(Canterlot Castle, Gideon P.O.V)

“-And that’s the sum of events that we’ve experienced within the past few days leading up to today’s first ever world war council.” I said to the gathered world and military leaders as we were gathered in the castle’s dining room as an improvised meeting room. “Pity that such a joyous occasion was spoiled by war.” The Kensei named Ayu said with a frown. “No man should live without challenge, after all it’s what drives us Vikings to love our women until the day we die and go to Valhalla.” The Raider said placing one of his massive hands on my shoulder. “I thank you both for your kindness, but instead of focusing on me, for now, we need to focus on the proverbial elephant in the room. Apollyon.” I said, earning murmurs of agreement. “I say we go after her and kick her ass!” Ember said pounding her fist on the table. “What if she has an army lying in wait for us?” Warden asked. “I agree with the Warden.” Luna said as she levitated a teddy bear for Winter to play with while she hovered above. “What’s your suggestion?” Ember asked calmly. “We divide our forces in half. One half engages from the front, the other infiltrates the fortress.” Luna suggested.

While we weren’t paying attention to Winter, she suddenly fell into Kai’s lap with what looked like ashe on her face. Then she started to glow. “Was that a dragon’s ashes?” I asked. “It seems so, and she’s absorbed the soul from that.” Kai said as the glow subsided. Winter for her part babbled with a smile, then it happened: she said one word in the dragon language. “Fus!” Winter squeaked adorably. A small burst hit Kai. “I don’t believe it her first word! I wish it was either “ma”, or “da”, but this is still amazing!” Luna said as she nuzzled Winter happily. “Huh...What does Fus-” A slightly larger burst of energy came from my mouth, hitting Ayu, making her stumble. “-Mean…” I finish with slight hesitation and awe. “‘Fus’ in the dragon’s tongue means “force”. It’s the first word of power in the shout ‘Unrelenting Force’ the other words are ‘Ro’, meaning “balance” and ‘Dah’ meaning “push”. So the shout literally translates as “force, balance, push”.” Kai explained. “Who knew dragons were so intelligent.” Raider said. I then turned to Malacath. “Umm...could my blood bond/oath be part of how I was able to do that?” I asked him. “It is actually. Since Winter has the Dragon’s Blood flowing through her thanks to Kai, she is technically a Dragonborn.” Malacath replied. “Intriguing...could I be able to expand my own skill with it, or would it depend on her ‘progress’ with it?” I asked, both to Kai and Malacath. “We honestly don’t know. For now I wouldn’t really worry about it, until she’s about ten I’ll send her to the Greybeards for training.” Kai said. “Fair enough. Anyway, back on taking on Apollyon, who will form up the infiltration team?” I asked Luna. “I was thinking that the Changelings, Serifs, Shinobi, and Peacekeepers could sneak in and you could join them and take on Apollyon while the rest of us deal with her remaining forces.” Luna replied. “I like the idea. Anyone who doesn’t like it, share your thoughts now or forever hold your piece.” I said to the gathered people. Nobody spoke. “So it’s settled, we leave tomorrow at dawn.” Celestia said. “Meeting dismissed.” Celestia continued as she flared her wings. We all stood up to leave when Helena and Nocturnal stopped me in the hallway. “What’s up?” I asked. “Gideon, we’re both pregnant.” Helena said with a smile. I was at a loss for words, instead I just kissed them.

(Next morning, Gideon’s House, 3rd P.O.V)

The sun rose gracing two women and their loving husband lying in bed clearly they enjoyed a night of passion before the upcoming battle. Gideon awoke to the sight of the peaceful faces of Helena and Nocturnal and smiled. He took a shower and suited up in his armor. He looked over to his wives and kissed them on their cheeks. “I love you both.” He whispered as he walked out the door. As he walked, he saw various people gathering to go to war. Many of them were saying goodbye to their families. After a while of walking, I saw Kai and a few of the other Daedric Princes, and I went towards them. “Are we ready?” He asked. “We were waiting for everyone to finish saying their goodbyes, but other than that we’re ready.” Kai said. I looked over to see Big Mac and Bright Mac walking up to us. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned about war it’s the fact that war never changes.” Kai said as he looked at the crowd standing in front of the portal that Cozy Glow, and the Mages Guild constructed overnight and it was clear they were exhausted. “Everyone, this is the final push against the warmonger Apollyon! This is the day we face war itself on its front door, let’s give it our all, show no mercy for you shall receive none!” Kai shouted earning spirited roars and warcries from the crowd. “Spoken like a true king.” Gideon said with a smile as the army walked through the portal. Inkaizo volunteered to stay behind and guard the portal just in case Apollyon tried to escape or she sent a counter offensive while we’re away.

(Apollyon’s Fortress, Gideon P.O.V)

I never thought that I would come to this place, or return to this world ever again. We were at Blackstone Fortress, Apollyon’s fortress. I had known that this place would be difficult to get to, but getting in without being spotted, that was going to be somewhat easier since we had arrived in the late afternoon, heading into the evening hours. The infiltration team was instructed to get some sleep so we could have all of our energy to sneak in and open the gates to allow the rest of our army in and wreak havoc on her remaining forces. That’s what we plan to do anyway. However, we were also prepared to do some improvisation for when, not if, the plan went sideways somewhere.

After a satisfying nap, the infiltration team was wide awake and ready for the mission to begin. I lead them down the cliff and carefully onto the roofs of the nearest tower. I managed to open the window and then we split up for our respective objectives. It didn’t take very long for Apollyon’s forces to realize that there were intruders, but that was of little importance now as I heard the roar of my comrades storming in. I continued to run up the tower, until there was a terrace near the tallest tower. On the terrace was Apollyon. “So you finally arrived.” She said in a level tone. “I must say I’m surprised that you managed to sneak in. You really are a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing.” She complimented turning to face me. “However, we both know that there’s room for only one Warlord, may the best warrior win.” She concluded as she drew her sword and sent a purple/black orb towards the sky. The orb then detonated and deposited a miasma of black/purple mist that seemed to drive everyone mad with bloodlust, causing them to fight each other. Man, woman, knight, Daedra, Aedra, Dragon, no one was exempt from it’s effects...except Apollyon and I.

“So much for an honorable challenge.” I said as I drew my own blade. “I just made it so nobody can interfere with us, besides I want this war to end with one of the two of us falling to the other’s blade.” Apollyon replied as she settled into a guarding stance. “I would have thought you would have wanted the war to go on for eternity.” I said, mimicking her stance. “Enough talk now we fight!” Apollyon yelled as she charged towards me with her blade held above her head in an overhead slash. I raised my dao and blocked and redirected the blow and retaliated by giving a flurry of slashes. She managed to block a few of them, but the ones that landed, didn’t hit in a critical area like the bends of her arms. She retaliated by hitting me in the head with the pommel of her sword and kicking me away. I charged forward and slid under a horizontal swing and thrusted my dao into her chest plate, it barely made a dent, but it was enough to push her back towards the wall overlooking the battle below.

Apollyon growled in frustration at the fact that she was being pressured by an opponent. She regained her composure and began to swing her massive blade in a diagonal slash then transitioned into a thrust. I blocked the slash, but the thrust knocked my blade out of my hands and it was now embedded in the floor. “You’ve lost.” She said as she raised her blade to deliver an overhead chop. “Not quite.” I said as I discreetly pulled out Luck’s Hand and sent a few explosive cards at her knocking her off balance. “Weren’t expecting that were you?” I asked with a smirk. “Lucky surprise. It won’t happen again.” She said. “Lady Luck is one of my wives, so it will happen again.” I spat back as I fanned out some cards and analyzed her and made sure I was ready for whatever attack she would try to pull off. “Luck is an excuse for a lack of skill.” She spat. “Say what you want, but the odds aren’t in your favor this time.” I retorted as I sent a few razor cards to distract her while I retrieved my dao. “I’m getting real tired of this!” Apollyon growled. I turned around to see Apollyon charging at me poised for a thrust, I stood up and charged at her and we both impaled each other, only I noticed that my stab hit just below her diaphragm causing her to let go of her sword which almost hit my liver. I also let go of my blade to examine where I was hit, causing Apollyon to fall down and start breathing in a labored manner.

“Luck is more than just an excuse for a lack of skill. If you had better luck, you would have struck my liver.” I said as I pulled her blade out of me and I stood over her nearly dead form. “Well done, M-mars, Lord of War. Finish me off.” Apollyon said. “Off with your head.” I stated as I raised Apollyon’s sword above my head and the next thing I know her helmeted head is separated from her body. I then rested with the blade holding me up...until I noticed that the sound of conflict had ceased. I turned around and noticed that the miasma was flowing up the tower until it suddenly reached the top and enveloped me, causing me to black out for a few seconds. When I came to, I noticed that my armor and weapons had changed from it’s Chinese look to a semi-Greek look. I looked it over, noting the bluish and glassy like metal that made it up. As I was doing so, I felt as though I was stronger, or was on an adrenaline high. I looked at Apollyon’s sword, but it had changed to a blue crystal/steel sword that had a winged guard, and the blade had runes down the center and the point tapered off into a katana-like point. As I was admiring my new gear, I failed to hear the sound of armored footsteps coming towards me. When I turned around I saw Warden standing there a look of shock in his eyes. He looked at my new look and the decapitated corpse of Apollyon. “You did it. You did it! You killed Apollyon!” He said quietly at first, but grew more enthusiastic as the realization struck him. “Everyone, Gideon has vanquished Apollyon, the war is over!” Warden yelled to the army below, which they all cheered even Apollyon’s former soldiers did as well. I raised my hand and the crowd fell silent.

“Gideon is dead, I am Mars, the Lord of War and Peace.” I said with authority. “Apollyon gave me my new name as a sign of respect to her better. She may have been a cruel, sadistic, horror of a woman, but she was a warrior through and through. I say we pay her one last gesture of respect and give her a warrior’s funeral.” I said. The crowd seemed confused, but Raider spoke up from within the crowd. “He’s right. This shows that we’re more honorable than her, but she was a worthy adversary, and deserves the proper burial rites.” He said looking to the others for any challenges. When nobody spoke against him, they all started to gather the fallen and place them on pyres. I stitched Apollyon’s head back on after I removed her armor, washed her body, and cleaned her armor, then I placed her on her own pyre.
As Apollyon’s pyre burned, we all were silent. I thought of how Helena and Nocturnal were going to react when I came home. Despite my change to Mars, I would remain as Gideon for them, as well as my goddaughter. Nothing would ever change that.

(Ponyville, Gideon/Mars’ House, Helena P.O.V)

I awoke to the feeling of Nocturnal’s calm breathing, but I noticed that Gideon wasn’t here. “He must’ve left already. I hope he’s okay.” I thought to myself as I yawned and headed for the bathroom. While I was in the shower, I heard Nocturnal enter the bathroom with a sleepy groan. “Good morning.” She groaned out. “Morning.” I replied. “Has he left already?” She asked. “Yes.” I replied. “Don’t worry, he’ll teach that bitch a lesson.” Nocturnal said as she opened the shower curtain and joined me. “I can’t help it. I just want him home to hold us.” I said with a pout. “I want that too, but for now, we just have to deal with being by ourselves for a bit.” Nocturnal said. I nodded. “What do you want to do today?” I asked. “Don’t know, what do you want to do?” She asked. “I’d like to visit Winter, I heard that Princess Cadence was bringing Flurry Heart, and I thought it would be adorable to see those two playing together.” I said with a smile. “Honey, that’s the best idea I’ve heard in a week.” Nocturnal said with a giggle. I giggle in response. “Perfect.” I said as I leaned down to kiss her. She caught on to my thoughts and our lips met in a gentle kiss.
After our shower, we put on some clothes and Nocturnal teleported us to Canterlot.

(Canterlot Castle, 3rd P.O.V)

It was quiet in the castle today. The only noise that could be heard was the sound of Winter’s laughter as she and Flurry played in the garden with Luna, Celestia, Cadence, Blueblood, Serana, and the castle staff watching the fillies. Nocturnal and Helena appeared behind the royals. “Hello.” Helena said, managing to startle the crowd. “Sorry! Nocturnal and I just got here, and it seems you guys were watching quite the show.” Helena said pointing towards the two fillies who were now flying around and tossing a teddy bear with their magic. “Aw.” the crowd said at the adorable sight. While Flurry two years old, she and her new cousin Winter got along extraordinarily well. “Yes indeed. Cadence figured that with the current situation, it seems we need some time to look at the adorable sequence of events of children at play.” Luna said as Winter caught the teddy bear and descended to the ground. Flurry waddled over to Winter and they both snuggled the bear. Soon everyone’s stomach growled. “Time for lunch.” Celestia said. Luna and Cadence collected their daughters and followed the crowd.

In the dining room, it was filled with calm conversations and laughter. Serana looked over at Helena and Nocturnal. “So what’s new with you two?” The Vampire asked. “Well Noc, and I are both pregnant.” Helena said with a smile. “No kidding, I am too.” Serana said. “When are you due?” Nocturnal asked. “About two months, Celestia is due in six, and I’m guessing you two are about eight months away.” Serana said. “Lucky guess, but you are correct about Helly and I. Wait Celestia’s pregnant? When did this happen?” Nocturnal asked looking to Celestia who blushed. “Shortly after Winter was born.” Celestia said with a smile. “It’s actually pretty funny to see Uncle Sheo look like he’s gonna have a nervous breakdown, when he’s usually the one who causes them.” Blueblood said with a chuckle. “I’m sure he’s just stressed about messing up, like you.” Serana said to her husband. “Hey! That’s a low blow!” Blueblood said with a pout. “I’m just teasing.” Serana said with a gentle peck. “You two are precious.” Celestia said with a smile.The rest of the day passed pretty quickly, between conversing about baby names and genders, to the prospects of the future. As night began to fall, everyone was starting to head home, but Nocturnal and Helena decided to stay in the castle for the night.
After a filling dinner and pleasant dessert, Nocturnal headed for the balcony to get some fresh air before bed. Her mind wandered to the romantic/tragedy Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespear that Gideon mentioned in one of his classes.

(Nocturnal P.O.V)

“O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.”

I quoted wistfully.

“'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself.”

I continued to quote, until a voice startles me.

“I take thee at thy word:
Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized;
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.”

I turn to the owner of the voice and see an armored man standing before me. His armor glimmered in the light of the moonlit sky. It looked like a Spartan’s armor only it was made of crystals. The figure removed his helmet and I saw my husband’s face. Tears of joy began to stream down my face. He approached me to dry my tears, but as soon as he got close, I wrapped my arms around him tightly. “I missed you.” I said lovingly. “As did I, my Lady of Luck.” He said as he hugged back. “Where did you get this armor from?” I asked when we separated. “I got this when I defeated Apollyon. She also gave me my new name.” He said. “What did she call you?” I asked. “Mars, she called me Mars, Lord of War.” He replied. “So she gave it to you as a sign of respect?” I asked. He nodded. “In return, I gave her a warrior’s burial.” He said with a small smile. “That’s good.” I replied with a smile. “Come to bed my love.” I said as we held hands. “Lead the way.” He replied. I lead him to the room that Helena and I were staying in. “Helly’s probably asleep by now, so let’s quietly settle down for the night.” I said as I quietly opened the door.

Upon entering the room, we saw the adorable sight of Helena curled up with a body pillow in her grasp. “Come now, let’s join her.” I said as I made Gideon’s armor disappear and he was now in silk pajamas, just like Helena and I. I settled down next to Helena, but left room for Gideon to settle in between us. He smiled and slipped into place causing Helena to press his head into her soft breasts. She started to stir from her slumber. “Noc, is that….” Her words died in her throat as tears began to stream down her face. “Honey, I’m home.” Gideon said as he captured her lips in a gentle loving kiss before all of us drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

Apollyon has finally been granted a warriors' death! Gideon is now the new Warlord, Mars! The war is finally over. A bright future lies ahead for our hero as he has a family to raise.
As always, like, comment, follow, all that fun stuff and I'll see you guys in the next chapter!