Equestrian Grand Knights

Chapters

Chapter 1: Ballroom Meeting
Chapter 2: Assassins and Acquisitions
Chapter 3: Orderly Commands
Chapter 4: Chaotic Courtss
Chapter 5: Passage of Time and the Troubling Requests
Chapter 6: Hopes, and Despairs
Chapter 7: Commands, Commitments and Conclusions
Chapter 8: Loyalties and Families

Chapter 1: Ballroom Meeting

Chapter 1: Ballroom Meeting

Within a polished marble floored dance hall, stood hundreds of great and noble ponies; each representing their countries in the collection of many of the greatest minds and leaders in Paris, Prance. Within the crowd dance several pairs, each dressed in the finest cloth that a pony to ask for, while many servants walked about, delivering food, wine and other great items no normal pony could afford without a whole months savings. Above the floor watching from above was a small orchestra playing beautiful dancing music while on balconies above them stood Prench guardsponies, dressed in a regal blue uniform with silvered chest plate and helm.

The evening itself, cooled by the setting of Celestia’s great yellow sun and the slow raise of Luna white moon had just begun.

The dancing floor was bustled gently as the large group of nobles talked and was merry, while ever so often a voice would cry out, one of the guards drawing the attention of the crowd to introduce the newest entry into the ball. Prance, Coltish, Bavarian, Pruss, Arabian, and Zebra were announced as the party proceeded slowly.

“Hailing from Equestria, the grand goddess of the sun, Princess Celestia,” the voice rang out, once more drawing all the eyes from the room to look at the grand stairs that descended down to the main floor. There stood the goddess of the sun, her crisp purple eyes washing over the crowd, while her mouth held a small smile to them. Flanking her were two Equestrian guard-ponies, the beautiful golden armour and frilled helms. White with honour they walked with her, acting as her personal shields, eyes moving around to examine the world around them, one with his wings tucked against his body, while the other’s horn protruded from his helm. They walked down the stairs as the crowd returned to their previous discussions, while some watched, commenting on how she walked, and on her guards.

“Captain Windcutter, you really did not have to attend with me,” Celestia commented as they walked, looking back at him with a soft smile. He looked away, watching the Prench guards above.

“I must, m’lady. It is the sworn duty to protect you, even if Prance is a close ally,” he said, his gruff voice filled with his trained discipline. His eyes jumped from each guard to another, eyes washing over them. The other, Sergeant Thunder-hoof, flanked her right, watching ahead of them, examining the crowd, as they parted to let the alicorn and her guards enter. Each stayed close to their princess; fiercely watching her like a mother would of her new born.

Slowly, they walked close to a wall, ever so often to be stopped by a dignitary or political member of another country to talk of concerns of each other. Windcutter didn’t like stopping his head always turn and twisting to see the Prench guards as they watched the floor below. These prench ponies, all devoted to arts and soft in the chest, not like his aerial guard units back in Canterlot. Why didn’t he bring a dozen more?

As they approached the wall, a pair of ponies, dressed in tough green uniforms with dulled steel armour, approached them, followed by a soft cyan pegasus, which made both the guards move forward to protect Celestia from the interlopers. A soft chuckle rose from Celestia, as she motioned for them to step back as she walked forward to the two ponies. Each bowed slight, as the pegasus walked forward between them, who smiled back and offer her hoof to Celestia.

“It’s good to see you out and about Empress Frostmane,” Celestia said, taking the offer from the smaller pegasus. With a soft shake of the hooves the turned their heads to the ball, a gentle grin on each other’s face.

“As it is good to see you about, my goddess of the sun, I take it your lovely sister is well?” the mare asked, moving a strand of her pale with mane from her eyes. Celestia nodded looking over at her slightly, “Such a shame she could not attend this ball. My guardponies would have loved to have met her, and to have received her blessing to live with honour and longevity.”

“She’s been at the Canterlots palace libraries for so much time, that I’m not even sure she really sleeps in her room anymore,” the goddess commented, her smile not fading as he talked with a close friend she had not seen in a few years, “Tell me, is your father well?”

“He is, strong as an ox and stubborn as a mule, though he’s pleased I took the crown then my older brother, Torch-light,” the little pegasus replied, blushing slightly, “Though, being Empress of Galastria isn’t easy. Listening the lords blabbed and complain, the high generals and grand-marshals argue over the army, and the mage master argue with the grand-masters of the knights orders, all while looking after the citizens and protectorate states that we have.”

Celestia chuckled, “Imagine how I feel? I’ve been at it for about fourteen hundred years. Though I have no need to deal with generals or military marshals, since our military was-”

“Disbanded by my country somewhere around seven hundred years ago, correct?” Frostmane said, her emerald green eyes locking on Celestia’s head, who nodded.

“Though even then, the General’s were the one in control of the military not I. Now all I have are the Royal Guard and a small militia of maybe a few hundred. Though, every country that has diplomatic ties with us vows to stand with us in times of trouble,” Celestia explained, as Frost, eyes wide with surprise, listened.

“I’m sorry that my country is not one of those,” Frost said, her eyes looking to the floor with misery in them, “We have many duties, drawing our Imperial Guard all across the world and the few groups we keep at home are ones to soon to be released from their five years service. I wish I could offer some assistance...”

“Though you are new the throne,” Celestia said looking at her, resting a wing around her, “Your heart is in the right place, and that I can tell.” Frost looked back up and smiled, before looking towards a group of stallions. Amongst them stood two of her loyal servants, each dressed in the same crisp green uniform that the Galastrian Imperial Guard issued to every pony, though they were decorated with many metals and the collars was embroidered were crisp red wreaths that swirled up and around a sword, one was red while the others was golden. They were her highest respected Generals, though they were standing around with the Prussian and Bavarian stallions, all talking about what they desired. The first, a tall greyed unicorn with battle experienced eyes talked with a very common tone with the other stallions, was Frosts closest and more desirable friend, General Earthshaker, whose symbol on his flank was a hoof smashing into the ground with anger. The other, a deep blue stallion with a sword that fade into smoke was High-General Shadow-sword, a stallion who, though younger then Earthshaker, was a strong leader for her army, and personally old friend she had known since she was a filly.

Celestia chuckled at her, making Frost realize that she had sighed at the thought of the stallion, making her face turn to a sharp and deep crimson.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts! May I have your attention,” the guard called out again, making whole crowd turn to the Prench doors, “May I introduce his royalty, Aimer Roi, the King of Prance!”

The room filled with a roar of clapping of hooves as the room applauded the arrival of the king, with several ponies behind him. One drew the two attentions though, soon followed by all the guards that surround them.

“Attending with his Excellency is his wife, the queen Beautiés du Vent, with the Lord, Doctor Hoofen Stein, along with his wife, Raven’s Blood, and his personal assistants, Tigers Claw, and Piano Heartcord.”

The crowd continue to clap, with Celestia looking at Frostmane, who was sending one of her guards to gather the generals. She looked at Celestia, worry in her eyes, and fear painted across her face. Celestia looked up, at the unicorn stallion that had drawn their attention.

Stein.

Across his body, were long stitching patterns, and different colours of coats, all from other ponies, while his cutie mark was a surgical suture crossing a scalpel, all over a pale white skull. To make him all the more scary, was the large screw that he had threw his skull, just under his ears, while his face had large circular glasses that reflected the light at the angle they were at, hiding the eyes behind them.

Behind him walked three mares. The first, a bloody red pegasus who’s body was covered in a beautifully well made dressed was most like the wife of Doctor Stein. The next was a unicorn who had a blindfold over her eyes, with a just as elaborate dress that she wore, the soft whitish green coat colour she had making seem eerily like a ghost. Finally walked another unicorn, this time one with long black markings across her body over top a crisp orange coat, with a shorter more playful dress and as she walked, her tail wagged gently like a cat, off the floor and moving side to side.

Celestia couldn’t draw her eyes away from the four, making her curious why they were so special, and why they entered with the king and queen of Prance. Only when Frost nudged her with her hoof, did she turn to look at the young empress. Around her had gather quite a group, including several Galastrian diplomats, dignitaries, mages, the generals, and a taller dark stallion, adored in heavier armour. All had two Galastria guard-ponies, though they were spread out to make it not look like a scene was happening.

All were straight faced, though Celestia could tell they were worried, their eyes betraying them as they watched the four that she was just watching. She could easily guess why.

Three years prior, Galastria and Prance had brought to end a war that had lasted nine years, with Prances defeat. And though Empress Frostmane was not at the lead of the Galastrian Empire at the time, Prench King held a grudge against her and her father.

“Princess?” Sergeant Thunder-hoof asked, looking around her, “Should we be in this crowd?”

Celestia could understand his concern, simply because that by standing with the Galasrians would tell the Prench king she sided with them in the war and not them, looking at the political chaos that could be started at that.

But Frostmane was a respected colleague and royal friend, meaning if she left, she could make the young pegasus feel abandoned and betrayed by the sun goddess, though not a severe as Luna leaving them in a moment like this.

Celestia’s mind was wrong on what they were worried about, as the stitched stallion appoarched the large group with his little posy. Celestia watched as the Imperial Guard-ponies stepped forward, eyes sterner then she had ever seen them before.

“Oh please... I just come to pay my, what’s the word...” the stallion’s voice slithered out, dancing around the groups ears and into their heads, “Respects to my glorious empress and goddess of the sun. So please... move aside.”

That voice seemed to ring out in the heads of the stallions there, and Frostmane seemed to shudder at the sound, almost cold form his voice. Celestia felt her coats hair stand on end, eyes looked on Stein. The guard-ponies stepped aside, however kept the other three away from the large group of delegates. He walked forward, bow-tie around his neck of different colours while his horn glowed gently. Then his screw turned, loud clicking heard as he adjusted it in his skull, making all of the ponies standing there shiver. As he came before the two political leaders, he was stopped this time by Windcutter stepping forward and putting his hoof to the unicorn’s chest.

“Close enough speak,” his voice said, though Celestia could hear his voice was clearly shaken beneath that tough exterior. So could Stein, who just smiled. That smiled would haunt Celestia.

“MY DEAR PRINCESS CELESTIA AND EMPRESS FROSTMANE,” he said, louder then he should have drawing attention to them, before dropping to just above a whisper, “You know how you too stand together is a hypocrisy. One is a leader of a principality of peace and love, the other an empress of a great empire. Which is better, the immortal goddess, who can never be replaced and is a tyrant for such a idea, or the other who forces every pony in her kingdom to five years service to the great and glorious golden throne?”

Celestia stared at him, and if her eyes could kill from a stare, he would have been turned to ash, while Frostmane shied back a little, not like the attention this was drawing to her.

“Oh no worries my dear ladies, I meant no insult. Just a point as saw as I travelled this world,” he said, eyes locking on Frostmane, looking her over, “Then again, a pegasus is to die for in Galastria isn’t it?”

Those looks made Frostmane shudder deeply, feeling his eyes violate her, before Celestia stepped between the two.

“What do you wish to discuss, Lord Stein?” she asked, drawing his eyes up two hers. Two different colours, a red and a green. His eyes stared into her, seeing what her soul was like, licking his lips gently, before grinning happily.

“Oh just to give you praise my fair princess. And my hopes that you will live long and spread peace to the rest of the world, knowing your fellow acquaintance cannot keep the peace even in Zebrica. Though, what do you expect from Galastrain Knights, Guard-ponies and Magisters, all who are driven to think that war is a beautiful thing,” he stated, eyes locked on Celestia, though he was speaking to Frostmane and her fellow Galastrians behind her. Celestia’s eyes narrowed at him, before he turned away, walking to his spouse and his assistants, who join him in walking away.

Celestia turned her head to talk to Frostmane, to only see young pegasus looking down, tears welling in her eyes. General Earthshaker walked forward, putting a hoof on her back and looking up at Celestia.

“Thank you, M’lady sun, but that stallion is a member of a family from our country who was considered the greatest stallion alive, the father of surgery himself, Doctor Suture Stein,” he said, “Though, they were said to have died off all three hundred years ago. Maybe some survived and he was born, though he looks more mad then the regal paintings of Suture.”

“But wasn’t surgery perfected more than four hundred years prior to that?” Celestia inquired, looking at the stallion, which had faded into the crowd.

“Yes... but not field surgery... not amongst army’s m’lady sun...” Earthshaker said, “As well as amputation was perfected by that stallion...”

Celestia looked back at the general, before realizing the he had a false leg, which was made of steel that came from just under the shoulder of his front right leg. She nodded, turning to the crowd around them, all of which was continuing their previous actions from before the announcement.

The music still played, as the evening grew darker, only visible from the giant sky light above, did the dancing grow in popularity. Celestia stayed near the Galastrians, oddly feeling safe amongst their numbers, though not as well armed as her Guards were.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” a voice rang out, as the king of Prance drew everyones attention to the stairs once more, “As this ball happens, we celebrate the both the end of a terrifying war between the Scotlish and Amareria, which we hope will be a long and great peace, fill with love and art.” The stallion’s voice, filled with his rich accent, consumed the room in his speech.

“LOTS OF LOVE!” a pony called out, clearly drunk from the wine and champagne, this made room burst into laughter.

“Qui, qui, qui, lots of love and hopefully lovemaking! As well as this night comes the great knowledge that my lovely a beautifully wife, du Vent, as become pregnant with our second foal, which I am betting will be a colt this time! Not that my lovely filly, Chéri Fille isn’t a beautiful one as well!” the room filled with cheers and some in the room whistled at the news, before being shooshed by the king, “And if I’m wrong, my loving wife will never let me live it down. However I am distracting you. For now, on last announcement, however we must all exit to the gardens on the right, for with this announcement we truly begin the festivities!”

With that the ball room emptied slowly, going out several doors to the large and encompassing gardens that seemed to surround the building, Celestia walking with the group she had now attached herself too, eyes adjusting to the night sky. A smell of fine wines, fresh food and plants filled the air, as she looked into the sky.

“Finally,” the kings voice rang out again, though not as loud as inside the ball room, “I wish you to welcome me in thank your English partisans for bring Prance into its ports and allowing us to trade with the fine British rabble they be.” A laugh went up, even from the British delegates, “And now, my good friends, who are ride the airships above with their steel and ingenuity will give you a beautiful show tonight!”

The crowd looked skyward, eyes straining to see something above. There, floating a fair distance above them was three large airships, their engines ideal and hidden in the dark night sky. Celestia could see something launch from the centre one, and followed it as the faint stream of fire followed behind it. Suddenly it detonated, bursting into hundreds of thousands of sparkling shards of light and beauty before more bursts of light and fire appeared into the sky.

Celestia smiled and looked at Frostmane, who watched in awe, leaning gently on General Shadow-sword. A tap on her flank made her look back to see several Imperial Guard-ponies, General Earthshaker and her guards walking a soft distance away from the main group. She followed, keeping close, before they stood close to the doors.

“M’lady sun, forgive me for pulling you away from the festivities but my empress Frostmane asked me to speak with you,” he said, Celestia finally picking up on the Galastrian accent that was there. He looked back at the group, “I voiced my concerns to the Empress, but she told me to take it up with you.”

“What is it General, and it best be important, I am missing quite a show after all,” she said, raising an eyebrow to him, making him move nervously as he looked at the ground.

“Well, something seemed off with the king this evening... I mean besides him being Prench and all, but he seemed preoccupied by something on his mind,” the stallion said looking at where the king was. Celestia nodded, “On that, his Daughter wasn’t here, and she is always in close attendee with the king, and finally, he invited us. Members of the Imperial council, to this ceremony, as well as hundreds of other delegates, as well as you. If this was just personal announcements as they were, then why wasn’t it just Prench court members rather than every major diplomat and political leader that had influence in the world?”

The general had a large point, making Celestia turn her head to the party, then back to the General, “I agree, though for the time being go along with this little ploy, well all leave in twenty minutes and head for our airships, saying there is important business to be attended to in our countries. We will discuss more there,” she said, receiving a nod from the general, before the group returned to the party.

_ _ _ _ _

As planned the group broke away, heading out and dismissing themselves from the continued partying. As they left, another delegate left with them, a taller Zebra, who walked up beside the group and approached Celestia when an opportunity appeared to him.

“Princess Celestia, I know this is not the place or time, but can I get you to diliever this to someone?” the Zebra asked, his voice very think in accent, “It would take you but a moment... I wish to speak with someone I hold dear, but I cannot follow her.”

“I do not do visitations to the world of the dead, ambassador, for I’m not that kind of god,” Celestia replied, head locked forward. The Zebra chuckled gently and smiled.

“True, but I mean someone who lives, who hides from me with my prying mind at times, though she is a great zebra herself,” he retorted with a gentle tone, before reaching into his cloth around his body and pulled out a large letter, smiling gently. Celestia took it and turned to him.

“Why can’t you follow her?”

“She’s in hiding, with what the government in my country is like now, I must be careful even getting a letter to her. Going to her would risk her life... which I do not desire to happen to her,” he commented, “Now, I will take my pardon, my liege doesn’t take to kindly to my... disappearances.”

“Whats her name? I can find her much easier that way,” Celestia exclaimed, the Zebra smiling as he turn his head to her, walking away.

“Zecora. I look to my mail for a response someday,” he said, disappearing around a corner. Celestia didn’t like this at all, since it had political ties, all the more dangerous. What was she getting herself into, and why? In all honesty, the situation seemed unlike her, unnerved and slightly shaken.

She sighed as she walked with the Galastrians who kept tight, close and neatly packed together, all surrounding the Empress, who was nervously looking around. This group seemed good at heart, though a war-mongering country in this world was inevitable at times, and didn’t seem right that these ponies who were now leaving with her, each discussing their own personal lives, family and other business as if it was a normal night. Over the next twenty minutes they walked through the empty streets of Paris, the guard-ponies who circled them, spreading out slight, walking only a few hooves from the main group.

“No offence Princess,” the Captain spoke up next to her, “But should we go with them or to our ship?”

“None taken Captain, I believe will travel with them to their ship and then proceed to ours,” Celestia said, smiling at him. The stallion nodded and looked forward again keeping close to her, eyes worried, “Thinking of your wife, Windcutter?”

“Yes... And my soon to be born foal. I wonder what she will be like,” he said smiling finally for the first time in the evening. He genuinely loved that mare, as she was always there for him. He became silent, thinking of her in his head as they walked, while Thunder-hoof was humming a song he had learned in his time in the royal guard. Before long they approached the Prench air-docks, with a dozen airships laying at anchor in the deep canal that was dug for the ships, with the Galastrian’s ship coming easily into view. Celestia breathed a sigh of relief, never happier to see a ship the belonged to an imperial power.

“Halt,” came a strong hiss from the front, the entire group halting, the Imperial Guard-ponies, moving slightly, some moving for their weapons. There was a long moment of silence.

Out from the shadows of the building next to the road came a tall figure, draped in a long back cloak, the figures eyes invisible to the onlookers. Celestia felt her heart go cold, then the air around her began to chill was well.

Chapter 2: Assassins and Acquisitions

Chapter Two: Assassins and Acquisitions

Celestia looked at the cloak figured, who moved gently forward and presenting itself to the small crowd of ponies. The air was chilled, nipping at Celestia’s body for the heat she radiated, making her shiver slightly, while the ponies around her stood stiller then water at rest. Their eyes, all locked forward at the hooded newcomer, who took a few more steps towards then, each more bold then the previous. One guard-pony stepped forward, and spoke something in Prench, but Celestia didn’t catch the meaning. However the pony continued to advance, making her feel very uncomfortable.

“Halt,” the guards-pony yelled this time, reaching to his sword and grasping it with one of his hooves, that cold look on his face. The figure stopped this time, then back up with times, while another guard-pony walked forward, a soft purple unicorn this time.

“Remove yourself from the road,” the unicorn said, extending a hoof out to the cloaked figure, which only caused it to back up down the road a little more. Celestia could help but get the feeling it was toying with the guards now and nudged Captain Wind-Cutter softly with her hoof, before leaning her head down to the pony’s ear gently.

“I don’t like this,” she whispered, receiving a soft almost omnipresent nod from the captain, “Keep your eyes open for anything.”

She stood up straight, eyes locked on the hooded pony again, which the guards were trying to scare off now. The cloaked one backed up a little further, before Celestia could make up a pearl white grin on the ponies face. She was about to speak something when the pony moved forward again, revealing the crimson red coat hooves to the ones in front of it, as well as bracelets around them. Golden with runes even make Celestia feel strained to read them. With a soft clank the pony touched the bracelets together and from them pure black energy of dread expanded out and formed a black shaft of metal that extended out either side. To the left, it extend a full two feet before slowly forming two heads of black energy, each the shape of scythe, and almost untouchable. Untouchable to all those but Celestia, as to her, it was a solid scythe.

In the next few seconds, the pony launched itself at the two guard ponies, red wings appeared on the ponies back. With another swift instantaneous moment, the ethereal scythe swung back, then back forward, upwards through the unicorn, completely and uniformly upward. The unicorn stood there, her eyes wide with fear, while the pegasi turned hard right and swung blindingly quick through the other guard’s neck.

There was no blood, and the other guards began to think this an illusion to them.

“Midnight, Owl’s Eye, remove her,” one of the commanding guards said, stepping forward with a grin across his face as he couldn’t help but believe it was an illusion. There was a cough followed by a gurgle, as the earth pony turned around standing on his hind legs and grasping at his neck. From his mouth, slowly and attentively, was the crimson red blood of his body. The guards stepped back and he fell to the ground, gasping out for the air, but drowned in his own life. The unicorn, crumpled sideways her helm falling off and rolling away, the limp body impacting the streets loudly. The escort tightened around the Empress and Princess, using their bodies as shields from the assassin.

“M’lady, ma-” Wind-cutter started to speak before being silenced by a glance from the goddess.

“You are about to have a child in Canterlot,” she stated, “You are not going out in a blaze of glory before you get to meet your child, understood?” The captains helmed head nodded, viciously, not wanting to risk angering the goddess he served.

“Y-Yes m’lady,” he said looking away. The red pegasi looked at the gargling guard, still holding his neck trying to live. The blade swung down, into the skull of the guard, finally ending his agony. Celestia stared at the assassin, eyes examining the weapon, up and down. She knew it very well, and could feel her skin roll with a shiver from both the fear and the coldness of the air.

“I’m here for the Empresses head as well as the goddesses,” the cloaked figure stated, looking at that crowd of pones with deathly eyes. The guards didn’t back down, though their eyes shone with the fear of the weapon the pegasi wielded. From the group stepped forward the dark green stallion, who adorned armour with the reflection of scales and several white runes around his eyes.

“M’lady Empress, forgive me, but I will deal with this... wretch myself,” he commented, his voice firm and booming out to the air around him. His horn, glowing gently, seemed sharper and longer than the average unicorn, while his brilliant red eyes locked forward on his foe.

The cloaked figured chuckled, menacing yet happy, lifting off and fly a hoof from the ground as it started at the armoured foe. As it grew closer the armour soldier drew a blade, and held it in his mouth, taking a rough stance at the flying foe.

“Grand-Mast-” Frostmane started, taking a step forward, being stopped by the High-General Shadow-Sword, a long dark greyed sword in is other hoof. Frostmane looked at the stallion, eyes filled with worry.

“M’lady, we’ll take the side path to the airship and get aboard,” he said, not looking at her. Many of the dignitaries nodded in agreement. Celestia looked up at the foe, who’s weapon growled out at her, before she looked at the armour guard.

“What of our fine and valiant hero?” she asked the high-general.

“What I am about to do, m’lady sun, is a death sentence on its own. I will not be coming with you,” the stallion stated. Celestia nodded and looked to Wind-cutter, who was being told the route by a guard-pony. They started moving towards the route quickly, the knight being left behind. Celestia turned her head to the left to look at the sergeant, only to not see him there.

“Thunder-hoof?” she asked stopping to look around, seeing her unicorn guard going to armour pony standing infront of the pegasi, “Sergeant Thunder-hoof. You will-”

“I’m not leaving a pony behind princess. They are taking the bodies of their dead,” he said stepping up behind the knight staring at assassin. Celestia was about to speak up when one the guards nudged her forward.

“Ma’am we cannot stay here. We risk being ki-” he said looking at her. Celestia stopped him with a look, fierce in its purpose and its strength, “I mean no disrespect ma’am, but I cannot let harm come to you for your guards sake.”

Celestia looked back at her escort and frowned, seeing the logic in the soldier’s statement, and turned to go with them, walking at the same quickened pace they took. In a few moments they disappeared, and Celestia took with the Galastrians to their airship.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Thunder-hoof stared at his foe, letting the magikal energy in his body circulate about it as he took up a stance behind the armour Galastrian. The assassin pulled back the cloak finally and cracked her neck twice either way smiling. His eyes widen, and then narrowed at the red mare’s face, who grinned at them.

“Oh you recognized me? That’s good. At least you know my name, since I intend to kill you,” she said licking her lips.

“Raven’s Blood wasn’t it?” the Galastrain asked, shifting forward slightly. Thunder-hoof loked at him, seeing the stallion’s eyes had changed, almost more feral and blood-thirsty from mentioning the name.

It wasn’t the only thing to have changed either, as the armour that was once separate from him now became more whole with the stallion, the runes around his eyes glowing with a angry white rage. His tail grew longer, and acted as two separate tails, separating amongst the hair, while his coat of hair changed to seemed more shimmering and scale like. His eyes, now feral as they were, became far more reptile like, with his jaw slightly growing out.

“And you must be Grand-master Vulcan, correct? Leader of the Salamanders Knights?” she replied, landing gently, so soft that her hooves couldn’t be heard. The knight, Vulcan his name is, nodded solidly at the assassin.

“I am, and make sure you remember it,” he said smiling. Thunder noticed that Vulcan’s hooves, once much like his own, now grew talons and became more... lizard like.

“Why is that?” she said losing the grin for a moment to wonder at the knight, who grinned at her with sharp angry teeth that they were. Thunder looked back at the red pegasi mare and took his stance, unwittingly having lost it from staring at the changing knight.

“Because it is the name you will death, the name of the stallion that killed you, and will great him happily when my time comes,” he said, shifting forward. Thunder, which was now a side-lining pony stepped forward, feeling his body shake all over like never before. He had stared down dragons, griffons, diamond-dogs, marauders, goats, Zebra and even the occasional angry mare, but nothing felt like the air around him. The air, static with tension of the two warriors around him was contagious while also drowning him out.

The pegasus looked at the royal guard and smiled, licking her lips again, moving her scythe to one side. The next action Thunder barely had time to react too, sidestepping the strike that hit his armour with a swing. She looked at him happily grinning moving past him, and bounced off the wall, aiming her body back at him. Thunder’s hooves moved again and he felt the scythes blade pass clean through his flank, and searing hot pain shot up his side.

He crumpled down and looked back at his grey flank, grunting. No blood, but he felt his entire flank crying out, protesting the idea of movement. He forced himself to ignore it, biting down on his cheek as he stood up.

‘Pain is illusion of the body,’ he thought to himself, remembering his training, ‘Fear is the illusion of the mind.’

“Strong colt you are,” a voice echoed, making him turn and look at the assassin, who was preparing to leap at him again. This time however, he wouldn’t be able to react fast enough, “Too bad I have to put you down; my sister would love to have her way with you my deary.”

Thunder cringed as he turned towards her, feeling his leg lock up as he came to his final standing point.

‘Face death with a stone hard face.’

She leapt at him, scythe drawn back for a good strong kill.

‘Never back down from your foe.’

Her evil, yet beautiful face was the lasting he would see.

From the left came a stream of rolling twisting fire as it leapt at the red pegasus’s body, making her pulled up and away, into the sky. Thunder’s head twisted quickly, looking at the knight. Only he wasn’t a knight any longer.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Celestia started to run with the Galastrians as they rushed up the boarding planks, onto their steel airship. She admired their technological constructiveness in how they used the large-

‘Admire the ship later, Tia, right now, we need to get aboard the ship and get out of here,’ she thought to herself, rushing onto the ships wooden deck. The in the middle of the ship’s deck was a large bridge, raise up by a by several large tiers of metal constructed to give the bridge a good view of the world around it. The bridge itself, which she could see from where she board, was built to give a near complete view of the sky, reaching well around the main towers top deck. She was whisked into the main down by a unicorn, dressed in a blue uniform unlike the green the others wore to the dance. Frostmane was being pushed by two unicorns herself, though into a room with stairs, as she protested being left out of the decision. Celestia didn’t care right now, only wanting to get away.

“M’lady, your ship?” one unicorn asked the princess, shoving her quite forcefully, only to receive a look from the goddess. She entered the same room as Frostmane, who was quickly being forced out of her dress and behind given more appropriate clothes to wear. She looked just as disgruntled, though use to this at the same time. The General’s were all out, rushing up stiars to the main bridge, barking out orders.

“I sent the captain to inform the crew to take off, and to return with his best three guards to this ship. He knows what he’s doing,” she said, ‘I hope.’

The unicorn nodded and Frostmane walked up, a tighter clothing on her, allowing her to fly and run easily now. She seemed more imposing in a way that Celestia have never seen before while the crew around her seemed to take no notice.

“I’m going up the-” she started being cut off by one of the officers.

“You are not, as I, lieutenant Sweet-lick, will not allow you, my great empress ma’am. Its for your sa-” he stated, only to turn and rush after her, who was flying up the stairs in a fury, Celestia following directly behind her. It was only a matter of moments that they reached the bridge, rushing in seeing the general standing and listening to the Captain as she barked out orders to her bridge crew.

“I tell ya lads, if you get my ship damaged in anyway, I promise ya, that your ba-” she started before turning and bowing to the Empress quickly, quickly making the language more appropriate for her presence, “Your days on the Firedancer will be over, ya understand that ya gits?”

There was a loud call out form the four ponies on the bridge, all wearing the same blue cloth uniforms as the other crew. One stallion that looked back slightly, before waving gently at the Empress, looking back at the console in front of him, using his horn’s magik to throw some levers and switches around him.

“We’re leaving the dock, captain. The engines will be going live in thirty seconds, the power core and ballast gems are active and ready,” he stated, complete calm and normal.

“All weapons receiving power, and ready to go,” another said, standing up and turning to the captain.

“Master-Captain, the mage’s are ready for your orders at any moment,” a hood member of the bridge crew commented looking up and at the captain. The unicorn, which was made obvious by the horn that protrude through her hood, walked past her, and over to the stallion standing in front of another console, barking out orders into an amplifier.

“Captain, the crew is ready for ya orders, Captain Snow-lily,” the first unicorn said, not looking back. His front hooves rested on the wheel controlling the rudder behind each of the propeller engines.

Celestia stood in awe and the bridge was a flurry of moments and comments as the ship pulled away. On her ship, the Suns Kiss it was much calmer and more gentle then the rigorous and almost violent comments of this ship’s crew. She was kind of worried what she gotten herself into.

“Aptain, four Pegasi ‘oming up to the ship, Equestrian Royal Guard, should we let ‘em land?” the final crew bridge-member said turning about, his bright orange mane and tail, and his clearly scoltish accent making him easy to spot.

“Let them land,” Celestia said looking at the captain, who didn’t flinch at all, “They are my Royal Guard, and they are here to protect me,” she said. The Captain turned her head and looked at the princess, then came completely around and looked at her dead in the eye.

“Ah don’t care ya egit, tis is ma ship and ah won’t let anyone on unless ah say so,” the captain said, eyes filled with fire, “Let ‘em aboards you git, their ‘ere to guard their princess. Not like we could do it, eh lads?”

Celestia didn’t like that tone to her, and felt threatened around this mare, but from the corner of her eye she could hear the soft chuckle of Frostmane who leaned up to her ear and whispered, “She’s like that with everyone, well everyone except me.”

Celestia nodded and looked back at where they had came from, worried slightly from what had just transpired. An assassin attacked the group, and was after her head, making her body shiver at the thought of the assassin coming after her in Equestria, or after her younger sibling.

“Captain. Prench ships, two of them to the rear, coming up fast,”

“Now. Ah wonder what they want,” the captain said looking around the bridge. They could see Celestia’s ship pulled away further down, but it was already flying off out of the port. Celestia looked at the others and sighed.

Things couldn’t possibly get any worse.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Thunder ducked another swing as the Grand-master leapt at the pegasus in a strong bound, hitting her away from the unicorn. Thunder shot of a bolt of energy at the mare, but missed. He was distracted, by the fact that the Grand-master wasn’t a pony anymore.

He was, and wasn’t at the same time, his coat of hair not lizard like scales, his teeth, dragon like, and his armour having melded into his flesh as a harder shell. He was somewhere between a drake, and a pony, and it made the sergeant unsettled.

Another swing and he ducked, though he felt a sharp, powerful and piercing pain that shot form his flank as he did.

“This is getting ridiculous!” Thunder barked out, shooting of another bolt of energy at the Pegasus, who simply flew back. The Grand-master didn’t chase her though, having stopped beside the smaller unicorn.

“How so?” he asked, voice far deeper than before the change, while his eyes stayed locked on his foe.

“We get touched by that... blade and we don’t bleed and yet we feel pain. What is with it?” he asked, “On that, we can barely hit her.”

“She’s toying with us. She just having fun,” the drake-pony said, stepping forward, his body shifting back to a pony like form, “For what reason I don’t know...”

The royal guard looked at the ground and then down one of the streets. She was pulling them away from the air-docks, and deeper into the city. Even so, he hadn’t seen a soul yet, not even a lower class citizen.

“Something’s not right,” he said aloud, eyes moving about, “Where are all the ponies?” he asked looking about, seeing that each building’s windows were closed.

“You know what? I’m done with you. I did my job so I can just leave,” Raven’s Blood said, grinning happily at them. The two stallions looked at the blood red mare, who’s weapon seemed to fade back into the bracelets around her legs. She flew up and screamed suddenly.

“Oh guards help me! Somepony! Anypony! PLEASE HELP ME!” she was screaming out. Thunder-hoof flinched and heard the marching of several dozen soldiers, making him panic slightly.

“Crap, she was a diversion!” Vulkan yelled twisting his head quickly in all directions. Several prench ponies appeared rushing to the screaming mares aid. All had their weapons drawn.

“Well, she was a good diversion,” Thunder said, scanning the first group coming close. He looked at the grand-master, who was smiling.

“Indeed, for war is a game of deception and lies with courage and bloodshed, honour and pride, sanity and insanity,” he said, speaking much like a poet would. He looked at the Equestrian and smiled happily, “Boy, you need to survive this,” before turning to him directly and drawing a sword with his mouth and giving it to the smaller stallion, “Take this and run. Hide and survive. That’s my request for you.”

Thunder looked at the blade, the blade seeming like lightening jumping up and down within the steel that the sword was forged from. He took it in his mouth nodding quickly, and turned seeing the pegasus there, leaping in the way.

“Soldiers! Kill them!” he barked.

He rushed past her as Vulkan rushed at the blood red mare, forming gems with magic and launching them towards her. Raven leapt back, getting away from Vulkan and letting the Prench soldiers rush at him. In a matter of moments, with Thunder now having disappeared down the back aisle, Vuklan stood up, barely standing up, legs shaking and coughing blood up out of his mouth. His eyes were lizard like again, but as he contemplated the thought of transforming again, he knew at that instant it would be the last time. He had used up most of his life energy as it was, and the transformation would kill him.

He turned sharp dodging away from a taller stallion, swinging a mace at him eyes burning with fury. His eyes were a crisp yellow, and Vulkan could smell the fresh apples still on his breathe, and as the stallion smashed the mace into the ground, he aimed his horn at the pony’s neck, firing several bolts of energy into the him.

This continues for a good five minutes, maybe ten, as Vulkan loses track, and he could feel exhaustion setting in. A slash across the flank, a thrust into the shoulder, crushing smash against the ribs, and even a swing of a blade across his face; all taking its toll on the wary knight, and even as he kicks out at another, as crimson red pegasus comes down out the sky, a sword in hoof.

The impact is swift and resounding, powerful and true, cutting through his armour and to his painfully beating heart. He looked at Raven, who licking her lips gently.

“The kings will be done,” she whispered into his ear, before wretching the sword form him, only to thrust it back in. His breath, once fire hot and strong, now escapes him as an ice cold and weak gasp. Again another thrust, making him cough what is left in his lungs out, making him lurch his head towards the ground, feeling the blood leak out his nose.

“My oath is fulfilled then, for my duty was bound the protect the innocent from the vile and evil,” he weakly before completely crumpling to the solid stone road, eyes half open as he stares at death. He fells the mare pull out the blade as he pulls in one final breath.

“Luna guide my soul...”

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

“Ma’am their hailing us on the raido!” on the crew said, looking worried. Two war-ship now gained on the single, guns of the ships aiming at the shorter ship.

“Let ‘em talk than. Ah’d like to hear what they got to say,” she said, slowly walking over to the crew-member. He nodded and threw a switch with his hoof and spoke into it, quickly in prench, though the response was quick, fluid and strong, making all the crew jump at the stallions statement.

“You will power down your ships main engines, and prepared to be boarded! Princess Celestia and Empress Frostmane are considered criminals by the country of Prance for attempted assassination of the King of Prance, Aimer Roi!”

The bridge crew froze as the two country leaders looked petrified, eyes bugged and wide.

“Impossible, they must be crazy!” the pilot stated.

“On this, should the ship, Firedancer, should not yield, it will be considered an act of war by both Galastria and Equestria, and you will be fired upon. On this, Lord Stein has ordered for the arrest of all Imperial Delegates and generals who attended the party, being considered-” the voice was cut off by the captain shutting off.

“Empress, yar orders?” she said looking at the pale blue pegasi, who just looked at the floor of the bridge. Celestia looked at her, eyes soft, but worried. From the pegasus fell several tears, each a gem of sadness as her body jumped and jittered, trying to stop herself form completely weeping and looking pathetic. Celestia looked at the general, who watched the pitiful mare of an empress crying, not interfering with her. She looked back, raising a hoof to pat her, only to feel a hoof on her shoulder. She looked to see Earthshaker shaking his head no.

Then something soft came from the mare, head still lowered and eyes upon the floor. All watched her, seeing a few more tears fall from her face.

“Captain Cloud-dancer,” her voice was cracking and broke, but the firm undertone was there.

“Yeah, ma lady?” she said looking strongly at the small Pegasi. Something incorherant came from the small pegasus, which the earth pony captain asked her to repeat louder.

“I am to choose between war and a lie that is false and cruel. They would see me hanged and Galastria leaderless, with Equestria left to crumple away,” she said, voice still fragmented, and her yes still on the floor, “They ask me to give myself up, to give up my friends and duties that I have yet to earn, only to be hung for a crime I did not commit. If I don’t, Galastria would be burned to ash around me or the ship be destroyed as we flee.”

There was a great moment of silence as she slowly raised her head and looked at the captain, clearly in the hazel eyes. The generals stood quiet for a moment, looking at the ground.

“I will not let that happen. Don’t stop the ship, no matter what.”

Celestia looked at them, a surprised looked across her face. What Frostmane was just doing was throwing her country into war, as well as her own, and she took such little time to contemplate the idea of it. Celestia walked forwards and infront of Frost, glaring at her. Their eyes locked for but a brief instant before Frost looked away.

“Celestia you are welcome to leave if you wish to save you country from war. I do not mind,” she stated, walking over to the generals. Celestia’s eyes followed the pegasus’s movements, scowling at the young one.

“Captain,” a voice crept up, “Port side, you should see this.”

Everypony looked to the left, and not a single pony not gasps at the sight to the port-side of the airship. Falling rapidly from the air was Princess Celestia’s own airship, the Suns Kiss crumpled out of the sky towards the city below, her engine burning with angry red fires and a few pegasi diving off of it, mostly royal guard. They flew towards the Firedancer in a massed hurry, while they left the few crew behind, falling with the once proud wreckage. Two small Prench ships flowed next to the falling wreck, magic bolt of energy firing at the slowly descending carcass of a ship.

Celestia’s face became one of horror and disgust as her ship was gorged out by the other airships, and weakness took over her legs quickly, eyes beginning to water up. She looked at Frostmane, eyes of pain and agony.

“There were fifty ponies aboard that ship I knew well,” she managed out, “I can’t let the king of Prance get away with this...”

With that and a solid nod the ships engines groaned angrily as it gained speed, straining to keep them away from the Prench behind them. Celestia was now going to have to trust the Galastrian with her life, and hope they would help her with what was to come.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Thunder slide around a corner, the pain in his flank screaming out at him to stop and give up to the Prench. He couldn’t.

He raced towards the airships, only to see the ship he was to have been aboard collapse out of the sky under the relentless fire of Prench gunships. He could hear loud pops and crashing as the Prench boats fired crystal shells as the ships, while any who could either teleported away, or just died in the inferno. He raced toward some other unicorns, all dazzed and struggling to control themselves in anguish, barking out for them to run. There was only seven there, now himself as they began to race away from the ship, which crashed into the docks below and detonated ina brilliant show of light and angry fire.

The seven raced into the back alleys, some crying, other calm and collected, but all torn apart by the thought of leaving anypony who was alive to die in the blaze behind.

Thunder turned a corner and heard a door open, looking towards to see a Prench pony, eyes locked wide on the Equestrian unicorns infront of him. He began to move his mouth when he heard cries from the next street over, all Prench soldiers and citizens. With that he stared at them, and they at him, Thunder getting ready to run.

“Venez vite!” he stated waving a hoof at them, all to enter the building, Thunder stopping to stare at him for a short moment, before one of the other guards looked at him.

“I think he wants us to come quickly inside,” he answered.

“Qui! Qui, rapide!” the stallion stated again, looking around, and with that the others rushed in, Thunder came in last, closing the door.

The stallion urged them down some stairs, rushing them quickly and quietly before they were all in a dark and crowded basement, all looking at the stallion. He looked at one of them and began talking quickly in Prench being stopped by the second guard of the group, who seemed to understand some prench.

Thunder leaned against the wall, panting heavily. He flank now screamed at him to lay down and to never move again, making him sweat in agonizing pain. He eventually laid down slowly, resting his head on what felt like a bag of sand or flour.

“Sir?” another unicorn asked, eyes barely visible in the basement, “Are you okay sir?”

“F-Fine, Sweet-Touch,” he replied knowing who it was. He looked around the room finally realizing he had three other royal guard, and a few ship crew members, eyes all dim and quiet as the stallion and guard talked. Before too long the room grew silent before a dangerous sentence was spoken by the royal guard.

“Thunder-hoof. The princess was accused of attempting to assassinate the king of Prance, and that’s why the Prench ships attacked us. They’ve basically declared war on us.” He stated. There was no gasps, no whimpers of self pity or fear. Not a sound was mad, before Thunder looked at the Prench-pony, eyes locked on him.

“Does he intend to help us or turn us in?” he asked.

“He wasn’t born in Prance, and doesn’t see the good it would to help us in saving Equestria. He will hide us for as long as possible if need be,” he said. There was a nod from the black figure, before they began to move away from him. Thunder could only now hope that this was just a miss understanding and pray to Celestia that he would be out of her in a few hours. But for now, his eyes grew heavy while the other crew members sat on the cool stone floor, some sobbing and weeping, others just lost in deep and dangerous thought. He left his head resting on the bag that he laid it on moments earlier, and let the sleep he desire take him.

-Authors Note-

Sorry for the long wait and I'm sorry for not being informative about what happened. Life got busy, work got complicated and writing took a major jump over the holiday break.

I apologize and humbly home this will be a weekly thing soon.

Chapter 3: Orderly Commands

Chapter 3

The airship lurched right as two massive and blindly yellow burst caused the all but the pilot twist away. Celestia, even as the goddess of the sun twisted her head away from the sudden flaring yellow spheres. As the lights dimmed away, she looked seeing what they had been running from of the past two hours trying to cut them off before they entered the air above the English Channel.

“Captain they are getting closer,” the helms-pony said not looking away from his task.

He was right, and two large Prench ships were coming at them, gem ended cannons aimed at the flying imperial airship.

“Ah know t’at ya git! Get us away from ‘em then,” the Snow-Lily stated eyes infactuated with anger, “Magister Lance, inform yar unicorns to throw up a shield and to keep it up until we’re over the Channel! Liuetenant Silver-wind, get us hard to port and over the Channel. Sergeant Lickety, get yar gunners ready for a fight if they come after us.”

Quickly came the response only to have another two burst of light appear in front of them, blinding most of the crew again. Celestia looked away again, while the generals covered their eyes with their hooves, trying to shield them to no avail. Before anyone could even think the was a rush of energy about the bridge crew, moving with practice and primed from the training. The magister, which Celestia had heard called Lance, spoke into a ship wide radio, with the Sargeant speaking to one of his own. She could only assume the orders that were being given were for the Empress’s protection.

“Captain, we got English ships ahead of us. Four, maybe five,” the helms-pony claimed, making all the ponies turn to look. Sure enough there were four easily seen airships, each with flying over the English Channel, and with a solid grin the captain look to Frost-mane.

“Ya and yar diplomatic ties, ya. Get us closer to them. The Prench are scared little gits, and if we get the English involved they ought ta back off,” she exclaimed, the ship turning towards them. In a matter of moments the random bursts of light ended, and from a simple look the crew breathed a sigh of relief as the ships seemed to stop chasing them. The Captain sat down, releasing a sigh of relief from her chest as the ship began to pull over the Channel.

“We’re cle-” the helm-pony began, only to be cut off by an earbursting and body wrenching blast as the back of the bridge column explode. Everyone was thrown to the floor as the scream and groan of twisting metal leered out, before smoke filled the bridge, making it hazed and hard to see. Celestia felt a presence on her back and looked, seeing her captain covering her with his wings spread full to protect her. She began to panic for a short moment, believing him hurt.

“C-Captain?” she asked, receiving a look from the hard stallion.

“Yes Princess?” he asked, making her breathe a sigh of relief. She looked around, seeing most others were okay. Frost was being covered by three guard-ponies and had shielded themselves. The magister, who was now standing and clearing the smoke was yelling into the radio set, saying some profane words at whomever he was speaking too. While all this was going on, there rushed in some other ponies, medical cutie-marks on their flanks.

“Is every-pony alright?” came a question from the helm, eyes locked ever forward, keeping the ship steady now.

“The Empress is okay.”

“As is the Princess,” Wind-cutter stated looking around.

“All the Generals are fine,” came other voice, before some of the crew looked to the captain for advice. To their horror, she was slumped down, a shard of metal implanted into the side of her head and jaggedly pointing out at the world. One of the medical ponies came up and checked her body for a pulse but shook her head softly.

“Captain Silver-wing you’re in charge now, sir!” the medical pony exclaimed and looked towards the helm, seeing the new captain turn them to starboard and down the English Channel as they past the English ships.

“Get her body to the morgue and check for any other casualties,” he said, voice somewhat shaken by what just said about the past captain. He looked over his shoulder at Frost first and then at the other important members, “You are to go below decks now. I don’t care if you want to stay here and watch but we are out of danger now and have a day’s flight to Galastrian air-space, so it would help me immensely if you were down in quarters.”

Before the two leaders could argue, they were forced down the stairs by the generals, who informed them he was right. In a matter of moments they were forced into quarters, and guards were placed outside the doors, standing quietly.

Celestia sighed as Frost slumped down onto some pillows, eyes now directed down at the floor.

“Celestia?” she asked, “Did I do the right thing?”

Celestia looked at the young leader and smiled softly, moving over and laying down on some pillows next to her.

“What do you mean?” she asked watching her reaction first. The Empress slowly breathed in and out, then looked at Celestia.

“I mean, was it the right thing I did going to war? I feel so selfish cause I think I did it to protect myself. Is that wrong? To make two countries to go to war and kill possibly millions for my sake?” she asked, eyes returning to the ground. Celestia was quiet if for a long moment before sighing.

“Honestly Frost-mane, I’ve seen far silly things for wars. And in your cause, yes you did the right thing for your people. I don’t think the Prench would have care very much if we did surrender to them. They probably would have launched themselves at our countries regardless,” Celestia commented, seeing Frost’s ears perk up at this before her head twisted to look at her.

“Really? You think so?”

“I do believe so. I think something is wrong in Prance, and though we’ve been forced out of it, I can’t help but feel that this Lord Stein is behind it all.”

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

The king laid quietly on a bed, pain flowing through his as he watched the night sky through his window. He was quiet, and lost in the faint thoughts of what was happening.

War. Not something he wanted, nor he asked for of Stein.

He informed Stein to watch what the two leaders did after the attack, not attacking them. He could see ponies in the streets angry with the attempt on his life, calling for blood and fury. He took a long pained breath in, looking at the door before exhaling. He was suppose to prevent a war, instead he started it.

“My liege.”

Aimer Roi looked down, staring at the doctor lord as he walked slowly in, three guards surrounding him, a twisted smile smeared on the multi-coloured doctor.

“How are you feeling my liege?” he asked, receiving a look from the king making him smile, “Oh so you’ve heard the news? We are going to war~!”

There was excitement in his voice, making the king frown.

“You seem giddy, Lord Stein. You want a wa-” he starts being silenced by a laugh.

“No I don’t want a war! I want a slaughter. Equestria to be swallowed up and left to rot in its own blood. I want it to be destroyed by this Kingdom and all other who would join us, just to do that. I need the blood to be split,” he commented, grinning to the guards happily, who smiled back just as eager, “I intend to succeed from simple immortality to another tier of life~!”

“You are a mad pony. You have no idea what your ge-” the king started again cut off by the laugh.

“OH but I do, my-” Stein started lowering his head to the king, “Liege. I have been around for several hundred years and never once have I underestimated Galastria. Nor do I intend to now.”

Aimer’s eyes widened slowly, fear beginning to take him, “I-Impossible. No pony can live for that long. Not even Unic-”

“You are correct, sire. But that is a normal pony, and I am anything but normal,” he said, a malice grin began to spread across his face, “However, I’ve told you too much and you must become our martyr.”

“M-Martyr? What do you mean?” the king said, fear easily heard in his voice and his shrunk back. The lord stood up and stepped back, then turned away.

“Unfortunately your wife was assassinated a while ago, as will you be in a few moments. I’ve gathered the lords to let me assume command of the country to lead it on is quest for vengeance and rage again the Equestrians. And of course the Imperial Galastrians as well, but they really aren’t my target...”

The king tried to force himself up, only to be forced down by one of the guards, who smiled at him.

“No, you wouldn’t. You can’t!” he exclaimed being forced down by another, a blade hanging in the air above his neck, “Please!! I AM YOUR KING! PL-”

He was silenced by the drop of the blade and the closing of the door behind Stein.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Celestia walked out onto the deck after hours of being held in the quarters and let out a soft sigh of relief. The large ocean below seemed gentle and shimmered in the moons gentle light, but it was time for the sun to come to the world for the day, lighting it with its warmth and tender flames. She sighed and let the magik flow through her body to her horn and she lowered her head, before beginning to slowly raise her head to the sky. With her head, appeared the golden sun, its laminating light begin to change the world from a gentle and dark blue to purples and gentle oranges. Almost in sync, Luna’s moon began to descend, stars fading out as the sky became more and more lit.

Within a few moments it was early day and Celestia sighed, smiling happily at her work, before looking at Wind-cutter, who was standing close by.

“What do you think?”

“Pretty normal in my opinion, cause I’ve seen you do far better on the-” he starts, before she looks at him worried, “You mean the impending war, don’t you?”

A slow, but solid nodded confirmed his thought and he gave a long sigh before looking to the rising sun, his eyes scanning it for an answer that had yet to appear to him.

He honestly thought that this was Prances attempt for a massive expansion, as well as way to allow the world to see it flex its military might. Even with the Galastrians on their side, the war was already looking like a doomed endeavour for the Equestrians. The size of the militia was so minuscule that even if they rallied them all into one city, there would only be about 3500. The Royal guard wasn’t that being either, with less than 200 guards attending to the protection of the princesses.

“Princess, I do not believe I am the best suited to answer that question. Even if I was, I still wouldn’t know what to answer with,” he stated, not looking at Celestia while he spoke his thoughts to her.

“Still, I would like to have your opinion,” She replied, looking at the world around the ship.

“Well... honestly, I think we have not a chance in the universe ma’am. Even with the Galastrians on our side, we won’t be able to crush a force like the Prench fleet and army. The Galastrians are spread across the world with the professional forces, while their home forces may not be enough to defend themselves... let alone us...”

Celestia turned away from him and watch the sun rising naturally now, as it was in the world for her. She was now leading a country to its doom, and it was; in many ways; her fault. The air-ship flew solidly for a while before she turned around and looked at the Captain of her Royal Pegasi. She let a long and gentle sigh, eyes wary before even the true events of the world were to begin.

“Then we will meet them as best we can. Hopefully Prance will delay its attack, giving us time to train more militia and forces before they get a chance to attack. Let’s pray for that at least,” she said, receiving a nod from the captain, “I will send a letter to my sister, telling her to rally anything that she can. In the mean time we will to Galastria and see if we can petition for their assistance. Though I as much as I hope they will, I seem to be doubting the involvement of their armies.”

Wind-cutter nodded softly and smiled before turning away, proceeding to enter the airship again, leaving the princess on the deck to look at the sky for some while, before following suit.

Within a few moments she was writing out the letter and proceeds to scratch down the details of the prior night and Luna’s tasks at hoof, before rolling the letter up and sighing. She just about to whisk the letter off to her sibling when a tap came from the door, making Celestia twist her head softly to see General Shadow-Sword standing in the entry.

“Princess. I was informed you were writing a letter, and I’m curious if you would like to inform us about what,” he asked, his tone both friendly and strong, trying to act in an appropriate matter for this topic.

“Well of the situation and of my plans. I intend to rally up what little militia our country has and begin training additional, as well as inform my younger sister of where I will be for the likely hood of a few days,” she said standing up, as the general walked into the room slowly. He looked at the letter before back at Celestia.
“Okay. Would you mind if I?” he asked, raising a hoof up and out to take the letter. Celestia nodded and floated it over to him, letting him take it. As he placed it on the desk and read it, he nodded as he went.

“Sorry if this seems a bit... intrusive, but I feel it’s a necessary event. I fight with knowledge and the more I can get the more I can use it against the enemy,” he said, rolling the scroll back up and giving it to Celestia after he finished it, “Sometimes small letters and notes could unravel a plan to attack a port or city.”

“I can understand General, though I am your ally in this predicament,” she replied, flaring the scroll with blue fire, and it was gone.

“You are our fellow combatant, not our ally,” he said turning to leave, Celestia staring at him worried, “Do not confuse the two.”

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Luna rushed down the halls of Canterlot Castle, eyes wide with terror, and as came to the guards main training room, throwing the massive wooden doors open as she slid to a stop. In front of her were a Dozen commanding members of the Guard, with a pair on the floor wresting. One was a female, a young officer who was up for promotion into her guard, another a grey male unicorn who had her pinned down in a rather awkward position.

“Guards, we demand attention!” she called out in old Canterlot, making all the guard turn to stand at attention, while the other two on the floor blushed madly as the stood up and moved away from the other, “Our sister, Princess Celestia has sent word of a great and dangerous prospect. We are at war!”

The majority of the guards eyes widened, their bodies locking with fear, but one, a tall white earth pony walked forward, shaking slightly.

“W-War, m’lady? As in, war with battles and destruction of cities town, war with death and slaughter?” he asked, clearly shaken. Luna gave a cold and slow nod, before the pony sat down on his rump processing it. Then the grey unicorn who had been wrestling walked forward, gulping softly.

“What are our orders Princess Luna?” he asked, to which she floated the paper up and in front of her face.

“We are to order the Royal Guard to assemble the militia and instigate the recruitment of more possible troops for the impending war. All militia are to report to the area’s main governing officials to prepare for the defence of Equestria. I have a list for those to go where they are to go. Captain Odin and his Guards are to go to Ponyville and the surrounding area around it, Captain Fire-fang is to go to the eastern province and head to Manehattan, Captain Aquila, you and your pegasi are to go west to Cloudsdale then south to New Fillydelphia and the surrounding area, while the remaining Captains all head West and south, to the other cities in the out provinces while Captain Sunset is to go north and prepare Hoovesburg. Stalliongrad will be taken care of by Lieutenants New moon and Blood Moon. Each member will work accordingly and as quickly as possible. It is believed that we only have at most a month before the Prench attack our coast, so speed is important! GO!”

The Guards all saluted and rushed out, quickly rushing to the nearby barrack. All but Captain Odin and his Wrestling partner, causing Luna looked at them and raised an eye brow.

“Did I not make myself clear on the importance of the mission?” she asked walking over, while the captain nodded.

“You did princess, but my area is this region so I have some leeway, and with that I must prepare the Sergeant here for her first mission with me,” he said motioning his hoof to the other unicorn, who saluted.

“Well hurry up. We have not a moment to spare captain. I cannot fail my sister in this task, and I intend not too,” she said walking away. This was not a moment for lolly gagging and killing time. When last she was around she lead a civil war with Celestia and was going to hopefully be of some sort of assistance to her sister in this war. She looked back at Odin, who was congratulating the guard on her first task with him and started walking out, eyes clear of all worry.

“Captain? Why are you not in a rush?” Luna asked turning around, facing him again. He bowed to her, and looked at her, smiling up at the Princess.

“I was explaining to Loki the task at hand my dear princess and I intend to use all my tools to help me through this. We are taking to Ponyville immediately,” he said standing up receiving a look from Luna, one of unhappiness.

“Alright captain. Please be quicker about your business,” she said leaving the two guards, hearing them rush off and collect their equipment. And if her sister was right, they were going to need everything they could get if the Prench attacked sooner than thought.

She walked into the main officer where two Prench Delegates stood, turning to face her, eyes unpleased and unhappy.

“Madame.”

“Delegates. How ca-” Luna started before being cut off.

“We demand that you surrender Celestia and your country to the Prench Kingdom, or else,” one said, puffing out his chest. Luna frowned at him standing taller now, looking at him as if he was a simple ingrate from prison.

“You will not have that,” she replied sharp and quick, staring at them, waiting for a response, “I assume the negotiations are over?”

The one who spoke nodded marching off while the other remained behind and watched her carefully; before bowing and walking away behind him. As he bowed something slipped out and landed in front of Luna, making her raise an eye brow at him and the paper. Once the two were gone she floated the note up to her face and opened it, reading it quickly.

Truth was the first casualty,
And I don’t stand with Prance.
My loyalties elsewhere lay,
And proud skies I call home.

Send this to Castle Buckingham,
And the order will rise.
Once lost to light,
Forgotten by darkness,

Vivat Nocte
Vivat Nocte
And hope we are
Rediscovered by the moon

Luna’s eyes widened and she looked down the hall staring aimlessly into it, hoping this was good and not evil.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Odin marched down the halls, his four fellow guards marching behind him as he headed to the main gate, all the other captains and officers having left.

“Ponyville is our first location, and from there the surround towns, home and farms, understood?” he asked looking around, “Thor, you’ll be incharge of the everfree forest, while Loki and I will be dealing with the main town. Mjolnir your to go south and deal with any farms from there with some militia and Fenrir you go north. We are to get there a quickly as possible so no stopping for breaks. Orders are orders. Long live the princesses! Long live Equestria!” he called, receiving cheers and nods from the other guards, before they all raced out, quick as could be. They’re destination, Ponyville.

After twenty minutes they were beyond the marble walls of the city and the massive and towering palace higher up on the side of the mountain, and in the distance they could see the rest of the guards racing in all directions. The few dozen left behind were to protect the city if they could, but even Odin knew the thought was absurd. They were now at war and the militia was to be summoned up.

He raced down the road, panting in his heavy golden armour and his hooves crashed constantly into the packed dirt of the road beneath him as the five ponies appoarched the main highway to Ponyville.

Moments after they raced onto the highway he ordered them to pick up the pace. There was still a day of running head of the group.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

A full day at ponyville seemed to pass by ever so uneventful, unlike the normal days.

Twilight Sparkle could swear there was going to be something to happen; she could feel it in her bones and horn. She sighed loudly causing spike to twist his head to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Something wrong Twi?” he asked, putting a set of books down, only to see the purple unicorn shake her head slowly.

“I can’t help but feel something is going to happen, but I don’t know what. Maybe it’s just my head telling me I’m just anxious about stuff now of days,” she commented rolling her head softly. She moved one of her hooves up to her head and rubbed the temple gently before getting up and floating a book over to her, laying it on her table in the kitchen, sitting down right after which eating some of the food she had prepared. The book was called the Forgotten Knight’s Oath, by a stallion in another country, but it was one of her favourites.

She opened it to a point in the book noting out her mark for it was rather worn, while she smiled picking up on the page, feeling the chivalry that the knight, Sir Bronze-Wing, courted with the young filly of his dreams, the elegant Summer Delight. She read this part a hundred times, loving it dearly, as the knight danced with her slowly and carefully, delicately holding her close, believing that she was set to be whisked away the moment he let her go. He never wanted too, not once.

As she came to the end of the dance scene she heard a loud knock on her door and turned to look as Spike opened the door to let a tall grey stallion in, his gleaming golden armour presenting him as a Royal Guard.

“C-Captain Odin! What are you doing here?” Spike asked terrified of the guard’s size and appearance in the door.

“Twilight Sparkle?” he asked, ignoring Spikes question and looking at Twilight.

“Yes, Captain, what is it? Is Cel-” she started getting up from the book and walking over slowly to the Captain with a worried look clearly plastered on her face.

“No time,” he started, “During your time in the Palace as Celestia’s apprentice you spent time training with Captain Bolt?”

Twilight slowly nodded before looking at Spike.

“Ya we did, why?” she asked, making the Captain breathe a sigh of relief.

“I’ll explain along the way, come quickly we need to talk with the Mayor of Ponyville,” he said turning around and walking away, making the pair shrug and follow. As she walked out she could see a few other ponies rushing towards where the Mayor was standing, a group of ponies already there. She followed closely behind the Captain, looking at the back of his head.

“We have been ordered to assemble the Militia. And even though you are not part of the militia, we need all the help we can get,” he said, walking them toward the group of ponies, “This town only has about twenty in total and we can’t really rely on so few.”

“Why the militia? They are only called on for certain problems like floods or forest-fires or even large groups of monsters,” Twilight replied. Odin was quiet if for a moment as they approached the group of ponies.

“Hey Twi! You know what’s going on?” a familiar voice rang out, before Twilight saw Rainbow Dash floating over head softly, looking at her.

“Dash your part of the Militia?” she asked her, receiving a strong nodded.

“Wonderbolts chose their members form the Militia so I figured why not?” she chuckled, then landed next to Twilight, the Cyan pegasus walking next to the purple unicorn to the stage. She walked up behind the unicorn she had come to know while at the palace over the few years and now saw a few other faces. Thor, the tall red mane blue unicorn with a lightning bolt for his cutie mark standing next Mjolnir, his earth pony marefriend, who grinned as she saw Twilight. The other two she didn’t recognize though, but knew the mayors face was something to judge the new on.

“Mayor, what’s go-” she started being interrupted by Odin behind her.

“Militia of Ponyville!” he started making Twilight jump a little at the boom voice she once feared as a filly, “I have gathered you here today to inform you of some... dire news.”

Twilight looked at the crowd, seeing Lyra Harpstring, as well was Big Macintosh and Rainbow Dash, while there were a few other faces she became worried about. She saw Doctor Whooves, Derpy Whooves loving husband, and even Carmel, which surprised her that the two would even be part of the Militia in anyway. Whooves was a clock technician while Carmel worked with the Apples, and Lyra was a harp player.

“I have been ordered by Princess Luna to gather the Militia and prepare for the worst. As I was informed myself, much to my horror and disbelief is that we are going to war,” Odin said slowly and carefully. The crowd of ponies and Twilight drew a sharp gasp, and some in the crowd began to murred at the thought of war. Some couldn’t believe what they had just been told, other were completely silent like Macintosh and Whooves, though the second was wide eyed with horror.

Twilight walked forward to Odin, eyes just as wide.

“No, you’re just kidding right? You are just making us...” she couldn’t finish as he looked at her, a blank stare impeding her speech, “You’re s-serious, aren’t you?”

A slow and gentle nod came from him, eyes solid as she ever knew them. She felt her ears drop down from the standing position as her gut feeling returned.

“I have my orders and I’m going to prepare the defence of this town, as well as try all of you to the best of your abilities! I can only promise that,” he said, stopping a lot of questions before they were raised by the small crowd of ponies. He looked down at them, and sighed gently, “I will promise you this though, I will fight to save everything I can in this town. You, your families and your livelihoods.”

In that instant the crowd seemed to become quiet again, though more solid and firm then before, the Guard looking at the group carefully. With a gentle nod, Thor moved forward and started calling out names and groups in which they were formed. Twilight stood there for a long moment, as did most of the others, letting the orders and news sink into their minds.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

The chamber was clambered with ponies, all of different breeds and kinds, while a group of misfits sat in the middle of the group. Four griffons, each wearing a different clan symbol and a regal uniform sat beside two qilin, while two dozen imperial delegates sat arguing around them. Three rows of just lords, delegates and officials, all yelling out to be heard by a lone unicorn at the bottom of the room, who was yelling out for silence. Below the delegates facing unicorn was another row, divided up into three sections. On the front of one were six shields, and behind each shield a seat for a pony, though only three of the seats were occupied by their owners.

The first, on the farthest right was a unicorn dressed in beautifully design clothe with lovely designed medals and symbols with long red cape drawn down his back and over his emerald green flank and cutie mark obscuring it. The shield in front of him was a tall grey shield it a long and piercing golden ‘I’ at the middle. Beside him sat an armour knight of a pony, her heavy mithril like armour seeming to gleam with the limited light with her symbol of a white shield with a beautiful yellow sun in middle of it sitting in front of her seat. Her white coat of hair and her vibrant red mane made her seemingly look like a solid white knight in the room compared to the only other counterpart, who sat tow seats over.

The other knight was sitting forward, hooves pressed to his face trying to keep his head from slamming down onto the desk in front as he slept gently between them while his wings were tucked neatly against the deep blue armour that he wore. In front of his seat was the shield, a dark blue shield with a brilliant pair of angelic wing with a long white sword aimed downward between the two wings.

Between the two knights were two seats, the further right having a black shield with a pair of dragon heads with glowing red eyes coming up from the bottom of the shield to face outwards from the centre. The dark blue dragons were fine painted unlike much of the other shields, and a higher level of quality compared to the one to its left. The other shield seemed old and almost ancient in ways, with paint pealed back and off in some places while a large, the gentle ruby red was paint painted with a green dragon head breathing yellow flame form its maw.

The last shield was the strangest by far, again red like the old one, but an ever peering eye of knowledge peering into the world in front of it. The seat behind it was used, quite profusely compared to most other seats with in the room.

In the centre was again a set of six seats, though only two had shields in this set. The far right one was a large griffon, who front eagle talons were crossed over his chest, eyes locked forward and an unbroken frown upon his face while his wing were clenched to his body. In front was a round and brutal shield, scared and damage by past use, pair of hammers crossed over them with a wing on each head of the hammer. Beside him for the next four seats were ponies, each dressed in regal blue uniforms with medals pinned to their chest with long swords embroidered into the collars surround by wings or wreathes. The final seat was occupied by a tall qilin, his body covered in long yellow hair, while long whiskers came off his muzzle. Form the back of his head extends a pair of long soft pearl horns. Down the belly ran dragon like scales, soft blue with the ridged slightly rose. The most iconic part about him though was the regal blue main that ran from the top of his head down his back to the tip of his long tail. Further with that was the dragon like talons he had instead of hooves.

The qilin looked around, before back at the other two in the room, well the other qilin and kirin. He could see the unicorn horned on sitting next to a griffin quietly talking with it, keeping as hushed as possible. It pleased him to see the other two members from the clans exchanging good relationships, causing him to smile and look at the gruff griffin at the other end. The griffin’s eyes looked at him and nodded slight before locking back forward. The Qilin followed suit.

The last table was eight instead of the other six, and within the seats sat green uniformed stallions and a mare, each with a long sword on their collar, though the wreathes around them were all different colours from some. Among the five sat two unicorns and three earth ponies, each quietly talking to another. The mare, which was on the right side started at the young unicorn trying to silence the room, smiling happily at the failed attempts.

Then the door into the main chamber swung quietly opened revealing a tall hooded figure, a protruding horn extending out from the red cloak and hood, while around it was the image of an eye. The room fell silent as the creature walked in slowly, bags of unknown substances and items dangling off the cloak, each more foreign and interesting then the last, while walking behind it on two legs was a teen dragon with gentle blue scales and orange eyes watching the room. The creature slowly made it to the over used seat it had gently setting itself upon it, causing it to creak gently at the weight. The room all stared, eyes warily landing on the creature.

Pulling back the hood with its hooves came the head a young unicorn with many tattoos imprinted all across its face, and several piercings on his ears and nose. He raised his head gently, taking a more professional stance in the seat, while the room stared at him.

Another figured entered the room behind him, a tall charcoal grey stallion who’s armour appeared to be that of true war and had experienced it quite often. On his flank was a worn out looking handle of a sword with strong chain locking it to his body. The armour itself was a deep blue like the shield for where he was headed to sit, and the knight gruffly excused himself past the other two, who let him by.

With the room finally in silence the unicorn coughed loudly and looked around.

“As you all know, Prance demanded the surrender of our Empress and any delegates that were in Paris last night for the attempted assassination on their king. However, we cannot agree with the idea of this proposal, and declined, much to some of your horrors,” the unicorn said, sweating slightly with all the eyes on him, “It appears that we are on the brink once more for war, and with the majority of our professional armies out of the country and the few rear-guard forces such as the Knights of Light, The Draconic Templar’s, the Knights of the Salamanders and the Knights of the Bless Angel, as well as the few capable Magister forces Grand Magister Fury-Flare can lend to us. However, with General Shao, Lord General Shadow-Sword and General Earthshaker indisposed of currently, we will have limited resources. Even then, only a fifth of the fleet is available as most are on missions with the professional guard forces in Cossack, Zebrica and refitting so we are greatly under-strength. Major General Sparker,” he finishes off as the mare general stands up and takes to the main floor, looking around the room.

“With Lord General Shadow-sword out of the country, we would normally fall to either Shao, Earthshaker or even General Tavros, but he has declined to step forward,” she said moving a hoof over to the younger general, almost too green for his rank, “On that, the few forces we do have available are the militia and two dozen mandatory service pony regiments available, making that total a grand total of...”

She paused looking at the sheet of paper on the desk for her, then looking at the group, “Thirty thousand. Pegasus, Unicorn and Earth. On that, the few ships that are available are only about eight to ten ships, mostly smaller airships, while the griffons, thanks to Clan master Iron-Claw, and the Qilin, thanks to clan-lord Vibro, we have a grand total of thirty-five thousand, and then the knights. What I’m trying to say is if we don’t pull another country in with us into this war we will be steam rolled by Prance. Again.”

All the delegates shuddered at the thought of what happened during the last war with Prance for Galastria. Prance had steam rolled them, and they nearly won if not for the combined efforts for General Earthshaker and Shao.

“So right now, our only option is to delay the war, if at all possible,” she said, looking around, “That or pull out of Cossack, and Zebrica.”

One of the blue uniformed stallions stood up and looked at her strait on.

“That would be considered treason amongst the Cossacks and may force them to work with the Prench, while with th-” he started.

“And what about the Griffon kingdoms seeing us mobilizing!” another stated standing up.

Other delegates and lords stood up throwing their concerns to the fire that was building. The general smiled and a put up a hoof and shooshed those gently, eventually and surprisingly causing silence.

“This is the problem. We all know the problems. And we cannot solve it by arguing over it in the co-” before she could finish several lords stood up and started yelling down at her, each more displeased with the idea of war then the other. Some more lords so joined in again, then more delegates and finally some officials. Sparker cringed as the yelling grew louder and louder, looking to help from the other generals, most of which shook their heads no. One of them, a lieutenant rubbed his temple with his hoof and looked at her, shaking his head no.

Sparker already knew how useless it was to argue with a crowd of diplomats and lords, and she let a slow and painful sigh. She wasn’t the best at diplomacy and preferred battle strategies or a good book then to be here now. She eyed the three knight lords and all three shook their heads no, not getting involved.

She was trapped in the middle of a storm and no one was sending a life boat to save her.

“SILENCE!” a voice boomed making everyone including the generals to jump at near deafening boom, the instant causing everyone to twist their heads to look at source.

The grand-magister’s dragon stood on the desk in front of his charge and looked back at him, nodding slowly, only to have the magister stand up and walked up beside the general.

“I for one see no point in arguing about these things, nor do I agree with some problems. Now either we do this properly or we wait for the Empress to return,” he said, his voice slick and strong, swirling around the room, into each ear of the ponies who sat quietly listening. Some shuddered, other cringed, but all were silent, he turned his head to the general and bowed softly, “Major General.”

As he walked off he nodded to the knights, who nodded back gently to him. She was surprised at how well he had done that and now she was left with the crowds once more, hopefully to do a much better job than the previous attempt.

“Thank you Grand-Magister Fury-Flare; however, there isn’t anything left to say. We either decide to prepare for war or wait for the Empress to tell us our duties,” she said. The room was silent for a moment before an admiral stood up, is blue inform emblazed by the golden on his color with a his rank clearly symbolized by the beautiful embroidered wings on the front left shoulder of his uniform, while is golden yellow wings were tucked neatly against his body.

“There is another option,” he said calmly, standing tall amongst the other members of the admiralty, “I suggest we remove Empress Frostmane from power and put a new family into power.”

The room exploded with yelling voices and screaming cries of anger, all of massive different opinions, while the lone admiral stood smiling at the General. From the sides yelled the knights and generals, while the griffins squawked at the horror of the idea, and the Kirin with their Qilin brothers roared out in disgust at the thoughts the admiral had suggested.

(A/N: Well here we go. Fun times ahead for one and all, and with the beginning starting to show somethings, truly what can happen in this situation for a small Equestrian Militia, and the strained galastrian army, with a strong and firm Prench army knocking at their doors?

Anyway. Til next time~!!!

EDIT!!!!!!!!

OMCaL I forgot to infrom you of this buuuuuuutttt ya. Qilin and Kirin are chinese and japanese lore of dragons with hair and hooves, and as such they are portrayed by an artist, coyoterainbow, who is here.

Her form of Kirin (the unicorn from of the Qilin) is well, like this. The one the left is what an actual Kirin should look like, while a Qilin don't have the unicorn horns. On that, in this version though, the two races don't have cutie marks and are like Dragon's, since the race is a Dragon-pony highbreed. On that, they are a people within the empire, and hold clans, not houses or families like ponies.

END OF EDIT!!!!!!

Chapter 4: Chaotic Courtss

Chapter 4: Chaotic Courts

The two leaders walked down a hall of ship to the boarding hatch, the guards following behind the two. Frostmane was quiet and looked around at the stallions and mares standing at attention as she walked past the doors, nodding gently, before sighing gently as she exited the door. They had spent a day and a half on the Firedancer and she wanted to spread her wings and fly happily to the Imperial Palace and just rel-

“Empress Frostmane,” A voice came that made her look forward and face-hoof roughly. There was standing a blue dragon, which was standing straight up, a worried look on his face. She knew who he was too, Blu, Grand-Magister Fury-Flare’s personal dragon, who was known for getting into a lot of trouble in the Imperial Palace with the grand-master of the Blessed Angels, Hopes Kiss.

“Yes Blu? What does the grand-magister desire of me now,” she said with a groan, receiving a look form Celestia, who had a question in her eyes.

“There’s a situation within the Courts that demand you immediate attention,” he said bowing slight, “Sky Admiral Wishing Rain speaks of revolution against yo-”

The little blue dragon didn’t get to finish as the Empress raced out, wings flared open and forgetting the group behind her. This situation was bad.

Celestia stood there blinking then looked at her Captain and his remaining guards, “Shall we catch up with her?”

Wind-cutter nodded slowly, and with that they rushed out with a quickened pace, taking off and flying after the speeding Empress. From here, Celestia could see the capital of Galastria, as long iron piers reached out from the side of a large mountain while below hundreds of thousands of buildings littered the city with different colour roofs, and sizes. To the north of where she was she could make out for large air ships with massive blimps, while below them stood a massive fortress.

The fortress itself was quite on the sky line, built into the mountain with a intimidating look while welcoming for its form and structure. Extending out and around the city was a long wall, which from here looked exceptionally well built that, seemed ever growing, with the walls breaking the city into section by gating them off at junctions. Probably just from the city expanding over the centuries, much like Canterlot.

Celestia’s eyes finally looked to where Frost was flying too, and her mouth began to open in awe at the massive and grand palace, the domed roof with the court yard that could hold a two Grand Galloping Gala’s or the entire Royal guard for Canterlot. As she drew closer, she could make out dozens of ponies and other beings rushing to where the Empress just landed, while the detail within the court yard was growing to become more defined and powerful, images of ponies, griffons, dragons and other beast being placed with stone imagery.

Celestia landed right behind Frost, who was yelling at a pair of griffons, their armour more worn and seemed more feral, while two unicorns rushed up to the guards that surround Celestia, gruff looks on their faces.

“I don’t care if you have to protect me, we have to get the cour-” she was yelling, the griffons nodding quietly.

“We agree with you, em-” one started, Frost taking off again, this time Celestia and her guards dashing after her with the griffons chasing them. Celestia gained up to Frostmane, hearing her grumble in anger and with rage in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Celestia asked with ease, looking at the sky blue pegasus.

“Wishing Rain has been a pain in my flank for the last ten years of my life,” she growled, “And now he tries this, on the eve of war.”

“He may not be-”

“He is. And he always has been. He’s a wretched coward and a traitor, and I have no idea how he came to be sky admiral, but I intend to correct that error,” she said taking ahead again. Celestia kept just behind her, her guards just barely keeping the pair.

Several seconds passed and the group landed, Frost and the Royal Guard panting from the speed, while Celestia gracefully smiling at the group. They walked for a moment, turning a corner to see a black and white unicorn leaning up against the door of the main court room, a peaked cap rest over his eyes, and dishevelled uniform barely making the stallion look a guard. Frostmane walked up, nudging the stallion, only to receive a grunt form him before he began to speak with a groggy voice.

“Courts been in session for two and a half hours ma’am. It’s pretty bad in there right now,” he said, moving his shoulders slightly as he got comfortable again. Frostmane could only sigh before twisting her neck around to glance at Celestia.

“Can I count on you?” she asked her, Celestia looking at her with a worried expression, “I need some external support to my reign to look, well, legit. Which is the opposite of what Wising Rain wants?”

Celestia nodded slowly, seeing the point that Frostmane meant. Sometimes the outside views of another country could help solidify a leader into power, as well as securing the current leadership battle into a stalemate. Or in this case, a victory.

She looked at the door to the main court and sighed slowly, before opening the door.

She was met by a roar of anger and violence, as the court seemed to be on the verge of internal war for itself. The grand-master of the knights order were standing surround a single individual while the generals barked out in anger at delegates, who responded in kind. The grand-magister, quite surprisingly was drinking a cup of tea, dodging a clump of paper that was thrown through the air.

In the center of the speaking area stood Wishing Rain, who grinned menacingly at the room’s disorder and chaos, while the two clan-leaders boomed with their strong voices, demanding silence, and receiving none. On one side lords waved their hooves about in anger, some in support, other against while directly across from them the lords and nobles argued with themselves. The two guards-ponies at the door looked at the Empress and her fellow leader, snapping to attention. Then the guards called out, causing the room to fall silent as Frostmane began to look around, eying the groups of lords as they stood more appropriately. The knights moved away from the individual, the head of imperial intelligence, Lord Von-Kindle. The room slowly dimmed to a whisper, while the one lone admiral looked over to her.

“Empress Frostmane Sudderspark. What a pleasant surprise to have you arrive. I was just giving a statement to have you removed from power,” he commented coldly, sliding over the floor as though it were simple ice, “I suspect you will stand against me with guards and sword? Like true tyrants?”

“I am neither a tyrant nor will I take you by steel and blade,” she replied stepping forward. She raised her head up and smirked at him, “But of course you only wished that to, as you would say, appear as a tyrant. I am not you.”

“Nor am I you,” he commented, “Shall we begin this?”

“Indeed we shall,” she replied.

“Guards remove the Goddess of the Su-”

“You will not do that for I have invited her to enter the court to watch and learn, to understand our traditions better,” Frostmane interjected, stopping the two guards, giving a confused look.

“This is true, and I wish to remain. On that I do not believe my guards or my Captain will agree with you if you try,” Celestia said. The two guard ponies looked between each other, before moving her over to where the knights were sitting presenting her the seat next to the Imperial. The admiral began to protest only to be silenced by the Frostmane.

“You will take it or leave it admiral, or should I call you chancellor or emperor or something along those lines?” she asked walking slowly and gently around him, eyeing him. He shot a look back at her and moved away.

“Lords. Generals, Dukes, Fillies and Masters, Clan-masters and clan-leaders! I implore to have your ears lent to my voice to show you why the leader of our country show be dropped from power, whether by sword or otherwise,” he began, looking at the council with stern eyes.

“As do I my fellow ponies, griffons and dragon-kin. I wish to implore you in great and grand wisdom to let me continue the reign for the good of our great and noble country,” Frost replied, beginning the duet of the argument.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _

Twilight slumped down on her bed roughly, mind racing at what going on. The royal guard had assigned her to the group with Rainbow Dash, Big Mac, Lyra and Doctor Whooves, and told everypony to be ready for a long day the next morning. But for now, sleep eluded her all night and now it was growing increasingly close to morning.

She lay on her bed, eyes semi shut to the world around before a worried grunt escaped from her, though Spike slept soundly at the end of the bed, his small but cute snores.

She hummed an annoyed sound at one moment looking at the moon outside, sighing softly. It was slowly dropping from the sky, and the gentle blue night highlighted every white speckle in the sky that tinkled and winked at the world below. She wondered if she was ever going to have a peaceful night like this that she couldn’t get to sleep for the idea of personal worry.

Finally the sun arose slowly, surprising her that it was raised slowly and elegantly, as if the Celestia, her teacher, was distracted. She got out of her bed, not having slept a wink, groaning as she walked down the stairs to the kitchen groaning at each and every step.

Before she could even sit down with a hot cup of coffee, there came a loud knock at the door, causing Twilight to sigh roughly walking over to the wood frame and open it slightly looking out to the pony there.

It was Rainbow Dash, who was looking around and not paying attention to the door in front of her. When Dash did look back at the door, a smirked before snicker was what Twilight received from the pegasus.

“Nice mane Twi,” she said happily while Twilight groaned as she began to fix her mane while Dash let herself inside.

“What do you need at this time of day Rainbow?” she asked, following Rainbow over to the center of the room. Rainbow looked up at the wall of the room, scanning for something.

“Research actually.”

Twilight stopped and blinked then gave Dash a long strange look, the pegasus ignoring it for the time being as she continued to walk around and scan the room.

“Are you serious? Please don’t be pulling on my chain right now. I haven’t had my coffee just yet,” she stated, Rainbow completely ignoring her friends statement as she pulled out several books and threw them on the table quietly, walking over and opening up the top book.

“You’re dead serious aren’t you?” she replied, staring at Dash who was now flipping through...

‘What was she flipping through?’ Twilight thought walking over and looking at the book, glancing into the page which rainbow was flipping through quietly. There were things about military and the Prench Kingdom, as well as leadership roles and...

“Rainbow. What are you doing?” Twilight said with a deadpan expression, Rainbow looking up at Twilight with a grin. The same kind of grin that she got when she believed one of her stupid and idiotic plans was simply amazing and awesome.

“I’m reading up on Prench culture before I go out to punch up the Prench leader and force him to call of this silly and stupid war,” she said, causing Twilight to face-hoof so hard that Rainbow felt it.

“Rainbow... WHY ARE YOU SO CRAZY!” she yelled at her, making Rainbow pull back and scrunch up her face in response.

“Crazy? I don’t want to go to war and I want to stop it before it happens before someone I know gets killed! How am I crazy for trying to prevent that, huh?” she responded, grinding her teeth against one another as she did so, before she leaned forward, pushing her for head against Twilights, “What about you? Your just gonna go along with this stupid idea of a war?”

Twilight sighed and pulled back, grabbing a chair and sitting down in it, rubbing her forehead with her hooves softly. All honestly she didn’t know what she was thinking, but she knew Rainbow Dash was an idiot for thinking that her plan was going to work so easily. What got her even more was how she didn’t seem to care if there was anything related to the idea of war going on in Ponyville so far. Sure, she didn’t want to see any of her friends hurt either, nor any pone she knew but what could be done. This was far above her and even if she did send a letter to Celestia, there was probably too much on the Princess’s mind currently to read her letter.

“No I don’t want to go along with the idea of this stupid war Rainbow. But... I don’t know what else to do,” Twilight quietly replies, “Hay... maybe Prance will just call it all off or Luna and Celestia will work out a deal, but I really don’t know. It so foreign to me that there is even a war coming to Equestria, but there still is. And even if I desired to change that fact, what good would the two of us be against an entire army?”

A pause appeared as Rainbow sat down, looking at the floor, before her chest deflated in defeat.

“I know what you mean. I wanted to do that just to stop it if I could,” Dash’s voice says, clearly hurt at what Twilight said, “I just, want to do something more than prepare for the worst.”

To that Twilight nodded, agreeing completely with the idea of that the sitting wasn’t helping her anxiety. She was helping the Royal Guards today, sure. What about in a few days, or in a few weeks for that matter.

“Sometimes that’s something we can’t really stop?” she replied. She floated the book up to the shelf form where Rainbow Dash took it from, filling the empty void with it softly. Dash eyes, now filled with defeat, looked back away from her as she rose up and started to fly around looking at other things before there was another knock at the door Twilight walking over and opening the door.

There stood Doctor Whooves and Lyra, whose eyes were blood shot with their face’s expressing their joy to be up at this time in the morning. Before they could even speak, she invites the pair inside to the warm home that she had. Upon entering into library, the pair moved to Twilight’s ‘living room’ couches and sat down, quietly waiting for the home’s owner to join them.

“Bon Bon didn’t like me getting up so early this morning,” Lyra said, her voice groggy and heavy, “She said something about owing her dinner in a fancy restaurant.”

“Does sound all that bad Lyra, since you are getting food out of it, where as my lovable mailmare woke me up to get me over here before going to do her daily route,” the dirt brown stallion spoke up grinning at Lyra, walking over to Twilight. The Doctor was an odd fellow, who spoke in ways that seemed confusing or as long rambles at times. His wife, Dizty Doo Whooves, was the towns’ mail delivery mare, who was energetic and fun loving; though at times she was quite a handful. They had been married for quite some time as Twilight had been informed of, having two young fillies. Dinky, the younger, was a bright and cheerful filly, who could never be lead astray by anyone. The elder sister, Sparkler, was a jewel and rare gem provider for Rarity, as well as an apprentice in Jewelry making.

“I mean think about it, we could have all been woken up like Twilight here, having three ponies basically barge into your home and act like it’s no big deal like what we are doing currently, which makes me wonder why she hasn’t start to get frustrated at us,” he began, Twilight floating over a large cup of coffee for both of them. Both accepted them, Lyra taking large gulps as the Doctor continued.

“With the chances of that happening, I also think it is the best we did it here. I mean, well you guys couldn’t have come to my house. Dinky would have bothered and pestered you all morning, while at Lyra’s, Bon Bon would have murdered us for getting her up so soon,” he said waving hoof around, before sipping down some of his coffee.

“Doctor.”

“And then there’s Rainbow’s home, though I wonder what she is doing her at this time. Never seen her up this early before either.”

“Doctor.”

“Anyway, her house is a collection of clouds so-”

“DOCTOR!”

The browns pony head twisted to Twilight, scrunching up his face at the mare as he was confused to why she had stopped him.

“What is wrong my dear? You don’t have to yell at me to get my attention,” he pointed out, matter of fact like.

“You were rambling again,” she said sitting down across form them as Rainbow fluttering over, flopping onto the couch softly.

“Well... okay you are quite right about that fact, but you didn’t have to yell,” he said smiling, sipping at his coffee, closing his eyes as the elixir of life washed into him. Lyra looked at Twilight, her face contorting to a confused expression while she mouthed out ‘What the Buck?’

With that, the four began to chatter back and forth before another set of knock came to the door. Twilight yet again got up and walked to the door, opening it to see yet another two figures. The first was the large red Macintosh, Applejacks older brother. He chewed on a piece of hay with his normal deadpan expression, though his tall and broad body was imposing though he was polite and quiet.

“Twilight Sparkle,” another voice said making her look at the other pony. He was a tall Royal guard, his armour the crisp and firm gold that they wore glinting as the sun rose to the east. Thor’s expression seemed as emotionless as he was when he stood guard back at the palace.

“Sergeant Thor,” she smiled back at him.

“Ready to go with us on a walking route to the Everfree Forest?” he asked, making everypony inside the tree look over at the door. All the eyes were wide with fear, while Twilights grumbled something, before looking back at the group who she had ‘invited’ in to her home.

“Come on; let us get this over with,” Twilight exclaimed, getting the group moving now. Thor smiled at the group, as they left told them it would be that bad.

After a while Caramel joined them, panting, having forgotten what time to meet up with the group. Thor understood, and as Carmel fell in behind Macintosh he informed him of their destination. As they proceed through ponyville, the group noticed the slow awaking of the town; besides the militia, who were going about the assigned tasks. Within half an hour, the group left the out edge of waking town, heading towards the looming forest ahead.

“We should stop by Fluttershy’s place. It’s near the forest’s outer edges and we can talk to her early, since she is most likely to be tending to critters and other such,” Twilight suggested, receiving a nod from Thor in agreement.

“I agree, let’s go there first then proceed with the parameter of the forest,” he told the group, Macintosh looking at Twilight nervously.

“Something up Big Mac?”

“Eeenope,” was the large stallion’s response, looking away from her. At this Twilight curiosity rose a bit, walking over beside him, trying to make eye contact with him. After a few moments she gave up but she intended to discover what he was hiding from her. She turned to Carmel, who had his eyes locked on the forest in the distance and was clearly nervous about venturing there. With that, added to the fact that the air was thick and heavy with worry and doubt, Twilight figured she’d have to say something to help calm everyone down.

“So um... Carmel, why are you in the militia?” she said, mentally kicking herself for asking that question. That wasn’t going to calm any pony down, let alone Carmel.

“Oh um, since Mac and I are Apples, it was what was expected of us,” the answer was straight forward, and easily understood. Except for the fact that the Apples being in the Militia.

“Wait, Apples? I thought your family was only farmers Big Mac?” she said turning her head to the other apple. He nodded softly looking at her.

“Well that’s both right and wrong. We Apples are farmers, as well as pioneers, militia, and law folk. It’s been a habit for generation for us Apple stallions to join the Militia when we are old enough to do our part for the community in any way possible,” he stated, looking back forward to the forest, “That’s why when you see an apple farm like ours, where there’s two young fillies who can look after the farm pretty well, most of the colts and stallions tend to be active in the militia, though I rarely leave the farm as it is.”

“Yea, and since Mac is the only son of his fathers, he has to remain and help AJ and AB look after the tree’s so he gets little to no time for anything related to the Militia. When he does though, he is usually helping them out,” Caramel pointed out, making Twilight turn to him again, “I on the other hand moved here from Filliesburgs and I work for my relatives form time to time, while also working with the majority of the farriery and smaller shops when not there.”

“Why?” Twilight said, not even thing, before mentally bucking herself for asking the stupid question. Again.

“I need to pay rent somehow, right?”

“Well the good for you Carmel,” Lyra spoke up from behind, “I never knew you were from Filliesburg. I heard it’s pretty nice this time of the year, right?”

Caramel nodded, “Yes, but it is not the kind of place I would live. Too busy and too big, as well as being too tightly packed together. I need open space, so I’m good here in Ponyville.” He seemed to daze of into memories as he walked behind Thor, who Twilight could see was smiling.

“I come from Canterlot,” Lyra started, “Born and raised there, like Twilight, but I only got into the school of Gifted Unicorns because my parents insisted I go to a good school, not that I enjoyed it all that much,” she moved up beside Twilight, “After Twilight left to help with the Summer Sun Celebration, I’d figured I’d follow suit and come to Ponyville...” she said trailing off.

“And?” Caramel asked, rolling his hoof as if to carry on the sentence.

“And, well, I forgot to bring bits and my school work, and since I decided to,” she stopped for a brief moment before coughing to clear her throat, “‘to drop school and move some backwater hick of a town’ as my mother put it, I was out of a place to stay for about, oh eight days before Bonbon took pity on me and offered me a place to stay.” A blush started to form on her face, “I felt bad for her having to take me in and, well, I figured I needed a job anyway, since apparently a lyrist isn’t a major route of income in smaller towns. And with that, I jumped to the Militia, though I haven’t done much other then small repairs, and helping with all manner of problems outside of disasters.”

Twilight grinned, liking the idea that Lyra had followed her here, and in doing do, ended up with a marefriend at the end of all her troubles.

“What about you, Doctor? Any special reason for you being in the Militia?” Caramel asked looking back at the clock master.

“Well yes, though it’s not as interesting as you or Lyra’s. So it’s not a good listen,” he responded with smiling softly, waving his hoof trying to avoid the topic.

“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad. Come on tell us,” Lyra said, making a set of puppy dog eyes at him, begging him to let out his secret.

“Oh no. That does not work on me. I have two daughters and they have pretty much made me immune to that sugar coated ploy to reveal stuff they do not have to know. Especially Dinky,” he commented being firm with Lyra, who chuckled at him.

“Alright then, what about you Rainbow?” Lyra asked looking up at the hovering pegasus above her. Rainbow gave a cocky smirk and landed next to the group, walking with her proud stance.

“Well, I want to join the Wonderbolts and every pony knows you need to be a god like flier, awesome and pretty radical to join them, but then again, you also need to be part of the Militia, so I jump on the wagon as soon as I could, and they tend to look at smaller communities too, choosing from those they find good with their wings,” she proudly told them, flaring her wings out and grinning, “And with these beauties, I’m a sure win to get in if they ever come by Ponyville again.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “You also have to have finished school to have a chance at getting into the Wonderbolts. You remember that part too right?” she reminded her quietly.

“Even so, they wouldn’t pass up the chance like me to improve their team, so why would they worry about that little detail?” she added, taking off again, flying ahead, “I’m gonna get Fluttershy for company so she doesn’t freak out about seven ponies arriving at her door at eight in the morning.”

Thor nodded, and before Twilight could protest, she was gone.

“Great,” Twilight grumbled, “Rainbow rushing ahead to get something done quickly when it should take some time to do it properly.”

“Don’t worry Twilight, just means I’ll make our pace slower, so that she has to slow down to keep with us,” Thor said with a chuckle, “I figured she’d be get some energy wasted now so that she could work with us at a more comfortable pace then being on the verge of exploding from boredom.”

“I never thought...” Twilight started, before grinning, “You’re just as good as I remember you being Thor. How’s Moljnir?”

“Good, we’re getting married in a month’s time,” he proudly said, grinning like a little school filly who got her first kiss. Twilight and Lyra gasped, congratulating him on the wedding, which made Thor blush, “Beleive it or not, Moljnir was the one who proposed. She was getting tired of me putting it off, and decided to pop the question on our fifth year aniverasry...”

Lyra sighed happily, then giggled, “Maybe I’ll finally be able to convince Bonbon about that thought I had a week ago, simply by telling her this story.”

“Doubtful, but still, give it a shot,” Thor said with a chuckle. His head turned slightly, looking at the clock mechanic with a grin, “Now you have to tell us a story, okay?”

The Doctor grumbled loudly before sighing, “It it makes you happy, I shall. I met Ditzy or Derpy as you know her, when I came to Ponyville for the first time,” he began before delving into the topic of how they got close, began to date, and eventually married. Twilight listened closely, enjoying the new details of the two’s life that she had never known before. Before, Ditzy had normal eyes, and was one of the town’s most dedicated workers, though she still retained the latter.

“So how did you end up in the Militia?” Lyra asked, poking at the pony beside her softly. He sighed gently.

“About a year before Dinky was born, there was an accident, and Ditzy’s eyes became crossed. She could still work and being of assistance to one another, but, she did have to cut back her hours for quite some time,” Doctor said wincing. Twilight, falling back to walk beside him bore a worried look as he continued, “I was still able to hold up the income for the most part. Until that is, about eight months before Dinky was born. That’s when I learned we were having yet another foal.”

“That was the breaking point though, wasn’t it?” Twilight asked concerned.

“Yes it was. Normally, I would have gone to my partner but he was having his own financial problems, as well as paying for his son to go to university. I couldn’t turn to the community since, well, I was a clock repair colt. I had a constant income rate and requests. Ditzy, or Derpy as she was being referred to as now by some ponies, was working again, but I knew that was going to last too much longer, with the foal on her way and all. Sparkler, who was just starting high school, was getting an apprenticeship under Gem Eye, and though a bit of money came from there, it was not going to be enough. So I bit my tongue one night thinking of my options and well, though Ditzy didn’t want me too, I forced myself to sign up for the militia. Sure it gave me the income I needed, but it was the militia.”

“You see it as a bad thing that you’re in the Militia?” Carmel asked quietly, a confused expression on his face. The Doctor nodded solidly.

“It’s stupid really, since most ponies in it, beside Big Mac and the apples like yourself Carmel, are there because of some financial situations or lack of a job. Sure, you’re not in a standing army like the Prench or Prussian or even the Galastrians, but you can be asked to go anywhere in Equestria if it’s bad enough. I don’t want to leave my dear all alone like that...”

Twilight got his reason now, as did everypony else in the group. He didn’t want to leave his love and children behind for months on end. Twilight thought about it for a moment, wondering what it was like for her parents to do that too her when she was at the School for Gifted Unicorns, not being able to see her all that often. She wondered what her parents felt like, even with seeing her every weekend of the year.

“I can understand,” Lyra said, “even though my mother got mad at me for dropping everything and coming out here, I do really miss my parents. I’ve only been here for a year and a half, and not a day goes by I don’t think about going to see my mother and father in Canterlot, or just to get Bonbon to move with me back there, though I know that’s not going to happen.” She chuckled before grinning, “But you also got to remember, that’s the point of this. The militia is almost never called upon or used since anything major is dealt with the royal guard or the everyday pony right?”

“All except a war,” the Doctor replied sharply, before sighing, “I think I’m just in a bad mood about all this. Sorry if I’m dampening yo-”

“Nonsense,” Thor spoke up, silencing the clock worker with a grin on his face, “having that kind of opinion is a good thing. You’re worried for your family so it’s okay to share it with others. I’d rather have that then have somepony who bottles up all their problems inside them then shuns everyone around them simply because they can’t ask for help.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Good. Now let’s focus on the task at hoof, since we are here,” Thor said, pointing to where Rainbow Dash was hovering. A butterscotch pegasus stood outside the door nodding at Rainbow Dash gently, though shied back as she saw the group of ponies arriving at the small bridge to her home.

“Good morning, Miss Shy,” Thor exclaimed as he walked across causing the timid pegasus to ‘eep’ softly and shrink back from the group as they approached.

“Oh um, hello, mister royal guard sir,” she gingerly spoke, just above a soft whisper.

“Oh please just call me Thor. Has Miss Dash informed you of what is going on?” he asked politely as the rest of the group formed a small group behind him. Twilight watched carefully, looking at Rainbow who had now landed on the group.

“She has told me about, oh this terrible, terrible situation of a war, and that you were coming, but that is all...”

Fluttershy, being as she was now backed up as she finished, trying to keep away from the group of unfamiliar ponies. Twilight smiled at her, which gave her some confidence to stay close to them, though she felt it may be futile.

“Yes, well, I have been given these ponies, under Captain Odin’s orders that we will be patrolling this area near the forest for the time being. As such, I’ll stop by once every day to check in on you and your guests as they were,” he said motioning to the group of small critters that stood in the window. Fluttershy nodded slowly, backing up a few paces again.

“Would it be alright if I left somepony here for the day though?”

She froze and stared at him worried.

“I, well, I’m not so sure about that but, I mean, I guess you ca-” she near whispered out before being silenced by Thor turning and looking at Big Macintosh, grinning.

“You are staying here with this fine young filly, Mister Apple,” he said before looking back at Fluttershy, “Now if you’ll excuse the rest of us, we should be getting to Everfree forest and any nearby residences there. Come along.”

Twilight looked at Macintosh who was trying to formulate a response but Thor didn’t seem to care about the moving mouth trying to form the sentence. He started back off to the road, with Lyra, Carmel and the Doctor looking at him confused, before following behind him. Rainbow Dash gave Twilight a shrug as she flew past her, going off to catch up with the unicorn. Twilight looked at Fluttershy, who was also fumbling for words before Thor called for Twilight to catch up. She looked between the two Pony’s who were looking for help, but she rushed away, trying to get away from the awkwardness that had been placed there.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Celestia listened to the lords and nobles banter and argue, while Empress stood holding firm on her arguments. However, Admiral Wishing Rain was just as firm in holding his ground.

It had been a good hour of arguing and proposition’s that caused many of the lords yelling out in support or disgust for the ideas. And for the most part of the ordeal, it had been a roundabout conversation.

Frostmane would suggest something to the lords, and Wishing Rain would either fling mud at her, counter with a just as worthy suggestion, or both. Lords were also beginning to bargain with one another, trying to convert others to the leader they supported.

Celestia, for being a Princess of Equestria for the past thousand years, despised politics though it was necessary. Lords were greedy, prideful, or deceiving, and on the rare occasion they weren’t any of those, they were more focused on helping the provinces they were charged with caring for.

And it was the same case here as well.

Most were more concern with other matters then the war. And those who arrived after a time from the airship were playing at the thoughts of joining this Admiral, and the few who seemed to be on the verge of leaving the Empresses support seemed more concern for their own safe keeping then for the prevention of the war.

“Now,” the stallion called, waving his hoof at where the two clan lords sat, “The two lords here, would be ever so thoughtful if you supported me, as I can promise more land and hunting rights. Respectively of course. All I ask for i-”

“No.”

“A what?” Wishing Rain asked, looking at the gruff griffon, “What as that Clan lord Iron-Claw?”

“He said no, Wishing Rain, and that is my answer as well,” the yellow dragon-kin stated, smirking at the now increasingly angered pegasus. Wishing Rain sharply looked the Qilin, snarling slightly before looking at the three Admirals between them. Two of them shook their heads firmly no, while the third, his personal lackey nodded to support him.

Frostmane, much to Celestia’s surprise, had remained quiet. She didn’t offer anything to the one stallion that had supported the usurper, and even let him begin promising items of interest to the knight lords who sat beside them. Celestia looked at Frostmane, who stood quietly behind the speaking Admiral had flared her wings open, an unpleasant look upon her face. She looked to the door as it open, as did the rest of the room.

The two general’s, General Earthshaker and High-General Shadow Sword crisply entered, beginning to walk across to their appointed seats.

“Truth be told, I am surprised that anypony would support Empress Frostmane, though Imperial High-General Shadow Sword must either be a fool or a admirable fellow. Though I am surprised that the High-General is in some way in bed with the Empress,” Wishing sharply put as Shadow stepped past him. He didn’t break a step, moving up beside to the Empress and standing next to her, his eyes firm and unbroken.

“And why is that a problem lord-admiral?” Shadow inquired, his eyes locking on the pegasus.

“Well its either that she is a whore to you and some other imperial order members, or your relationship is the reason for your position General,” he replied, smirking gently, “Or is that the truth?”

“Imperial law does not allow that and the Empress would no-”

“And in what way would she be so pure to follow all the rules of the imperial code and law? No one is so pure or naive to believe that, and she most certainly not the most law abiding pony in the room. If anything, she should be arrested for breaking some of the laws,” he stated, beginning to rant at the room, some of which cause Celestia want to rise up and cry out in anger. The pony next to her who she learned was named Lord Von Kindle, put his hoof out infront of her, keeping her still.

“This is deplorable, mindless slander. It’s so childish, and we should put a stop to this,” she hissed at him. The lord, a stallion of great intelligence, shook his in disapproval.

“I agree, but it happens, and you can’t put your hoof down. It will make her seem weaker.”

It was the truth too, and as Wishing Rain continued to slander her with words of disapproval and mockery, she kept herself composed, allowing the stallion to abuse his apparent power.

The room finally looked at the Empress as she closed her wings, cause the admiral to stutter and stop.

“I implore that, out of respect, you stop your mindless slandering of the imperial orders,” she began, her voice shaking slightly, “As you have no right to assume such statements.”

“Assume? So they are not true though you and High-General Shadow Sword are often seen in the gardens together?” Wishing Rain questioned, looking back at to lords again.

“No. To assume that promotions are give based on relationships. Then again, figuring out how a weasel such as you came to such an important position is beyond me.”

Wishing Rain opened his mouth to speak before closing it again, looking back at the Empress with a sharp glare. Some of the lords began to murmur, while the imperial officers looked at the Admiral for his response.

“A weasel? Is that the best you have Frost?” the admiral began to chuckle, smiling. She smiled back, looking at the stallion.

“No, but I will contain my thoughts on a traitor for the time being,” she said looking back to the lords and cleared her throat, “My good gentle colts and fillies, if you find it as such that your leadership should be changed right now, I ask you to hesitate. If we go to war with a newly changed leader, who is a military leader himself, then we risk a loss beyond that which we’ve ever had. Galastria will be conquered by Prance.”

The room seemed to shudder for a moment, while Wishing Rain glanced at the empress, who continued, “My father, as great as he was, knew that a leader like himself could not put you through another war with Prance. He knew that you were scared and broken from the war seventeen years prior to this. He knew that, with him stepping down, he hoped you’d finally unify and completely follow your country to greater things. Yes I have not been the greatest leader.”

“She admits to the fact that she is not a good leader,” Wishing Rain growled loudly.

“But my father was, and if you had faith in him, have faith in me,” she finished looking at the lords and generals. Some were nodding, while other sat staring at their empress, dumbfounded. Finally an admiral rose from the front, reaching for his blade. His wings flared open, lifting him over the naval desk, and glared at the empress.

“I will not stand for this, my lord deserves what is rightfully his,” the Admiral stated. He began to move towards the empress, firm pace as he glared at his intended target. She looked at him, backing up as many of the lords grabbed their weapons to stop him.

It was done for them as white ropes of magic lashed out from the ground and grasped the Pegasus. Many n the room froze, looking for who had cast the spell. The front row members of the council were standing, looking at Admirals now. Shadow sword, clenched his blade in his mouth, leapt forward towards the nameless admiral. He was stopped as well, by the same spell.

“And I will not stand for any of that in these hallowed halls,” a tall qilin called from the door, stepping in followed by a dozen guards and some other personal. Celestia moved to stand only to have this new member of the court wave to remain seated, “Please don’t. You’re in the best place you can be, goddess of the sun. I promise you’ll not have to worry about a thing.”

“General Shao. What an unexpected surprise to have you arrive now,” Wishing Rain said, glancing at the red qilin, who stepped into the room slowly. He looked back at the Empress, who stared at him in distrust, “I admit defeat Empress, and you will keep yo-”

“Sky Admiral Wishing Rain, commander and lord of the Agaxian protectorate fleet, you are under-arrest,” Shao interrupted as he stepped towards him, “For conspiracy to over throw the Golden Throne of Galastria, and those under its domain and protection.”

The pegasus stopped, and looked at the General dismissively, “Oh posh, there’s no evidence of-”

Something was dropped on the floor in front of the admiral that causes him to stop and look at the general with fear. The ringing clang of metal on stone filled the room, causing some to strain to look at what was happening.

“Inquisitor Veritas found that in your study, while commissar’s Krieg and Just found this stallion trying to escape to you back store rooms of your home,” he continued, using one of his clawed hooves to wave in some additions. Two stallions dressed in crisp black storm cloaks and peaked caps with crosses sabers entered, dragging in a stallion battered and bruised. The admiral’s face turned from fear to horror as the stallion was dragged in and dropped before him, the two political officers standing on either side of him.

The stallion looked up and seeing the admiral before him as he began to weep gently, realizing what was happening.

“I do not know this stallion, I swear on my life, I do not know him,” Wishing rain began to exclaim backing up. Celestia could see that Shao wasn’t buying a word of what he was saying now.

“You were assisted by the Prench leader to over throw our Empress, and to make it easier for them to take our lands, weren’t you?” Shao pressed, causing some of the knights to stand up and growl one having grabbed his blade.

“Treacherous bastard!” A lord screamed.

In the increased fury that came from the lords, the griffon which had supported Wishing Rain took off, breaking for the door way.

“Stop him! He is guilty as well,” Shao stated, as two unicorns slammed the griffon to the ground with a spell, “He agreed to the idea of the Prench taking power, at the gain of his clan expanding in power.”

The room began to roar out with anger and disgust, having been played by the Admiral and his lackey’s, calling the lords who had supported him fools and traitors alike. Celestia watched in horror as lords began to pull at the two stallions, and griffon, who was pinned to the floor, struggled to stand as a few lords spat on it.

“Silence!” some pony called, their voiced echoing out loudly, causing the lords to fall still and silent, looking back at the qilin.

“They, and the young admiral here, are not guilty, only fooled into a false sense of belief. Do not blame them for supporting him. Though the will be punished accordingly for their belief none-the-less.”

There was a brief moment of silence before Shao released Shadow Sword and the admiral. The pegasus, locked in disbelief fell to the ground, shocked at the revelations now being shown to him. Shadow Sword grumbled something, and then looked at the Wishing Rain, still struck with horror that he and his fellow member had been discovered.

“Guards, take him to the stockade for processing, and then prepare him for his sentence in the imperial courts,” Shadow ordered, three guard-ponies rushing forward and locking him up, while other grabbed the fallen stallion on the ground, dragging him off as he screamed something in Prench.

Celestia knew it as mercy.

Wishing Rain was starting to be dragged off as well as a few guards moved up to the griffon, who flared his wings open again, forcing his way out for the spell and grabbed a nearby weapon.

“For my clan!” it screeched, diving at the Empress. She was shoved out the way by a push of magic, and the few officers standing moved to fight the assaulting griffon, only to have him stopped by Iron-Claw darting up into the air after him, causing him squawk sharply as he was grabbed by the large clan lord and thrown at the marble floor below them.

Celestia was horrified by this display, her royal guard moving with shocking speed to the flying clan lord. They fluttered around him as he flew down and stood on the griffons wings with one of his talons, with the other firmly clasped around its neck. Coughs and gasps for air could be heard as he began to choke the griffon.

“You dishonour us, traitor. You have no right to be known to us anymore. And you will parish as is our laws demand,” Iron-Claw stated, before crushing the smaller griffons neck in his talons. There was a single outcry of disgust.

Celestia turned to Von Kindle, looking for help with her horrified expression. He looked at her, and shook his head again.

“The griffon clans, though Galastrian, hold some hefty prices for murder and acts of treason,” he finally explained, the last gasps for air dying off. Iron-Claw released him shortly thereafter, before grabbing the blade the traitor had grabbed and thrust it firmly into his chest, before turning to the empress.

“Forgive me of my transgressions my lady, I have spilt blood onto the floor of the court,” he stated offering his own blade to the empress, who moved her hoof to handle and pressed it back towards him.

“You were in every right. Your laws demanded it, and I would have had it no other way,” she said quickly. Iron bowed lower, thanking the Empress, before he returned to his seat, “Now, I must ask you for the obvious answer. Do we still go to war?”

A cheer roused out of the room of lords, shooting their hooves into the air.

“And shall we fight the Prench as we have fought them before?”

Another cheer of approval came.

“Good. Very good. There is but one more matter, and that is, our lovely southern neighbors, the Equestrians, who are also in this with us,” Frost began, pointing a hoof at Celestia, “They hold almost no military, and they are in this with us. I ask you, dearly and truthfully, will we protect them and help them?”

Once more a cheer, and as it did, Frostmane Sudderspark smiled happily at their decision to fight. She bowed gently to the lords, fillies and imperial officers, before turning towards Celestia and waving a hoof for her to follow.

They left the room, a lords beginning to file out of their seats and leave, prepare what tasks they had. Celestia noted how routine it seemed for them, but still couldn’t shake the fact of the griffon being killed so brutally in the room before others. It was so wrong and unjust. Beside her, Frostmane walked, watching her with worried eyes before glancing at the floor. Behind the two leaders walked their guards, Celestia’s remaining Royal Guard, while a dozen or so imperial escorts followed behind Frostmane.

“I’m sorry,” she stated, pulling Celestia out of her world of dismay, “I should have stopped that but, it is our laws and orders. The griffon clans hold some different laws then us, as do the Dragon-kin clans.”

Celestia didn’t speak for a moment, taking in what she had just said, before looking at the small pegasus with a false smile.

“I’m not sure how to tell you this, but you did do a wonderful job in there,” Celestia stated, “and you didn’t call me forward to help you out either.”

“Well I didn’t have too, since it seemed I convinced you, who appears as a goddess to the lords in the room, to stay by my side,” Frost said matter of fact like, raising her head up slightly, “Kind of like divine intervention.”

Celestia didn’t know what to say. She was a tool for the moment, and though she had been vaguely informed before hoof, she was surprised at how cunning Frost could be.

“There is one thing I do need to ask you for though. I know I shouldn’t but it may be helpful in the long run,” Frost began, stopping at a window that viewed the city beyond the palace. Celestia stopped and looked at her carefully, wondering what it could be for, “You said you had militia correct? I need to know if you would allow us to select possible candidates and train them for war.”

The proposition was unnerving for Celestia to hear, and she knew what it could spell out for the ponies under her rule.

“Why would you want to do that?” Celestia questioned. Frostmane sighed sharply.

“The lords may not support us deploying in your country otherwise. We have offered to help, yes but it means they may look for return on their investment.”

“Political gains, though I don’t see why we can’t offer up metal and other material like that. Far more valuable is it not?”

“Yes and no. During munition and weapon shortages, yes. We have plenty though, and we do have the protectorates we defend to gain that type of resource from. What they would want it dedicated pony-power. Stallions, mares, mules, donkeys, pegasi, unicorns, and all types of ponies. Because that cannot be reclaimed or restored at any time,” Frost explained. Celestia already knew that, but didn’t stop her. She didn’t want too, but she knew why she would. War killed. She had seen it when her nation was an empire, and the army was called the Legions of the Sun, and how even with the best of resources and strategies, ponies still died.

“I will let you do it, as long as they are trained by the best, supplied with the best, and see as little as possible with the war or fronts. Those three things are my only requests.”

“I can garintee the first two. The third will depend on what the generals need or do. Or the Admirals, if they are pegasi.”

Celestia moved away from the window with Frost, starting down the echoing hallway. It didn’t matter now, since that was all that could be said. She was devoting some of her militia to Galastia’s war effort, for their protection, and because of that she was in an uncomfortable position.

“Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”

“What?” Celestia asked looking at Frost, who had a rather grim look on her face.

“These kinds of days, with war and all that, I guess you’re damned if you don’t, and damned if you do,” Frostmane stated, “I can understand why you were hesitant about doing that, but, sometimes that’s what has to be done, right?”

“I can understand, as your ancestor’s did 743 years ago,” she said smiling. They both looked down the hall to see the appoarching Grand-masters of the orders, causing the Empress to sigh sharply.

“They are not my ancestors though,” Frostmane said smirking, “They are different to me, and I bear only the title the same as them. I must also assume that you will make for Canterlot soon?”

Celestia nodded softly, “I do need to inform the families of the lost, as well as prepare for the worse, though I have one more thing to ask of you Frost...”

“Ask away.”

(okay sorry for the long wait their guys but I kinda got busy with life and a writers block for this. I'm sorry if theres any mistakes or stuff in here, since I got the first part of this down back in Jaunary and had a freeze up until last Thursday. I wanted to get this out before anything got to hecktic and I forgot about it once more. If there are any problems you spot, please tell me.)

Chapter 5: Passage of Time and the Troubling Requests

Chapter Five: Passage of Time and the Troubling Requests

Twilight woke up for her routine that had become normal for her on a Wednesday. Wake up, make the coffee for Doctor, Lyra, Rainbow, Thor and herself, then follow the patrol route along the edge of the Everfree forest, back around and meet up with Captain Odin for the noon dismissal and go to her normal life for the rest of the day. She yawns loudly as she glances lazily out the window. The moon was on the verge of setting, and the clear sky was a good sign of a chilly morning. Then again, being the middle of winter; what else could she expect from the day to soon dawn on them? She went about her new routines, preparing the drinks while she let Spike sleep comfortably, before after an hour Rainbow showed up, wearing a heavy scarf and a tuque. Then arrived Doctor and Lyra, each wearing winter clothing as well. However, the routine was changed today, as Carmel arrived before Thor and Macintosh.

Together, they sat there waiting for Thor, Lyra closing her eyes to get a bit of extra sleep, while the Doctor began to flip through a novel he had started since the start of the patrol route. Rainbow was again reading the first Daring Doo book, while Carmel drank down his coffee. Twilight, had gone up and woke up Spike, returning with the little dragon slumbering on her back.

Eventually the clocked ticked to half past ten when another knocked announced Big Macintosh arrived, Fluttershy in tow. She smiled at Twilight, before sitting down at the main table. Mac, much to everyone surprise drew everypony’s attention with a cough and tap of his hoof on the floor.

“Captain Odin told all of the guards under his command to let us take the day off, apparently they are expecting some pony to arrived today at the station, so he’s given us the day off,” Macintosh relayed to them, “He’s says take it easy as well as to try and enjoy the day off, won’t be many of these happening from now on.”

“Any idea who is arriving here that is causing Odin to let us take the day off?” Twilight asked, receiving a shrug from Mac.

“Ennope.”

Twilight frowned a bit, while Lyra got up and announced to the room she intend to return to her own comfortable bed for the day and sleep. The Doctor concurred, though with actual work at his shop. Macintosh sat down across from Twilight with Fluttershy while the others went off to their business.

“Something on your mind Twilight?” Fluttershy asked in a reserved tone.

“Yea... what or who is coming here? And in the middle of the winter, when everything is pretty much shut down or with limited time of being open,” she replied, rubbing a hoof against her chin softly.

“Maybe a major diplomat? Heard that they been traveling around of late getting information about the citizens moods about the war,” Macintosh stated, “They do have to check on at least once and a while right?”

Twilight nodded and looked at Fluttershy, “So how have you two been? I know I see you two each day but I never really get to ask Mac, since he runs off to see you right away.”

Mac blushed slightly while his marefriend smiled lightly, “We’ve been good. Big Mac and I have plans for this evening, so it’s good he has this day off, both from sweet apple acres and the militia.”

“How is Applejack taking the news that you and Fluttershy dating anyway?” Twilight asked Macintosh, who coughed at the question.

“Ah... haven’t exactly told her yet,” he admitted, much to Twilights surprise. Macintosh told his sister most things, and it was hard keeping secrets when your youngest sibling was running around trying to get her cutie mark. They moved uncomfortably for a moment, trying to regain that composure they had moments earlier.

“We’re not sure who to tell her,” Fluttershy finally added, “We’re scared she’ll be mad at me and him for not telling her in the first place.”

“Yea and you know how she can get when she’s mad.”

“Indeed I do, though I’m surprised you’re holding back on her for this,” Twilight commented, before floating a cup of tea to take a small sip, “Though I assume you have something you guys want to go do?”

“Yes, sorry for bothering you Twilight,” Fluttershy said, getting up, “Oh I don’t mean to be in a rush, I just think we could, oh I mean.”

“It’s okay Fluttershy,” Twilight said, waving her hooves in front of her, “You have no need to apologize, I do have to do some organizing in the south wing of the library today so it’s completely fine.”

The happy pair nodded, and after a few more trailing tidbits did they finally leave. The rest of the morning went by as it had usually had before the patrols; filing books, studying and reading, as was the usual for her time in Ponyville for the last year.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

The train screeched to a halt, the four passengers cars trailing behind it stopped thumping against one another. Its passengers were few, but important enough to draw the attention of Captain Odin and his group of four royal guards. They stood at the entrance to the lobby and watched as a several ponies stepped off.

The first was a tall deep cherry red unicorn, dressed in a rather dull green uniform. He turned to the second, an equally as tall pony, whose features were hidden from Odin at the moment by the first pony. Both were clearly military, by how they were addressing one another, as well as being well acquainted with one another. The two others stepped off, a unicorn and earth pony dressed much like the first two, though they wore side caps compared to their leading partners.

Then a fifth and sixth, much to Odin’s surprise stepped off, brown wings flaring opening then shut, stretching. Two griffons and rather big ones at that.

The first unicorn, looked over at the captain, and motioned his head for the rest to follow behind him, approaching the royal guard.

“Guten Tag, Herr Hauptmann. Ich hoffe, dass meine Ankunft hat bisher keine Probleme caused,” the unicorn said, floating is peaked cap off his head and giving a curt salute. The captain shook his head for a moment and looked at the group leader.

“I beg your pardon but, what did you just say?”

The unicorn opened his mouth, the intention to speak made clear, but stopped, coughing into his hoof and smiling.

“I’m terribly sorry Captain. I had forgotten that I should speak Equestrian, and not Galastrain... I hope you’ll forgive me,” the unicorn stated, his accent clearer and very present. Odin nodded slowly, his eyes pulling away from him and too the two griffons.

“I can forgive that notion, though I must ask, what and why are those things here with you?” Odin snarled sharply at the pair, the unicorn giving a puzzled look at the question.

“Who? Major Richter, Wing Commander Vass and Sergeant Amur?” he replied, causing the royal guard captain to nod.

“Yes, why are there griffons on my platform and,” he looked at the leading unicorn, “why are they here with you?”

“Well,” the second officer started, causing Odin to look at him, “First it not just griffons, second this isn’t your platform now is it?” Odin looked at the officer only to begin to realize why the he said the first part, as the creature stood with long rusty brown hair all across his body, while his horn curled back slight, with a second pair coming from the back of his head. His mane, if it could be called that was a blood red hue that ran from between his two horns down to the tip of his tail.

“W-What are you?” Odin said stepping back slightly.

“A Kirin, dragon kin, drake stallion, all acceptable, though I would prefer Major, or Richter,” he replied, smirking softly. He offered his clawed hoof of a shake, Odin accepting it with a nervous hoof.

“And to the answer of the griffons, Vass and Amur, they are here to recruit pegasi in Cloudsdale, why else?” Richter finished, shifting his peaked caped slightly.

“Recruitment? Odd, I thought Galastria did it recruitment for its military within its own borders, not in Equestria,” Thor spoke up, causing one of unicorn’s to smile in response, “Am I not mistaken about that?”

“Usually yes, it is true. This is an unusual situation though, and imperial government requests volunteers from the militia to create an Equestrian military parade force, which has been approved by Princess Celestia,” he said, replacing is cap atop his head, “I was selected to do this operation with the others, including Major Richter, Sergeant Race-wind and Sergeant Thunderclap. The griffon’s, are here only to check on Cloudsdale, and that is all. Once they have the volunteers, they will be off. Grantee.”

“Understood, though they will be escorted by a pegasus there, and back,” Odin said, receiving a nod from the griffon’s, “You didn’t say your name, sir.”

“Colonel Jager. At your service,” he said with a curt nod, looking at the griffons, and spoke something in Galastrian to them, causing the pair to groan out, reply something, and re-enter the train.

“What was that?” Odin asked.

“Their orders,” he said smiling, “Shall we? I’d like to get a pegasus as fast as possible and get them off my back as well. I truly despise the navy.”

Odin gave a soft nod, “I can get the rest of the team to gath-”

“No need, we selected a few from the list, mainly those who are likely to jump at the chance, or have a reason,” he said, starting forward, “Though the Major and I would like to meet with them personally and one-on-one.”

Odin fell in beside him, the other guards right behind him, looking worried at the group of Galastrians, “Who’s on the list?”

“Mr. Apple, Mr. Whooves, Miss Harpstring, Miss Sparkle, Mr. Candy-Apple, Miss Dash, and a few others, but those few I mentioned by name I wish to do personally,” the colonel said, grinning.

“Miss Sparkle? As in Miss Twilight Sparkle?” Odin questioned, giving the colonel a worried glance before looking back at Thor.

“Yes. The princess personal protégé, and student. Great leadership potential i-”

“I will not allow that,” Odin said, shaking his head sharply, “She is Celestia’s personal student and an Element of harmony, so I will not let you ask her under any situation.”

“And you will stop me?” Jager inquired, stopping with the other Galastians flanking him, “You intend to stop me from asking her to volunteer? Ask her if she desires to or not to fight for her country?”

“I will do so if need be, yes,” he replied, the royal guard flanking him. They stood there staring, a tense moment passing between the two groups.

“Am I interrupting something?” a voice quirked up beside them, causing Jager and Odin to look at the voice, a dull green stallion dressed in a dark grey storm coat and an intimidating peaked cap.

“Who are you?” Odin demanded, causing the stallion to jump.

“This,” Jager said looking back at Odin, “is Junior Commissar Weihe, one of mine. What is it Junior?”

“A junior what? What’s a commissar?”

“A commissar is an officer of the political laws and military, acting as an enforcer, guardian and an officer o-” Weihe started.

“The colts that cause the law to be feared and respected,” Jager stated, silencing the young colt, “He’s under study for it currently. What is it Weihe?”

“You forgot these,” he said, going under his storm coat and bringing out some papers, “The authorization papers. I believe they may be helpful in your endeavours.” Jager nodded and floated them over to him, looking at them and letting Odin glance at them.

“You okay with me seeing Sparkle now?” he asked, as Weihe excused himself back to the train. Odin looked them, reading the information on them.

The papers, surprisingly detailed and informative, listed the requests of the individuals, information about them, and finally the orders from the Canterlot courts signed by Celestia herself. They were excessive and lengthy, but to the point. He was to step assigned here.

“Yes, you may, but I will be there with you. My duty is to protect Equestria, and its citizens, so if you say anything towards Miss Sparkle that would harm her, I will remove you personally from her company. Got it?”

“I understand Captain, and I wholeheartedly expect you to come through with that threat.”

“It wasn’t a threat, colonel. It was a promise.”

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

It was near half past two when Twilight had finally finished the south wing for the first time in two months. Yawning sharply she floated a small book to her desk, another one of her books she intended to study for remainder of the afternoon. Spike who had been cleaning with her, had headed off to bed once more, mumbling something about the sweet embrace of sleep as he fell back on his bed.

For a few peace filled moments, she read the book, happy it wasn’t a day for interruptions and patrols with the royal guard. Hopefully she could actually enjoy the afternoon instead of worrying about the work she wouldn’t get done that day. She sighed softly flipping past some of the more basic stuff, mainly the easier spells she could practice later that evening if she desired, straight to the more advanced spells.

She had begun to read the first spell she heard a knock on the door, electing a groan from Twilight, walking over and opening the door slowly, revealing a tall creature that had horns like a adult dragon, a rusty red coat and the stature of a pony. Her eyes and mouth widened, trying at a simple scream for her life.

“Miss Sparkle?” the creature asked, making her jump slightly, “I’m Major-”

He stopped, cringing as Twilight squealed, eyes filled with enthusiasm. There standing before her, was a Kirin. They were legends in Equestria, and here in front of her was a real-life one.

“Oh my gosh, you’re a kirin! This is amazing, I’ve never seen one of you kind before, and you look so elegant and powerful! It’s just like the books said,” she started, her excitement taking over, “Oh so many questions to ask, so many things to learn. Where are you form, what your homeland like, oh oh what’s your name?”

Richter stared at her; rather unimpressed by the librarian machine gunning him with questions, coughed, causing Twilight to step back blushing slightly.

“My name is Richter, and I would like to ask if my colleagues and I may come in?” he asked, moving his left hoof in a motion to enter.

“Oh of course,” she said letting him in, finally noticing several other ponies behind him, including Odin and Thor. As the group all entered, she asked each if they wanted coffee or a beverage. Surprisingly they all declined.

“We are here on official business, Miss Sparkle. We have a question for you,” Jager said, moving to the seats Twilight had suggested. He sat down and looked at Richter, a smirk on his face, “Though I am curious, what’s with the fascinated curiosity with the Kirin?”

“Well I’ve never seen one before or even knew that they existed. I had originally read about them in the Canterlot Library, and even then the information was limited... So seeing one, in the flesh is something I can’t pass up,” Twilight stated, looking at Richter, smirking. He was holding Twilights enthusiasm in a different, unhappy and clearly not enjoying the attention.

“Great... I’m an experiment or a species study... Just perfect,” he mumbled.

“For all I could know you are the last of yo-” she excitedly started only to have his taloned hoof come up and stop her.

“First. No. Secondly, I’m not the last. Third, we’re here to ask you the questions,” he said, deadpan. A cough from beside him made him glance at the guard captain, before rolling his eyes and rising, “Excuse me, but I’m clearly not wanted here by Captain Odin because of my current attitude. Forgive my pardon Colonel, sir.”

Jager nodded, looking over at Twilight, waiting for the Kirin to leave, “Forgive Richter, he’s not very into giving out clan information and his races linage. I hope you understand,” he apologized, before softly sighing. Twilight nodded, and floated her quill and paper away, Spike grabbing them from the air and putting them away for her. She turned back to the unicorn, blushing faintly.

“Its fine really, I do think I came off a bit strong...”

“Understandable. Now, down to business, I’m here to ask you about join a group of ponies to help with the war,” he said. Twilight paused for a moment, looking at him with a nervous and curious look.

“W-What do you mean by help out with the war?” she hesitantly asked.

“As in, join the guard, act as a parade reg-” he started before Twilight shook her head.

“No. No thank you. I mean, I’m not a pony for the army or military and even then it’s not something I look at as a thing for me to go to...” she explained.

“But it just-”

“She said no Colonel. Don’t try and push your luck,” Odin snapped quickly, glaring at him. Jager nodded and sighed, rising himself from the chair, replacing in peaked cap to his head.

“Then I’m done here. I have no pony else I wish to see today so, will you escort me back to the train Captain? Since I know you will insist otherwise,” he said placing the cup back down on the table, “Thank you for your time Miss Sparkle, and forgive the intrusion.” He said walking towards the door, Odin and Thor followed him, exchanging looks at how the Colonel was acting.

He opened the door, seeing his Kirin companion lighting a smoke in his mouth, sighing softly.

Twilight followed behind him, thanking him for the offer and apologizing again to him. He looked at her and nodded to the major beside him, walking away. It was quiet for a moment before Thor coughed, pulling Twilight attention to him.

“Sorry for that. They had papers and everything and well, with what is going on, we can’t deny them the right to ask a simple question,” he said, nervously shifting on his hooves, “Why’d you turn him down?”

“I don’t think Celestia would really enjoy hearing of me being in a war... would she now?” she replied. Thor nodded, but Twilight noticed he didn’t look his eyes on her now. He excused himself, chasing after the other ponies.

She stood there for a few moments, just thinking. Why was she his last stop? And why was she asked by him, and not one of his assistants. What made her so important that he came to her himself?

She shook her head as Spike came back down, smiling as he carried some notes and small books, helping remind her that she had some studying she wanted to do for the past few days.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Twilight yawned loudly; looking around the library, seeing that she was alone. Spike must have quietly gone to bed, and to her surprise Owlwicious wasn’t anywhere to be found. She got up, stretching slight and looked at the clock, seeing that it was getting close to nine.

She sighed, floating over a large tome and placing it on her desk, knowing she had to get caught up in her studies for Celestia before she received a letter from her about being lazy or procrastinating. She sighed walking over to the kitchen, floating a cup to her coffee pot and putting fresh batch on. The smell began to waft into the room as a knock came at the door.

“Must be Rarity or maybe even Applejack,” she said coming over to the door smiling happily. She opened the door to reveal a large stallion, imposing in the door frame, his body hidden by a large coat and a peaked cap on his head. He looked at her, eyes a dull cold feeling coming from them as she stepped back, startled.

“Whatever you want, you can have it, just don’t hurt me,” Twilight said, backing up quickly, the pony looking behind him and helping a small unicorn in, who was shivering and whimpering. He stepped in first, taking off his cap to reveal his dull green fur and his trimmed black mane, helping the unicorn in. She was...

“Lyra! What’s wrong? Why are you with him?” Twilight said coming over to her, turning her head up so their eyes met. She could see her eyes were blood shot, puffed up and the frozen streaks that ran down her cheeks made it seem very obvious for her, “Why were you crying?”

Lyra mumbled something, barely audible or understandable to Twilight, who looked at the other pony, giving him a questionable glance.

“I found her like this, outside of what I think was her home. It’s snowing and I didn’t wanna leave her out here so I came here...” he replied, showing as little emotion as possible.

“Lyra, tell me what happened,” she asked her, the weeping filly shaking her head no, “Please, I can help.”

Lyra just shook her head no again, shivering softly before the other pony, nudged her forward to the couch.

“Take a seat miss Lyra... do you have a blanket?” he asked Twilight, who nodded and went up stairs and grabbed the spare for her closet, before returning to see Lyra sitting on her couch. She came down, giving the blanket to Lyra, who seemed to pull it around herself, snivelling softly.

“Where did you find exactly?” she asked looking the stallion, who thought for a moment.

“Outside the Candy Rancher, if I remember correctly,” he replied, Twilight sighing, “I say home because she was crying and leaning up against the frame whimpering a name and... well... she didn’t seem to want to get up. She must have been out there for a while... half hour or so...” he stated pointing at Lyra.

“W-Wait, Candy Rancher? The candy shop she and Bon-Bon run?” Twilight asked looking at the stallion.

“That was the name. Bon-bon,” he stated looking at Lyra, “Does that mean something to you or her?”

Twilight didn’t even answer him, going back over to the sobbing unicorn, “Lyra, what happened? Did you and Bon-bon have a fight?”

For a moment Lyra didn’t respond, but with a slow nod made Twilight sigh, “What happened? Like specifically?”

Lyra drew in an unstable breathe, looking at Twilight, “I was visited by Jager... and his partner and asked me if I wanted to help with a... a thing called a parade regiment for the war, and I said yes...”

“Well, what happened after that?” the stallion asked, stepping up to Lyra.

“When Bon-bon got home, I told her the good news, or at least what I thought was good news. And she started asking me w-why I did it which I responded with for the money, and we started yelling and arguing and fighting and I just got so angry at her,” she started to tear up even worse, “I’m such an idiot. I just yelled and screamed at her for telling me what to do and that... Oh Celestia why did I say that!”

“She kicked you out didn’t she?” the stallion asked, staring at her.

“No. I stormed out, ranting and raving about how she didn’t want to have money. I just was so mad, and I swore I never wanted to see her again,” Lyra said, tears streaming down her face.

Twilight looked at the stallion, who glanced back, before back at Lyra, “You had a fight, and now you regret it? Why not just go back to her and apoligize?” he asked her, receiving a shake of her head.

“I just can’t do it. I can’t face her. I was so wrong and I am a complete foal for going and saying that and just yelling at her like that. I should have just talked it out with her,” she said, wiping her tears away.

“Do you have any other place to stay for the evening?” he asked her sharply, Lyra shaking her head softly at him. He sighed gently and looked at Twilight, “Ma’am may you keep an eye on her tonight?”

“I can, why? What are you going to do?”

“I am going back to the train station for the evening. It would be best to wait til tomorrow, since its nearing half past nine. I will come back tomorrow if you want?” he started.

“Fine with me. We both will help Lyra with this problem it tomorrow morning,” Twilight replied quietly, “You haven’t told me your name anyway... who are you?”

“Junior Commissar Weihe, I’m traveling with Colonel Jager,” he promptly replied, smiling at her.

“Oh. You’re with the Galastrian group? I would have never guessed,” Twilight said slightly taken back by this, “I mean, you’re just so well thought out, and you dress so different from the others. I thought you were just a traveling officer of law, but I would have never thought you were with those stallions.”

“No problem ma’am. It is a far better reaction then what I would receive in Galastria,” he said curtly tip his cap as he replaced it to his head, “Though I will tell you more about that tomorrow. Good evening Miss Twilight. Good evening Miss Harpstring, and please do get some rest,” he said heading over to the door and walking out into the snow.

Eventually, Twilight helped Lyra up to her room and let her rest there, before returning downstairs to sleep on the couch. She was glad that the commissar had brought Lyra to her. She was worried something far worse would have happened to her otherwise.

Author's Note~!
OMG AN UPDATE!

yea sorry if you guys stopped caring about this, last time I got time to work on this was... back in June. yea long time. Sorry about all this guys. But I do have a valid reason, and no, its not writers block. I got a new job in the middle of may, and its usually consumes, daily about 12 hours each day. So that doesn't leave a lot of time to sit down and write. So I'm sorry for being soooo bucking slow. I look forward to getting this back up and rolling in the next two months, since I can actually sit down and write at the end of October.
I'm am again extremely sorry for the slow progress...

Chapter 6: Hopes, and Despairs

Twilight woke up with an abrupt start as Spike shook her wake.

“I’m up. I’m up,” she says sharply looking around, seeing Lyra standing next to her assistant, “Oh yes, I’m sorry I should have been up sooner.”

“It’s okay,” she replied, letting Twilight get up from her couch, “Spike helped me with getting breakfast. Thanks for letting me rest the night here.”

Twilight nodded and rose from the couch, groggily going to the kitchen with the other two and grabbing a cup of her lovely coffee, drinking it slowly. Last night was a rough night for Lyra, and she intend to make her day today far superior to her previous night. She quickly threw herself some hay browns together and downed them, grinning as Lyra talked with Spike about walking on her hind legs.

Good old Lyra and her human thoughts.

Eventually she looked at the door as Weihe arrived and entered, removing his cap, looking around the library. She could only assume that he was here for Lyra, but as she began to get mad at him, in stepped another two ponies.

“I don’t know why I am here, Junior Commissar,” a voice rose up said as he looked around, “I should be with the colonel finalizing the list of agreed enlistees. I shouldn’t even be in this building again.”

“Oh hush Major, its only for a moment,” Weihe sharply replied, walking to the center for library and waited, Twilight coming out quickly and greeting them, “I was curious if you would like to attend the day with me, Major Richter and Mr. Candy-Apple?” Carmel, waved weakly at Twilight, slightly embarrassed to be there, his face flushed slightly.

‘Must have been dragged into this to help Wiehe out with this little problem related to Lyra,’ Twilight thought, looking at Richter quickly, glaring at him, “I’m fine with Carmel, but I am curious why you brought him?”

“Major Richter is... required because of personal reasons. I’m not as experienced with these situations as I may make it seem,” he said, his face flushing with embarrassment.

“It’s his first assignment with an actual military unit and I was chosen by my great and glorious commander to help him mingle with the locals,” Richter corrected, scowling at the mare, who grinned.

“So you’re babysitting,” she replied, floating a pair of scarves to Lyra and herself.

“I am doing no such thing. The colonel as asked me to assist him. That’s it.”

“Alright babysitter,” Twilight mocked.

“Pardon me from interrupting,” Weihe stated loudly looking between the two, “But what is a babysitter?” he asked them. Richter suddenly coughed and turned away, going back out the door. Twilight just stared at him, surprised by his question.

“You’ve never been baby sat before?” she asked him, Lyra and Carmel following her questioning gaze at him.

“No. I actually have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Let’s go to Carousel Boutique, get Lyra a dress or something to help with Bon-Bon,” she said, leading him and at the other two out.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

The walk was brief, the two officers falling in behind Twilight, Carmel and Lyra. The Galastrians were quiet for the most part; only speak when their opinion was asked for by Lyra or Carmel. Twilight spoke for the most part suggesting that she could convince Rarity to let her pay for it while Lyra only had to focus on how she was going to mend things between Bonbon and herself.

Upon arriving at the Boutique, Carmel held the door open for the two mares and officers, and was greeted by Rarity coming down the stairs to inspect the noise.

“Oh hello Twilight,” she commented smiling at the librarian, “What can I do you for dear?”

“We need a makeover for somepony, and-” she started to explain, before Rarity put her hoof up, smiling at her.

“Don’t say another word darling, I make him look quite handsome,” she said grinning, walking forward and pulling Weihe forward from the group. He looked at Twilight with an surprised expression, “Now, let’s get these clothes off and see what I have to work with~.”

Her sing song voice caused the junior commissar’s expression to change from a surprised one, to one of distress, as Rarity took of his cap off, grinning at the short mane he had, before he grabbed the hat with his magic and replaced it back atop his head.

“Forgive me ma’am, b-but I am not the one who is in need of a re-dressing in any sense of the word,” he explained quite rapidly, taking a quick step back, “We’re here to gi-”

“None sense, your clearly the one in need of help since your dressed in those drawl and disgusting colour of a coat, mind you,” she said, opening up to see the commissar uniform beneath the coat, “This gold accents your eyes perfectly, while the reds clash with the colour of your hair and mane.”

“Rarity, Lyra is the one who needs a dress to help win back Bonbon before she leaves town, not Weihe,” Twilight spoke up as she stepped between the two ponies, causing Rarity to gasp and look over at Lyra eyes wide with surprise.

“You two broke up? Impossible. I will mend the situation with my magic,” Rarity said, a sparkle appearing in her eye, before glancing back at Weihe, grinning, “And after which, I will deal with-”

“No you won’t,” he said, turning for the door his only escape route out of the building.

“I have seen the day that a commissar is scared of somepony, though admittedly it’s for good reason,” Richter said, grinning gently.

Rarity just watched as he left, staring at door for a few minutes. When she finally did speak up, she spoke firmly to Richter and Carmel, requesting they let the ladies have their time to work something’s out. The pair nodded, heading out the same door as Weihe did. Rarity coughed softly, and sorted herself out.

“You know, he’s quite handsome, besides being so rude,” she commented, floating some materials up to Lyra, judging them against her coat.

“Rarity, please, don’t do this,” Twilight said softly, rolling her eyes, “They’re only here for a few days, before going to back to wherever they came from.”

“Well he is handsome; you have to say that about him. He looked only a few years older than us Twilight. I mean, he’s clearly strong, probably stronger then Applejack and maybe even Mac,” she started to prattle off what she thought about the junior commissar. Twilight almost immediately tuned her out, looking at the door, where she assumed the three stallions were standing waiting for them.

Rarity worked as she talked, moving from topic to topic, offering advice to Lyra about her situation with Bon-Bon, before switching to the idea of going to Galastria to see it fashion, to even the news with the war, much to Twilights surprise.

“I mean, Prance is a great country, with its luscious landscape and beautiful cities. I love its fashion and artisans, and to hear that it’s kicking Galastria out of Zebrica and any other country they may be in. It is quite terrifying if you think about it,” she came too finally, starting to draw out a dress for Lyra, while the mare herself stood quietly, letting the clothe float past her in all directions.

“Well, I see it as something more of an over boiling point. I think after Prance’s lose to Galastria twenty-seven years ago, they would be looking for another round they think they can win; especially since there’s a new leader at the head of the country,” Lyra pointed out before ducking under a large spool of a cloth.

Rarity nodded slowly, placing may of her materials in a chaotic stack, preparing a model for the beginnings of a dress, “But then again they are being quite cruel. I mean, the Solarwind cruise liner airship was shot out of the sky near the coast of Zebrica apparently by the Prench Fleet!” she exclaimed with fear, “There were no survivors and the council is calling for all ships to return docks. My parents told me they were upset they didn’t get to go on their planned cruise this year because of this request.”

“That is terrible. I mean, why would they attack a ship that is unarmed and carrying civilians?” Twilight asked, Lyra adding to the question of when it happened.

Rarity shrugged her shoulders, looking at the pair, “All I know is that it was shot down two days ago, with all hands lost. Terrible incident; hopefully it one of only a few in this war, one I am also hoping is brief.”

“I agree,” Twilight said, nodding to the Rarity, “I mean think about it, it’s a war, what’s really to gain from a war? Land at the cost of lives?”

“Well whatever comes from war, it not worth it in my opinion,” Lyra added, getting down from the little pedestal she was standing atop.

“Agreed. Though I think a fine group of stallions like those two out there in uniform is absolutely fantastic! Imagine how a large group of these stallions look; they must be a marvelous sight for those who behold them,” Rarity said smiling at the thought, “All dressed up, clean and well kept, standing in organized patterns, chests pressed out and they look so heroic~! Oh I say I would love to go to Galastria to see these imperial soldiers standing in parade squares as they must do from time to time.”

“You could ask to come along to visit Galastria you know right?” Lyra said, waggling her eyebrows at Rarity, only to have the fashionista shake her head no.

“I have enough trouble with the stallions here in Equestria, let alone I have at least a dozen projects to finish before I can even think about going there to see it fashion sense,” Rarity said, picking up some sketches from around her and floating them about, “Is it alright if you come back later Lyra? I mean, I do owe you the dress but I need some time to work out the sketches alittle more. I can show you may be around six or so this evening, if that’s okay darling?”

“Of course, I think I could get the courage to talk with Bon Bon for some time,” she said with a nod, “I hope we weren’t much trouble Rarity, and thank you again.”

Rarity took the gesture happily, thanking her for coming by; hoping the dress would help her feel much better with her situation. Twilight thanked Rarity again, offering to pay but she was declined, being told it was simply a gift to a friend in need of a pickup. With a solid nodded, the two mares left.

As they left they noticed their entourage of stallions was joined by a fourth, another galastrian clearly from how he was dressed. He spoke with great concern in his voice, shaking his head roughly from side to side and spitting out words to Wiehe and Richter in rapid fire. Twilight approached, only to hear them speaking in Galastrian, sharp and correcting tone from the commissar, sounding far more commanding then he was with Twilight, while Richter’s tone shifted from firm to understanding back to firm with each statement. Whatever it was they were talking about, it must have been incredibly important for them to know immediately.

“Whats wrong?” Lyra asked coming up besides Carmel, who shurged.

“He came running up to us, panting and speaking in their language, panicked about something,” he answered looking at the two, “Got what we came for?”

Lyra nodded, starting to explain her little plan to him; while Twilight watched the three continue their fierce exchange. It continued for a good minute before the new stallion saluted and rushed off, towards the train station. Richter sighed looking at the other, flicking his eyes between the three.

“Done? Cause we must head to the station as soon as possible,” he stated, floating a smoke to his mouth and lighting it with a spark, “We have a problem that we have to attend too.”

“One more thing, but if there’s a problem back at the station we can go there first,” Lyra said, looking at Twilight.

“What is the problem?” she asked, “Because it seemed to have caused a large ruckus for you and Weihe.”

“There’s a battle raging in Zebrica and it’s been getting pretty bad. A few of us have good friends over there, and we’re hoping for some good news when we get back to the train,” Weihe said, turning to walk away.

“A battle, but you said this group of ponies were going to be parade, nothing more.”

“For us, we like to keep up to date on our friends in battle. And from what we were just told, many may not be coming back,” Richter said, motioning for the group to follow. For a few painfully quiet minutes, they walked towards the station, Wiehe leading them.

“Twilight! Hello!” said a cheerful and happy voice, Derpy landing before the group and trotting up to them, “Hi Lyra, Carmel, Mr. Kirin, and hello pony I haven’t spoken with before. How are you all this fine morning?”

“Cold, but pleasant,” Richter answered, bowing slightly, “Do tell miss Hooves, what brings you to us today?”

“Well I have mail for Twilight,” the mail-mare said, rummaging into her mail bag, several letters falling out of it.

“I get my mail through Spike, so who sent it?” Twilight asked, floating up the dropped mail to her.

“I don’t know, but here why don’t you find out,” she answered, talking the fallen letters in exchange for single one. Twilight nodded and popped it open carefully reading the title.

“Oh it’s from my parents! Wonder why they just didn’t send it through Spike,” she said aloud starting to read.

“So Miss Hooves, is Mr. Whooves packing up for the trip?” Richter asked, causing Twilight to look up at them.

“The Doctor is going with them?” she asked, surprised by the news, looking at Derpy. She nodded softly.

“Yep! He’s going to see the country as well as the sites, since they won’t be fighting,” she said, smiling happily, “They said it would okay if we could come along at times, so the family won’t be separated for long periods.”

“Oh really? That’s interesting. I never knew thought he would take them up on the proposition,” Twilight said looking back at the letter, “Any pony else you know is going Ditzy?”

“Big Mac, and R-” she started, only to have the librarian jaw drop, “What? Applejack is fine with it, as well as Fluttershy. He talked with them both about it. And then there’s Rainbow Dash, and a few others.”

“Rainbow too?” she growled, her hoof slapping her face quite hard, “I would expect so.” Richter chuckled softly, “What so funny?”

“She jumped at the chance to go with the Wonderbolts,” he said, a toothy grin plastered on his face causing Twilight to groan quickly followed the impact of her hoof slapping into her face again.

‘The Wonderbolts, Rainbow, Mac, Whooves, Carmel and Lyra. Who else that she knows is going with these imperials? Why would they even consider that offer? They all had lives, so why would they jump at this?’ Twilight thought to herself, before sighing aloud.

“Let’s just go to the station and see your friends,” she grumbled out. Richter smirked at her and nodded, “It’s too cold out to for all of this news.” Derpy smiled, and took off, saying her little farewell to each of them before heading north, most likely to deliver more letters. Twilight fell in beside the imperial officer, glaring at him for a moment.

“That’s how you do it isn’t it?” she asked him with spite in her voice.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You give them this idealized hope to get them to join you, don’t you?”

“No. We give them fact’s that are in the most likely case scenario, whereas giving them idealized hopes would get them blindly leaping at the fact of service. We need Miss Harpstring as a musician for the marching, so we offered her a set of lyre’s as well as study’s with some of the Imperial Guards finest musicians,” Richter replied, Lyra supporting his statement with a nod, “With that, there’s a higher pay rate that is considerably more present then the militia or regular orchestra’s. The others, such as Mr. Whooves, is just looking at it for extra money to be sent to a more important cause, such as his wife, is daughters schooling, and his shop.”

“Well what about Macintosh? What did you offer him?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing. He just agreed. Same with most of the Apples.”

“Most?” Twilight asked, eyes widening at the statement.

“Yes. Most Apple family members, as well as other farmer families had a member who agreed without hesitation,” he said with a matter of fact tone. He glanced a head, towards where they were heading, “It’s nothing like Galastria, but it is still surprising to see such devotion to ones country like they have.”

“Well still, you offered things you can’t completely come through with, and I don’t care if you offered all me the knowledge you had in your royal archives, I still wouldn’t take it,” she said smugly, looking at her letter from her parents, ending the conversation on that note.

The letter itself was written a week ago, not surprising her with how it came to her, as her parents they had won a prize for a cruise liner, and they were to leave a few days after sending the letter. She smiled at the news knowing her parents, though not wealthy, did deserve a vacation like any good parents. She continued to read, smiling now at the name of the cruise ship they were going on.

The Solarwind.

“No, that cannot be right,” Twilight said speaking up. She read the line over and over, think it was some stupid joke, “No that’s not right at all.”

“What is the matter Sparkle?” Weihe asked, looking back at them.

“What was that ship shot down by the coast of Zebrica?”

“The Solarwind,” he replied, “Why?”

“No, that cannot be right at all. The letter says they were aboard it, which is impossible. They won’t be on a cruise liner like that in a million years,” she said.

“You’re parents?” Lyra asked looking at the distraught Twilight.

“Yes. They say they had won a contest to be on the ship, and its date appropriately but, it can’t be true,” she started shaking gently, a shiver from the cold.

“Miss Sparkle, calm down, I’m sure their fine, there must be survivors from that ship and-” Richter started, stopping when Twilight started shaking her head.

“Rarity told me there were no survivors. None. Zero,” she was shaking more visibly now, realizing what that statement meant for her parents, “They’re in Canterlot. Yeah, that’s where they are, Canterlot.”

“Right,” Richter said, nodding, “Let’s not worry about this, since they are in Canterlot.”

“Right.”

She nodded softly, continuing to follow them to the station. The rest of the trip was silent.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Weihe nodded to the two guards at the cars entrance, each saluting him as he and the major walked into car, being greeted by the other officer in the car listening to a radio sullenly. Twilight followed while Lyra and Carmel stood outside waiting, idly talking and making plans to surprise Bon-Bon, uneasy as she saw the number of ponies in the car. The radio spat out a garbled mess of Galastrian words mixed with a faint glow of static behind it. She glanced around, seeing all the stallions and mares dressed with the same green drab uniform, and all carrying around a sheath for a weapon. The majority seemed to be listening to the near hypnotic voices coming from the radio; the few who weren’t were discussing something with the leader of this little band, who was currently walking in Twilights direction.

“Miss Sparkle,” Jager said, giving a slight bow, “What draws you here today? Come to take me up on my offer or for another matter entirely?” He smiled at her, and fixed his peaked officer’s cap atop his head, “If it is the latter, please make it a brief. I have to be off to find a certain zebra that we have heard about in this town.”

“You mean Zecora? Because if that was what your two partners were worried about; they have their fear misplaced as she is quite peaceful, like most of Ponyville,” Twilight answered with a soft nod, making him glance at her sharply.

“You know where she is?” he asked, receiving another nod from Twilight, causing him to smile again, “Well, is there a possibility that I might have you lead me there?”

“If you going to recruit her as well; then no I won’t lead you to her home,” she replied frowning at him. He smiled and shook his head at her, answering the question.

“Just delivering a letter for a friend of mine, that is all,” he said holding the envelope for her to glance at, “Unless that’s too much to ask of a librarian to allow an old stallion like myself to deliver something?”

“Well I don’t see a reason why not. Though I hope you’ll let me accompany you on your errand, since she is my friend and I would like to make sure she’s safe,” Twilight answered, letting him out of the train car, “Though I have to ask; what was the emergency that brought Weihe and Richter back to the train?”

“Something has come up relating to all of us in the train,” he said looking back over his shoulder at door of the car, “Something very disheartening for them.”

“What was that?” Lyra piped up, walking over. The colonel smiled at her, giving a slight nod to her and Carmel.

“I’ll explain on the train ride to Canterlot tomorrow evening,” he answered, looking back at Twilight, “Would you be so kind to guide me to Miss Zecora’s home?”

“Yes, Carmel can you help Lyra with that last item and I’ll meet up with you when I return at the Boutique,” Twilight stated, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. He gave a slow nod and motioned for Lyra to follow him, exiting the station as they talk about several types of chocolates they could buy for Bonbon. Twilight glanced back at the colonel as he looked at her with a grin.

“You know, you sounded a lot like an officer there,” he said with a grin. She gave him a glare, ignoring the warmth in her cheeks from the statement. He tossed his head to the right and started walking, “Come on let’s get this over with so I can get out of your hair.”

Moments later, after giving him a cold stare, Twilight followed.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

“Why did you say that back there?” Twilight finally asked, leading him into the Everfree Forest. He glanced at her lightly, adjusting his hat with his dull red magic, before smirking at her.

“I’m a colonel, Miss Sparkle. If I cannot make a good call when I see one then I should not be in command of fifteen ponies, in any way, shape or form. I always call them as I see them,” Jager answered, looking at the forest, continuing to smirk, “Like this forest, The Everfree Forest as you call it, is much like one near my home town. It is brutal, uncaring and willing to kill anypony who should stray into it unprepared for its wrath and anger.”

“Really? I thought the Everfree was the only forest of its kind.” He shook his head no, stopping and placing his hoof on a tree gently rubbing its bark.

“The Twisting Woods,” he muttered softly, “Completely untameable, and it falls to the ponies of Huckerburg to tame it and control it. Ironic really.”

“What it like?” Twilight stopped, watching him rub the tree slowly.

“Oh it’s a wondrous place, even if it’s trying to kill you. The trees twist unnaturally about, with red and white flowers blooming on them in the spring and summer before bringing about fine fruits. As you walk deeper into its hold, the darkness hides you away from the world beyond, blcking the sun out and give the feel of a moonless night. Its then you feel serenity with the forest and begin to hunt,” he said, his eyes slowly glazing over while looking back to his forest, “Then you would come to a clearing, see a dark liger, and within an instant you’d either live or die, depending on what you did.”

“Sounds like a story. Care to share it,” she asked softly motioning for him to follow her.

“It was, if I am remember correctly, my eighth summer and I thought I was old enough to disobey my father, mother and the woods-masters command,” he said, starting to follow her again, “I went past the boundary point of the forest with a knife and wood cutters axe. I wanted to be like my father, and be a woodsman at the time, and decided the way to get my wood cutting cutie mark was to chop down the biggest tree I could find.

“Before long I was deep in the forest, in the darkness that could rival the moonless night and began to fear I was in over my head. I thought myself fortunate that I stumbled into a clearing, and laid down resting for a moment,” he said before grinning, “That’s when I learned the forest doesn’t let you rest without a test, and a dark liger appeared out of the darkness, stalking towards me. I had two choices, run or fight, and I knew I wasn’t faster than a fully grown liger. I could only fight.” He paused briefly, faintly chuckling, “Needless to say I won, and I got my cutie mark.”

“Oh gonna hide the good parts of the story are we? That not fair you know?” Twilight teased him, causing him to give her a firm and smug smile.

“Some stories are better to hear more than once, especially when you learn more the next time you hear or read them,” he answered. She nodded, and pointed up the path.

“Zercora’s home is just up this path here.”

As they approached the hut, Zercora’s voice filled the air as she sung a sweet melody to the world around her. Twilight started to smile as she started to walk in pace with the tempo of the song, though Jager walked past her with a sweet smile on his face. They stepped up to the door, Jager gently knocking against the wood, before backing away from the door, and bowing down gently.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked him but the door opening to reveal the herbalist Zebra to them. Her hair was tied back, making her look far younger than what Twilight was used to seeing, and a faint aroma flowed out form her home. Her turquoise eyes look at Twilight; bring a smile to her face.

“Ah Twilight, what a pleasant surprise, what can do you in the evenings reprise?” she asked her before seeing Jager bowing gently to her. She froze, eyes locking onto him, “You come here now? What does he know?”

“He asked to come see you, he was looking for a Zebra to deliver a letter to,” Twilight answered, tracing her line of sight to his head. He looked up from below the bill of his cap, before standing back up right and taking a very formal pose before her.

“You come here now, but what does he know?” Zecora asked him sharply, stabbing her hoof into his chest, “Last time we spoke was after-”

“The evacuation of the Grand Palace, I know. Back then I was a lowly captain, and I now stand before you a colonel. And I come to deliver a letter from an old friend to you,” he said, voice shaking as he fought back emotions. The letter floated up into sight for Zecora to see, but she continued to glare at the stallion.

“And what if I don’t accept the letter?” she asked. Twilight looked at her surprised, seeing Zecora mad at somepony. Never once that his occurred before in all the time Twilight knew her, and it shocked her even more when Zecora batted the letter away with her hoof, “You cannot simply hope for my acceptance, and why should I accept your audience?”

“Zecora, what’s going on?” Twilight asked, Zecora looking at her sharply.

“And you lead him here. I want you to disappear,” she spat at her, shocking the librarian even more, causing her to take a step back from Zecora. She started to sputter a response back, but Zecora iron gaze made her cave in and sulk away.

“I’ll meet you at the edge of the forest Jager,” she spoke softly, but only received a nod.

Author's Note

I thank anyone still watching this and I hope to have the next chapter up soon
I promise that since I've got inspiration again.

Chapter 7: Commands, Commitments and Conclusions

The sharp droning of engines filled the air as string of airships flew through the air; the escape the glowing fire from behind them of the dark Zebrica port. The transports, filled with brigades of warriors, rocked beneath their air balloons; gently forming a long line of twelve ships surround by the real bite of the Galastrian Imperial Navy. On either side few ships floated by ballast gems made of steel and iron; the squadrons spread out to protect the retreating army.

To the north a fleet of vessels could be seen, as their dark silhouettes could not be hidden by the crisp light from the moon, pounding the city with their long guns. The dull rolling thunder echoed to the convoy as they fled, lucky guarded by the remainder of the Galastrian ships sent to Zebrica to fight and hold their enemy at bay while the Imperial Guard fought them on the ground.

The plan had changed with a loss of a fortress, and the announcement of the Zebra king throwing his support behind the Prench Army.

The Haystar, a large deep belly transport airship flew at the rear of the convoy, the last ship that could escape the fiery hell that was now the Zebra port. Below its red-stained deck was several imperial regiments, the remains of a brigade who a brutally fought for its survival. Most, like the line-breaker regiment that rested towards the bow, was relatively intact. The large, heavier armoured guard-ponies mulled about as they stripped the bulldozer like gear from their bodies, under the watchful eyes of the crewmembers of the Haystar. Though comrades with the other ponies of the brigade, they isolated themselves from the lesser stallions and mares, seeking to keep their pride clean of the distasteful ranks of the other regiments.

At the rear of the hold, separated from the prideful line-breakers, came the quiet regiment of mares and stallions of the brigade’s rangers. They shifted about, undressed in mere moments and began to become rowdy amongst themselves, talking as family rather than soldiers. They hid away their gear, fearing it to be stolen by others, and moved to the mess hall of the ship.

In the centre, dividing the drastically different regiments rested two regiments of the same build and classification. Line stallions and mares moved about, striping the breast plates away from the dusty uniforms below them, all battered from the past two months of fighting. Neither regiment as they striped, having both taken the brunt of the causalities of the division from the fierce fighting. However, one had ultimately drawn the shorter straw in the fighting.

The first regiment, and larger of the two, was patrolled by their colonel; inspecting them as they began their cool down from the heat of battle. He plotted his course to keep him away from the majority of the line-breakers and ranger, praying to keep away from those regiment’s commanders and their constant bickering. He slowly made is way about, stopping to take to officers and command staff, receiving the numbers of his regiment first hoof, and was pleasantly surprised by how cheerful most of the soldier were to be leaving the city. Some even began to smile as the colonel moved past them, giving the camel brown stallion a clean salute.

Kleric Page approached his ultimate destination, as a few dog tired stallions met his gaze. He knew the number he was seeking, but wanted it from the commander of the regiment specifically, hopefully to have the number proven wrong. He asked for directions to the commanding officer of the regiment, receiving a wary glance from a corporal, who pointed with his hoof back the way Kleric came from.

“She’s back there,” the young colt answered, before continuing to undress in silence like the other around him. Kleric looked back along his path then towards the ochre colt, glaring at him sharply.

“I did not see Lieutenant-Colonel Willo Wisp back along my path,” he sharply said, making the group of stallion in front of him stop undressing and look back at the unicorn. Kleric floated a list forward to the colt and pressed into his face with his magic, “I suggest you point me in her direction, corporal.”

“Like I said, sir,” his voice was drained of energy and even care for command, “She’s back in the port.” He put his hoof up on the list and pushed it away, meeting Kleric’s gaze, “The commanding officer now is I believe Captain Blass Schwert, or Commissar Blitz Krieg, sir.”

Kleric nodded slowly, and pulled the paper out of his face, “Sorry adjutant. I thought if you had escaped, Willo Wisp would have as well.” The colt nodded gently, returning to his previous task as Kleric moved away, sliding past a priest giving a quiet sermon to a group of soldiers. His voice was very heavy and slow, and the colonel was sure he heard a few names in the prayer for the dead. He quickly asked others, for the direction to the commanding officers now.

After a short period, he approached the two officers wearing a solemn look, meeting the glance of the young Captain. Blass was standing to the side of the commissar, his crisp alabaster coat fade with dust and soot, while his once clean forest green uniform was now dusted with tan and brown dirt. His dull yellow mane, though short, was unkempt and dirty, finishing the painting of the drained officer.

Commissar Krieg was a different story all together, and though he just as dirty as the Captain, his posture suggested the grey earth pony was still resolute and capable. His dull blue eyes glanced at the colonel as he approached, nodding to him as he looked back at a list on a small bunk of another soldiers. He heavy black storm coat hid his body away from peering eyes, and his peaked cap helped finish the intimidating look of the commissar.

“Colonel,” Blass said, giving a slow salute. Kleric returned it, looking at the commissar for a brief moment, then at Blass.

“What’s the bill?” he asked, praying it wasn’t the same number as he was told twenty minutes earlier.

“Of the sixteen hundred of the stallions and mares deployed from our regiment,” the commissar started, “I can guarantee that there are only six hundred of us left. And that is not including the wound.”

“Buck, that bad,” Kleric said, “I’ve got a confirmed three hundred dead, but damn, that nowhere near what you took.”

“Of the six company commanding officer, and three commissars, there is Captain Schwert and I left. That’s seven officers,” Krieg said, running down the numbers, “We are now down to no more than two company’s worth of strength.”

Kleric tasted a sour thought, realizing what that meant for a regiment like this, “Disbandment, correct?” ‘Cause any regiment under 3 company’s strength can be dismantled and shifted to other regiments as replacements,’ he thought bitterly to himself, glancing at the Blass. He nodded softly.

“Looks like it, unless Colonel Jager can get us into the Equestrian Parade regiment with him, we might be joining your regiment. Or Luna forbid, Rooks regiment,” he said, sneering as he said the other colonel’s name.

“I know my stallions would welcome you into our ranks easily, and I agree,” Kleric said smirking at him, “I hope you don’t get put into that god awful regiment they call Rook’s Own 87th.”

“And what is wrong with my prestigious line-breakers, Colonel Page?” spoke a very refined voice from behind Kleric. He looked over at the navy blue earth pony, whose eye brow was quirked at the younger colonel’s statement, “I mean really, I think my regiment is the best this brigade has had to offer in a long time, and by Luna’s holy moonlight, I would be blessed with a commissar like Krieg in my ranks.”

“Well, for starters your regiment class doesn’t match up with the 15th’s structure and your regiment is almost full strength, Colonel Rook,” Kleric answered, glaring at the pompous stallion as he approached them, flanked by two of his adjutants.

Black Rook grinned at him, and gave him a slight bow, conceding the fact to Kleric, “But your regiment is so drawl and weak for a group of fierce and experienced fighters for some spoiled brat like you.”

“You will keep my father out of this, as you know I earned my command,” Kleric spat at him, stepping forward, pressing his face against Rook’s. They glared at each other for a good solid minute, before Rook turned away from him and looked at Krieg.

“He does have a point though; I’d probably just end up using this rabble for cannon fodder for my fine stallions and mares, seeing how useless they really are to me,” Rook said, motioning for is adjutants to follow him as he walked away. Krieg glanced back at the stallion as he moved away, and then returned his attention to Kleric.

“Best to ignore a fool like him,” he commented, “Only leads one to be foolish. Come; let’s go talk on the deck.”

Kleric nodded softly, leading as they made their way to the deck of the transport, coming up to the brisk night air. They made their way slowly over to the port side of the Haystar, glancing at the few ships to the southern edge of the convoy.

“I am sorry about Willo,” Kleric commented, watching as a group of three ships towed a wounded leviathan, the listing warship weeping smoke softly from its superstructure.

“Don’t be,” the commissar said, one of his hooves extracting a small package from his coat and popping a cigarette up. He glanced at him as he offered the colonel a smoke, receiving a shake of the head from Kleric. He shrugged, taking the offered smoke from himself, “She was a fine commander, a fiercely loyal to the crown and throne. Probably more so than any other mare I know and most stallions.”

“Agreed. She will be missed though, and you know it,” Kleric commented grinning as he looked back at the commissar, “So what are your orders anyway? I know you know them.”

Krieg slowly grinned around his smoke, letting the faint fumes puff out from his lips as he lit it, “I have no knowledge of what you speak Kleric,” he commented to the young colt.

“The fifteenths been absolved off that list of deploying regiments with us, and you know where the remaining soldiers are going. Where and who are they being assigned too?” Kleric pressed, “If I have to, I’ll go to Brigadier-General Kloden to get the information. You know as well as I do this brigade needs those soldiers, even if we weren’t battered as badly as the ninety-fifth brigade.”

“The ninety-fifth took the worst of it, and even if we were deployed with them, we are still in the same division,” Krieg countered, giving the officer next to him a stern look. Kleric flinched back at the look, taking a slight step back from the commissar, “You know as well as I do, that even if soldiers under my command are assigned to you, they are far more loyal to Colonel Jager.”

“I understand that fact, but I-” Kleric started with a growl.

“Give it a rest Page,” a sultry voice commented from the shadows, giving the pair a start causing them to turn to face the source. There stood a qilin mare, her luscious red mane accenting her fiery ochre eyes. “Oh? Did I scare the stalwart Colonel Kleric Page?” She stepped towards the commissar and pressed her snout against his, grinning menacingly at Krieg, “And did I startle you like that one night in the Serpents Valley, dear commissar?”

Krieg stared at the mare for a moment, before turning away from her, “That was a single night, and you know that as well as I do Rose-Thorn.”

“Colonel,” Kleric gave a slight bow to her, to which he received a perched eyebrow from the terrifying image of a qilin officer. Her body, tone by years of service, gave a gentle radiant glow to her as moons light struck her green coat. Her vivid orange eyes scanned him quickly before turning her gaze at the commissar, a smirk on her face.

“I remember,” she started, “you saying you wish it could last forever.”

“As do I, but I’m realistic,” Krieg commented, glancing over his shoulder at her with hard eyes, “What do you need Rose-Thorn?”

“I require permission to kick Rooks pompous flank out of the bucking kitchen, cause I will not have him harassing my rangers while they eat their first true meal in a month,” her voice floated out, filled with poison as she spat out the colonels name, “Of course, Page’s boys and girls can join us, though I think my regiment would leave to give your remaining soldiers space to grieve.”

“They won’t need to grieve,” Krieg commented back, “They knew the risks when we were put on rearguard.” He was right in that fact. Whenever units were put on rearguard duty, they always had heaviest causalities, “And if they are, they won’t for too long.”

She gave a slight smile to him, “Always asking your troops to move mountains even if they’ve just moved a continent. Sometimes I wonder if you forget they are just mortals and not machines Krieg.”

“I know the limits of my stallions. And I expect them to be able to fight even if they barely able to stand.”

“Someponies would call that true devotion,” Rose gave him a disgusted look, “I call that callous and cruel. Sometimes, Krieg, I think you remind yourself you’re stallion before a commissar, and not the other way around. I will take my leave.”

With that, she sharply spun away, walking past an older ochre stallion with a slight salute. The stallion, whose mane was greying, gives a nice salute back, before approaching the two at the side of the ship. Both quickly saluted firmly, snapping to attention. The stallion gave a jolly smile to them and returned the salute as a gentle greeting.

“Commissar. Colonel, a fine evening to be on the deck,” he comments with a gentle smile, “Is everything in order Commissar?”

“Yes general. Everything is in order. And thank you,” Krieg nods gently to him, “I appreciating your commitment to the soldier, sir.” The general shakes his head softly and smiles at him. It is a peaceful smile, content with what he’s done and what he will do.

“Thank you Commissar, hearing that from you brings joy to my heart that I still appear a good brigadier general to somepony. I do wish I could have saved more of them then the few that I did,” the general’s voice wavered for a moment, as he glanced at the stars above.

“General, you did what you could. If you had stayed any longer, we’d all be dead,” Kleric countered, taking a step towards the general, “You did the right thing, sir.”

“Thank you Kleric. Now, let us get away from this depressing topic, commissar, I have your orders, right from command itself,” the earth pony states, his hoof drifting into the one of his uniform’s pockets and pulling out a the orders, “And I believe you should announce them to the troops while they eat.”

Krieg took the envelope and opened it quickly skimming over it, glancing up at the general several times before back to orders, “I understand General. It was an honour serving under you Brigadier-General Kloden.”

Kloden smiles softly, offering his hoof, “It was honour to have you serve under me Commissar.”

Kleric smirked, “Sorry to see you go Commissar,” he leaned forward as the commissar shook Kloden’s hoof, “But what are you orders?”

Krieg chuckled as he hid the orders away from him, tucking them smoothly into storm coat, “Wait till dinner, you’ll hear them then like the rest.”

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Celestia stood quietly looking over the massive courtyard of the Imperial Palace, with a brigade standing in parade colours as it was inspected by Empress Frostmane. She smiled softly seeing the Empress, escorted by the commanding staff of this brigade and her royal guard move about speaking with the troops. Every so often she’d stop to approach a soldier, speaking with them with earnest interest, before moving on. Celestia remembered doing this herself, inspecting the royal guard when she felt it was a good time to do so.

She turned to the door way, pausing briefly to sigh loudly, before opening the door with her magik. Celestia knew fully well what was about to happen as she entered the well lit room, feeling the every heavy presence of a group of commanders. Her eyes drifted to the first she had spoken to that faithful night, smiling at General Earthshaker, who gave a quick back to the alabaster ‘goddess’.

Goddess. She had to get use to that term in so many respects. None of the Galastrians she had met called her Princess or highness. Always Goddess. Always. It was bitter sweet with the admiration she received, even when she felt she didn’t deserve it from them. Many adored her for that the feat of raising and setting the sun each day. Celestia knew they would bow even when told to stand, fall silent whenever she spoke or when she rose up herself. It was, for as much as she enjoyed the loyal devotion to her as a goddess, unsettling when she saw many ponies marching about with the crescent moon atop a black background. She had come to understand how much devotion meant to the Galastrians when Luna came for her first visit.

For Celestia, she would receive a wreath and flowers upon her arrival. Maybe a dance or song group from a local school, or perhaps like what happen this time a military march for regiments down the city’s streets.

Luna’s first, and so far only, venture to the capital was stunning as the entire city came to a complete and utter stand still. Upon her arrival she was asked by city council to walk the main street to the palace, escorted by her night guard and a band of Galastrian Knights. She was stunned to see the city in complete silence, bowing along the main road to the palace. Even as she prepared to enter the palaces grand doors the city remained silent. When she left the palace at night, she was met by a mass of ponies, asking her to give them a sermon for that night.

Celestia smiled as she remembered how excited Luna was when she returned, and learned how much she had enjoyed it that the ponies were so eager to listen to her. Luna had told her of the wondrous excitement of foals as they raced up to her to offer her Moonlight Roses while the adults of the city sat with wonder as she spoke of the wonders that she laid into the sky.

Celestia was jarred out of her thoughts by a loud crash, causing her to snap her head in the direction Captain Wind-Cutter, whose hoof was smash against the table he snarled at one of the Galastrians.

“I will not, under any circumstance, allow that many Galastrians in the capital region of Equestria,” he spat, glaring dagger at the General Tavros, who shot him a cruel look back. The blue earth pony chewed on the end of his cigar, before point at the map.

“Canterlot is the key to Equestria. And as my orders are, I am in command of the entire fifth army group, which is to defend Equestria should it be attacked by Prance, or by the Huns, or the Conquistadors, or Sicilian Legions. Equestria cannot be defended by a small group of valiant, though pathetically outdated, guard ponies,” Tavros barked at him, before point at the map, “Even then, I’m leaving a single brigade there, five thousand ponies. Even then, one of the four regiments will be stationed in Ponyville as a forward defensive position.”

“The Royal Guard can hold the city, but there is no need for five thousand of your bastard soldiers in the capital region. Even if one of these regiments will be in Ponyville,” Wind-cutter pointed at the map, “That means you expect to fall back to there. Or close to there.”

“Captain,” Celestia’s head turned to watch as General Shao, who was shifting his glasses up his snout, smiled softly, “I strongly urge you to understand what is going on. We’re not occupying Canterlot. We are placing troops there as an auxiliary defensive measure. Fillydelphia, Manehatten, Coltsburg, and the few other cities closer to the coast then Canterlot will have whole corps and field armies of varying sizes. Then there’s Stalliongrad with will have a whole two corps defending it. If you worried about a single brigade, we could send an entire division to be stationed there, make the number a staggering fifteen thousand.”

The point was reasonable. Give up and let the brigade be stationed there, or continue to fight the propositions and cause an entire division to fall on the city. Shao clearly had enough of this pointless bickering between the two stallions, and with his planned defense in the northern part Galastria written up, presented and secured, he could afford to through his weight around. Celestia had come to like that about him and it remind her of Twilight with how he studied everything he could. The qilin general, who was only a year younger then Earthshaker, was tactically sound, intelligent, and quite cunning.

Earthshaker on the other hoof was the furthest from thing from Shao, as the older stallion had bluntly stated about the fact they commanded differently. Where Shao was cunning and toyed with his enemy, as told by Earthshaker, he preferred grinding them to dust under the fury of the guns.

“I agree with Shao on this Captain,” the elder general said, pointing at the map, “Canterlot, for all intense and purposes, is the fortress of Equestria. Mind you not a great one but a fortress none the less. Even having a brigade there can make the city a thorn in any army’s side, stalling them for months on end.”

“That and the capabilities of the royal guard added to that could mean buying the city a full year of resistance,” another general commented, making Celestia glance at him. He was Commissar-General Zorn, the head of the entire Commissariat and one of the Big Six. She had only met this stallion once before, but even now he made her uncomfortable to be around. He was jet black, both his mane and coat, contrasted by his fierce red eyes.

That made the four guard officers in the room. She slowly zoned out, ignoring the ideal conversation she should be partaking in. She hadn’t been to a war council in a very long time, and it showed now. She knew nothing of war strategies like her younger sister had during the days of Nightmare Moon. She glanced at the map, and sighed.

From what she could tell, the Galastrian were planning their defense like a fortress. She looked along the coast of Equestria and stared at Manehatten. It would be left practically defenseless. She didn’t like it but it was easier to hold the open ground then a city with nearly 2 and a half million civilians in it. Then there were the small towns and villages that doted Equestria’s country side.

“My Lady goddess of the sun,” a stallion said quiet next to her, pulling her back to the thought process at hoof, “May I discuss with you the fleet’s disposition while your Captain works out the details of Canterlots defense?”

The Pegasus, the one Celestia remembered for supporting Wishing Rain, shifted nervously as she gave him a quick once over. His soft alabaster uniform contrasted with his silver grey coat and his new rank shining on the collar. Sky Admiral Windchester was a good stallion, and Celestia had come to respect him.

“Of course Admiral. You told me a few days ago you wanted them to be based in both Canterlot and Cloudsdale correct?” she reiterated from memory, before glancing at the papers he shuffled between his hooves. He finally pulled one out, and placed it on the desk in front of her.

“Yes, with Vice-Admiral Dash-star in command. With your permission we can have the fourth naval taskforce relocated there in the next four days.”

“Thank you, Windchester. Tell me, do you like the new post?” she asked, whisking the paper into a neat pile and sat down and read through them.

“Not in the least,” he said with a groan, “Being just an Admiral was hard enough. Now I’m the head of the whole damn fleet and with that damned Inquisitor constantly following me around the palace, its feels more of a punishment then a promotion.” He gave a weak smile, and motioned to a figure sitting in the corner. He was heavily clothed, hiding much of his features, unlike the generals and admirals in the room. Around his neck hung a pale up turned crescent moon with a golden ‘I’ placed at the center or it.

Celestia glanced at him for a brief moment then back to the admiral, a soft smile on her face, “I would much rather that then being… what was it again? Strung up I believe?”

Her smile faded the moment he shivered.

“Forgive me, but I’d rather not talk about it. No offense my goddess,”

“None taken, and please, just call me Celestia.”

“I do believe he’s forbidden to do that my lady Celestia,” a voice commented, making both of them turn to face the source. There stood two young ponies, the Grand-Magister Fury-flare and steel grey mare with a deep emerald mane stood before them. The admiral bowed gently while Celestia giving a slight nod to the Magister, who bowed back. The other stood firm, glaring at the three.

“I hope you three are done, since I am here to discuss something with the Sky-Admiral, and desire only his audience. If you’ll excuse him, Princess,” she spat, her eyes locking onto the pegasus.

‘If looks could kill,’ Celestia thought to herself.

Windchester stuttered for a moment before quietly bowing and leaving, flanked by the still glaring mare, and now his personal ‘escort’. Celestia didn’t question it, instead, returned to the table as the room became ever tenser with Wind-Cutter and General Tavros bickering violently, almost coming to blows. She only sighed. If this was going to be every meeting of officers, then this was going to be a long war.

A long war.

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

As an hour passed by since she left the forest, Twilight began to shiver as she waited for Jager to appear. She had never witnessed Zecora mad at somepony, let alone hostile towards a pony that was her friend. She glanced back at Ponyville in the distance to see it was getting dark out, and with that, colder. She shivered gently, before slowly sitting down in the soft snow.

“I wouldn’t get comfortable,” Twilight jumped at Jager voice, spinning quickly around to stare at him. His cheek was red and swollen with a small cut jetting up from his lip.

“I wasn’t. What happened?” she asked him, coming towards him. She looked closer at his cheek, her hoof coming up to his chin and turning it away so she could get a better look at it. Zecora’s hoof print was clearly present now, the even with his cherry red coat. He smirked at her and pulled his head out of the grasp.

“Conserned for an old pony as I? When did this happen sparkle?” he teased, making Twilight flush slight and start to sputter an answer, “Don’t worry, I only tease. Regardless, I’m married so you can’t have it even if you wanted it dear.”

“I- What- How- What?” Twilight began, before placing both her hooves on her face and groaning, much to the amusement to the stallion that walked away with a cheerful laugh. She huffed as she began to follow him again.

They walked in silence back to the small town, Jager smiling softly at Twilight embarrassment, while she shot him a glance ever now and again.

“There’s something you want to ask me, isn’t there Miss Sparkle,” he said suddenly, giving her a knowing look, “And before you ask how I know, I have a daughter who does that to me when she knows she’s in trouble.”

“Well, I was curious if I could ask for some help. See, I just got news that my parents were on a cruise liner and with the newspaper today,” she started to explain, “If they weren’t on that airship, and I would like to know if you could check, since I presume you’re going to Canterlot after Ponyville correct?”

“You presumption is correct, and I must apologize as I must decline.”

She stalled mid-stride and stared at him, surprised by the answer.

“What? Why not? I mean I could understand if you have to leave straight away but I doubt you have to do that as you have to wait for the rest of your recruits,” she started, falling back into stride with him, “And I presume that you need some time for them all to arrive, so I don’t see why you can’t just get them to send me a letter?”

“Miss Sparkle,” Jager stopped and spun around, pacing a hoof on her lips and smiled, “No. Not because I don’t have the time or the ability to do it, but for the same reason you don’t want to do it. I don’t want to have to send that letter to you. I suggest you go to Canterlot yourself and get the truth in pony. It’s only fair.”

With that, he turned around and sauntered off, back to the train-station. Twilight stared for a good few minutes, before rubbing her hoof slowly in the snow. He was right, with all things considered. He shouldn’t have to find the truth out for her when she was perfectly capable, and in addition to that she was only a four hour train ride from Canterlot.

“Colonel?” she called out, making him stop and glance back, “Would it be alright with you if I stowed a ride with you to Canterlot?”

He simply smiled.

Chapter 8: Loyalties and Families

Thunder-hoof glanced across the ravine, casting a wary look at the sickly twisted bushes on the top of it. He eyes slowly scanned across the top of it, catching a small flash of light, signalling that they were ready. In the past three months, he had escaped from Paris, formed a small rag tagged band of resisters, and fought the Prench army. Or the stately police, as it was much of the time.

He’d glanced down the down trotted path, and smirked, knowing something important was coming. His informat, the Prench bakery, had heard there was somepony important being relocated to a large prison on the coast. And it was somepony big.

“When we see them,” Rapide started, is accent blatantly obvious, “We can take out the guards and see who is this prisoner really is.” Réparation Rapide, or Quick as Thunder liked to refer to him as, was a Prench blacksmith who joined the band a month into the resistance, seeing Stein as a false lord of Prance. He was also the bluntest unicorn Thunder had ever met. He always wanted to take the fight to the palace and take Stein by force, thinking it was the only way to win the war.

“Qui, monsieur,” a young mare said with an exotic grin. She was Thunders third, Doux Velours, who was just as eager to take up the fight. She shared the same view as Rapide, but she was more asymmetrical in her fighting. And the way of fighting Thunder currently preferred.

“I want some of them alive,” Thunder answered, shuffling about getting ready to move, “Now, quiet, merci. I think I hear them coming.”

He was right, and the two others fell quiet, whispering the command to the other three with them. A slow sound of trotting began to fill the air, as well as a distinctive sound of wheels on a carriage. He moved forward slightly, hiding his face in the bush and watched for the carriage. As it came into view he realized two things.

The first, his informant was right. It was clearly somepony important, since the Prench soldiers escorting the carriage’ a total of thirty stallions and mares, were what looked like the elite musketeers. They were the old royal guard, now being replaced by Stein’s Gardes de Lumiére, and the signalled the second thing to him as well.

The second was it was a royal prisoner. Somepony of noble status.

“Now. NOW!” he shouted a pair of bolts of magik, punching out and cutting down the lead musketeers. Two other shot up at a large log hanging over the path, cutting the ropes that held it up. When it landed on the path, it caught several Prench beneath it, trapping and killing. In addition to this, it stopped the carriage, and gave the group of resister their chance at a new asset. Thunder took off, leaping forward and down the side of the small rise towards the Prench soldiers, firing off several bolt of magik. Three more went down, one wounded with the others being killed swiftly. A fourth raised a shield in front of him, before barking out orders. Though dazed and confused, the musketeers began to respond. Three wiped out sabres, and raced towards him. The rest of Thunders group came racing down behind him charging silently into the ranks of the musketeers.

From the other side of the road came the rest, finally leaping out the bushes, the twelve of them shooting into the backs of the musketeers, putting more down quickly. They reacted quickly, launching several shots back while an earth pony charged them with a sabre.

Thunder met the first musketeer violently, using his armour as a battering ram against the body of the warrior, throwing him back and knocking the wind from him. He then aimed his horn at the neck of the stallion, and with two swift shots, put him down. The next, a younger mare, rushed forward with her sabre swinging up and into his face, which he side stepped and reach for his own sword, flashing out the short and wide blade. Another swing came, followed by a thrust towards his chest. He parried both swiftly, his open hoof coming forward and punching the musketeer squarely in the snout. She stumbled back, her right hoof coming to her nose and trying to grasp what had just happened. He wasted no time, stepping forward into her again, smashing her to the ground and gave her two swift punches to the face, knocking her out cold.

“Move, take prisoners!” he heard the other voices call from the other side. The musketeers, though good, didn’t seem to have much fight in them. Thunder watched as one of them cut down a pair of his six, before Doux stepped in and put him down. Rapide, on the other hoof charged the leader of the musketeers, crashing into him and throwing him into the carriage. He raised his hoof up for a punch only to be knocked back by the stallion. Thunder moved forward and parrying another blade from an older stallion, before tackling him, and pinning the musketeer down and cracking the hilt of his sword against his snout.

Swiftly, the musketeers fell back, the half dozen still alive and conscious formed a half circle around the carriage. Thunder grinned and watched as one of his old guard friends began to bark at them to surrender to them. The leader, who stood at the apex of the half circle looked at his remain musketeers then at the twelve resisters in front of him, and spat something back that even Thunder-hoof could understand.

“Go buck yourself.”

With that the musketeers leapt back into the fray, swiftly trading blows and putting down three more of the resisters. Thunder crashed into another musketeer, putting his hoof on the tip of his sword, pressing it down to lay across his neck, and wretched it across, receiving a spray of crimson liquid. He move on, leaving the gurgling stallion to die.

The commander charged him, swinging his blade around and catching Thunder on the right side. Thankfully it impacted his armour and he ignored the slight stinging pain of the blow. His right hoof came up and grappled the stallion extended hoof, wretched it in a sharp turn before smashing his head into the commander’s face. The stallion responded in kind, before his open hoof crash up into Thunder’s face trying to pry him off. He succeed but losing his sabre as a result. Thunder swung forward with his short blade, watching as the Prench soldier jump back and out of the way. Again he swung, and again the soldier leapt back. He repeated this several times, until the soldier was a few hoof lengths away from the carriage.

This time he surge forward, crashing into the stallion and pinned him against the carriage, giving several swift and painful blows to the stallions barrel, before finally throwing him to the ground for a swift kick to the jaw line. He rolled over and groaned, unable to get back up.

“Yeild?” Thunder-hoof panted out glaring down at the stallion. He hadn’t panted like this since Paris, and it made him feel good

The stallion spat on the ground, a large amount of blood coming out, before he glared at Thunder, “Jamais!”

Thunder gave another kick, this time to the stallion barrel and felt something give out, causing the stallion to clench is bloody red teeth and gasp, “Jamais!” he spat out again.

“Monsieur,” Doux said putting her hoof in his chest and pushing Thunder back, before glancing down at the stallion, “Vous cédez-vous? Ou allez-vous mourir ici san raison?” the stallion glare at her and rolled his head away, finally nodding.

“Tie the survivors up and make sure they are stripped of anything valuable or dangerous,” Thunder ordered, receiving a nod from others as the last of the musketeers yielded and dropped their weapons. He glanced over at Rapide, who got up and scowled at the trickle of blood down his nose, and came over to the stallion and glared at him.

“With permission, I’d like to check on the prisoner,” he said, glancing up at the carriage, causing Thunder to smile, before back down at the commander of the musketeers. Thunder nodded and let Rapide move over to the carriage door. He glanced down at the stallion at his hooves and smiled, listening to Rapide begin to wretch the carriage open.

“What’s your name, Monsieur?” he asked the stallion, who glared up at him for a good few moments and coughed, “It will be easier this way, and it will show me you’ve completely yielded to me.”

“Swift Étoile,” he growled out, before Thunder smirked and moved his blade down, cutting open the uniform of the stallion.

“Let’s take a look at those ribs then,” he glances up at Doux, who nodded and moved her hooves to pull back the cloth. Thunder eyes slowly widened as he glanced at the stallions ribs. There were bandages already in place, some a gentle pink with the distinct pattern of sword sweeps. On his left shoulder, the stallion had a large amount of gauss, with a thick red pad hiding the sever wound. He glanced around at the other musketeers and scowled, “You were wounded. Why would you fight?”

Doux translated slowly, beginning to tend to the wounds of the stallion, who growled a response back, “Monsieur, he says that they were protecting something valuable, and they would have given their lives for the crown if need be.” She looked confused, glancing up at Thunder with a worried expression. He stared hard at the stallion, then up at the carriage, waiting for Rapide to open the door.

“Well, this is somepony big,” he said walking over to the door, and grabbing a solid hold of it with his magik, pulling it open with Rapide’s aid. They stared into the large carriage.

There were three passenger’s. The first was a tall grey stallion, who sat facing the direction the carriage was moving. His crisp blue uniform told Thunder he was an officer, and the golden de fleur’s that were upon his collar signified he was the real commander of this group of musketeers. In his right hoof, which was extended out in Rapide direction, was a silver sabre. His frown showed Thunder and his partner that he wasn’t impressed they had entered into the carriage, let alone defeated his soldiers.

Sitting across from him was the other two, a stallion and mare. The stallion, a fair bit older and heavier than the lean commander, stared at the intruders with horrified expression, his vibrant yellow coat paling with fear. His clothes suggested a butler or a servant, fitting for whoever the mare was.

Thunder eyes finally fell on the alabaster mare, her features hidden behind the butler. He moved forward, the sabre of the commander coming to rest on his armour close to his neck. His hoof rose up as he grabbed the butler, and pulled him out of the way.

He froze as he stared at her, and she softly whimpered, “Bonjuer Monsieur, comment vas-tu guerrier du soleil?” Her voice was soft, and fear leaked out of it. Her eyes, a soft pink, sparkled in the now illuminated light.

“I am sore, tired, and suddenly scared about what I have stumbled upon in this carriage,” he states turning around and looking at Rapide, “Go back, find a cloak, and bring it here. She will need it.”

Rapide nodded, staring at the mare for a moment longer, before bowing slightly, “Ma Dame,” he said in a hushed tone and took off. Thunder turned back around, pushing the sabre away from his neck and sat down besides the musketeer.

“Now tell my, Chéri Fille. What is the princess of Prance, who is supposed to be dead,” he said glaring at her, “Doing on the road where I was supposed to capture a political enemy of Stein?”

_ - _ - _ - _ - _ - _

Twilight sighed as the train rattled down the tracks towards Canterlot, and looked at her cards in her magikal grasp. Two threes, a five, an eight and a jack. A good hand if she was actually good at bluffing.

She glanced at Rainbow Dash, who was just as terrible at bluffing. She was a smirk so clear that she had a winning hand. She had pushed the candies into middle, making it a big bundle of thirty-seven candies, in the stack. She looked around the table and smiled at Big Macintosh’s unreadable face, then Caramel who was dealing the cards at the end, and finally Lyra who sat next to her, her face grimacing at her cards.

“We ready to show?” Rainbow Dash asked, eager now with her wicked grin expanding. Big Mac pushed his hand forward revealing his hand first. A two pair, a solid hoof. Rainbow nodded in agreement, her grin not leaving her face. She showed her cards, revealing a full house. Big mac nodded in response and Twilight groaned, flipping her cards around and losing in doing so. She leaned back on the cushion and groaned. That was the last of her sweets. Lyra nodded and smiled.

“That’s a good hoof Rainbow Dash. A really good hoof,” she said with a smile, placing her cards face down on the table.

“Yea that’s right, I win~! Gimme all th-” Rainbow said leaping forward to grab the pile of candies, Caramel stopping her before she grabbed them.

Lyra smiled, and flipped her cards with one hoof and everyone stared. It was a Royal Flush, and she just smiled, “So do you think you win?”

“Uh… yea, I do. You don’t have a single match in your hoof, meaning you were bluffing the whole time,” Rainbow Dash accused, pointing at her cards. Caramel coughed gently, and pointed Lyra’s cards.

“She has a Royal Flush, meaning she has the best hoof in the game Rainbow. The best hoof possible. And also, she wins,” Caramel said with smirk. Rainbow Dash’s grin fell away and she groaned as Lyra packed the candies away into a small bag. Twilight chuckled and smiled at Rainbow began to argue. She got up and walked down the cars small interior and glanced around. That morning had been rough for a few of the volunteers, especially Doctor Whooves. He was there with Dinky and Ditzy who were hugging him, wishing him luck. Dinky was crying and asking him not to go. He did make a promise with her though, being simply that he would visit as often as he could.

There we twelve others too, one being Carrot Top husband Iceberg, who told her that he looked forward to seeing her when the deed was done. Iceberg looked up from the paper he was reading and smiled at her.

She was worried about all this going on, and the proceeding war happening in Zebrica. She glanced at the front page and sighed at the news. ‘Galastrian Army Strikes out in Zebrica.’ She shook her head and walked away, looking around.

Raindrops, Cloudkicker, Doctor, Iceberg, Lyra, Rainbow, Big Mac and Caramel, then there were a few others. She didn’t know all their names but she did recognize them from around town. Why did they all go along with this?

“Arriving at Canterlot! Get up, grab you shit and get sorted!” A guard pony barked out, storming down the aisle, moving past the majority stopping at the table that Lyra was sitting at. He glared at the cards, then at the candy, and finally her. She sheepishly grinned and offered him a candy, which he took and popped in his mouth, moving to the next car. He still wore an unimpressed look on his face.

The train slowed and stopped, Twilight grabbing her luggage and walking to the door. They weren’t at the main Canterlot station but the freight platforms. Around them hundreds of other ponies carrying packs, crowding around desks and clerks, forming disgruntled lines.

“Looks like most of them are here,” Twilight turned to the voice seeing Jager get off the train with a weak smile.

“There’s so many. How did you convince them all?” Twilight asked looking about.

“Nothing too hard, just offered them the job. But that’s something you turned down. So don’t worry about it,” he said, waving his hoof about and moved away, disappearing with the rest of his entourage. Richter stepped up beside her and grinned.

“Think you’re going to miss all this fun because you don’t want too?” he asked, “Good on you. Just so you know, the colonel wanted you cause of who you were and what you represented to everypony in your country.”

“I don’t follow,” Twilight replied, raising an eyebrow at the Kirin. His grin flattened and he rolled his eyes.

“You are the princess personal student, and a great hero. That means you would be throwing your support behind Galastria to win this war for everypony in Equestria. He also respected you greatly, told me you’d make a great officer someday,” Richter stated before walking away, “But I told him you wouldn’t go. I was right.”

Twilight watched him walk away, and grimaced. He was guilt tripping her. That was a low and selfish tactic and she didn’t enjoy it being done to her. It bothered her to no end to when she began to think if she made the right choice. Of course she did, she knew that and she wasn’t going to change her mind.

She slowly forced her way off the platform and to the main road. She trotted up the cobble stone path, making her smile as she remembered the city. It was majestic as ever, with the white building topped with royal purple roofs. The street itself was filled with busy businesses and a flurry of ponies buying and selling at small stands and shops. She fade though the clustered crowd, making her way to the common, heading for her home and to her parents.

Excitement began to course through her and she started to canter down the road, a smile appearing on her face. They were home and she’d feel silly for even thinking they might have been killed. Or they we out and getting some super and she would surprise them with a surprise visit. Or…

Her thoughts were cut short as she came around the corner and saw her old home. Look old and cold, almost empty of life. What worried her though was Cadence, Shining Armors wife and her sister-in-law.

‘No they must be visiting. Yes that the reason why Cadence and Shining are here,’ She told herself. She came up, smiling at Cadence and began to do their ladybug dance. She was stopped pre-emptively by the Princess of Love a crushing hug, as well as wet trickles down the side of her neck.

“I’m happy to see you too-” she started, only to stop and see Shining standing in the living room looking at a picture.

“I’m sorry. H-He said that they were fine,” Cadence stuttered out, shaking has she pulled Twilight closer to her, “And then we got here and he just…”

“This is got to be a prank, please let this be a prank Cadence,” Twilight started to shake and pushed her away. She shivered as she approached the house, Cadence right behind her. Her magik gripped the door handle and opened it slowly. The hope drained out of her, seeing Shining sitting on the couch, his face matted with wetness and his eyes puffy and red.

“Hi Twily. I take it you heard?” he said, his voice cracking as he glanced at her. He moved his head to face her, and then raised his leg up to invite her into a hug. She quietly walked over, embracing him in a hug. He nuzzled her, with far more affection then she knew he was capable of. He glanced at her and rubbed her back softly and sighed, “You don’t believe it do you?”

“I thought they were here. I-I mean… I mean,” she started. Her emotions were finally catching up to her, and she started to cry. She pushed her head into his shoulder, and took a deep breath in, “I thought they were just telling us and it wasn’t for a few more months.”

“I know. I know,” His hoof came up to her head, and stroked her neck. She took another breath, far shallower then the first.

“And they should be here right? They just can’t be-” she started. No. Don’t say it. Don’t accept it. “Dead. Right?”

“They are Twilight. I checked and doubled checked,” he said, looking at he, “Twilight, I’m sorry.” He started crying again, “I’m so sorry.”

All Twilight could do was cry.