned, you’ll just have to wait and see,” Lock said as he scooped up Selene and carried her bridal style.

“Think you can wait until tonight?”

“EEE!!”

The three mares sighed as they listened to their husband grumble in annoyance before getting dressed and beginning preparations for their annual Heartswarming celebration.

“Oh dear, the ballroom is a complete mess…” Raven said after noticing the large hole in the wall and fallen chandelier.

“Half the gardens are destroyed as well.” Luna sighed while watching the castle staff round up the frightened critters.

“I guess we can forget putting up the tree this year.” Marshall said as he watched the servants clear out the debris.

“Well it’s not all bad.” Celestia smiled while rubbing her pregnant belly.

“Soon we’ll be having a few new arrivals~!”

“And I cannot wait to meet them.”

“Perhaps we can help?” Scorpan walked in with Apple Bloom and Scoli.

“My gargoyle soldiers and some of my royal staff can help clean up. It’s the least I can do after Princess Twilight saved my parents.”

“That would be most appreciated, thank you Prince Scorpan,” Luna said.

“Actually…” Scorpan said while rubbing the back of his head.

“It’s King Scorpan now.” This news surprised everyone a little.

“Before my arrival, my father told me that he is no longer the centaur he once was. He went on a rant saying he’d see that sneak attack Tirek pulled on him and my mother a million miles away if he were in his prime. So, as of today, my mother and father, King Vorak and Queen Haydon, have officially stepped down as rulers of the Midnight Palace and have crowned me as their successor.”

“That’s wonderful news!” Celestia cheered.

“We could use some good news after what we went through.” Marshall sighed when he noticed the servants were still putting up the decorations.

“Just because the castle’s a mess, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate dear.” Raven smiled as she pecked his cheek.

“I can agree with that,” Marshall said.

On the outskirts of Canterlot, a lone stag sat in front of a large group of other stags. Next to him was a doe who stood close by. Dyanni eyes the stags who stood nervously in front of Hreidar as he glared at them with his arms crossed

“One hundred years,” Hreidar said with a cold tone.

“The actions of the Stonehoofs will set us back by a hundred years. All because you lot refused to have a single ounce of common sense.”

“B-But we-”

“SILENCE!” Hreidar roared, making most of the stag jump.

“If I hear a single excuse, I will not hesitate to tear your antlers off and drive them through your heart!” Dyanni took Hreidar’s hand and Hreidar took a deep breath.

“However, I was thankfully not raised by Dainn Stonehoof. With that being said, I have a simple proposal for you all. Help me rebuild the Stonehoof name, or be forever exiled to the frozen wasteland back on our home continent.”

Many of the stags who had gathered talked amongst themselves as Hreidar awaited their answer and after a brief moment of silence, one of the elder stags spoke up.

“And if we choose to join you, are we expected to bend the knee to Beorn Wulfricson?”

“Yes.” Hreidar quickly replied as they began to mumble again.

“I have no intention of challenging Beorn’s rule, we all know what happened between his father and mine. The cycle must end here.”

“But sire, he owes us a blood debt!” One of the younger stags protested.

“And we owe him! Never forget it was my foolish father who started this bloody feud almost twenty years ago! No more.” Hreidar then stood from his seat.

“We have lost so many generations of this clan through pointless conquests and fighting amongst ourselves! This is our chance to break the cycle and start over but I cannot do it alone so I ask you not as a chief but as a member of this clan. Please, help me…”

Once again the stags talked amongst themselves. After waiting patiently for a few minutes, they all looked at Hreidar.

“Will Beorn Wulfricson be merciful to us?” One stag asked.

“No, not right away, but I am confident he will over time,” Hreidar said.

“It is up to us to prove that we can change for the better.”

“Then we accept,” the elder Stonehoof said.

“Elder?” One stag said.

“Hush, boy!” The elder snapped.

“Nothing will ever remove the stain on the Stonehoof name, but we can at least begin anew again.” At this, the stags began to agree with the elder.

“I am glad you all have agreed,” Hreidar said.

“But we’re not finished yet. There is one last trial we must face.”

The city of Canterlot was bustling with creatures of all kinds. The yaks helped the ponies lift heavy scaffolding for the builders, the gargoyles aided any civilians who needed it, and the changelings were helping with Hearthswarming decorations. Much was to be done for the rebuild of the royal capital, and everyone was pulling their weight to do so. In the center of town was everyone’s favorite tavern run by Spitfire and Soarin. Their young daughter Twister Winds sat on a stool as she watched her parents work.

“Want a cookie kiddo?” Soarin asked, giving his kid a cookie.

Twister babbled happily and grabbed the cookie and munched on it. The little filly ate her snack until she looked out the window.

“Something out there, sweetie?” Spitfire said.

Soarin and Spitfire looked out the window and both ponies were shocked at what they saw. A large group of stags, about over a hundred of them, marched down the Main Street towards the castle. Leading the group was a face Spitfire had hoped to forget entirely. The stag kept his sights on the castle as he led the group on.

“D-Dainn…?” Spitfire shuddered.

The town was now in a panic as a familiar banner waved overhead and the ponies began to worry.

“The Stonehoofs…”

“They’re back?!”

“Don’t tell me there’s another war coming…”

“Celestia help us…”

It wasn’t long until Beorn and his sister received word and marched towards the main gate of the castle with their personal guard expecting a fight. The moment they saw Hreidar’s clan, a feeling of anger began to rise within Beorn while his sister calmed him down.

“What is this Hreidar?” Beorn demanded an answer while keeping his hand close to his sword. In a shocking twist, Hreidar suddenly bent the knee to him along with the rest of his clan as they laid their banner at his feet.

“My king, our clan has committed terrible deeds through the centuries and for generations we have never sought to atone until now. I ask…no I beg you, show us mercy. We beg you for forgiveness,” Hreidar said.

Beorn stood silent along with Apple Jewel. All who bore witness to this unexpected act were at a loss. That a stag with Dainn’s face of the Stonehoof clan would be bending the knee to Beorn and begging for forgiveness.

“Hreidar, much as you have earned my respect and even my friendship during and after the war, I cannot stay the same for the rest of your clan,” Beorn said firmly.

“There are even remnants of the Stonehoofs back home, who aren’t aware of you yet. So what makes you so sure they would follow you as well and beg for forgiveness?”

“They won’t, I know my clan warriors all too well. Their pride will not let them accept defeat but I ask that you only show mercy to us,” Hreidar pleaded.

Beorn thought long and hard for a moment before turning to Apple Jewel.

“Sister, what is your opinion?” Beorn asked.

“It is hard to say, to be honest,” Apple Jewel said.

“Father often told stories about the Stonehoofs, none of them were good, but Hreidar is different. He fought by your side during the battles against Blueblood.” Apple Jewel thought about it for a few moments then spurred an idea. “Let’s give him an impossible task.”

“An impossible task?” Beorn asked, confused.

“Hreidar Snow,” Apple Jewel said.

“Yes, m’lady?” Hreidar said.

“If you wish to start your clan’s path of redemption, then you must be a proper new chief and tend to all members of your clan. As co-ruler of the clans, I order you to return to our homeland in the north. Track down every last Stonehoof clansman out there. You will either convince them to join you, or, if they’re too far gone, deal with them as you see fit. Kill them, exile them, do whatever is necessary as the new chief of the Stonehoofs. Once you have completed this impossible task, return to us once more and ask for our pardon. Prove that your clan is as redeemable as you wish it to be,” Apple Jewel announced

With a firm thump to his chest, Hreidar bowed to his friends.

“I swear by all the gods of the Vanir and the Aeisir, I will not return until my clan’s legacy is redeemed or wiped from the pages of history,” Hreidar swore.

“Then by my right as King in The North, I hereby declare you to be The King’s Hand. To enact my will upon those under my rule.” Beorn smiled as he placed his hand upon his friend’s shoulder.

“And when all this fighting is done, we shall drink and feast in my father’s hall until our hairs turn gray and our bones ache from old age.”

The crowd began cheering as Hreidar stood before his king and shook hands with a proud smile before the rest of his clan returned to help rebuild the city.

“You don’t really mean to send me north now, do you?” Hreidar whispered.

“We must. If the worst should happen, our people will turn to you.” Beorn said in a hushed voice while making sure they weren’t being eavesdropped.

“Do not betray my trust Hreidar or by the allfather I will curse your family for all time.”

“I don’t intend to,” Hreidar said.

“This is the second chance my ancestors dreamed of.”

“Hreidar?” Dyanni walked up to him.

“Is it true? Are you going back to the North?”

“I must, my sweet, it’s what my king demands of me,” Hreidar said.

“Then I’m coming too,” Dyanni said.

“Dyanni, this isn’t a vacation, it’s a quest for redemption,” Hreidar said.

“And I want to help you with this quest,” Dyanni protested.

“I’ve spent too long in that forest as a fawn. Now I’m finally seeing the outside world and…I found the stag of my dreams.” Dyanni held his hand.

“I want to be with you through this, through thick and thin. My father will understand,” Dyanni said.

“And it’s the perfect way to kick off your engagement with a little romantic cruise across the ocean. Eh? Eh?” Beorn winked before getting elbowed in the gut by his sister.

“What my idiot brother means is we wish you all the luck in the world and don’t worry, we’ll handle your father,” Apple Jewel said with a passive aggressive smile.

“Rrg! What she said!” Beorn winced.

The couple laughed before sharing a quick kiss and began to make plans for the journey north while their friends continued to prepare for Hearthswarming eve. Even with the ruined buildings and craters in the streets, the city was as lively as ever and once the snow was deep enough, children were seen using the craters as little forts and began snowball fights while the adults hustled with repairs.

Although it wasn’t something Celestia and Luna enjoyed doing, they had no choice but to give the order to send their troops to the Crystal Empire as soon as possible. The army of the dead was fast approaching, and they wouldn’t even stop for Hearthswarming. At the train station, hundreds upon thousands of troops were seeing their loved ones off. Ponies, caribou, yaks, deer, and gargoyles alike were all slowly but steadily loading into the train cars. Some have tearful goodbyes, some gave confident promises of return, and some wished they could stay but had to fight for their home and for the world.

“Must you leave…?” Ragna said sadly to Gregor.

“Our boy is already preparing to return to the north, and now you must leave for the Crystal Empire.”

“Hey, I’ll be back before you know it.” Gregor said while giving her a kiss as they watched the soldiers pile into the train cars.

“When this war is finally over, we’ll have a home to come back to.”

“Well I don’t care if you’re a hero, just get back to me safely.” Ragna said as she held his hand.

“I promise.”

Amongst the line of troops was Imperius and his band of mercs who had begun overseeing airships carrying their supplies for the siege.

“Make sure that cargo is secured, every last bit counts.”

“Right you are, sir.”

Imperius glanced at his spear and wondered if his newfound power would be enough. He had finally achieved his dream of becoming a knight, he found the loves of his life, and he has become the stallion he never thought he’d become. He looked back at the castle where he was raised. Even all the way from the train station, he could still see his mothers standing at the balcony of the highest tower. He already said his goodbyes to his wives, which was as difficult as saying goodbye to his mothers, but it was a necessity.

“When this is over, we’ll celebrate Hearthswarming properly,” Imperius said to himself as he walked to the front of the train to stand with the conductor.

Amongst the crowd, Surt and Upper Crust, along with Top Notch and his lover. Lady Crust was now a couple months pregnant with her new baby as Surt gently placed a hand on her stomach.

“This child will not grow up without her father,” Surt promised.

“I know.” his new wife smiled as they shared a kiss.

“HEY! Grubber, quit stuffing your face and get a move on!” Imperius shouted to one of his merc friends who was caught eating some cheese from the rations.

“Okay, okay! Geeze I can’t have a snack while working?”

With the last of the supplies loaded, the crew boarded the ships and prepared to sail for the Crystal Empire as the citizens waved them off with a cheer while back at the train station, Marshall and his elite knights prepared to depart along with his wives.

“I’d feel better if you all stayed here.” He said while holding both Luna and Celestia’s hands.

“Husband, where you go, we go.” Celestia smiled as she placed his hand on her belly.

“I don’t want our little one to be too far away from her daddy.”

“The Wendigo King will stop at nothing to kill us all,” Marshall said.

“If I’m going to risk my life, then I’d rather do it knowing you’re somewhere safe.”

“Be that as it may, we still wish to come with you,” Celestia said.

“So we shall take our personal airship to the empire and meet you there. Just so we won’t take up too much space on the train.”

Marshall nodded and looked around.

“Where’s our daughter?” Marshall asked.

“Oh, she’s with Lock,” Luna said.

“…one day I’ll kill that bastard,” Marshall sneered.

“…one day.”

Selene was told by the servants to make her way to the top of the mountain that overlooked the city and castle. She didn’t know what it was for, and she was told it was of the utmost importance. She walked up the mountain wearing a fur coat and earmuffs to keep warm. It irked her a little that she wasn’t told why she had to come up all the way here but she still made her way up.

“This better be worth the trouble,” Selene grumbled as the wind blew against her a little.

“Who calls a meeting all the way up-!”

Selene stopped in her tracks when she was met with a wondrous sight. A ring of low flames circled an area at the peak of the tower. Waiting for her was Dimitri Lockdrom, dressed in a black tuxedo and wearing white dress gloves. He stood with a blue rose in his hand and smiled at Selene. Behind him was a table with two chairs and two covered dishes on each end. Selene was in a state of shock which only made the man chuckle at her reaction.

“Glad you could make it, my dear,” Lock said as he approached the princess. He held out the rose for her to take.

“Happy Hearthswarming Eve, and…” he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“Happy birthday.”

Selene squealed as she leaped onto him for a big hug and was twirled around by Lock.

“How did you know?” She asked with excitement.

“Your mother told me.” Lock winked as he guided her to the table.

“Hope you like the cake, I baked it myself.”

As soon as Selene entered the ring of flames, the atmosphere became much warmer as she sat down when Lock pulled out her chair for her. Lock pulled off her coat and draped it over the chair. He reached for the lid on the platter and pulled it off to reveal a luxurious burnt almond cake.

“Your favorite,” Lock said.

The princess squealed again as they sat down and he lit her a candle to make a wish. After a few brief moments of silence, Selene blew out the candle and proceeded to take a bite out of her birthday cake, the taste made her horn shimmer as she gave an excited squeal.

“You sure you aren’t Celestia’s daughter?” Lock joked as he took a slice for himself and the two enjoyed their picnic.

“You’re such a tease,” Selene said as she ate her cake,

“It’s just one of the many things I love about you.”

“And I love how you’re always smiling,” Lock said.

“Call it one of the things I fight for.”

Selene blushed as she and Lock conversed with each other and ate the cake. Lock shared some stories about his home world and Selene revealed some embarrassing stories about her brother that Lock swore to secrecy.

“And then when my bunkmates and I got back to the quarters, we found all our bed sheets pink!” Lock said, causing Selene to laugh out loud.

“Turns out some genius dropped a pair of red socks in the wash. We had to do double the drills each day in order to make up for that one.”

“Hehehehe! Oh my, that’s priceless!” Selene laughed. Lock laughed as well until small tears leaked out of her eyes. Selene was still laughing, but Lock could tell she struggled to keep her emotions in check.

“Selene?” Lock said.

“I-I’m sorry…” Selene said, wiping her eyes.

“It’s just…I want this to last forever.”

Lock frowned a little and knew what she meant.

“I know.” Lock looked out to the city.

“This…will be my last adventure here.”

The two of them looked out towards the city as they watched the train and airships depart before seeing the first of the Hearthswarming decorations light up the streets followed by the sounds of the first carolers singing in the square.

“Ohh I love this one!” Selene said as she heard the song echo on the wind.

“Princess?” Lock called out to her while extending his hand.

“May I have this dance?”

Selene grinned and took Lock’s hand. The two stood from the table and they began to slow dance with each other. Selene was lost in Lock’s eyes as they swayed with the music. The two swayed and stepped with the rhythm of the music. Lock unfurled his wings and flapped them as he held onto Selene’s waste. He spun slowly in a circle in the air and Selene sighed with a demure smile. The young princess leaned up and kissed Lock on the lips as Lock slowly descended to the ground and they separated.

“Lock?” Selene said.

“Yes, Selene?” Lock said.

“Please, make this night unforgettable,” Selene said.

Lock blinked and held her hands with his. “Selene…are you sure?”

Selene would only nod yes as they drew closer to each other and like something out of a romance movie, the snow began to fall the moment they kissed each other and embraced one another with the princesses leg popping up followed by an excited giggle.

Lock sat on the edge of the bed and meditated. In the other room, Selene was staring at herself in the mirror with a very nervous smile as she just stepped out of the shower.

“Okay…okay…okay, Selene, this is it,” Selene said, trying to take deep breaths.

“You’re eighteen years old now. Your stallion is waiting for you and you can’t screw this up. Just relax… Oh, who am I kidding?! I can’t relax! This is happening!”

Selene once again had to take deep breaths to steady herself until she finally was able to put her underwear on. She then walked to the door and peeked out to see Dimitri still sitting on the edge of the bed with his eyes closed.

“Lock?” Selene said.

“Yes?” Lock said, opening an eye.

“I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?” Selene asked.

“Not at all,” Lock said.

Selene nodded and opened the door more. She slowly walked towards Lock and sat herself next to him. The mare’s heart was beating so fast and her body went a little rigid.

“Selene?” Princess jumped a bit and looked at Lock who was smiling warmly at her. “Relax. I won’t do anything on my own terms. Tonight is your night. So you tell me what to do, and I’ll do it, okay?”

The princess could only nod yes as Lock gently took her by the hand and kissed her while gently caressing her arm. His touch instantly got her to relax and her mind was in a complete state of bliss with their kiss and slowly began wrapping her arms around him.

“I love you.” She said as they broke the kiss to catch their breath.

“And I love you,” Lock said.

“Um…can you please lay on your back?” Selene asked.

Lock nodded and climbed on the bed and laid on his back. Selene slowly crawled on top of Lock and I did the buttons on his dress shirt. When she undid the last button, his exposed torso was on full display. The scars that littered his body mesmerized the young princess and she trailed her fingers on each one. Selene gulped and reached behind her. She undid the clip of her bra and allowed her breasts to be freed. She wasn’t as large as most mares her age, a healthy C-cup. But Lock drank in Selene’s beauty and Selene felt oddly calm at his stare.

“Touch me…” She whispered.

Lock nodded and trailed his hands up her hips, to her stomach, and to her breasts. He gently cupped each breast and gave them a small squeeze, making her moan.

“You’re gorgeous, Selene,” Lock said.

“Th-They’re not too small, are they?” Selene asked as Lock kept gently caressing her.

“They’re perfect, just like you,” Lock said softly.

Her lover then gently pulled her down as his hands trailed towards her flank and even hit a few ticklish spots along her back as she let out a few giggles and squirmed around.

“Watch those hands mister.”

“You mean these hands~?” Lock grinned as he grabbed her flank in surprise.

“Eee!” Selene squealed before going back to kissing her lover.

“You’re mean~.”

“And you’re cute~.” Lock said before rolling on top of her.

The young beauty beneath him looked up at the man. His entire frame was much larger than hers as he leaned down and kissed her lips. He trailed downwards and kissed and worshiped her body, all while she squirmed and moaned out loud. His kisses soon led to between her legs where he noticed a wet stain on her panties. He looked up at Selene for her approval, to which she slowly nodded while panting heavily. Lock hooked his fingers on the waistband and pulled her panties down and off her legs. Her special place was exposed to him and her scent filled his nostrils. A smooth-looking cameltoe that looked quite wet from all the arousal. Lock slowly leaned forward while sticking out his tongue and gave her pussy a gentle lick.

“Ah!” Selene cried out.

Lock smirked and went back to work as he started to gently lick her pussy more and more, earning more yelps and moans from his lover.

“Mmmm…” Selene squirmed as she tried to stay still for her lover when Lock gently placed a hand on her cheek and smiled.

“Just relax and let me do all the work.” He spoke in a hushed voice before going back down on her nethers while her cheeks flushed pink and her horn flared up with magic.

“L-lock…” She moaned as he began caressing her legs and gently lapped at her snatch with a few nuzzles in between.

“L-Lock wait! I-I’m about to-!!” Suddenly a shock of pleasure was sent up the princesses spine as he gave her clit one last lick and sent her into her first explosive orgasm that made her clutch her legs tight around his head.

“AHHH!”

Selene’s juices sprayed all over Lock’s face as he lapped up any that went into his mouth. Selene’s face was completely flushed as she was coming down her high. Lock leaned up and pulled off his pants and boxers. When Selene glanced down, she saw Lock fish out a condom from his back pocket and put it on his tool. Selene’s eyes went wide when she saw Lock’s dick. Something so big would probably tear her in two. Once preparations were complete, Lock assumed his position between her legs and readied himself.

“I must ask once again just to make sure,” Lock said.

“Are you sure you want this?”

“Y…Yes,” Selene nodded.

“More than anything. Please…make me yours, Lock.”

Lock nodded and moved his hips forward. The tip of his dick prodded her entrance and he began to enter her. Selene gasped and moaned the more she felt his girth move more inside until he hit a thin barrier. Lock hesitated for a moment and looked at Selene.

“Deep breath, this’ll hurt,” Lock said and she did so. In one quick motion, Lock pushed all the way in, ripping the barrier and claiming her virginity.

The princess let out a pained yelp as she clawed at his back and felt him push all the way into her until he was finally settled inside.

“You okay?” Lock asked after hearing her whimper and felt her nails dig into his back.

“I’m gonna start moving now.”

Selene nodded as he slowly started to push in and out of her with a few pained cries escaping her.

“Nnng! It hurts…”

“Just bare with it.” Lock huffed while holding her hands.

The pain eventually turned into pleasure the more he thrusted. Lock was mindful of how gentle he was with her and kept a slow pace. Selene’s muffled cries soon became blissful moans and the pain had faded almost completely.

“F-Faster…” Selene huffed.

Lock complied and picked up his pace. He leaned his head towards her chest and started to suckle on her left nipple. The act made Selene moan more as her legs crossed over Lock.

“So good…” Selene moaned.

“P-Please go faster~.”

Lock once again complied and picked up to a steady pace. Selene was in a state of euphoria and moaned more and more.

“You feel wonderful, my darling,” Lock said and switched to her right nipple.

“Mmm this is the best birthday ever~.” Selene moaned while feeling his tongue swirl around her tit as he rutted her on the bed. While the lovers continued, two of Luna’s mares from the night guards stood outside the door and could hear their princess moan and giggle through the door as both smirked at each other.

“Think the lord regent’s gonna kill him?” The first one asked her partner.

“Pretty sure the princesses are keeping him as cool as possible.” The second one replied as they were brought their coffee by one of the night staff.

Back in the room, Selene had finally taken the dominant roll and was riding on top of Lock with a little more vigor as she bounced up and down on his rod with all sorts of arousing sounds escaping her.

“Mmm Lock you feel so good~.” She moaned with her breasts bouncing freely.

Lock grunted and kept his hands on her hips. He was impressed how fast she changed her mood once she got the hang of it. Normally, he’d return the favor and show her a wild night, but this was a special occasion for the birthday mare so he held himself back.

“Lock! Lock! Oh, Lock, I love you!” Selene cried out.

“That’s it, Selene, keep it going,” Lock said.

“I’m almost there.”

Selene bounced on Lock’s dick more and felt his tip poke the entrance to her womb. She then mashed her lips on his as their tongues battled for dominance. Selene had lost count how many times she climaxed while riding Lock’s cock. Lock soon felt tension build up in his groin and he grunted.

“Selene! I’m about to blow!” Lock said.

“Yes! Me too! I’m gonna cum too!” Selene said.

“Together!”

With one last bounce on his dick, Selene climaxed once more and drenched his groin with her fem cum. Meanwhile, Lock’s load filled the condom to the brim and ballooned within Selene’s pussy. After a few minutes of basking in their high, Selene shakily raised her hips up and let Lock’s dick flop out of her soaking pussy. The tip of the condom was twice the size of a ping pong ball as his seed sloshed around.

“Mmm that was wonderful.” Selene said as she snuggled against Lock.

“Happy birthday, princess.” Lock smiled before seeing the snow falling outside the window.

“Happy Hearthswarming, my love.” Selene said as they shared one last kiss and cuddled under the sheets.

The Next Morning at The Crystal Empire

Imperius stood in the center of the Crystal arena, staff in hand as several guards surrounded him and attacked from all sides. The group was dispatched with lightning fast precision as the prince struck each of them down with minimal effort before he heard the sound of hand clapping from his father.

“Well done, son, I see your time as a gladiator has paid off.”

“Thanks dad but this is nothing compared to your skill.” The prince said while a butler handed him a towel to dry off.

“Don’t be so modest. You remind me of myself when I was your age.” Marshall said while ruffling his sons mane as they left for the palace.

“Um…my lord?” A servant crystal pony approached Marshall and Imperius.

“Yes? What is it?” Marshall asked.

“There’s somepony here to see you,” the servant said nervously.

“Me? Now?” Marshall said.

“Who is it?”

“He hails from Prance,” the servant said.

“And…well, he claims to be your father.”

Marshall’s entire demeanor changed in an instant. His eyes narrowed, his fists clenched, and his breathing became a little heavy.

“Dad?” Imperius said.

“You have a father?”

Marshall didn’t respond and looked as though he was summoning every once of willpower not to let his emotions get the better of him. With a deep breath, Marshall stood silent for several minutes before giving his response.

“…send him to me,” Marshall said.

The servant bowed and left to go fetch the visitor. Imperius wanted to try and say something, but his questions were best kept to himself for the moment. Soon, the servant came back and next to him was an older-looking stallion. He had darker fur than Marshall’s and his black mane and tail had more gray hairs than black. He wore Prench-looking attire with a cloak over his shoulders. When the older stallion eyed Marshall, he smiled at the Lord Regent.

“By the gods…” the old stallion said.

“I figured you’d look like me in my prime once you came of age, but I didn’t expect the resemblance to be so spot on.”

Marshall would say nothing as he glared at the old stallion who seemed confused at his expression.

“Oh come now have you nothing to say? Give your father a hug.”

Just as the visitor came closer, Marshall violently shoved him back before looking behind him as if searching for something.

“Where are they?” He asked the old man.

“Pardon?” The old stallion said.

“Your Better Sons. Where are they?” Marshall asked again.

An awkward silence came as both stallions stared at each other until the Lord Regent finally spoke up.

“You got a lot of nerve showing your face to me after all this time.”

“Now son, that’s no way to talk to your father-!”

“YOU ARE NO FATHER OF MINE!!”

The outburst echoed throughout the halls, startling Imperius.

“Thirty years…” Marshall hissed with hate.

“Thirty years, since you walked out on my mother and I! I still remember the nights when you hobbled into our home, piss drunk, and prattled on about how worthless I was!”

“I-I know what I did was wrong, but-“ the old stallion tried to say, until Marshall grabbed his collar.

“Don’t you dare try to defend yourself!” Marshall yelled in his face.

“You have nothing I want to hear. Especially after the last thing you said to me before you abandoned me after I was held hostage by one of your rivals! You told me, How did I end up with a worthless brat like you? I’m done with you and the whore. I’m off to find a better wife and sire better sons. That’s what you said to me! And yet, I see no better sons anywhere! So where are they, you old bastard! Where’s your other sons?!”

“I-I-“

WHAM!

Marshall punched the old stallion across his face.

“I said where are they?!”

WHAM!

“WHERE ARE THEY, YOU BASTARD!”

“Son…please…” Marshall's father begged as he was pummeled over and over.

WHAM!

“WHERE ARE YOUR BETTER SONS?!”

Suddenly, something grabbed Marshall by his arms and pulled him away as the old stallion fell down. He turned his head to see Imperius holding him back.

“Father! Enough! He’s had enough!” His son pleaded.

“It’s not worth it!”

Realizing what he had made his son witness, Marshall quickly composed himself and looked at the pitiful sight of the old man bleeding in front of him.

“I never wanna see you again…never. Imperius, come!” He ordered while storming off with his son following close behind.

“Who was that dad?”

“....that was your grandfather.” Marshall saw no point in lying to his son as they left.

“I never told you, but I was actually born in Prance. I was younger than you when it happened. A rival lord of the local Duke of our village wanted to try and use us as leverage to force our Duke to surrender his lands. Normally, soldiers would ransack villages and take as many ponies as possible. But that stallion…he sold my mother and I out just to save his own skin.” Marshall clenched his fist in anger.

“I sat in a cell and watched my mother pass away from illness before the royal army dispatched the rival lord and his men. That is who the stallion you just saw is.”

Imperius was in complete shock after hearing about his father’s past and continued to listen to his tale.

“Shortly after the feud, the lord who abducted me came to raise me as his own son. He taught me the ways of knighthood and chivalry, gave me the strength I needed to survive before letting me go my own way and the rest is history.” Marshall sighed as they entered the palace.

“It’s something I never hoped to tell you and your sister, son, it’s not a part of my life I wished to share.”

“But dad, you’re amazing!” Imperius said, surprising his father.

“I mean it explains how you became…this! It’s like something out of a fairy tale!”

“Hmph. My boy.” Marshall smiled while holding his son close.

Meanwhile, Beorn and Lock were in another training yard together. Beorn was decked out in his armor and held Kingslayer in one hand and Thunderbolt in the other. Lock was also wearing his armor and held his whip-swords in his hands and clenched his spear in his jaw. The two charged at each other and clashed their weapons with enough force to send a shockwave. Lock and Beorn exchanged blows and parried attacks as if they were fighting for real. Lock clicked the buttons on his swords’ handles and they extended out in their whip form. Twirling his body like a top, Lock whipped his swords at Beorn and the young king jumped out of the way. His eye was constantly moving in different directions and predicted the whip-swords movement with expert precision. One of the whip-swords came at him on his left but changed trajectory to his right. Beorn swung his sword to deflect the blade and then his hammer behind him to stop the other whip-sword from hitting his back. Lock smirked and pressed the buttons on his swords’ handles again, making the blades retract back to him.

“Your precision is amazing, Beorn,” Lock said.

“Even with only one eye, you’re able to read my weapons like a book.”

“A little trick my dad taught me. Don’t focus on the weapon, focus on the hands.” Beorn said as he walked towards his mentor.

“Just by seeing how the hands are positioned, you can tell where your opponent is going to strike and secondly!” He shouted before throwing Kingslayer at Lock who easily dodged while he let Thunderbolt drop to the ground.

“Always attack in a way your opponent won’t expect.”

“That’s great advice but now you are disarmed.” Lock smirked when he noticed Beorn was about to snap his fingers and suddenly remembered the enchantment on Kingslayer.

“Oh you little-!”

Snap!

In the blink of an eye, Kingslayer flew back towards his wielder's hand and nearly decapitated Lock who was suddenly kicked in the chest by his pupil and pinned to the wall with a blade at his throat.

“I win.” Beorn smirked.

“Yes you do,” Lock said with a smile.

“Looks like I have nothing more to teach you either.”

Beorn laughed and withdrew Kingslayer. But just as Lock sheathed his swords, Beorn frowned.

“You okay?” Lock asked.

“This is it,” Beorn said.

“This…will be our last sparring session.”

Lock sighed and nodded his head somberly.

“Yeah, it seems so.” Lock looked up to the sky.

“It’s been a crazy year here, even since I came crashing through that mirror.”

“Uncle…what if I came back with you?” Beorn asked out of the blue.

“The Stonehoofs are still oppressing your world, right? I could also bring some troops with me to even the odds.”

“Kid,” Lock said.

“And not only that, I can probably get the other clans to help out too!”

“Kid.”

“We’ll keep fighting the good fight! Just as we have been! Those bastards won’t see it coming-!”

Lock quickly silenced him as he wrapped his arms around his godson.

“Beorn…it’s gonna be okay,” Lock said softly.

“I know you want to but your place is here.”

“But…without you-”

“Your people need you more than I do. You’re their king.” Lock gave a solemn smile as he looked upon his godson.

“How I wish your father could see you now, the man you’ve become; The hero. A legend all on your own.”

Beorn would normally feel proud in a moment like this but the thought of losing another family member hurt him deeply as he stared at the ground with a look of disappointment.

“Hey stop that look or you’ll make me depressed.” Lock joked as they left the training grounds.

“Let’s grab a bite to eat and worry about the future at another time.”

Beorn smiled at the idea when he saw squadrons of heavily armed soldiers marching towards the outer wall to take their positions.

“They’ll be here soon…” He said with a hint of worry.

The two made their way to the council room where the leaders of the different factions waited for them. Prince Rutherford, Alpha Rocky Hyde, King Scorpan, and Queen Jasmine sat around the table. Lock and Beorn took their seats next to Marshall and Imperius.

“Let’s begin our preparations,” Marshall said and looked to the map of the palace and the surrounding area.

“They will arrive from the east horizon, all the way to the west horizon. Our main forces will be on the front lines.”

“Yaks operate catapults from walls,” Rutherford said while thumping his chest.

“Yaks smash undead with heavy rocks!”

“Our main defense will be these two rings.” Shining Armor said while showing the two outer walls surrounding the main city.

“The first ring is where we’ll focus our main defense, the enemy will be forced to send all their troops in this one spot, going around will take too long and will expose them to ranged attacks from the mages and pegasi as well as the artillery and if that fails, we fall back to the second wall and catch them in a kill box.”

“Our main worry should be the windigo king and his generals.” Beorn said as he stood from his chair.

“With every soldier that falls in battle, the undead ranks are bolstered. If we can take them out, their army will be crippled.”

“A bold plan young Beorn but they will most likely be at the rear and impossible to reach.” Scorpan replied.

“Then I say we dig a trap.” Rocky suggested while pointing to the field just outside the wall.

“My troops can dig a series of pitfalls to slow their advance and give us a chance to attack them at their flanks. The undead are numerous but all it takes is one good burst of flame and we can burn their rotting bones to a crisp.”

“That is if Dragon Lord Ember finally replies to our summons.” Marshall huffed with his arms crossed.

“I know winter isn’t the best season for dragons but this is hardly the time to be picky about the weather and do we have word on the mercenaries guild from Griffonstone?”

“No response,” Shining said and stood up.

“Which is why I’m going to Griffonstone personally.”

“Now? But we need you!” Imperius said.

“You’ll all be alright without me, someone needs to go whom they’ll listen to.”

“Then we wish you luck,” Lock said.

Shining nodded and left the council room to depart immediately.

“Now, I have a few ideas how we can meet the enemy head on without losing too many troops. Lucky, I still remember a thing or two from my time in the army. Since the enemy has such a wide range of dead coming at us, I have a tactic that might help.”

Lock pulled out his smartphone and tapped it a few times.

“In my home world, there was a war between two countries. They were called the Immortals of Persia and the Spartans of Greece. The Spartans were once able to hold back the Persian army with only three hundred of their troops.” Lock tapped his phone’s screen and used a display crystal to show the audience an image.

“This was one of their tactics that they used to fight the Immortals back.”

“An impressive tactic. Divide the army into three separate groups and flank the enemy.” Shining Armor said as he looked over the map.

“My men can take the brunt of the assault while our elite units take the flanks and circle around the enemy.”

“We’ll have to account for flying units.” Marshall said as he pointed to the rear lines.

“I want our artillery and ranged units here at the second wall, it’ll limit the range of their firepower but it will help thin the enemies numbers slowly.”

“Yaks no hide behind walls! We fight enemies face to face!” Rutherford slammed the table as he announced his battle plan.

“Rutherford, with all due respect that’s suicide. Many of your troops won’t survive.”

“Yaks, ready to do our part.”

“Since we have our tactics ready for the undead, there’s a far more pressing matter to address,” Lock said.

“The Wendigo King himself.”

There was a moment of unsettling silence in the room.

“He’s right,” Rocky said.

“We can fight for as long as we can in this battle, but it matters little with him around. If he doesn’t fall, then it’s damn near impossible to win.”

“Which is why…as the Devil’s Hand, I’ll confront him,” Lock said.

“Uncle?!” Beorn gasped.

“Beorn, let’s be real here,” Lock said seriously.

“Imagine for a moment that our entire army was outfitted head to hoof with Valyrian armor, all our mages were the most skilled in both combat and spell casting, and, if they weren’t bedridden, Celestia and Luna were both combat ready and joined us. Do you honestly think it would all be enough to take the Wendigo King down?”

“Um well…” Beorn tried to find an answer before Marshall stepped in.

“I’m afraid that’s not an option. Starswril said that only those of royal blood can end this monster. One of my children has to be the ones to deal the killing blow.”

“Easier said than done.” Rocky replied while leaning on the table.

“From what my scouts have told me, this monster rarely leads the charge, stays behind the rear lines to command his troops and above all he has several of his generals with him who were also said to be the greatest warriors of their time. I hate to say it my friends but we are in a heap of trouble.”

“What you call trouble, I call sport.” Beorn suddenly grinned as he stared at the map.

“My mother always told me that the greater the challenge is, the more awesome your victory will be.”

“Marshall,” Lock said to the Lord Regent.

“With all due respect, this is your son you’re asking to face that thing.”

“I realize that,” Marshall said, and looked at Imperius.

“But I believe-no, I know my son is ready. Are you, Imperius?”

Imperius looked at the map, then to Beorn, then to Lock, and then back to his father. He narrowed his eyes with determination and nodded confidently.

“I’ll drive my spear straight into his black heart,” Imperius said while thumping his chest.

“Looks like we’re all going then,” Lock said.

“So here’s how we’ll do things. While our armies are keeping the undead busy and away from the Crystal Heart, Marshall, Beorn, Imperius, and I will go straight for the head of the snake. If he thinks he can just sit back and let his drones do the dirty work for him, he’s got another thing coming. We’ll face the King and his generals head on and bring the fight to him.”

“Good. I’ve been meaning to try out some new techniques,” Marshall said.

“One last thing,” Lock said as he looked around the room.

“I have full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and the best arrangements are made, as they’re being made, we shall prove ourselves once more able to defend our home.” Lock drew Hell’s Flare and held it up.

“To ride out the storm of war!”

“We all have our duties then, prepare your troops to defend the city and if this is to be our final battle then let’s make the end memorable.” Marshall said as the council members gave a short cheer.

“Council adjourned.”

After leaving the council room, Marshall once again found himself face to face with his father who had been waiting outside for what seemed like a while. His face was all bruised up and had medical tape patched on his jaw and cheek.

“If you’re here for the council meeting, you just missed it.”

“I never was good at timing…but you know that better than anyone.” the old stallion said with a pained chuckle.

“Good day, Lord Avalon.” Marshall said but as he left, his father said something unexpected.

“I’m proud of you my son….I’m proud of you.”

Marshall would say nothing and simply left the old man standing in the snow without so much as a goodbye.

Marshall looked up at the sky and felt the wind grow colder and more intense. He then looked upon the horizon and exhaled.

“And so they come…”

The Next Early Dawn

The stage was set, and everyone stood at the ready. Marshall, Lock, Imperius, and Lock stood in front of the countless thousands of troops behind them. The wind blew against them as they awaited the undead enemy to arrive. The sun had not risen yet, and some of the soldiers were either saying a small prayer or looking at a photo of a loved one one last time. Most of the forces were armed with Valyrian weaponry and some even Valyrian armor. Lock had his hood and mask on and crossed his arms. He glanced back at the army behind him.

“Beorn,” Lock said to the young king who held his father’s sword and his hammer.

“Say a prayer for your dad to give you strength.”

“It will take more than that…” Beorn looked out to the horizon and could already feel the air growing more chillier by the second.

“Is this what Helheim feels like? An endless winter of cold and misery?”

“Don’t think about it too much.” Lock advised his godson as they looked out to the horizon.

“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a hero like my father but now that he’s gone I…I…” Beorn did not know what else to say until Lock placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

“You’ll be fine kid.”

The heartwarming moment was cut short when the winds turned violent and dark clouds began to move in from the horizon.

“Are they attacking already?” Beorn asked while readying his sword.

“No, this is something else…” Lock said when he noticed the clouds were starting to gather over the city.

“Bucker…” Marshall muttered.

“He’s blocking out the sky.”

Just then, an eerie howl echoed through the air and all eyes pointed to the horizon. The sounds of heavy stomping were heard and everyone saw most of the horizon’s line became filled with undead. Everyone was now on edge from the sheer numbers the undead had. Lock slowly reached back and unsheathed his spear. The bottom part of his mask opened up and he clenched his jaw around his spear’s handle before unsheathing Flare and Frost.

“You girls ready?” Lock asked his weapons.

As the skies grew darker, the torches and braziers lighting the wall were suddenly doused out and the entire field was turned into an abysmal black that not even a griffin’s eyes could pierce through.

“Just like in the old tales…a winter unlike any we’ve ever seen…” One of the soldiers said before suddenly being overtaken by a chill.

“W-what foul magic is this?” A unicorn said while trying to reignite the brazier with his horn but to no avail. Hours went by but the enemy showed no signs of movement and with most of the empire now shrouded in darkness, most of the citizens found themselves jumping at their own shadows.

“Oh, you wanna play it like that, huh?” Lock smirked and held up his holo crystal.

“Selene? Be a dear and get rid of this nasty little storm, would you?”

Back at the palace, Selene nodded and put away her crystal. She walked out towards the balcony from the throne room and looked up at the sky. The cold wind blew against her but her resolve and Will was at its peak. The young princess then closed her eyes and held out her arms. Her horn glowed as she began to channel all the magic in her body. The glow from her horn grew brighter and brighter until she herself looked like she was made of light. She grunted a little when she started to feel the strain in her horn but she kept on channeling all the magic she had. Once her magic was at its peak, her eyes shot open and she aimed her hands up at the sky.

A massive blast of magic erupted from her hands and pierced the clouds above. The shockwave sent both the hovering clouds and high winds into disarray. Selene kept firing her magic as much as she could until all the clouds had evaporated until she couldn’t bear it anymore. She stopped her magic and fell to her knees, gasping for air as a headache pounded away at her head.

“That’s…all I can do for now,” Selene said.

Lock smirked and unfurled his wings. Embers began flickering off his body and wings as he gripped his swords and clenched his teeth.

“May I have the first move, Marshall?” Lock asked.

“By all means,” Marshall said as he shut the visor on his helmet and smoke billowed out from the openings of his armor.

“Watch and enjoy the show, boys,” Lock said and flapped his wings, shooting across the air.

In midair, Lock raised Hell’s Flare above him and his flames began swirling around. The flames grew and grew until it formed a massive ball of flames that could rival the sun’s rays. The spectacle made everyone awestruck at the fearsome power of the Devil’s Hand. Lock could see behind the massive horde of the undead where the Windigo King stood with his generals looking up at him.

“You may be able to conjure cold storms that could rival Helheim,” Lock said and raised his other sword to conjure a second massive ball of flames.

“But there’s no magic you can cast that will ever snuff out the Flames of Hell!”

Lock reeled his swords back and yelled into the air as he threw the massive spheres of fire down on the undead army.

“GREAT HELLFIRE COMMANDMENT: SURTR’S JUDGEMENT!!!”

The men cheered as it seemed victory was imminent but the moment the Windigo king raised his hand, the wind changed once more and before their eyes the fireballs were reduced to nothing but vapors on the wind and the clouds that Selene had managed to clear slowly began to reappear.

“Impossible…” Marshall said in disbelief before he spotted the undead king’s crown glowing amidst the darkened horizon.

“So that’s the source of his magic…Men, get those braziers relit now!”

“Yes sir!”

“Hurry or we’ll all freeze to death!”

“What of those who can’t fight, milord? The women and children?”

“Get them into the palace and I want our elite guards protecting the Crystal Heart.”

“Sir!”

It wasn’t long after that they began to hear the beating of war drums followed by the sound of marching footsteps and the eerie shriek of the windigo’s. All of the empire was gripped by fear as the citizens ran into the palace.

“This way, no pushing! Enter the palace calmly, you’ll be safe.” Top Notch shouted while helping move the ponies inside.

The men were able to relight the braziers just as the drums stopped and the marching came to a halt and a deathly silence overcame the field once more.

The Crystal Palace

While waiting for the coming siege, the refugees huddled together to stay warm with the mages doing what they could to keep the cold out. Mothers and fathers wrapped themselves around their children while the guards offered the elderly what blankets they could find as the winds howled outside.

“We underestimated him…” Cadence says as she had watched Lock’s attack get snuffed out like a birthday candle. She saw Lock fly back down to where Marshall and the boys were as the undead army continued to advance. Cadence held Flurry’s hand as her daughter clung to her mother.

“Is even the power of the Devil’s Hand not a match?”

“My lady!” A servant burst through the doors looking quite frazzled.

“What’s the matter? Is it undead?” Cadence asked.

“It’s Lady Celestia and Lady Luna! They’ve gone into labor!” The servant cried.

“What?!” Cadence shrieked.

“Now?! Of all times?! It’s too soon! They shouldn’t be due for another week!”

“They’re in the medical wing as we speak! We must inform Lord Marshall!” The servant said.

“Belay that!” Cadence ordered.

“He mustn’t lose focus, not now! I shall go to my aunts myself.” Cadence then picked up her daughter and gently placed her on the throne.

“Flurry, listen to mommy very closely. Your aunties are about to bring your new cousins into the world and mommy has to go to them. Remember when I said there would be a time when you would get to experience what it’s like to be in charge? Well this is it. While I’m gone, be the princess I’ve taught you to be. Can you do that?”

“Yes mommy.” Flurry said as her mother kissed her forehead.

“That’s my girl,” Cadence said with a smile.

While Cadence rushed to the medical bay, Flurry could see many of the citizens were scared and confused and was not sure what to do next when her aunt Twilight walked up to the throne with a warm smile.

“It’s not easy is it? Being in charge.” She asked her niece who simply shook her head.

“I was in your position once when I became princess. I was so nervous and scared, I wasn’t sure if I’d make a good ruler.”

“Then how did you do it?” Flurry asked her aunt who proceeded to seat her on her lap.

“I had my friends to help me. You see Flurry, just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean you have to do things alone, you can always ask for help.”

Hearing her aunt’s advice seemed to make Flurry’s burden a little lighter before she noticed an elderly caribou tending to a crying infant and ran over to see if she could help.

“Is he alright?” She asked while the lady bundled the little one up.

“The poor dear is scared is all, his mother got sick from the cold so I’m looking after him.” The elder laughed while bouncing the baby.

“Reminds me of when I babysat for King Wulfric.”

“You babysat uncle Wulfric?” Flurry asked.

“Dear, ask any elder amongst our clan. They all knew King Wulfric when he was a baby. It was the greatest of honors to watch that little buck grow into the stag he was, gods rest his soul. And now his son, a spitting image of his father, is out there fighting to keep us safe.”

Flurry looked out the window and noticed there were thunderbolts crackling in the sky. The young alicorn worried what was going to happen from here on out, but would remain strong for her mother and her kingdom.

Crystal Palace Medical Bay

“AAAAAAAAAARRRRGGHHHH!!”

The screaming of the sun monarch’s and moon monarch’s wails shook the entire medical wing of the crystal palace. Celestia’s screams weren’t as bad as Luna’s, since Luna was in the midst of giving birth to triplets. Cadence stood in between them and held their hands.

“Keep going, aunties!” Cadence cheered.

“Your sons and daughters are almost here!”

“Cadence dear, not that we appreciate the support-BUT COULD YOU PLEASE KEEP QUIET?!?” Celestia screamed as she gave another push.

“AAAAAHHH HUSBAND I’M GONNA KILL YOU!!” Luna shouted after another contraction.

“I can see the head!” The doctor said who was working with Celestia.

“Just one last push!”

“RRRRRRAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!” Celestia bellowed and pushed once more.

“Waaaaaahhh! Waaaaaaahhh!”

“Congratulations, your majesty!” The doctor said as she wrapped up the foal and quickly gave it to Celestia.

“It’s a filly!”

Celestia looked down with tears streaming down her cheeks. Her new daughter had her fur color and her father’s hair.

“She’s beautiful!” Celestia said, until Luna screamed again.

“AAAAAAAARRRRGGHHH!!” Luna yelled.

“And…that’s the first one!” The doctor working with Luna said as he picked up a crying foal.

“It’s a colt! Two more!”

Luna grit her teeth and screamed again, pushing her second foal out.

“That’s two! A filly!” The doctor said.

“Last one, your majesty!”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRHHH!!”

With one last heaving push, Luna managed to push out her last foal. The doctors quickly wrapped up all three of them and handed them to their mother.

“And that makes the last filly! Congratulations, your majesty!” The doctor said after wiping his brow.

“Hello Dawn.” Celestia smiled at her new daughter after doctors cleaned her up and wrapped her in a blanket.

“Hunter, Lunaria, Crescent…” Luna gasped as she looked at her three new foals in her arms and began to shed tears of joy.

“My precious babies.”

Cadence soon returned to announce the royal birth and the room slowly began to fill with cheers. It was at that point when the old lady began to sing while rocking the little one in her arms and soon everyone joined in.

As the singing began to echo through the palace, the united voices seemed to resonate with the Crystal Heart, making it shine brighter with more power than they had ever seen and in a blinding flash of light, the clouds darkening the city were gone for good, leaving only the outer fields tainted by the undead king’s dark magic.

“What was that?” Beorn asked after witnessing the spectacle.

“Not sure but I’m glad it happened.” Imperius smiled before hearing the horns of the enemy blare in the distance.

“This is it-BATTLE POSITIONS!!”

“Boys, we’re not letting this drag on,” Lock said.

“Ready to cut the head off the snake?”

“It’s time to end this war once and for all!” Beorn said.

Marshall made his legs turn into smoke and flew into the air. Imperius unfurled his wings and flew after his father. Lock stood behind Beorn and he grabbed his arms while flapping his wings and flew up while carrying Beorn. The four warriors flew over the undead army, all while the undead aimlessly tried to shoot them down with arrows but missed. Once they were in the clear, the four warriors touched down right in front of the Windigo King himself and his generals. A deathly silence hung between the two parties. Lock’s embers flickered along his body and wings, smoke billowed from between Marshall’s armor, Beorn’s eye slowly began to turn red, and half of Imperius’s mane and tail began to catch flames as well.

“There you are…” Lock hissed at the Wendigo King.

“You undead fucker.”

The King didn’t respond, only glared at the group with his cold eyes.

“Here’s how it’ll go down,” Marshall said.

“Beorn and I will keep the generals busy. Son, you and Lock face the King. You must land the finishing blow, understand? Don’t stop and do not hesitate.”

“Understood,” Imperius said, holding his spear tightly.

The Windigo King held out his hand and a greatsword made of ice formed in his hand. The rest of his generals did the same as weapons of ice formed in their hands as well.

“Let’s try this again…” Lock said and readied himself. His whole body soon burst into flames as he rocketed right towards the King with Imperius following.

“HELLFLARE BLITZ!”

The king let out a bone chilling shriek that nearly made the heroes freeze in their tracks but still they pressed forward as Beorn lunged at two of the generals while Marshall handled the remaining three.

Lock and Imperius darted around the undead king with blinding speed but were stopped at every turn as their foe proved himself to be a master of magic by using the environment around them as his weapon.

“Dang it, he’s not giving us time to think!” Imperius shouted just before a large ice spike nearly impaled him.

“Just keep attacking, we have to bring this monster down!” Lock shouted before he was blasted back by a gust of wind.

Meanwhile, Beorn and Marshall were going toe-to-toe with the King’s generals. Even though Marshall’s smoke power made him immune to most physical attacks, his instincts were screaming at him to avoid any attack the generals threw at him. Beorn was fairing no better as he was being pushed back with every deflect he made.

“These guys are no joke!” Beorn said as a general swung his ice hammer at him..

“Mind your head, Beorn!” Marshall called out and pushed a general back with his smoke fist.

“Three sword style! Fox Hunt!” Lock screamed.

The Windigo King was pushed back a ways before Imperius charged forward and managed to pin him to the ground with his halberd.

“You have been a stain on my family’s legacy!” He growled as his spear began to heat the very air around them.

“Now at last, your curse ends!”

SCREEEEEEEEE!!!

All the men covered their ears as the Windigo’s let out a unified screech that seemed to halt the armies advance before their leader suddenly flew up into the air and formed a giant ball of ice that was hurled towards the wall.

“INCOMING!!” One of the soldiers at the wall screamed as they tried to get out of the way before both the outer and inner walls were smashed open.

On the moment of impact, the entire blast shook the city while a large cloud of dust and debris filled the air and with a single wave of his hand, the undead king sent his minions into the city like an endless flood before he and his generals suddenly turned into wisps of smoke and flew towards the Crystal Palace.

“The city…”

“Celestia…Luna!”

“Back to the city-HAUL YOUR FLANKS!!” Beorn shouted as he gave chase and was carried off by Lock with Imperius and Marshall close behind.

End.