A strange creature in Equestria

Chapters

Escaping the empire and fighting the darkness
Strange visitors in the night and unwelcome visitors in the morning
Fluttershy comes courting and the feast
Nighmare Night and assault on Griffonstone
A mad dash to Ponyville/Walking the gauntlet
A betrayal brings the blood eagle
Battle for the Crystal Empire
The battle of three days
Epilogue-The vanishing of Irontooth
Disturbing visions/A strange creature
Proper introductions and preparations for the grim business

Escaping the empire and fighting the darkness

Harald scrambled across the rooftops, putting plenty of distance between him and the castle. It had been ten, maybe fifteen minutes since he had killed the changeling and locked eyes with the unicorn. Only now were the sounds of alarm beginning to go out across the city. "Han så meg definitivt! Men hvorfor angrep han meg ikke? Eller rope ut et varsel? Øynene så ut som om... som om det ventet meg.", he said softly to himself. Taking a quick pause, he looked at the roads, noting the lack patrols searching for him, for anything. As his eyes scanned across the city, he heard hoof beats from nearby blocks heading towards the castle. Taking a quick moment, he stopped where he was, forcing himself to breathe deep and slow, he managed to get his heart to slow down.

As the adrenaline burned off it left an acrid taste in his mouth, almost like he was chewing on rusty nails and charcoal, his muscles trembled with fatigue, looking down he saw he was still clenching his sword in his fist. "Far ville bli opprørt over meg og skjelle meg skarpt om ikke å sørge for at våpenet mitt er ordentlig stuet. Han ville si noe beslektet med 'en krigers våpen representerer hans sjel, og hvis han ikke beskytter sitt våpen, så hva sier det om hans sjel?'", he said to himself before wiping the sword across his pants leg and returning it to its scabbard.

Harald lowered himself to the ground, readjusted the sword to hang along the outside of his thigh and lashed it in place with the length of cord. He knelt, closed his eyes and refocused the weirding. Instead of focusing it to gather shadows and silence around him and allowing him to track the magics with his senses, he focused it to increase his speed, agility and to push fatigue out of his body. Slowly he opened his eyes and felt the fatigue bleed out of his muscles after a few seconds. Quickly he sprung up to his feet, grabbing a blanket from a nearby clotheline, rolling it up he tied it across his body and bolted off through the night.

Shining Armor still feeling a bit unnerved by the sequence of events that happened this night, his thoughts drifted to all the things that have happened, the premonitions his daughter had tonight, the appearance of discord, the scrimshaw tube, the old map it contained, the warped and twisted changeling whose remains laid on the ground before him, the blade that slayed it and those blazing green eyes that peered out at him from the shadows. He shoved those thoughts aside for now as more pressing matters at hand.

"General! Use every available pony under your command to scour the city and see if this Celestia forsaken changeling is alone or if there is a nest!", he barked at General Golden Baubles allowing anger to fill his face, "I'll be cast headfirst into Tartarus before another one of these cursed creatures kills another pony under my protection!" Golden Baubles quickly snapped a salute, "Yes your majesty!"

Shining Armor had used a spell to reveal if any ponies were changelings disguised. He allowed a unicorn guard to apply the spell to him as a show of good faith. "Every foot patrol is to have at least one unicorn with them to apply the reveal changeling spell to every pony they come across., he said sternly. Several voices murmured discontent amongst the gathered companies. "This is not a request or a suggestion! A changeling has infiltrated the empire and has killed at least three ponies!"

"Suh? A moment of yuh time is yuh please?", Big Oak spoke up as he approached, "Ah've got a report from the three ponies who were found unconscious a few blocks from here."

"Yes Lieutenant Colonel, I'll take it., Shining Armor said to the massive pony. "The next time you're back in Appleloosa tell Braeburn he still owes me twenty bits from the last buckball match.", he said with a sly smile. Big Oak returned the smile as he passed him the report.

Harald ran hard, his legs pumping furiously as the moon roseIlgah in the night. The houses flew past him on the dark street as shadowy blurs. He didn't notice the shadow that drifted silently across the ground. As the barrier grew nearer he pumped his legs harder until he thought his muscles would burst.

Cadance flew through the night sky and spotted the upright running through the dark streets hard and fast to the west. She flew over him several times using her sharp alicorn vision enhanced with her magic to get a good look at him. His long braided red not-quite-mane flowing out from under is helmet and chin. He was tall, easily the match of Celestia's height when she drew herself up fully. He was broadly build, though his strange clothes and metal jacket covered him concealing his musculature, His was build probably at least equal to Big Mac in his prime. She alighted on a house just ahead of him using her magic to conceal herself. Watching him as he barreled past oblivious to her. "I'll let you get away because you protected the Crystal Empire and though you had the opportunity, you chose not to attack my husband. I hope to meet you properly soon.", she thought to herself. She closed her eyes and focused her mind, pulling up the images of the upright in her mind's eye, "Aunt Luna, hear me. Look upon the images I'm sending to you. Contact the upright in his dream, he must sleep sometime."

Back in Canterlot Luna was standing vigil on her watch over a sleeping Equestria when she heard a voice calling out to her. Closing her eyes, she centered herself and focused on the voice. In her mind's eye Cadance walked up to her and their minds linked. Cadance showed her images of the upright, sensation and feelings seeped through and around the images, they were fear, anger, confusion and...gratitude?! "Fear not dear niece. We...I shall assist thee...er...you in contacting the upright.", she said in her mind's eye back to Cadance, projecting images of comfort. Luna sat down thinking about her task ahead.

A few minutes later Celestia came out wiping the sleep from her eyes. Her face a mixture of grogginess and concern. "Luna? Is something wrong in the Crystal Empire? Or with Cadance?", she said concern filling her voice, "I felt her presence and saw your two minds linking."

Luna took in a deep measured breath, "Sister...Tia. The Upright has been spotted in the Crystal Empire by Cadance...possibly Flurry Heart. It is hard to interpret the finer details because her emotions kept seeping through."

"Luna, show me. Maybe with the both of us we can piece it together." Celestia said with concern in her voice.

"Ok sister, but be warned, Cadance's emotions are strong and have couded the finer points of her message."

The two closed their eyes, centered themselves and entered into the space of their mind's eye. After a few minutes of the link Celestia's face turned into a scowl of worry. Celestia broke the link with a worried look filling her eyes. "The changeling is concerning but appears to have been dealt with. The human is on the move and will arrive at our old castle in about a week. But what is truly disturbing is that Flurry has been having strong premonitions. I haven't seen an alicorn that had such strong premonitions before.", Her face showed deep concern, "They could drive her mad."

Celestia yawned, "I need to go back to bed, I have much to do tomorrow. Keep me informed of any new happenings."

"Rest well dearest sister. I shall keep watch and inform you of any changes."

Harald had ran at full tilt past the barrier and into the forest nearly a mile away. He continued to run into the forest for a half mile before stopping next to a tree and releasing the weirding back to his ancestors. Immediately fatigue flooded over his body, every muscle and joint screaming out in pain. He collapsed to his hand and knees, his breath coming in uneven, ragged gasps, the air feeling as thick as mud in his throat. His vision blurred and his head began spinning, only through sheer force of will did he stay conscious. His guts started doing back flips and he retched hard enough to make every muscle in his body lock up. Looking at the small puddle of bile in front of him, he instinctively recoiled from it. Crawling over to a tree, he grasped a low hanging limb in his hands and summoned up all the strength he could to drag himself upright, "Kom igjen, kom deg til føttene dine!", he said to himself through gritted teeth. After what felt like an eternity, he drug himself up to his feet and leaned against the trunk of the tree. After nearly twenty minutes his ragged gasps gave way to deep even breaths, the pain and fatigue began slowly draining from his body.

Once he got his strength back, Harald set out westward searching for the road. After an hour of walking he stumbled, tripping over a rock. Turning in frustration to kick the rock he froze, in the dim light he saw not some random piece of rock that had tumbled from the mountains and washed up in this spot, but the purposeful cut octagonal shape of a paving stone. Kneeling down he cleared away the leaves, sticks and dirt revealing more paving stones all heaved up or sunk down in an uneven pattern. "Jeg fant veien fra kartet... Jeg tapte. Men det ser ut som det har blitt forlatt en stund. Hvis denne veien har blitt glemt, hva med slottet i Sky Queens? Står den fortsatt eller har den også forlatt?", he said to himself. He traveled down the old abandoned road for a couple of hours before pausing to look around him, turning his head upwards, squinting his eyes to try and make out the night sky through the treetops. "Jeg har noen timer før soloppgang. Jeg må finne et sted jeg kan hvile litt.", he thought to himself.

Nearby he found an old abandoned stone building in a small clump of trees. Picking up a tree branch from the ground, he hurled it through the old doorway. Other than the flutter of the wings of a few roosting birds and the rustle of a few small sleeping critters, there were no signs of it being inhabited. Still he wanted to be sure. He fumbled with one of the buckles on his chest, undoing it he lowered the shield from his back, freed it from the carrying hook and secured it to his arm. He drew his sword, holding it flat over the top of his shield ready to attack if the need arises, he entered a ready stance and slowly approached the abandoned building. As he entered the doorway he had to duck and turn his shield at a slight angle. Giving his eyes a moment to adjust, he quickly darted them around.The ceiling had long ago collapsed and rotted away leaving the slowly crumbling stone walls. Seeing he was alone he let out a sigh and relaxed slightly.

He removed his shield and weapons, laying them against the wall. He untied the blanket from around his chest and sat against the wall, drawing his knees up to his chest. He arranged the sword and axe on either side of him and placed the dagger in the crook of his hip between his thigh and body. Soon exhaustion brought sleep on.

Luna was watching over the dreams of the ponies across Equestria when she came across a dream that belonged to no creature of Equestria. Luna entered the dream and was immediately in a burning village, the bodies of uprights laying around her. As the smell of burned flesh assailed her nose, she saw another upright run to a collapsed house and struggle with a beam, under the beam she saw a female with two younglings crushed under it, nearby the body of a male lay twisted, its face frozen in a mask of dread. She felt the panic and fear of the upright fill the dream. Suddenly she felt the upright wake up, but the dream did not end. She immediately knew what was happening, a waking nightmare caused by a terrible trauma. She reached out with her mind to calm him.

Harald snapped awake, his breath coming in ragged, panicked gasps, his eyes trembling in their sockets. The images of the nightmare refusing to disperse upon his waking. The bodies of his father, mother, brother, sister all laying crushed and twisted under the ruins of their home. The nightmares were always bad, but this nightmare was particularly bad. He sat against the wall unable to move, fear had paralyzed him, he was unable to breath, panic had seized his lungs.

From a long distance away a female voice called out to him softly in his mind. "Frykt ikke. Du er våken nå. Marerittet kan ikke skade deg." The nightmare began to dissipate and the control of his body returned. Sitting in the dark he didn't want to go back to sleep as the nightmare was too much for him. Sitting quietly in the dark, tears welled up in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. He would not go back to sleep, but instead would sit quietly in the gloom and await the first rays of daylight before heading out.

Luna, her mind still in the dreamscape felt the nightmare disperse. She traversed into Celestia's dream. Celestia was dreaming about a never ending cake buffet as usual. "Sister, I found the upri...human in his nightmare."

Celestia slightly cross that she had interrupted her in the middle of a particularly delectable Manehattan chocolate and cherry cheesecake. "*mmff*...Let me finish...*mmff*...this slice...", she said between mouthfuls before picking up picking up a slice of angel's food cake with buttercream frosting..

Luna rolled her eyes, "Ugh!" Her horn glowed and a pink pony with a frizzy mane appeared.

"Funny I was just in the Crystal Empire attending a flugglehorn party and now I'm at a never ending cake buffet! Llluuuunnnnaaaa? Did you summon me here because of what happened a couple of paragraphs above", she said with a sly smile on her face. Celestia and Luna just blinked with shocked looks on their faces. " Oh well! Never look a free endless cake buffet in the mouth!", she said before excitedly descending on the buffet. Celestia quickly woke up.

Back in Ponyville Pinkie Pie sits up in bed with her husband Cheese Sandwich sleeping next to her, " Well that was weird, even for my dreams. I'll never get back to...", she slumps back full spread eagle, "...zzz!" Cheese sandwich gently pushes her forelimb off his face while mumbling something about boneless.

"Note to self, never bring Pinkie into a dream about cakes again!", Luna says to herself while tapping a hoof on her forehead as if to drive it in to brain.

The behind Luna the door to the balcony violently slams open, nearly flying off the hinges. Luna turns to see Celestia storming onto the balcony practically fuming. "DON'T YOU EVER DO AGAIN! EVER!, Celestia shouts jamming her hoof into Luna's chest to accentuate every word. She put her hoof back on the floor, closes her eyes, takes a few deep breaths and chuffs to breathe the fire out of her lungs. "Now what is it that you need to show?", she says in calmer tone.

"As I said I was able to locate the upright by his nightmare. It's not a normal nightmare.", Luna says with a small twinge of fear and concern in her voice, "It's not caused by fear or doubt or guilt. It's caused by trauma, his nightmare didn't disperse when he awoke, it clung to him leaving him paralyzed.", she closed her eyes for moment, her face became a mask of pain and fear, a single rolled down her cheek, "So much pain, so much loss. He is driven by more than duty, he is driven by sorrow and vengeance."

Celestia's remaining anger immediately evaporated upon seeing the way her sister's face changed. "Night terrors. It's common for those who have suffered through traumatic events." Celestia angled her horn forward slightly, "Show me sister so I can see his terror firsthand."

Luna tipped her horn towards Celestia's, when their tips touched a blue light flashes over them. The sisters find themselves in a burning village, bodies of uprights lay strewn about the ground, the reek of burning flesh polluted the air. An upright comes running through the village and up to a collapsed house. They watch as he digs frantically through the rubble. He recoils as he finds the body of an adult male, its face frozen in dread. The sisters watch as he looks under a beam, terror erupts across his face and he stands frantically trying to lift the beam. Celestia walks over and looks under the beam. She covers her mouth with her hooves to stifle a shriek. She sees the body of an adult female with the bodies two younglings under her. She tried to shield them from the collapsing beam with her body. Celestia started to weep.

"Sister, brace yourself.", Luna says, "This is where he awakens."

The dream shifts to an overwhelming assault of of bodies. His father, mother, sister, brother. Celestia feels like she can't breathe, like panic has made her lungs collapse. Luna sensing her sister's panic ends the spell.

Celestia stands frozen place panting and gasping for air like someone just saved her from drowning. Tears streaming down her face she sobs bitterly. "Luna! His village, his people...his family! All killed by Sombra! He must be incredibly lonely! Like...like...like...", she falls to the floor weeping bitterly.

Luna lays next to her draping a wing over her, "I know Tia, let it all out. For the time draws nigh when a new champion will weild the flaming wrath of the sun and the freezing rage of the moon.", Luna put her hoof to her chin in thought, "We'll also have to gird him with the fury of the elements and the vengeance of love. That just leaves foresight."

"Why not shield him with the strength of foresight?", a voice said from above them after a small flash of light.

"Cadance!?", Luna exclaim simultaneously.

Celestia rises to her hooves, her eyes still puffy from crying, "What are you doing here? Any news from the Crystal Empire?"

Cadance alights on the balcony, "Well my dear aunts, to answer the second question first. A changeling twisted and warped by dark magic attacked the Crystal Empire, killed three ponies and tried to steal the Crystal Heart. That's when our mysterious champion revealed himself, slew the creature before fleeing the empire. The few ponies that saw him said he was running faster than any creature they've ever seen. Other than a couple of broken windows, three soldiers knocked out and a stolen blanket there weren't much other issues. As for the first question, I bring you these." She lifts a wing and levitates a folded up cloak and scrimshaw tube to the sisters.

They take the objects in their magic to study them.

Luna unfolds the cloak, using her sharp alicorn vision to inspect the cloak inside and out. "Sister! The stitching on this looks similar to the clothes Jorgen's wore."

Celestia started rolling the tube over in her magic, she had taken up the odd habit of wearing spectacles when looking at something up close, not that she needed it, just a bit of vanity. She popped the end off the tube revealing the rolled up map. She removed the map, returned the cap and unrolled the map. While studying the map she smiled broadly, "Jorgen, you old iron toothed devil! You knew that great evil would show its head again, so you ensured that one of your descendants would would find their way to us."

Celestia passed the tube to Luna. Luna looked over the tube quickly then beamed back at her.

"Jorgen! Your foresight was something to truly behold.", Luna said with a broad smile.

Cadence felt a bit confused. Her aunts spoke of this Jorgen like a fond friend. "Aunties? Who was Jorgen to you two?"

"I think it would be better if we showed you.", Celestia said still beaming.

"Yes. Come along Cadance, all will be revealed.", Luna beamed.

Cadance still feeling confused followed her aunts.

The three entered into the palace archives. The sisters levitates the cloak, map and tube to the head archivist. "Put these in a stasis spell and be very careful, the map and tube are very old", Luna says. The archivist says nothing and bows.

The three walk to back of the archives where there were no filing cabinets or shelves, just two wrought-iron wall sconces. The sisters turn to Cadance.

"Before we show you what lies beyond, you must swear to never reveal what lies beyond.", Celestia said with a stern look on her face.

Cadance raises her right hoof above her head, "I swear to never reveal what lies beyond.

"No niece! You must Pinkie Pie swear.", Luna said.

With a heavy sigh Cadance said, " Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

The sisters took a regal pose, their horns lot up and the wall sconces turned. The wall split and swung inward silently creating a massive doorway.

The sisters excitedly gestured for Cadance to follow, then with a squee they began skipping through the door.almost drunk with glee.

Cadance followed her aunts with a surprised look on her face. "Did they just squee? I've never heard them squee.", she thought to herself, "Now they're skipping like two giddy school fillies...or Pinkie on a slow day."

They walked down a long narrow hallway that led to a massive room with a ceiling so high that the light from all three alicorns horns could not illuminate it.

"Aunties? Where are we?", Cadance asked fear making her voice crack slightly.

"We are deep underground.", Celestia said prancing in place, still giddy.

Luna cleared her throat and calmed her countenance slightly. "We are at least a dozen leagues under Canterlot.", her voice calm, but her grand gestures betrayed her emotions, "We are in the layer of Stormrunner and Earthshaker!"

Almost as if on cue two voices like thunder called out, "Who has entered into our layer and disturbs our vigil?", the voices seemed to echo from everywhere at once.

"PRINCESS CELESTIA, SOVEREIGN OF THE SUN, CO-DEFENDER OF PONYKIND, AVENGING FLAME OF THE INNOCENT! PRINCESS LUNA, SOVEREIGN OF THE MOON, CO-DEFENDER OF PONYKIND, ICY RAGE OF THE INNOCENT! WE ARE THE RULLERS OF EQUESTRIA! WE ARE COUNTED AMONGST THE DEFENDERS OF THIS WORLD!, the sisters call out in the royal voice.

Two pairs of massive eyes appear in the darkness. As the eyes move forward into the light and Cadance sees that they belong to the two biggest dragons she's ever seen.

"Princesses, it is good to see you both again.", the first dragon says in a voice rumbling like a distant thunderstorm.

The princesses hug the the dragons snouts like one would hug an old friend after reuniting with them. The two dragons turned their gaze towards Cadance. Suddenly fear overtook her and she fled back towards hallway. A massive green clawed hand blocked the passage. She turns seeing the faces of the two dragons coming towards her, she wanted to scream, cry out for help, but all that would come out is a feeble squeak.

"Now who do we have here? Ah, a young princesses! Please introduce yourself highness. I promise we won't harm you.", he said in a soft rumbling voice like a distant earthquake. He then gave a big smile filled with teeth as massive as swords.

With that Cadance was overcome by the greatest fear she had ever felt. She screamed, fell to the floor covering her eyes with her hooves, whimpering and trembling like a leaf.

"Earthshaker! I know you're trying to be friendly, but look at this poor filly, she has the dragon-fear upon her.", the first dragon said in a voice like distant thunder.

"I'm sorry Stormrunner. After hearing about the new princesses ruling Equestria, I got so excited I didn't notice the poor thing overcome by our imposing presence.", Earthshaker said apologetically in his deep rumbling voice.

Stormrunner gently stroked Cadance's mane with a claw, shushing her that sounded like wind rustling leaves in a distant forest. "There, there young princess. It was not our intention to frighten you. Just breathe, let the dragon-fear wash past you. You are amongst friends here. And your mothers are here.", Stormrunner whispered in a voice that sounded like gentle rain on a warm spring afternoon.

"Aunts actually, Stormrunner.", Celestia said calmly.

"Is she the daughter of one of your kindred sisters or brothers?", Stormrunner asked.

Celestia shook her head, "No. Cadance was born a pegasus and ascended to an alicorn."

"Now we are truly humbled!", Earthshaker said in a voice like boulders tumbling down a mountain, "A mortal pony ascending to the same level as the gods and elder dragons."

"And what of the other two?", Stormrunner asked with a voice almost as quiet as the calm before a great storm.

"The first is my sister's faithful student Twilight Sparkle" Luna said proudly, "She was born a unicorn and ascended when was nineteen."

Cadance rose to her feet feeling the fear leave her. "And the second is my daughter, Flurry Heart. She was born an alicorn."

Earthshaker clasped his clawed hands in front of him, looking like he was about to burst. He threw his head back and gave a great celebratory laugh that sounded like a volcano exploding. He put his hand over his mouth. "Sorry princess, I hope I didn't frighten you again. I got exited and couldn't contain my joy.", he apologized in his low rumbling voice.

Cadance waved her hoof, "No harm, no foul. No offence intended, none taken. Now it is time for proper introductions.", she said standing to her full height, flaring her wings and taking a deep breath to summon her royal voice, "PRINCESS MI AMORE CADENZA, SOVEREIGN OF LOVE, CO-DEFENDER OF PONYKIND, DIARCH OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE, IMPLACABLE SHIELD OF THE INNOCENT! But you may call me Cadance."

Earthshaker responded in a voice that sounded like the mightiest earthquake, "EARTHSHAKER, ELDER DRAGON OF EQUESTRIA, DEFENDER OF THIS WORLD, MATE TO STORMRUNNER, WEILDER OF THE MAGIC OF THE DEEP MOTHER, MY VOICE SHAKES THE EARTH, MY TALONS TEAR THE MOUNTAINS LOW, ALL ENEMIES WHO BEHOLD MY GAZE WILL SEE THEIR DOOM!"

Stormrunner responded in a voice that sounded like the mightiest hurricane, "STORMRUNNER, ELDER DRAGON OF EQUESTRIA, DEFENDER OF THIS WORLD, MATE TO EARTHSHAKER, WEILDER OF THE MAGIC OF THE FAR ABOVE FATHER, MY VOICE CAN SPLIT THE HEAVENS, MY CLAWS CAN LAY THE STARS LOW, ALL ENEMIES WHO MEET WY GAZE WILL KNOW THEIR DOOM!" Then the two faced each other, angled their heads upwards and released a massive hour of green flame each.

Cadance stared with wide-eyed amazement at the display. She began to notice the coloration of the two dragons. Both were green with purple frills leading down the backs of their heads to their tails. "Aunt Celestia? Why do they look like Spike?"

"Because he is our son.", Earthshaker said, "How do the ponies say it? Biologically? Yes! Biologically."

"So why didn't you raise him?", Cadance asked.

"Cadance, don't say something to offend our gracious hosts.", Celestia scolded.

"Nonsense Celestia!", Stormrunner retorted, "We are all equals here. No offence given, none taken. Young Cadance, when a dragon hatches, even an elder dragon, the first being they lay their eyes on becomes their family. They latch onto them and the youngling will learn their ways. Their traditions becomes its traditions and they will unconditionally love them. We were fortunate it was such a good natured pony that he imprinted on."

"In due time he shall seek us out", Stormrunner continued, "and we shall teach him about the deep mother, the far above father, the great river and the great wheel. It is his destiny to defend this land from above while it is our destiny to defend this land from below."

"Earthshaker, Stormrunner. As I am well sure that you've sensed that a great evil has returned after fifteen hundred years and a champion from the far north has arrived to challenge it.", Celestia said sternly.

"The great evil?", Earthshaker said thoughtfully tapping his jaw with a knuckle, "A champion from the far north? Has the great enemy returned? And why only one champion and not all six champions from all the tribes of who walk upon two legs?

"Nay! The bones of the great enemy are but ash and dust.", Luna replied, "The one who weilds the power of the great evil is but a pretender to that throne. Thank the great river that it weren't him. The ambitions of the great pretender are are small and petty. He prematurely struck in the far north and provoked the champion."

"Who is this great pretender?", Stormrunner asked, "And he struck prematurely in the far north, provoking the champion? Then he has sealed his own doom."

"His name is Sombra.", Cadance spoke up, "He fancies himself king of the Crystal Empire and he has allied himself with an evil changeling called Chrysalis, she is growing a new brood. One of these new twisted abominations killed three of my subjects and attempted to steal the Crystal Heart. The champion slew that abomination."

"It is disturbing that the new brood is taking lives instead of just stealing love, but we all know how dark magics can twist one.", Stormrunner said sternly, "Who is the champion?"

"It is the heir of Irontooth!", Luna beamed giddily.

"Irontooth? Irontooth! Hah!", Earthshaker bellowed as he clapped his hands, "He did say that that the men who travel upon the hoarfrost and seas of the north would be the first to hear the call and that one of their own would first counted amongst the champions."

"Earthshaker, Stormrunner. The vault of the Rimewalker please? The hour is late and I feel our enemies may be on the move.", Celestia said bowing slightly and giving her wings a curtsy.

Luna mirrored her sister. Cadance feeling unsure, remembered her royal training and mirrored the gesture.

The dragons returned the bow and curtsy. All five rose.

"Very well princesses." Stormrunner said, "Because you you all were so polite to humor us, we shall humor you all. But young Cadance, you must come back to visit us and bring your family too."

"I will. ", Cadance replied with a smile.

With that the two dragons slipped off into the darkness softly conversing. Off in the distance a loud scraping could be heard, than a loud crunching noise, followed by a loud bellow and a green gout of flame.

Celestia and Luna winced at that sound. "I think the dropped it on his toe again sister.", Luna said. "I'm afraid you're right Luna.", Celestia responded.

After several more minutes the two dragons returned a large round vault between them. They set it on the floor with a loud crunching thud. Earthshaker slunk back off into the darkness grumbling in a low rumbling voice.

"Will he be okay?, Cadance asked concerned.

"He just hurt foot dearie. He'll go sulk for a few days and be back to his usual cheery self.", Stormrunner replied.

Off in the distant darkness Earthshaker growled.

"No need to be rude darling! You know this to be true. How many times have I done the same thing?", Stormrunner called out towards the direction of the growl.

A low flat rumbling was the only responce.

Stormrunner sighed, "I'll go tend to him. Farewell for now princesses. And young Cadance you make sure to visit us some time soon."

Stormrunner disappeared into the darkness. After several minutes bellowing and growling could be heard off in the distance, followed by a short time afterwards by low soft rumbling.

"Don't worry about them Cadance. You're married, you and Shining have arguments when one of you is in a bad mood. That's all this is.", Celestia said

Celestia and Luna ignited the magic in their horns and the lock opened with a loud thunk and hiss. The door swung open with a small, almost imperceptible creak. A massive circle of wood covered with similar scrimshaw to the tube was in the center of the vault, on the shelves were intricate carvings and detailed drawing of ponies long dead and buildings long crumbled into dust or fallen to ruble. Every one of them a masterwork of art that was at least as beautiful as the old artwork sitting in the museums in Canterlot from hundreds of years ago that were made by artists long dead and turned to dust.

"Aunt Celestia, Luna? What is all this? Who made these masterpieces?", Cadance asked.

"We don't have time to explain, nor do we have time to explain why we don't have time to explain.", Celestia said levitating a necklace with a medallion made from ivory and azure depicting two standing alicorns intertwined, their eyes made from diamond chips, she floated it to her, "Cadance find him! If our enemies don't know of their failure in the in the Crystal Empire, they will soon know and they will be out in force hunting him. Find him!" she said her eyeswith a deadly serious glare in them

"It shouldn't take you more than three day to find him. Remember the road on that old map. It's still there, just forgotten and buried from centuries of disuse, he'll be somewhere along that old road. When you find him, put that necklace on him, it's enchanted so that only he can take it off. It'll let him speak and understand out language as if he's been speaking from birth. His people are stubborn and fierce, but they are also not stupid. If our enemies attack him, he will stand, he will fight and he will die. DO...NOT...LET...THAT...HAPPEN! By the great river don't let it happen!", Celestia said sternly, "Once he's in your presence, his oath will bind you to him to you as it would me or Luna . His desire will be to fight for you and protect you, use that to protect each other. Get him to Twilight, I'll have a message sent to Shining and Flurry to get to Twilight as fast as possible. You have a couple of hours before dawn, go with all haste!"

Cadance tucked the necklace under her wing and teleported out of the chamber and into the skies high above Canterlot. With great speed she flew towards the forest outside the Crystal Empire.

"Luna, handle the sun and send out messages to every Wonderbolt to set out in force and tail Cadance. Send special orders to Rainbow Dash that she ensures the heir makes it to safety at any cost. I'll finish up here and be along shortly. And have strong coffee made, I don't think we'll have the luxury to sleep for the next few days"

"Yes sister! We will see to it!" Luna teleported out of the out of the chamber and onto the balcony, she saw Cadance flying off into the distance. "Fly with much haste dear niece and may favorable winds carry you.", she whispered before summoning parchment, ink and a quill with her magic.

***

Sombra walked through the damp and dark cave that was serving as the hive for the newly growing brood. There were changelings in his path who were gnawing on the bones of dead ponies with bits of flesh still clinging to them. They hissed and snarled at him as he approached. He barred his fangs and growled at them. They thought better of it and drug their grisly meal off to elsewhere to finish it. Elsewhere in the hive there were moans and screams of ponies being tortured or murdered to provide suffering and meat for the newly hatched broodlings. He walked up to a pool of dark magic, three bodies of barely alive ponies were suspended above it by their rear hooves, their blood dripping into it from gashes deep gashes in their bodies.

Chrysalis rose from where she was submerged in the pool, licking the blood from her face with a long disgusting black tongue. Several changelings shoved a mewling pegasus colt to her. "Sombra! You'll have to you'll have to tell me how you came about this absolutely ecstatic dark magic.", she said before lifting the colt in her telekinesis up to her face and taking a bloody bite out its face. She licked the wound on the colt's face before saying, "I find the suffering of the foals to be especially delectable, don't you?" The vile display did nothing to impress Sombra.

"Our spy has failed, or else it would have returned with the Crystal Heart by now." Sombra said coldly, "It won't be long before the ponies around here start to figure out where their kinfolk are disappearing to. They're already sending search parties out. By the end of the week have this hive split into three and send them out to set up in new places. When the search parties find this place, I only want them to find the bones of their loved ones here."

"This is not the changeling way! Let them search for us, when they find this place, we'll-"

Sombra's eyes flashed with malevolent power.

Dejectedly Chrysalis tossed the colt away to a group of changelings. They immediately leapt upon it and ripped its body apart. "Fine! I was very hungry anyway. In seven days this hive will split and set up in three new places."

"You will also lead a significant force to Griffonstone to kidnap as many of their young as possible, do with the adults and adolescents as you want, but bring the young to me alive. I will twist them into an elite shock for us to use."

"Why? We already have enough changelings to-"

Sombra raised his hoof and struck her across the face.

She fell hard on the floor, greenish-black blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. "Bastard!", she snarled.

"YOU WILL DO AS I SAY! NO QUESTION! OR I WILL STRIP EVERY OUNCE OF DARK MAGIC I GAVE TO YOU, BURN THIS BROOD AND TOSS YOU BACK IN THAT HOLE I FOUND YOU IN TO ROT!", he shouted.

She rose and bowed, hatred burning in her eyes.

"Also I need a small force of twenty changelings. There is a force in play and I intend to root it out."

"Yes King Sombra.", she said venom dripping from her voice.

"Good!", he said in a wicked tone, "I'd hate to have to have to discard a valuable tool."

***

As dawn broke Harald rose from where had been sitting for the night. He quietly gathered up his shield and weapons. The forest was unusually quiet, no birds were singing, no small animal were scampering through the undergrowth. A quiet forest was a scared forest. Something was hunting him. He closed his eyes, summoned the weirding and directed it to enhance his senses. He could feel the creature walking along the road. Whatever it was it had a powerful aura and it was hunting him! He realized that it was following the trail he has left last night. He cursed himself for not being more cautious.

In the predawn gloom Cadance reached the edge of the forest and banked eastwards towards she had seen the heir fleeing the empire. In her sharp vision she had picked up his footprints in the ground. She swooped low along the ground following the trail until it entered the forest. Landing she she ran easily following the trail. She paused where she found he had collapsed and vomited. "So this where he finally overexerted himself.", she said softly to herself allowing her eyes to follow the trail, "No creature can push itself that hard without needing to find a place to rest for the night. He shouldn't be more than a few leagues from here." She ran along the road using her magic to keep hoofbeats silent. She paused as the first rays of dawn began pouring through the trees. Up ahead she saw where saw a small patch of debris and dirt had been cleared from the forest floor. She quietly walked up to it and saw paving stones of the old road. She followed the trail with her eyes as it led to a clump of trees, she saw among the trees the ruins of an old stone building. "He spent the night in there.", she thought. She reached out with her aura and felt his life force. "He's still in there!", she thought, "I must take this slowly, a cornered animal is the most dangerous." As she slowly approached the building she heard several slaps of metal on wood. "He knows I'm here and has just issued a challenge!", she thought, "He might not know I'm a ruler of Equestria. Time to answer his challenge!" She formed a shield around herself and prepared to teleport.

Harald slipped his shield on his left arm and quietly drew the axe from its ring on his belt. He slowly backed towards the rear wall assuming a defensive stance. He felt the prickle of its aura across his skin and then felt the creature walk towards the ruined building. The creature knew he was here but he wasn't going to let himself be taken without a fight. He shifted his stance into an aggressive one, preparing to lunge. He slapped his shield with his axe in a challenge, raised it and prepared to strike. A brilliant light flashed in the ruins and Harald lunged forward, swinging his axe downward with all his strength. Instead of feeling the blade bite into flesh, he felt a shockwave travel up his arm. Before he could recover a telekinetic field seized him. Harald blinked with astonishment, he found himself face to face with a pink alicorn, her mane had purple, pink and blonde streaks in it.

Cadance lowered her shield, levitated the necklace onto him and released the telekinetic field. "Are you the heir of Irontooth?", Cadance asked.

Harald dropped to one knee, laid his on the ground, lowered his head in reverence and placed a fist on his chest. "I am.", he replied, "Sky Queen, I apologize for attacking you. My actions were inexcus-"

"Your actions were wholly justified.", she interrupted, "You were simply acting in self defense. I would have done the same in your place. Now gather your things, we must leave this place. Our enemies may already know you're here."

"Yes Sky Queen.", Harald replied grabbing his axe and rising to his feet. He returned the axe to the ring on his belt.

Cadance closed her eyes and focused her mind on Celestia and Luna, "Aunts I have found him! He's safe. I'll be taking him to Ponyville.", she focused her mind to Twilight, "Twi, prepare yourself. I'm coming your way with the heir.", finally she focused her mind to Shining Armor, "Shining! You and Flurry make your way quickly to Twilight's quickly! I have the heir!" Cadance lowered herself to the ground, "Climb on and hang on tight. We must take flight, I'm taking you to my sister-in-law in Ponyville. You'll be safe there."

Harald attached the shield to hook on his back his back, climbed up on her back, tucked his knees under him, leaned his body against her neck and gripped her mane in his hands. Cadance rose up to her full height, flared her wings, summoned her magic to compensate for the added weight, flexing her legs she launched them both upwards above the canopy of the forest and spread her wings. Harald thought he would be flung clean off her back, but to his surprise other than having to shift his weight slightly he stayed in place. Flapping her wings she hovered in place gaining her bearings. Harald's hand shot forward pointing, "Sky Queen! Movement on the ridge!" Cadance looked to where he was pointing. She saw a familiar black unicorn with a red horn flanked by several changelings warped by dark magic. "Sombra!", she snarled. Igniting her horn with magic, she blasted the ridge. Dust and splintered rock filled the air where the ridge used to be.

Sombra manifested above the dust cloud in his smoke form, laughing his horn flared with dark magic. "You'll have to do better than that pri-", his face froze in shock and horror seeing the creature standing on her back hold its sword over in its head bellowing a challenge. "NO!", he shouted before recoiling and disappearing. Sombra below the ridge, his body trembling. "No! It can't be! An upright tracked me back here. I slaughtered every village and hamlet I came across.", his face twists into a mask of fear and anger, "Now it is here and the princesses have it as an ally. And it dares to challenge me?! Me! King Sombra!" He turned and screamed above the din of tumbling earth and boulders, "KILL THEM! KILL THEM BOTH!", he then teleported away. Six changelings flew out of the dust cloud and started firing red bolts of energy at them.

"Get down! We are leaving now!" Cadance shouted before turning into a diving bank to avoid the blasts of energy. Harald dropped to his knees sharply as a bolt of energy sizzled above them. She winced slightly at the impact of his knees but didn't let it affect her flying. He sheathed his sword and ducked down as another bolt sizzled overhead. She swooped upwards and two more bolts of energy exploded in the forest below setting the tops of a few trees aflame. She leveled off flying fast and hard, banking left the right as more bolts sizzled past. He leaned up to her ear and shouted, "More flying creatures ahead. The lead creature is far ahead of them and leaving a rainbow trail behind it and it's coming on fast!" "Praise Celestia and Luna! They've sent the Wonderbolts to assist us! Rainbow Dash is leading them!", she shouted, "Hang on! This is going to get dicey!" She pitched into a high speed arcing roll as they felt the heat of an energy bolt pass by their head. As she leveled off a bolt crackled past her ear.

"Hold level for a quick second!", he shouted as he spun re-positioning himself farther back on her, wrapping his legs around her midsection and locked his feet under her. "What are you doing?", she shouted. He reached over his head grabbing his shield with both hands, pulling it over him and slipping it on his arm. "I'm going to use my shield to try and deflect some of their shots! Their aim is getting better! You focus on getting us out of here!", he shouted back. She heard a crackle then a loud thwack as she saw a bolt of energy angle away from them. "Quick thinking.", she thought, she then remembered Celestia telling him he would do anything to protect her. She readjusted her magic to alter the wind currents around them both. She continued to swoop, climb and dive to make it harder for them to hit them.

A rainbow blur streaked past them and into the group of pursuing changelings. It shot upwards creating an expanding ring of multi-colored light that scattered the changelings. A second later it caught up to them with a loud boom. Cadance leveled her wings and Harald ducked behind his shield as the rainboom buffeted them before passing. A blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail and fierce violet eyes swooped down beside them from above.

"Princess! I'm here to- Whoa!", she shouted in her sandy voice as a red bolt of energy streaked past. She banked into a roll dodging the bolt. "That was extra spicy!"

Harald raised his head above his shield. The changelings were regrouping in a wide formation. He gave a quick count. Five. Before he could scan the sky for the sixth, dozens of pegasi streaked past. The sky behind them erupted into brawling and bolts of energy lancing through the air.

"Rainbow!", Cadance exclaimed, "I'm guessing Celestia and Luna sent the Wonderbolts to help."

"Yes Cadance, Celestia and Luna gave me an order to escort you and your companion to Twilight.", she replied.

Harald saw a shadow descending from above. He raised his shield to defend himself, but was too slow.

The sixth changeling had used the force of the rainboom to propel itself upwards through the air. It a shifted its form into a falcon to fly with speed. Arcing high through the air it watched as dozens of pegasi streaked past. Seeing its opening it tipped into a steep dive. Flapping its wings hard it aimed for the upright. The upright moved to defend itself but was too slow. The changeling transformed back into its original form before slamming into it. It slammed its forelimbs into the upright's shoulders knocking it on its back, it then kicked its rear limbs into the upright's gut.

Harald felt the air rush out of him as the changeling pinned him on Cadance's back. He threw a punch at it. The changeling transformed into a snake, coiling around his arm and neck, constricting it started squeezing the life out of him. Harald tried to lift his shield to bash the creature of him but found his strength momentarily failed. He struggled against the changeling strangling him, focusing on trying to stay conscious. His vision blurred at the edges as a blue streak flew in from his left.

Rainbow Dash saw the changeling strangling the upright. She flew in fast and hard, slamming her forefoot into the changeling. The stunned changeling snapped back into its original form and tumbled backwards off Cadance's flank. Cadance bucked at it, narrowly missing.

Sucking in air, Harald lifted himself up ignoring the pain of the spasming muscles in his midsection. Rainbow wrapped her forelegs around his arm to help pull him up. He grasped her forelimb to help her pull him up. He raised his shield and propped it on Cadance's flank.

Suddenly his grip went tight as he yanked her behind the shield. "What are-", she shouted as a bolt of energy slammed into his helmet. Shards of metal filled the air as he reeled backwards. He leaned forward. He had a disoriented look on his face. He blinked hard, the fierce determination returned to his face. The right side of his helmet was blown away, the cheek guard dangled by the chin strap below his face.

"Whoa! Are you okay?", Dash asked.

"That's why I wear a helmet.", he replied sharply

Suddenly his hand moved, shoving her down hard on Cadance's flank. Rainbow grunted in protest, she heard a crackle, the crack of wood and a wet smack. A bolt of energy pierced Harald's shield and slammed into his chest.

"Guh!", he exclaimed. He moved his hand to his chest and leaned forward, resting his head on the edge of his shield. His eyes closed tight as his face twisted in a grimace of pain. His breathing became wet ragged gasps. He coughed and flecks of bright red blood stained his lips.

Rainbow Dash flew out from behind his shield. "You're hurt, bad!"

"It's nothing! I've had worse. Just a scratch." His voice sounded like he was talking underwater. He gave a wet spluttering cough.

Cadance formed a shield around them and turned to face the changeling. It fired a red bolt of energy that deflected harmlessly off her shield. She ignited magic in her horn and fired and bolt of brilliant blue energy at the changeling. As the bolt impacted it, the changeling exploded into smoldering chunks. Dropping the shield, she flew down to the ground and landed. "Dash! Help him down so I can see how bad it is."

Harald unhooked his feet and forward. His chest burned and he felt like he was drowning. He leaned to climb off her back, spots danced before his eyes and his body felt like it was made of lead as his strength gave out. He fell to his left as the world felt as it was tipping. A warm body braced against him.

"I've got ya big guy!", Rainbow Dash said bracing her body against his, "Just lean on me. I'll get you to the ground."

Harald let his shield drop to the ground. He reached out with his arms, wrapping them around her body. Rainbow helped him to the ground. Once his feet were on the, he dropped to his hands and knees. He gave a series heaving wet hacks. A small pool of bright red blood and was in front of his face. He reached up with a trembling hand a wiped the blood off his mouth.

Cadance stepped over to Harald, lowered her horn to him and reached out with her magic. She felt his injuries, she felt his strength wavering, she felt his unwavering resolve, strong as iron, keeping him conscious, she felt his intense sadness, she felt his anger and rage. She used her magic to stabilize his punctured lung. "You have a partially collapsed lung and a concussion.", she said softly to him, "I've stabilized your lung, but it won't hold. I'm going to call for help. When it gets here, we're getting you medical help." She reached out with her mind to Celestia, "Aunt, get here fast! I need your help! He's badly injured!"

Celestia and Luna were sitting at a table in one of the gardens sipping thick dark coffee and eating breakfast. Celestia's head snapped up, a concerned look spread across her face and her cup dropped, shattering on the table. "Oh no!", her voice quavered.

Luna reached out with her hoof and touched Celestia on her shoulder, "Go sister! I'll meet you at the Ponyville hospital." Both sisters teleported away.

Rainbow Dash had lifted Harald's shield, inspecting it, she noted where the bolt had penetrated it. "If he hadn't shoved me down, that blast would have hit in the head.", she said sternly, "He saved my life."

"He saved both of our lives.", Cadance replied, "If he hadn't shielded me that blast a few blasts may have hit me."

Celestia appeared with a flash. She quickly account of the situation. The heir on his hands and knees wheezing, Cadance using her magic to keep him stable, Rainbow Dash standing nearby. She reached out with her magic. She felt the hole in his lung, she felt the arteries in his lung bleeding, she felt Cadance keeping his lung from collapsing. "It's good I got here, he's bleeding to death and his lung is filling with blood.", Celestia said, "It's good he's not dead. How did this happen?"

"I found him a few leagues away from the Crystal Empire.", Cadance replied, "When we went to leave, Sombra attacked with some changelings. He protected me and Dash. He wouldn't have been injured if one of their blasts hadn't penetrated his shield."

Celestia looked over at the shield seeing the hole burned in it. She walked over to Harald, "Are you strong enough to speak?"

He wheezed then responded, "Yes Sky Queen."

"Are you strong enough to stand?"

He rose to his knees, planted a foot under him and attempted to stand. He collapsed back to his hands and knees. He gave a wet wet cough and spit out more bright red blood. "I'm sorry Sky Queen, my strength appears to have fled me.", he apologized with a wet wheeze.

She close beside him and knelt down. "No need to apologize. You are badly injured. It was cruel of me to ask you stand without help. Put your forelimb across me and I'll lend my strength to you."

"Thank you Sky Queen." He rose to his knees, laid his left arm across her shoulders and leaned his weight on her.

Celestia reached out with her magic to brace him. Slowly she rose helping him to his feet. "Easy does it. Just get your legs under you. I've got you.", she said softly. As she rose to her full height he planted his feet. Celestia used her magic to hold his up. "What is your name?"

He tipped his head in reverence and put his fist to his chest, he would have knelt if Celestia's magic wasn't holding him up. "Sky Queen. My name is Harald Irontoothson."

"Okay Harald, we're getting you out of here. I'm taking you to a hospital to heal your injuries.", Celestia said calmly, "Just brace yourself on me until we get there. Rainbow Dash, bring his shield over and stay close. Cadance keep that stabilizing spell spell on him until we're in the hospital. Harald, hang on. Long distance teleportation can be taxing on ponies who aren't injured, I cannot speak on what it's going to be like for one as injured as you." Celestia summoned the teleportation spell and the four of them vanished in a bright flash, a small patch of scorched grass was the sign they had been been there.

Light and heat played across Harald's skin. His insides lurched as reality warped around him. Suddenly he was standing in a room, the clatter and rustle of loose objects filled the air. Pain like fire erupted in his chest. Giving wet gasps, he tried to catch his breath. A midnight blue alicorn stood on the far side of the room across from him. He tried to raise his fist to his chest in a reverent salute. Instead the floor started rushing up at him while his vision faded into darkness. Just before the world disappeared into darkness a pink figure darted under him.

Luna had ordered the waiting room of Ponyville medical cleared in anticipation of Celestia and Cadance's arrival.

"This pony must be pretty important for two princesses to bring him here.", an ER nurse said to Luna.

"He is not a pony.", Luna replied with a measured calmness, "But he is very important to us and all of Equestria."

"Is it a griffon?", the nurse asked.

Luna shook her head calmly. "No , Nurse...", Luna looked down reading her name tag, "...Chipper, this is a creature that hasn't been seen in this country for many, many centuries. Its kind come from far beyond our borders and have fallen into legend. My sister and I are the only ones old enough to remember their kind."

Nurse Chipper tilted her head slightly in thought. "The only creater that I can think of from old legend that no sign of them has ever been seen is hoom-muhns."

Suddenly light flashes in the waiting room as loose papers flew about and clipboards clattered. Several ponies felt their bodies lurch as Celestia, Cadance, Rainbow Dash and Harald materialized. Luna watched as Harald tried to raise his right forelimb before collapsing forward.

Cadance dashed in front of, catching him across her body. "I've got him!", she shouted.

Luna gestured for the gurney. Two earth ponies ran up pushing a gurney, rolled up next to Cadance and helped lay him down on it.

"Luna! Stay with him. Keep him calm.", Celestia called out as the gurney rolled away, "I'll take care of the paperwork."

Luna nodded her head and followed the gurney back.

Cadance found a place to sit, stared off blankly and started to tremble as the weight of everything that had happened began to weight on her.

Celestia walked over to the admissions desk, levitated an admission form, a clipboard and pen to her. "Crazy morning, huh?", she said to the nurse.

The nurse nodded with a stunned look on her face.

Celestia walked over to a seat, sat down and started filling out the form. Where it asked first name, she didn't know how he spelled his first name, so she spelled it H-a-r-o-l-d.

"Um princess?", Rainbow Dash asked in her sandy voice, "If it's all the same to you, I think I'm gonna go home. I know I'm supposed to be back tomorrow, but I think Applejack will still be happy to see me regardless."

"Hmm?", said from behind the form, "Yes, go on home and give my love to the family." She looked from behind the clipboard and smiled at the blue pegasus walking off with Harald's shield on her back. "Oh and Rainbow Dash, leave the shield."

Rainbow laughed sheepishly as she slid the shield off her back and propped it next to Celestia. She looked at Cadance and her face became serious, she placed a hoof on Celestia's forelimb, "I think you should check on Cadance, she doesn't look so good."

Celestia looked over the top of the clipboard, a grimace of concern spread across her face. "Thank you Dash.", she said softly, "How are you holding up?"

"To be honest, this has me kinda shook up inside. When I get home I'm gonna see if Granny Smith has anything leftover from breakfast, help buck some apples, take a nap, maybe get a hot bath and see I can get myself sorted out.", Rainbow replied.

Celestia smiled at how resilient Dash was as she quietly walked off. After Dash had left, Celestia turned to Cadance, "Cadance, why don't you go splash some water on your face?"

Cadance didn't register, just kept staring blankly and trembling.

"Cadance?"

Again didn't register her aunt's voice.

Celestia laid down the clipboard, cleared her voice and raised her voice slightly, "Cadance!"

Cadance snapped out of her trance, blinked a few times and looked over at her concerned aunt, "I'm sorry auntie, I was a million miles away."

"It's okay.", Celestia replied, "Go to Twilight's, get something strong to drink and calm your nerves."

"Yes auntie.", Cadance replied. She slowly rose, still trembling and quietly left the hospital.

Lights passed over Harald as consciousness drifted back to him. He was laying on his back being pushed on something. Several blurry figures were tugging at the buckles holding his shield hook and weapons. "Get off!", he wheezed. He threw a weak punch at one of the figures, his fist connected and one of the figures grunted. He winced and groaning as he started sitting up.

A limb gently pushed on his chest. "Sir.", a voice said calmly but firmly, "You're in a hospital. We need you to calm down so we can he-"

Luna gently placed a wing on his shoulder, leaned in close and spoke softly in a soft voice, "Calm down. You're safe. Do as these ponies say, they're trying to heal you."

"Yes Sky Queen.", Harald replied. He then slid his arms out of the shoulder straps of his backpack.

Luna levitated it on her back.

He helped the ponies undo his the buckles for his shield hook and weapons. He watched a nurse with bruise forming on her eye pulled them away. He laid back on the gurney. "I am sorry for striking you.", he wheezed.

"Think nothing of it.", she said brushing the apology aside, "My ex-husband did worse to me."

The concept of one harming their spouse was alien to him but not unheard of.

"Let's get this armor off so we can see how how bad your injuries are.", one of the nurses said.

Harald grunted in protest but didn't resist as they helped him sit up and pulled the chainmail tabbard over his head. He then slid his simple tunic off.

A cold metal circle was placed against his chest, a tube ran from it and forked into two tubes up to a pony's ears. "Just breathe as normal as you can.", a pony said wearing a white lab coat. The pony slid the circle around his chest and on his left side. "As far as I can tell, his heart sounds good. But the lower lobe on his left lung has collapsed and there is definitely fluid in his lung.", the white coat wearing pony said, "He's probably lost a lot of blood too. Do we have any compatible blood."

"We'll have to run some lab tests doctor. But I doubt we have any compatible blood."

The doctor grimaced at that. "Give him something for pain. We need to prep him for surgery so we can get his lung properly inflated."

The nurse pulled out a syringe and needle, pushed it into a bottle, filling it with a clear liquid. "Okay, you'll feel a slight pinch.", she said to Harald.

Harald scrunched his nose slightly at the stabbing pinprick of pain in his hip. After a few minutes the burning in his chest reduced slightly.

As they entered the surgery theater, several ponies had taken seats around the theater. Several nurses helped Harald to the cold metal surgery table.

Luna looked at the doctors and nurses scowling. "If you aren't vital to this procedure, leave.", she lightly stamped her hoof, "Now!"

The doctors and nurses in their seats around the theater got up and left grumbling.

"We have never seen his kind before, princess.", the surgeon, a light green unicorn, protested from behind his mask, "As you well know, this is a teaching hos-" The surgeon stopped mid-sentence when Luna's gaze met him.

"His people are very proud surgeon.", Luna said sternly, "Having a bunch of ponies stare upon him like some oddity during his time of weakness for him would be a fate worse than death and he would refuse any help, even if it meant his death." In a calmer tone she continued, "I'm sure if you ask him politely after he has healed, he may allow you some non-invasive tests."

"Very well princess.", the surgeon said tipping his head, "If your sister were here-"

"If I were here,", Celestia said walking through the doors to the surgery gowned up for surgery, levitating a mask to her face, ",I'd say mind your tone with my sister." She looked at the surgeon, "You will assist my sister and I with the surgery, we're the only ones who have familiarity with his anatomy."

The surgeon bowed his head. "Yes your majesty. Though this is most unusual.", the surgeon sniped.

"You must agree that this has been a most unusual morning.", Celestia retorted. "Luna, go scrub up for surgery."

Luna quickly leaves to wash properly clean her hooves and get surgical scrubs.

Celestia ignites the magic in her horn. "Brace yourself Harald, this will feel strange." She reaches out with her magic, feeling along his ribcage. "Good,", she thought to herself, "no broken ribs, at least we won't have to deal with bone shards." She continued probing with her magic, feeling along his left lung. She felt along the collapsed lobe, she sensed in it, something small, metallic, tangled up in a few threads of fabric. "Doctor, have nurse inspect his shirt, there is a fragment of metal and cloth in his lung."

The doctor nods and gestures to one of the attending nurses. She quickly leaves.

Several minutes later Luna returns scrubbed for surgery. She sees what Celestia is doing. She quietly trots up and stands across from her sister. She ignites her magic and reaches out with her magic feeling where her sister is feeling.

Celestia locks eyes with Luna for a split second with a knowing look.

They probe his heart and though they find its rhythm steady, it is starting to become strained from the loss of blood. Luna closes her eyes, reaches out with her mind and magic. At a nearby nurses station a pen and paper levitates, it writes out the ingredients for a tincture. Then the paper folds and the pen writes "To Twilight Sparkle".

The bewildered nurse stares at the note for a second before handing it off to an orderly. The orderly just nods before running for the nearest exit.

Luna leaned in close to Harald's ear and whispered, "I'm going to put you in a deep sleep. You will awaken in a few hours out this room." Blue magic flares across Harold's forehead. His eyes close as he drifts off into a deep sleep.

Celestia marks a spot on Harald's chest, "Alright doctor, cut here so we can get that out of his lung. If you're unsure, my sister and I will guide you."

Harald found himself amongst the familiar forests of his homeland. The smell of fresh grass and the brisk chill in the air told him it was early spring. The only thing that seemed off was the sun and moon was shining brightly overhead. But he didn't care, set out running feeling the brisk air rush over him and past him. Suddenly the light faded as roiling clouds rolled in, pregnant with malevolent energy.

Celestia and Luna felt something dark push against their magic and they felt the edges of his life force begin to unravel. "Hurry doctor!", cried out, "We can feel him slipping away!"

A black unicorn with a curved red horn manifested in front of Harald. It smiled with fanged teeth and spoke in an evil tone, "I have you now! No use in running or fighting, you're here with me. Though it will give me pleasure to see you try."

"All...most...got...there!", the doctor exclaimed withdrawing surgical instrument holding the small piece of metal tangled in a small piece of cloth. "Nurse, let's reinflate that lung."

The nurse inserts a tube in the incision, blood drains out into a container. The nurse gently pushes a long needle into his chest, once it is far enough in she slowly presses the plunger down.

Harald lunged at the black unicorn.

Sombra knocked him away with his hooves easily. "You don't give up easily.", Sombra said laughing with a viscous smile, laughing at him mockingly, "Good, that'll make killing you so much sweeter."

Harald heard familiar voices come from around him, near and far silmutaneously. He felt a sharp pinch in his chest and air rush into him. He gave a quick blink of realization. He locked eyes with Sombra and returned the viscous smile. Silver and gold lightning arced across the clouds.

Sombra looked around with fear and confusion. "What?! How did?!", was all he splutter.

"You were right about two things, evil one.", Harald said his shoulders hunched menacingly, the lightning playing shadows across his face, "One, you're here with me! And two,we Rimewalkers don't die easily." An axe manifested in his hand. "But it shall be me who tastes the sweetness of your death.", he hissed. Harald gripped the haft of the axe tightly in both hands before charging the evil unicorn bellowing. He swung the axe into Sombra's cheek. As the blade made purchase, Sombra vanished in a puff of smoke. "Flee while you can coward!", Harald shouted, "I will find you and I will slay you!" The clouds rolled away and the last few arc of lightning played across sky. He faded into the deep dreamless sleep of exhaustion.

In a fetid cave far away Sombre sat in a circle of candles, arcane symbols scratched in the floor. Dark magic played across his horn, his eyes closed in concentration. Suddenly his magic extinguished with a loud crack and he was sent tumbling across the floor. He held a hoof to his cheek and removed it looking at the blood on it.

A few hours later at the hospital, Celestia was sitting in a chair close to Harald's bed, Luna was sitting in a chair in the corner asleep, lightly snoring. He stirred and groaned, waking up. Celestia stood and walked over to his bed.

Harald slowly opened his eyes, he found himself looking into the brilliant blue eyes and fair skin of his betrothed. "Oh Ilga! My beloved!", he said leaning up kissing her and caressing her cheek.

Beside him a door creaked open and a voice said, "Celestia, Luna? I've brought the ti...eep!", the door snapped shut with a loud click.

Luna snapped awake with a snort."I'm up! Did I...", Luna gaped at Harald kissing her very surprised sister.

Harald snapped fully awake from not feeling his betrothed's face, the voice at the door, the door snapping shut and Luna's voice. He was not staring into the eyes of his betrothed Ilga, he was staring into the eyes of a surprised Celestia. He immediately recoiled, falling off the bed with a shout, snatching the IV out his arm and knocking the IV stand over with a loud crash. He rose to one knee, placed a fist on his chest and bowed his head in reverence, "Sky Queen! Forgive my indiscretion!"

Celestia and Luna gaped at what just happened when the door clicked open.

Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart were walking down the hallway to Harald's room. Rainbow had a wing over AJ's shoulder, she whispered in AJ's ear.

"Dashie! You're so bad!", Applejack responded playfully, "Later." They kissed lightly.

Flurry smiled lightly at their display of affection even after all these years being married.

Cadance and Shining nuzzled lightly.

Flurry scrunched her face in an over-exaggerated display of disgust at her parents display of affection and made a gagging sound.

"Okay, I'll go in first and deliver the tincture.", Twilight said, "Then we'll filter in so as to not overwhelm him." Twilight pushed the door open with a soft click, "Celestia, Luna? I'he brought the ti...eep!", she snapped the door closed with a loud click. A surprised look was on her face.

"Twi?", Applejack asked, stepping forward placing a hoof on her friend's shoulder, "What's wrong?" Applejack was expecting the worst.

Twilight looked at Applejack. "He...he was kissing her!"

"What?", Applejack said tipping her head to the side. Twilight's response had confused her.

"He was kissing her AJ! On the mouth!", Twilight exclaimed softly.

A second later a loud crash came from the room.

Applejack opened the door with a click. "What in Equestria is goin'", she paused looking at the two princesses staring with surprised look on their faces at the creature with the red mane with bedraggled braids kneeling on the floor, its right forelimb on it's chest, its head bowed. Applejack raised her voice and clicked her hoof on the floor to get their attention. "What in tarnation is goin' on here! Twilight said she saw somepony kissin'on Celestia!"

Celestia and Luna snapped out of their stunned stupor. They looked at the orange earth pony mare with a blonde mane. She had a stern look on her face. Both alicorns regained their regal composure.

Celestia cleared her throat, "Yes he did kiss me. He awoke in a confused state thinking I was his beloved. When he realized what happened, he panicked slightly." She walked over to Harald, placed a hoof gently on his shoulder, smiled slyly, bent her head down to his ear and spoke softly to him, "Though it was pleasant, next time ask my permission."

"Yes Sky Queen.", Harald responded, "But it doesn't excuse my indiscretion."

"So you await my judgement?", Celestia said, "Very well!" Celestia rose to her full height, flared her wings and held her head in full regal pose.

Harald trembled in expectation.

"Oh boy, my sister does love her theatrics.", Luna teased, "I really wish I had brought popcorn for this." She sat in a chair to watch the "trial".

Celestia shot a quick glare at her sister before getting back to the matter at hoof. "We Princess Celestia Rubicon Invictus hereby pass out judgement upon thee!", she said in a clear voice, "Harald Irontoothson, heir of Jorgen the Irontooth! We find thee...innocent of any malicious intent. Rise as a free pony and let none accuse thee of wrongdoing." Celestia sighed, "I hate taking in such an outdated way." She folded her wings back against her flanks.

Harald rose to his feet slowly.

Luna clopped her hooves together. "Brava sister! Encore!", she said teasing her sister.

Celestia glowered at her sister for a second before collecting herself. She turned to Twilight, "Did you bring the tincture?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes I did.", she levitated a bottle of liquid and packet of powder out of her flank pack, "You'll have to mix the powder in and shake it up before drinking it." She levitated it over to him.

Harald took the bottle and packet out the air. He popped the lid off the bottle, opened the packet, poured the powder in, placed his palm over the open lip and vigorously shook it for several seconds. Removing his hand, he placed up to his face, taking in a deep breath to brace himself, placing it to his lips he upended the bottle and drained it in a few hard gulps. Lowering the empty bottle, he smacked his mouth hard while wincing his face in disgust at the bitter, oily taste of the tincture that clung to his tongue.

"Now that's done,", chimed in, "Yer gonna stay at our place on Sweet Apple Acres. It's the least I can do fer you savin' my wife."

Harald looked the orange earth pony with brilliant green eyes, blonde mane and tail, then to the blue pegasus with blazing violet eyes and rainbow mane and tail who walked up next to Applejack, placing a wing across her. Harald tipped his head in respect, bowing slightly, "Thank you ladies...um..."

"Applejack.", AJ responded, "And this here's my better half, Rainbow Dash. Just Applejack and Rainbow Dash or AJ and Rainbow if you prefer."

"Yeah!", Dash chimed up, "We might be co-rulers of Equestria, but we ain't a bunch of hoity toity stodgy nobles."

Harald bowed again with respect, "Thank you ladies...*ahem*...", he paused awkwardly for a second, "...I mean Applejack and Rainbow Dash. You do me a great kindness."

"Don't think it too much of a kindness. We're gonna put ya to work. Can't have ya jus' sittin' around doin' nuthin', yer gonna earn yer room and board.", Applejack said.

"But of course. I'd dishonor myself if I took from your family and gave nothing back.", Harald replied.

" Now that's settled, Twilight lead the way to your castle.", Luna said, "We have the business of proper introductions. And don't worry about your things, my sister and I had them sent to the castle. Except for your shirt and cloak, Rarity insisted on cleaning them and inspecting them."

With that the ponies awkwardly stuffed past each other in the hallway. Twilight took the lead and they started walking down the hallway in near total silence, only teasing whispers between Applejack, Rainbow and the occasional "blech" from Flurry in disgust at her parents flirting nuzzles were spoken.

Author's Note

This chapter ran a little longer than what I originally intended, but I feel reasonably happy with the end product.

I hope you all enjoy.

I'll try to take all criticism as constructive.

Strange visitors in the night and unwelcome visitors in the morning

Author's Note

So I finally got this chapter written after several browser crashes, a rewrite or two, losing several paragraphs already written multiple times, a three day creative burnout and going stir crazy from the quarantine.

I do want to add a trigger warning in here for a segment containing mild homophobic comments, being a bisexual man it made me feel uncomfortable writing it.

As always thanks for reading and I shall attempt to take all criticism as constructive.

Strange visitors in the night and unwelcome visitors in the morning

Night had fallen on the eventful day. It was nearing midnight and all was quite except for the occasion clip-clop of the night patrols often Ponyville constables.

Cadance and Shining Armor laid next to each other in one of the guest bedrooms of Twilight's castle. Neither of them could sleep, maybe it was the unfamiliar bed, maybe it was because they were used to the sounds of their own castle. All they knew for for certain was they couldn't sleep, something felt...off.

Shining Armor sat up in bed and looked over at his still awake wife. "Can't sleep either?", he asked.

She shook her head slightly. "No, something feels..."

"Off.", tey both said.

"I'm going to take a walk, see if the night air can help me relax.", Shining said getting up. He levitated a light colored cloak over him. "I'll be back in a couple of hours."

Cadance walked over to him and kisses him. "Don't stay out too late." She adjusted the hood on his cloak. "When you get back, if I'm not in bed, I'll be in the library."

As they walked side by side through the hallway, they paused at Twilight's door. They heard her inside crying. This time of year was hard on Twilight. Fifteen years ago her fiance had been killed by timberwolves and in her distraught state she had miscarried their foal she was carrying. She gestured with her hoof to Shining with a look on her saying "I've got this". Nodding he set off towards the stairs.

Cadance knocked on the door softly. "Twilight, I'm going to get some tea and go to the library. If you want to come down and talk, I'll be there." She heard no answer, just more soft sobs. Quietly Cadance made her way to the kitchen. She put on the kettle and a box of chamomile tea bags. She opened the icebox, finding some strawberries and apples. Taking them in her magic, she sliced them up and put them on a plate. She opened the pantry and levitated a pack of Twilight's favourite cookies onto a nearby tray. Soon the kettle was singing, she levitated to the tray, wrapped it in a cozy, then placed two cups, saucers, small plates and some napkins on the tray. She then levitated the tray and walked out of the kitchen.

Cadance had been sitting in the library for nearly thirty minutes reading an old tome about the six upright champions and their war against the Nameless King. She levitated the cup to her lips and twisted her mouth in a slight scowl that the tea had grown cold. Using her magic she reheated it. Taking a pleased sip of the warm liquid. She levitated a slice of strawberry to her mouth when she heard a soft sound at the library door. *tap tap tap* She figured it was Twilight finally coming to get some tea and talk. Clearing her throat, she said in a warm tone, "Come in." She heard the door open and close. Listening for a few seconds she didn't hear the sounds of hooves clopping or the clicking of clawed feet. Standing up, she turned expecting to see Twilight, Shining or Spike, instead she was shocked to see something entirely.

A translucent figure of a human female was gliding gracefully and silently towards her. Her simple white dress and flaxen braids gently blew in a breeze that wasn't there. Her translucent bright blue eyes sparkled, a kind smile was on her face.

Spreading her wings, Cadance took a stance of aggression and dominance. She threw a shield around herself, ignited the magic in her horn and lowered her head preparing for a charge. Snorting and scraping her hoof on the floor, she growled a challenge, "From where do you come specter! What is your purpose here?!"

The figure paused and bowed slightly. "Fear not Sky Queen, Matriarch of Love, I come not as an enemy.", the figure said softly in a voice like gentle wind in reeds.

"Who-what are you?!", Cadance said flapping her wings aggressively and taking a few aggressive steps forward.

"In life I was the betrothed of Harald Irontoothson. You may call me Ilga.", the specter said.

Cadance thought on what Ilga had said. "So you're dead?"

"Yes."

"What assurances do I have that you're not here to harm me?" Cadance felt it was a solid question.

"The dead are not permitted to harm the living, Sky Queen.", Ilga replied.

Cadance lowered her shield and assumed a more regal posture. She kept the magic in her horn lit. "Would you care to sit? Some tea or something to eat?, she said in a more polite tone.

"Thankest thou, but nay.", Ilga said softly as her form sat down, "The dead have no need for food or drink."

"Why are you here?", Cadance asked, "I thought the dead rested amongst the stars."

"Ponies may dance amongst the stars, but my people enter the Great Hall to prepare with our ancestors for the great sundering. As for why I'm here, the gods have granted me a time to treatise with thee and thy sister."

Cadance was taken aback slightly. "S-so what is it you wish to talk to me about? I seriously doubt I can offer good council to the departed."

"The council is mine to give.", Ilga said in a near whisper, "First I wish to treatise on the matter of thy sister's heart. She grieves for her betrothed. But what she isn't aware of or may she simply denies it, is that an ember has been softly burning for some time. It may well soon enough erupt into a fire that will make her burn for another. Sky Queens and Sky Kings may mourn for eternity, but their hearts can learn to love."

"Is that why you're here?", Cadance asked, "To tell me about Twilight's love life?"

"Nay Matriarch of Love. That is not my only purpose.", Ilga whispered, "I come to speak of the matters of Harald's heart and bring a dire warning."

"What of the matters of his heart?" Cadance raised an eyebrow.

"Another has sparked a tiny ember in his heart, though he knows it not yet." Her smile stretched farther.

"You want me to intercede on their behalf?", Cadance asked, "Or would you prefer me to impede in their potential love"

"Nay, neither.", Ilga responded, "The living are granted the pleasure to repeatedly sample the bittersweet wine of love. Though a small piece of his heart will always belong to me and he shall always mourn me unto the end of his days, he must be allowed to taste love again."

Ilga rose from her seat, her face turns stern. "Thou must be one of the chosen to test the Rimewalker on the three shortest days of winter. Only with pain, fire and blood shall he finally ascend and be worthy to receive his final marks. I leave thee with these final warnings. The great pretender treats with he who was banished from death and a nightmare that prowls in the shadows. Thy allies in a nearby land and those whom lurk in the mines below shall be taken and twisted. If the Rimewalker falls, then this land will fall, only ashes and tears will remain, leaving the other five champions only the dead to avenge.

After Ilga had finished, she silently glided past Cadance. "Fare thee well Sky Queen, Matriarch of Love. I hope I am allowed to treat thou again under more fortuitous times." She glided to the door and silently opened it.

"Wait! Where are you going?", Cadance asked as she stood and turned.

"I go to treatise with thy sister. What must be said is for her ears alone." The door silently closes as Ilga passes through.

Twilight sat up in bed. The tears flowed down her cheeks. She picked up the picture frame on her nightstand in her hooves. It held the last picture the she and her fiance, Flash Sentry had taken together before he was killed fifteen years ago. He had a big, goofy love-drunk smile on his face, she had a "I have big surprise" smile on her face.

A fat tear fell on the glass of the picture frame as she remembered the events of that Nightmare Night.

He had gotten in late, brought in by Shining Armor's own personal pegasus chariot. He had been honorably discharged from the Crystal Empire army and was ready for their wedding on Winter Wrap-up.

Another fat tear falls on the glass.

Seconds after the picture was taken, she tried to tell him she was two months pregnant with his foal when a badly injured mare galloped into town hysterically screaming for help. She and her family lived several leagues outside of Ponyville. They were bringing their foals, nearly a year old into town to celebrate their first Nightmare Night when they were attacked by a pack of timberwolves.

Another fat tear.

Flash and Applebloom had been together in one of first search parties. After an hour they found the foals hidden under an overturned wagon. Before they could get the foals out, the timberwolves had descended on them still hungry for blood and pony flesh. When the next search party has found them Applebloom was barely conscious, trying to fight off the timberwolf still latched on her neck, her leg was badly mangled and her hoof hung on by a thread.

Another tear.

The badly mangled remain of flash on the morgue table was barely recognizable as a pony. Only one flank was able to give a positive ID until the blood and DNA testing a few days later could one hundred percent confirm it. Crying she begged whatever power would listen that he wasn't dead and it was a case of mistaken identity. A pain in stomach made her collapse to the morgue floor.

Another fat tear.

She awoke in the hospital bed. Her friend were all gathered around her. The doctor entered and with a sad expression on her face told her she had miscarried. Her heart momentarily froze as the realization that the last piece of Flash had died. She began hysterically screaming.

Another fat tear.

At his funeral her friends had to restrain her when she tried to fling herself in his grave on top of his coffin begging to not leave him in that hole by himself. Celestia had awarded him the Royal Sunburst Medal of honor. Luna had awarded him with the Lunar Crux of Valor. Cadance awarded him the Ruby Heart of Courage. All three medals were presented to his parents in a simultaneous ceremony. He had been buried in Ponyville under the willow tree where he had proposed to her.

Though this all happened fifteen years ago, it still hurt like it like it was yesterday. She remembered last year a new lieutenant that had recently transferred under Rainbow's command had smiled at her. She didn't know if it was his smile, his chiselled jaw, his barrel chest or something else entirely that made her feel warm in her face and chest. Her friends pushed and cajoled her to talk to him. She wanted to talk to him, but it felt like it betraying Flash's memory.

She held the the picture to her chest wishing she could feel his heart beat against her breast and his warm breath against her cheek again.

A soft noise was at her bedroom door. *tap tap tap*

Placing the picture on her bed, Twilight reached out with her magic and locked the door. She thought it was Cadance or Spike checking on her.

Again there was the soft sound at her bedroom door. *tap tap tap*

She turned to the door ready to tell whoever it was to go away. She stopped, the hair on her spine prickled and she sat in silence staring at the door. The next thing she saw nearly made her jump out of her skin.

The specter of Ilga glided through the door. "Is it thy custom to bar the door when a visitor calls upon thee?", she asked, "Or hast thou in thy sorrow forgotten thine manners?"

"Who...what...huh?!", was all Twilight could muster. Squenching her eyes shut a few times, she shook her head several times. "Either I'm dreaming or I am hallucinating.", she finally said.

"I assured thee that thou art most certainly awake and thou art sane.", Ilga said.

"Who or what are you?", Twilight said asked.

"In life I was the betrothed of Harald Irontoothson. Thou may call me Ilga.", she replied. "First allow me to congratulate thee for sacred embracing Harald into thy clan. It does not bode well for a Rimewalker to live clanless."

"I had read in old books about how ponies in ancient days would bind themselves in sacred bonds, I guessed that his traditions weren't that different much different.", Twilight said, "I guess I got lucky or I wouldn't be seeing you here right?"

"Thy perception is wondrous, Matriarch of the Evening. But the gods may have sent me to speak with thee even if thou hadst not bond with him.", Ilga said calmly, "Do not rely solely on ancient tomes and volumes of lore lest thy sight become as dusty and dry as they."

"I remember Celestia giving me similar advice nearly twenty-five years ago.", Twilight said a slight smile curling the corners of her mouth.

"But I didst not come to give thee advice on tomes and lore.", Ilga said, "I have come to give news and a warning."

Twilight bristled slightly.

Ilga leaned in close. "Thou must be one of the chosen to test the Rimewalker in a trial of fire, pain and blood so he may ascend and receive his final marks."

"He must face a gauntlet?", Twilight asked.

Ilga nodded. "Thy vision dost see far." Ilga leaned close to Twilight's ear. "Blood and tragedy is coming to this land, the Rimewalker must stand or this land will fall. Keep the Matriarch of the Sun close to thy sight, traitors hide in plain sight, if thou keep thy sight sharp the hand of the curs can be prematurely forced." Ilga glided towards the door. "Fare thee well Matriarch of the Evening. I hope I am permitted to speak with thee again under more fortuitous settings."

Twilight watched as Ilga phased through the door. "I hope so too.", she whispered.

Shining Armor had been walking on the abandoned Mane street of Ponyville. The only things that disturbed the slightly chilly night was the soft clopping of his hooves, the one or two bedroom lights of ponies doing late night paperwork, the chatter or squeak of nocturnal critters and the occasional pair of constables.

Shining stopped at the fountain in the middle of Champions Square, it used just be called Pony Corners until Twilight had renamed it fourteen years ago to commemorate the eight ponies that were killed that fateful Nightmare Night fifteen years ago. She had even commissioned a new fountain, it was the only expensive artwork Twilight had ever paid for. Shining Armor sighing, took in the whole fountain.

The fountain was simple and mostly unadorned fountain made of pure white white marble, the cutie marks of the element bearers were carved in various places. But the main event, as it were was a large smooth column made of a rare black marble with gold veins. A hammered gold banner wrapped around the column that read "In memory of those who sacrificed everything save honour". At the top of the column there stood statues made of cast bronze in the exact likeness of the six earth ponies, one unicorn and one pegasus that died that night.

Shining walks around the fountain, pausing to snap a quick salute at each statue. He stopped of the pegasus, snapped to attention and saluted like he was facing a superior. Every time he was in Ponyville he would do the same ritual, he had done a similar ritual while he was a palace guard back Canterlot when he had time off from duty, back in the Crystal Empire several had seen him doing a similar tradition and it had become an unofficial tradition in the Crystal army. As turned to walk back towards the castle he was caught off guard by what he saw.

It could have been Harald except he looked older and was translucent. The dark fur he wore on his shoulders, light brown braided hair and beard blew in a wind that wasn't there. His translucent green eyes sparkled like emeralds.

"Greetings.", he said in soft voice that sounded like a distant wind blowing across snow drifts, "May the peace of the Moon be upon thee."

Shining Armor took a guarded stance and lit the magic in his horn. "Who or what are you and where did you come from", he said coldly and calmly with a slight growl of a soldier.

"In life I was the father of of Harald Irontoothson. Thou may call me Ulfric.", the figure replied, "I have been permitted an audience with thee by the gods to give thee a dire warning of the fell events coming."

Shining rolled the words over in his mind momentarily. Gesturing with a hoof to a nearby bench he dims the magic in his horn until it is a barely visible glimmer.

Silently Ulfric strides over the bench and sits down, a neutral smile never leaving his translucent face. Shining Armor stood across from him pacing slightly, his hooves making soft clopping sounds.

"What reassurances can you offer me that these dire warnings you are about to deliver are true?", Shining asked.

"Only by the evidence of thine own eyes and ears can I reassure.", Ulfric replied.

"But what if they are playing tricks on me?"

"Dost thou not trust thine own senses?"

Shining Armor sighed. "I could give you a long-winded speech about "being more of gravy than grave" from that old hearth's warming book, but I think that Twilight could recite it much better than me." He placed a hoof between his eyes and rubbed slightly before sighing again. "Trying to make you swear an oath to speak only the truth would be pointless because if I catch you in a falsehood, how would I seek legal or civil action against the dead?" He sighed again. "I guess I have no choice but to trust my own intuition on the matter."

"Thou art most wise.", Ulfric replied, "First the dire warnings. Keep thy wits about thee and thy senses sharp, traitors hide in plain sight in the courts of the Sun and Moon. Only through a challenge of retribution might their ringleader be revealed and the remainder shalt be forced to prematurely act."

The words he just heard made him feel uneasy. A traitor, no make that multiple traitors were in Celestia and Luna's courts. Did they know? Had they infiltrated the royal guards? It made his head spin and he had to sit down. "Why would anyone want to betray the royal family? How much danger are we in?"

"The great pretender will promise things he has no intentions of actually giving.", Ulfric said softly, "Be wary, the fate of this land stands upon a knife's edge. The Rimewalker must stand or this land will fall to ashes and tears leaving the five others to avenge only the dead." Ulfric rose from the bench, strode over Shining Armor and placed a hand on his shoulder. "On the three shortest days of winter the Rimewalker must be tested by fire, blood and pain to ascend and receive his final marks, thou must be one of the chosen to test him."

Shining sat on the bench feeling flabbergasted. The general side of him began making battle plans, creating war preparedness drills and casualty estimates. The guard side of him began making plans to root out and capture the traitors. The leader side of him began working out plans for recruitment, intelligence gathering, materials acquisition and rationing. While Shining sat in thought he felt something akin to icy must on his shoulder. Looking over he saw Ulfric's hand on his shoulder.

"Fare thee well noble chieftain. I have others I must treat with.", Ulfric said, "I hope I am allowed to meet with thee again upon more fortuitous circumstances." Turning, he stood and silently strode off fading into the shadows.

"I as well.", Shining Armor whispered before turning and slowly back to the castle.

On Sweet Apple Acres Harald sat on a stool near one of the many hand pump wells. He absentmindedly chewed on a slice of apple while polishing the last of the nicks out of his axe. He let his gaze drift across what he could see of the homestead. He first looked over to the big main house, even in the dim light of the moon he could clearly see the bright red paint. He then looked over to the smaller house, a brilliant blue two story ranch house that Big Mac had built for Sugar Belle after they had married. He turned his head to the barn, hearing Big Mac rattling through things. He had come out twenty minutes earlier and had offered to help make rounds along the property lines. Harald was not one to turn down an extra pair of eyes, especially one that knew the land much better than him.

While rubbing the sore muscles in his shoulders he had thought back to the chores he had done that day. Granny Smith had called it "light work", he chuckled softly at it. Lugging bales of hay, stacking bushels of apples and barrels of apple cider on wagons and carts pulled by ponies who worked for a pony named Diamond Tiara, repairing broken apple buckets, loading apples into into an old machine that ground them into cider, harvesting the last two fields of corn and wheat, splitting boards for fences and chopping firewood. He smiled at how tight knit and hardworking the Apple family is, it reminded him of his now dead relatives. He thought how Big Mac's son Red Delicious worked next to him nearly as hard. He frowned slightly remembering how the pony had to stop working occasionally when an attack of dry wheezing and phlegmy coughs would strike him. When the attacks happened the pony had to breathe medicine from a crooked tube called a "puffer". When had asked Granny about it, she had told him that when he was a yearling colt that he nearly died when he got sick and the disease had left his lungs scarred. That made him admire the young stallion's inner strength even more.

Big Mac opened the barn door, drawing Harald's attention. He had an old brush hook slung across his back and was carrying a sack in his mouth that had several metal objects clanking in them. As he walked up he laid the sack and brush hook on the ground. Opening the sack Big Mac fished around in it for a second before drawing out a small tin with his hoof and tossed it to Harald. "Fer yore sore muscles. Stinks tuh high heavens but it'll make them feel better.", Big Mac said, "Jus' use a lil bit."

Opening the tin it contained a goopy translucent grey substance. The smell almost instantly slammed into his throat his throat making his eyes water, cough and gag. "Hellfire! This stinks worse than the crease of an Ursa's thigh that has been left to rot in a pit of flaming brimstone!", Harald weakly croaked. Dabbing a tiny bit on his fingers before quickly snapping the lid back on the tin, he rubbed the substance on his sore shoulders. First it felt cold as ice on his skin then it warmed up, feeling like a blanket left close to a fire. Soon the pain and stiffness went away in his shoulders. He passed the tin back to Big Mac. He wanted to ask what the substance was made from, but decided against just in case it was actually made from the thigh crease of an Ursa left to rot in a pit of flaming brimstone.

Big Mac had lit a small fire pot and placed a heavy round iron stand over it. He filled an old tin coffee pot and rinsed out two tin coffee cups at the pump well. He placed the coffee pot on the stand over the flame, placed a steel filter in it, scooped a few spoonfuls of reddish-brown powder in and put the lid on. Looking up at Harald he said, "Perk up juice. Made from ground up chestnuts, chicory and chili peppers. Taint coffee, but it'll knock the chill off an' keep yer eyes open. Daddy an momma use tuh drink it on nights like this when they was on watch." Soon the pot was boiling and Big Mac blew out the fire pot. He filled the two tin cups then gestured to Harald.

Both quickly drained their cups. Wincing, they shook their heads and coughed. The tiredness and chill washed away from them. Removing the sheath from the brush hook, Big Mac inspected the blade, licking his hoof he inspected the sharpness of the blade, then returned the sheath to the blade and strapped it to his back. "C'mon Harald, we gotta inspect the back fence. Sumpthin knocked a section down a coupla nights ago an' after we fixed it we set a few snares. Let's see if anythin' tripped th' snares." Hoisting his axe across his shoulder, Harald walked alongside Big Mac into the the shadows of the night.

Back in the main house Applejack and Rainbow Dash were laying in bed holding each. Applejack couldn't sleep. She stared down at the sleeping form of her wife, forelimbs tightly wrapped around, nuzzled deeply in her chest. It made her grin each time she shifted her weight Rainbow would squeeze her tighter, nuzzle deeper into her chest and would mumble something about "warm spot".

AJ grinned broadly, broadly and whispered, "Rainbow Dash-Apple, how did Ah get so lucky to have somepony as good as you?"

"You didn't get lucky, I'm just that awesome baby.", Rainbow said half awake, "Now quit messing up my warm spot."

AJ nuzzled Rainbow's cheek. "Ah woulda figured youda done snuck down to th' kitchen and snuck you some apple pie outa th' icebox by now."

Rainbow opened her eyes to slits as the corners of her mouth curled up wickedly. She nuzzled under AJ's chin, slid one of her forelimbs down to her rump, slid one of her hind legs between AJ's hind legs and hissed in her ear, "The only apple pie I'm hungry for ain't in the icebox." Her wings flared as she bit down on AJ's neck lightly.

Applejack bit down hard on her lip as her eyelids fluttered. She slowly crept her hoof down Rainbow's flank as she felt herself being slowly pushed on her back.

A soft sound was at their door. *tap tap tap*

Frustrated, Rainbow flopped on her back and threw a pillow over her face. "Ugh! Get the door! Granny probably needs help with her bonnet again."

Frustrated she grumbled as she got out of bed and stepped loudly over to the door. Yanking it open she expected to see Granny or Applebloom or Red Delicious, instead she saw the spectral form Ulfric. "AAAHHHH!", she screamed scared and startled. She stumbled backwards tripping over her hooves. As she fell to the floor a blue blur streaked over her.

Hearing her wife scream and trip, Rainbow rocketed out of bed landing hard on the floor between AJ and whatever had scared her. Taking a quick assessment she was momentarily stunned that she was facing a specter. A yellow and red streak barrelled past the door shouting "HEY CREEP!" before crashing into the end of the hall. Hearing AJ groaning as she got to hooves. She slowly backed to her wife, wings flapping aggressively, she crouched in a fighting stance and gave a snorting growl. She began champing her teeth and frothing.

Applebloom had finished adjusting her brace and prosthetic hoof. Her shift for night watch started in a couple of hours, but she couldn't sleep anyways. She decided to go downstairs and make some coffee, there was no way she was going to drink that nasty perk up juice unless she had no other option. As she stepped out the door she gasped in shock at the specter standing outside AJ and Rainbow's room. When she heard Applejack scream she charged at the figure. When she heard her prosthetic crack she thought, "Buck it! Ah only got one shot!" She pushed herself as hard as she could go ignoring the pain shooting up from her stump. She lowered her head and leaned her shoulder in for a full speed body block. Instead of colliding solid, she felt like she just passed through icy mist. She didn't have a chance to be surprised or skid to a stop as her prosthetic hoof shattered and she tumbled into the wall at the end of the hallway, smashing her face into it. White flashed across her vision as the world went fuzzy. She tasted copper in her mouth, smelled iron in her nose and her stump felt like it was on fire.

Applejack groaned as she stood up from the floor, shaking the cobwebs off. She saw her wife backing up to her. "Ah'm okay."

Rainbow extended a wing protectively in front of her wife. "Stay back Applejack!", she growled.

AJ looked to the door seeing the specter then saw Applebloom streak by. She heard her baby sister crash into the wall and groan. AJ stamped the floor with her hoof and snorted.

"Applejack no!", Rainbow growled again, "Stay behind me!"

"But Applebloom is hurt!", AJ exclaimed, "Ah gotta try an'-"

"Stay behind me!", Rainbow half snapped half growled cutting her off.

That's when she saw it. The roaring inferno in her wife's eyes and the flecks of foam at the corners of her mouth. "Oh shi-", the sound of Granny Smith's door snatching open cut her off.

Granny Smith snatched her door open. "What in tarnation is goin'-" She froze for quick moment seeing her youngest granddaughter sprawled on the floor at the end of the hallway, her oldest granddaughter in her room with her granddaughter-in-law using her wings as a shield and the back of a translucent human in front of her. "Sweet Celestia!", she exclaimed as she moved for her old hickory billy club as fast as her old legs could carry her.

"No!", Applejack shouted as she charged past Rainbow.

Rainbow snarled as she launched off the floor like a bullet.

AJ leapt to tackle the figure only for her mind to go blank, dumbfounded that she just grabbed nothing. She failed to notice until too late that she was careening headfirst to the floor. She tumbled across the floor and crashed into the wall. The world went dark as she slumped limply in a heap.

Rainbow snapped through the specter's head fast and hard. If she had struck something solid it would have exploded into mush. Champing her teeth hard, she accidentally bit the inside of her cheek. The tiny trickle of blood turned the now dripping froth from her mouth pink. Adrenaline had set her brain on fire. Her mind perceived her wife tumbling away limply, her sister-in-law laying on the floor and her grandmother-in-law running for her life. The last rational synapse switched off as her brain exploded in a firestorm. "Protect my family!", was the only thought her mind could scream at her. With her vision turning red, she turned to face the specter that was already facing her. "Don't hurt my family! RRRRAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH!", she roared like a savage beast going blind with red rage. She became a whirlwind of flailing punches and kicks. Froth flew from her mouth, splatting on the walls and floors.

Granny Smith turned hearing her granddaughter roaring. She moved to her door as fast as she could and gasped at the horror of her granddaughter-in-law completely lost to blind frenzy. To her right she saw Applebloom sitting up gripping her stump with her good hoof, to her left she saw Applejack blinking back to consciousness on the floor a gash above her left eyebrow trickling blood down the side of her face. She moved over to Applejack avoiding hurricane Rainbow Dash-Apple. She helped AJ to her feet. "Applejack! Are yuh okay dearie?"

Applejack snapped back to consciousness almost immediately upon hearing a familiar roar. A roar she hadn't heard since five years ago on their anniversary trip to Fillydelphia. They had bought tickets to watch some terrible romcom. The movie was so bad it was unwatchable, so they started making out. When too many ponies in the audience had complained, several of the ushers had tossed them out the backdoor into the alleyway. They had decided to make out in the alleyway. That's when a gang of thugs had jumped them. Even though she had fought like a mare possessed, there were just too many of them and AJ had been pinned to the ground. They would have raped her or worse, that's when Rainbow had exploded in a blind frenzy. Two off duty constables had seen the attack commence but weren't able to get across the busy street in time. When AJ had finally been able calm her wife down, Rainbow had kicked and stomped six of the thugs into unconsciousness, two died in the hospital from their injuries. Rainbow had been busted up pretty bad where one wailed on her with an old wrench. Rainbow had refused medical help until AJ was in an ambulance. Outside of some bruised ribs and a dislocated jaw, AJ's injuries were fairly minor. In times like those she's glad to be an earth pony. Rainbow's injuries were much more severe. The main bone of her right wing was shattered, a compound fracture of her left forelimb, her left shoulder had nearly been torn out of socket, two fractured vertebra in her neck, three cracked ribs, a fractured jaw, a hairline fracture on her eye socket and a major concussion. She spent three months laid up in bed and another six months in physical therapy. The pins in her wing and leg still ached her when bad weather blew in from the Everfree. Rainbow took it all in stride as she would fight until there isn't a drop of blood or whisper of breath in her body for anypony she loves, but has only ever flown into a rage when she thought AJ's life was in danger. Now her wife was in one of those rages.

Rising from the floor as Granny Smith helped up. "Ah-Ah'm fine Granny. I jus' knocked mahself silly for a moment." She winced when Granny Smith touched the cut on her forehead. She looked to Rainbow and then over to Applebloom. "Ah'm okay Granny.", she said, "Go tend to Applebloom, Ah've got Rainbow."

Granny Smith nodded and made her way over to Applebloom.

Applejack walked to Rainbow.

Ulfric looked to her then back to Rainbow, a slightly annoyed look on his face.

AJ held up a hoof to him and mouthed, "One moment please." She cleared her throat. "Rainbow, calm down! Ah'm okay.", she called out in a loud voice.

Rainbow kept flailing away while frothing unintelligibly.

Stamping her hoof AJ shouted, "Rainbow Dash-Apple! You get yerself down here raht now! Dun make me do this th' hard way!"

Rainbow continued to flail wildly.

"Okay, hard way it is!", AJ said spitting on her hooves. Jumping up she grabbed Rainbow's tail in her teeth. Straining, she pulled her down to the floor, wrapping her fore and rear limbs around Rainbow in a bear hug.

Rainbow wiggled and twisted out of the bear hug. "Ngh!", she snarled, "Defend family!" She launched herself off the floor.

AJ leapt, grabbing one of Rainbow's forelimbs between her forelimbs and spun using her greater strength to try and pinned wife against the wall. Rainbow wrenched her forelimb loose. AJ wrapped her forelimbs around Rainbow's body and squeezed her, not to restrain her but to hug her. "Ssh! Ssh! It's okay it's okay! Ah'm safe!", Applejack said in her wife's ear, "Come back tuh me! Ah need you tuh come me!"

Over the raging firestorm in her brain Rainbow heard her wife calling out to her. As the red faded from her vision the world came back to Rainbow Dash-Apple. She felt her wife hugging her and begging her to come back. Rainbow wrapped her forelimbs around Applejack. "I'm back Applejack. I'm back. When I saw you laying on the floor I thought that ghost had hurt you and my mind went back to Fillydelphia.", she said her voice cracking. Rainbow snapped her eyes up seeing the specter of Ulfric silently striding over. She spun AJ behind her. "Get behind me Applejack!"

"Fear not fierce one, the dead are not permitted to harm the living.", Ulfric said in a soft voice like distant wind blowing across frozen seas, "The gods have permitted me to treatise with thee."

"Come on downstairs, Ah'll put on some coffee an' we'll let yuh speak yer peace.", AJ said.

"Applejack, I don't fully trust him. Do you think we should be talking with him.", Rainbow said.

"C'mon Rainbow, it's th' polite thing tuh do. 'Sides Ah dun think he could harm us even if he wanted tuh. An' 'sides look at him, Ah think he's Harald's daddy.", AJ said. A wry smile sprsewingross her face. "If you do this one thing for me, after lunch tomorrow well crack open that old bottle a' one-oh-five we been saving.", she said giving Rainbow a wink, "An' we'll see if you can give me a few more winks."

"Ugh!", Applebloom exclaimed, "Could y'all not talk lahk that when Ah'm literally eight paces behind y'all. Granny, could you bash mah head in with yer beatin' stick so Ah dun have that mental image anymore?!"

"Now now Bloom don't be like that, yer sis rolls her eyes when you go all a flirtin' an' a teasin' yer stalionfriend when he's on leave. 'Sides Ah used tuh tease yet gran'daddy the same way in front of yer daddy.", Granny Smith scolded.

Rainbow turned to Ulfric. "You got off easy buddy!", she said. Spitting on her hoof, she extended to Ulfric. "So what's your name stranger. Is it true that you're Harald's dad?"

Ulfric grasped her forelimb in his hand. "Thou may call me Ulfric and aye, in life I was the father of Harald Irontoothson."

Rainbow shuddered slightly as it felt she just stuck her forelimb in icy must.

As they gathered in the kitchen, Applejack grabbed a clean washcloth wet it and wiped the blood from her face and forehead, then tossed it in a nearby basket. She fetched a first aid kit from under the sink and placed it on the table. She grabbed a clean towel from the cabinet, opened the freezer and pulled out some ice cubes, making a cold compress for her sister, then carried it to the kitchen table.

Rainbow helped Applebloom out of her brace. She sucked through her teeth at the bruising and swelling on her stump. She inspected the brace and frowned at the damage it had sustained.

Applebloom sighed as she put the icepack on her stump. "Ah know, don't even say it. Ah'm gonna hafta go tuh th' doc tumarah, Ah've been putting it off fer too long. Jus' pass me th' sling an' Ah'll go in th' mornin' before Ah go tuh th' office."

After they finished with the first aid kit and making coffee, Applejack turned to Ulfric. "So what was it you were wantin' tuh talk about?"

"I come with dire news, a warning and a message of hope.", Ulfric said quietly. "The great pretender and his ally are beginning their moves against thy allies in a nearby land. They shalt corrupt many of them and thou shalt be required to slay many former allies. On the three shortest days of winter the Rimewalker must be tested with pain, blood and fire so that he might receive his final marks and ascend." Ulfric strode silently around the table. "Blood and tragedy are coming to this land. The Rimewalker must stand or this land shall shall fall to ashes and tears leaving the other five only to avenge the dead." He silently strode to the door saying, "Fare thee well. I hope I am permitted to treatise with thee under more fortuitous settings" He phased through the door and faded into the shadows of the night leaving the four Apples flabbergasted.

Rarity lay in her bed unable to sleep. She rolled over in bed a few times before deciding to get up. She decided to go to the kitchen and make some tea, maybe get a late night snack. As she went downstairs and quietly trod into the kitchen. She sees Sweetie Belle sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea and looking through some bridal catalogues. "Couldn't sleep either?", Rarity asks.

Sweetie shakes her head. "No. I'm not sure why, probably just nerves as I'm getting married in a few weeks.", she says sighing, "I still haven't picked out a dress yet. I was hoping you could help me pick one out, considering your expertise in fashion."

Rarity smiled as she as she walked over to her sister and closed the catalogues. "I was going to save it as a surprise for the day before your wedding day, but instead consider it an early wedding gift for you and Bright Star." She gestured for Sweetie to follow her. As they walked onto the boutique floor, she pulled sheets off of two ponyniquins. On one was a beautiful wedding dress and on the other was a dashing velvet tuxedo. "These were grandmother's and grandfather's wedding ensemble. I've been spending the the last two weeks adjusting them. You'll be so ravishing that Celestia and Luna will be green with envy."

Tears sparkled with tears. "Rarity, I-I don't know what to say.", she said her voice cracking with joy, "They're perfect!"

Rarity returned the sheets. "If mother and father were here still, they'd agree. Now they're not finished, I still have few seams to mend and adjust them to both of your measurements." Rarity hugged her sister.

There was a small sound at the door. *tap tap tap*

"Now who could that be?", Rarity asked. She walked to the door and opened it. "I'm sorry, but we are clo-" She paused in shock staring at a translucent human female, her white dress and red braided hair blew in a wind that wasn't there, her translucent blue eyes glittered, a small smile on her face. "Oh my!", Rarity exclaimed softly as she took a step backwards in surprise. Clearing her throat, she regained her composure. "Can I help you?", she said raising an eyebrow and trying to sound more annoyed than startled.

Sweetie Belle pointed her horn at the specter and ignited her magic. "Who are you?", she said in a tone trying to hide her fear.

"Many apologies.", the specter said in a soft voice like a distant breeze across thatched roofs, "Thou mayst call me Ingrid. In life I was the mother of Harald Irontoothson." She bowed politely looking over to Sweetie. "Fear not, the dead are not permitted to harm the living. I have been permitted by the gods to treatise with thee. Might I enter thy abode?"

Rarity stepped aside gesturing with her while shooting a glance to Sweetie to keep her guard up. "But of course darling. Would you care for an aperitif or some hors d'oeuvres?"

Ingrid silently and gracefully floated in. "Thankest thou, nay. The dead have no need for food or drink."

Rarity gestured to the kitchen. "Come join us, we were just sitting down for evening tea. We have plenty of you decide to change your mind."

As they made their way to the kitchen, Rarity gestured to one of the chairs, "Please take a seat darling." She began making herself a cup of tea.

Ingrid sat in one of the already pulled out chairs.

Sweetie walked up and sat near her. "So why are you here?", she asked.

"I bring thee news. Some some dire, some good.", Ingrid said softly, "I also bear a warning."

Rarity paused for a moment before continuing to make her tea. She walked over to the table levitating her cup and stirring the tea with a spoon. "Okay now to discussing the news.", she said sitting down, "Give me a little bit of the good news first then give me the bad. I've always preferred to put a drop of honey on my tongue before swallowing a bitter pill."

"Thou shalt be witness to the moment when Harald finds love again.", Ingrid said softly, a slight smile on her face. "Steel thyself as the servants of the great pretender are moving against the allies of thy land. A nightmare prowls the dark places and shrines of evil seeking to free its brother.", Ingrid said her countenance turning four. She faced Rarity and Sweetie, "The Rimewalker shall be test with blood, fire and pain to ascend and receive his final marks. One of thou shalt be chosen to be his cruelty for the test."

Rarity choked slightly on her tea, covering her mouth with a napkin as she coughed. "A thousand pardons!", she said as she finished coughing, "That was a bitter pill. Please continue darling."

Ingrid continued, "Blood and tragedy is coming to this land. The Rimewalker must stand or all that shall be left is ashes and tears, leaving the other five champions only the dead to avenge." Ingrid rose from her seat. "Fare thee well. I must now go treatise with another. I hope I am permitted to speak with thee again on happier times." She glided to the kitchen door and phased through it.

"I hope so as well.", Rarity said quietly to the figure of Ingrid passing through the door. She and Sweetie stared at each other in a flustered expression of what had transpired.

Fluttershy opened her eyes at the sound of several of the animals she was talking care of downstairs were squawking, screeching and growing. Looking over at the clock she sighed. "I just got to sleep.", she grumbled softly. Sighing, she said, "One of them must have had a bad dream. I'll go settle them down." She nuzzled the four great grandchildren of Angel Bunny that had curled up on her. "Michelle, Leon, Ralph, Dawn, I need to get up." The four bunnies blinked awake, stretched and gave tiny yawns. She giggled at the cuteness as she helped them off of her and placed them on the warm spot where she was laying. Walking to the bedroom door she paused when the sounds downstairs stopped as abruptly. A slight shiver ran up her spine. "Something feels off.", she said quietly to herself.

A soft sound at her bedroom door made her jump. *tap tap tap*

Fluttershy grabbed a fire poker she kept by her bed in her hoof. She took a deep breath to calm herself. Opening the door quickly unsure what to expect, she stumbled backwards and squeaked in surprise at the translucent form of Ingrid. All four bunnies shot up to their feet, hopped off the bed and scurried in front of Fluttershy. They bounced up and down on their hind paws with their front paws held in a boxing stance. The bunnies glared at the specter, Leon with his lapis lazuli eyes, Michelle with her tangerine eyes, Ralph with his ruby eyes and Dawn with her plum eyes.

"Fear not little ones, the dead are not permitted to harm the living.", Ingrid said softly a friendly smile on face.

Fluttershy gingerly stepped over the four bunnies and slowly jabbed the form of Ingrid with the poker watching it harmlessly pass through. She propped the poker next to the door and turned to the four bunnies, gently extending a wing. "Come on. Let's get you all back in bed. Thank you for being so brave, but I'll be okay." Ralph stepped forward, crossed his front paws, twisted his face up and stamped his rear paw. "Don't be that way.", Fluttershy softly scolded, "I promise I'll okay. If you do this for me, I promise I'll make make a vegan pizza for you all tomorrow with extra carrots and radishes." The other three bunnies nudged Ralph. The four bunnies began squeaking and gesturing at each other. Finally Ralph relented and nodded. Fluttershy giggled and scooped up all four bunnies, she nuzzled them before placing them back on the bed. She turned back to the specter of Ingrid. "If I may ask, who or what are you?"

"Thou may call me Ingrid. In life I was the mother of Harald Irontoothson.", Ingrid replied softly. "I have come in these dark times to deliver to thee news and a warning."

Fluttershy gestured to a chair by her desk. "Would you....uuummmm...care for a seat?"

Ingrid gracefully and silently glided to the chair then sat down.

Fluttershy noted that neither the floorboards nor the chair creaked. "Is it good news or bad news?", she asked turning to Ingrid.

"Some is dire, some is glad.", Ingrid replied.

"Give me the bad news first.", Fluttershy said bracing herself.

"The servant of the great pretender moves against the allies of this land to capture their younglings and turn them into weapons of darkness. His spies hide in the open in the court of the Sun andMoon, they will attempt to make a move against the Rimewalker. When the pretender fails he will move against thee to wound the Rimewalker's soul.", Ingrid said in a plaid tone.

Fluttershy swallowed hard. "W-what's the good news?"

"Thou wilt feel the heart spark. Thou shalt discover the thunderbolt that can restore life or take life and thou shalt share it with others of thy tribe. Thou shalt become the fount of strength the Rimewalker will have to stride through the enemies of this land as if they were dead grass.", Ingrid said with a slight smile on her face, "On the three shortest days of winter thou shalt be one of the chosen to test the Rimewalker with pain, blood and fire. Thy heart shalt rejoice upon his ascension and receiving final marks."

Fluttershy sat quietly contemplating as Ingrid continued.

"Blood and tragedy is coming to this land. The Rimewalker must stand or this land will fall into ashes and tears leaving the other five champions only the dead to avenge. A creature of nightmares stalks the land searching for its brother and one banished from death pulls the strings searching for the heir of the Nameless Evil." Ingrid rose from the chair, leaned over to Fluttershy and whispered in her ear, "Fret not, courage and love will carry the day." She glided to the door. "Fare thee well, I hope I am permitted to speak with thee again upon happier times."

Fluttershy followed slowly watching as spectral form slowly faded into the shadows of the night.

Fluttershy felt a tugging on one of her rear hooves. Turning she saw all four bunnies standing behind with bewildered looks on her face. "I know, I'm a bit confused too.", she said, "Let's get back to bed."

Luna was standing on the balcony observing the stars through Twilight's telescope. The fur on her haunches prickled making her raise her head. "From whence dost thou come spirit?", she said coolly.

"Hast it been so long that thou hath forgotten the feel mine presence my beautiful Moon?", a familiar voice replied softly.

Luna quickly turned with tears glistening. "Of course I've never forgotten my sister and my champion and lover!"

"Let us find thine sister. We have much to discuss and little time to do so.", Jorgen began silently striding towards Celestia's room.

Celestia on her bed, sleep had refused to come to her. A blue flash surprised her as she saw Luna's face beaming at her. "Luna?", she said startled, "What has you so elated..." She felt the fur prickle along her spine. Turning she said, "Spirit, from where...Jorgen!"

"Aye mine brilliant Sun. I have come in this dark hour, we have much to discuss and little time to do so." Jorgen paused turning to the wall, "I feel thou watching me. Didst thy mother teachest thou it is rude to drop eaves? Come and reveal thy presence."

Flurry Heart appeared in a flash of multicolored light. "My apologies, I felt your presence and the presence of five others, I had to look to make sure no one was in danger."

"Thy valor is commendable young one. We have much to discuss on this eve.", Jorgen said running his spectral fingers along Flurry's mane as it momentarily flashed ethereal. All four began talking quietly.

Pinkie laid in bed snoring quietly next to Cheese Sandwich. A twitch in her stomach made her wake up with a slight snort. She perked her ears up and heard a couple soft giggles from downstairs. "Looks like my visitors are here.", she whispered to herself. She gently moved Cheese's forelimb from around her shoulder and placed it by his side.

Cheese Sandwich rolled over, gave a loud snore and mumbled in his sleep, "I can't eat any more chocolate chip pancakes boneless. Okay maybe one more stack."

Pinkie smiled broadly at her husband as she tip-hoofed to the bedroom door. She pulled a squeeze bottle of oil out of her mane, squirted some on the hinges and quietly opened the door. Tip-hoofing downstairs, she returned the oil bottle to her mane and followed the sound of quiet giggling. As she opened the back door, she saw a ball roll by.

Peeking her head out the door jam Pinkie saw two spectral human children, a boy and a girl rolling a ball back and forth between them, occasionally giggling. Pinkie giggled at their playing. The two children quickly clambered up to their feet and awkwardly bowed. "You're Harald's brother and sister? And I right?", Pinkie asked her voice swinging upwards.

"We are...or were.", the boy replied softly, "How did you know?"

"Pinkie sense.", Pinkie responded matter-of-factly, "Tummy twitch told me you and your family were coming to visit me and my friends." Pinkie gestured to the swing set. "Soooo....what are your names?"

"MY-my name is Helga and this is my brother Olaf...err...that's what you can call us.", the girl said.

"Now I know you both want to tell me some icky wicky news about a very bad pony, a yucky changeling and some griffons. I've already read the above paragraphs and earlier chapters. I rather play on the swings.", Pinkie said. The two spectral children looked at each other confused before running to the swings. Pinkie turns to the fourth wall, grabs it and whispers, "Let me play with these ghost kids until their family comes to get them sykko, you focus on finishing this segment of the chapter, it's already gonna be over ten thousand words."

Shining Armor walks into the castle, he levitates his cloak onto a hook in the foyer as he enters into the main room, his mind going a league a minute. To his left he saw Flurry, Celestia and Luna come out of Celestia's room with stern looks on their faces, ahead of him he saw Cadance walk out the library with the same look on her face, above and to his right he heard Twilight's bedroom door open, her eyes were still red from crying as she walked to the railing, her face bore the same expression. "You all saw similar things too?", he asked hoping his face wasn't as stern as theirs.

The five mares paused, giving each other tentative glances before nodding one after another slowly.

"Sunuva-"
***************************************************************

-The next morning-

The next morning as the sun was just a sliver above the horizon, the Apple family and Harald were sitting around the kitchen table finishing up breakfast. Harald was drawing a diagram on a piece of parchment with a piece of charcoal he had fished out of the fireplace and sharpened to a point while popping the last few pieces of fruit absentmindedly in his mouth.

"Wutchu drawin' there?", Applebloom asked around a mouthful of flapjacks.

"Huh? Oh! I was making a diagram of a loom.", Harald responded, "I was thinking of stopping by Lady Rarity's after midday. I was hoping to assemble it if she had the parts. I promised I'd teach her how my clothes were made. It shouldn't take more a couple of hours to put together and start teaching her how to make clothes.. Then I've got to stop the Sky Queen's keep to have her inspect my wound.", he rubbed it where it was itching him, "If I have enough daylight afterward I'm going to drop by Lady Pinkie's and teach her how to make sweet rolls. If I'm not back before dark I'll pull a double watch tonight."

Granny Smith walked over to the diagram, put her glasses on and studied it for a few moments. "Ah think Ah still one o' those dohickies out in th' ole storage barn. If'n it's not in too bad a' shape Ah'll have Big Mac or Applejack drop it off by Rarity's fer ya. Now it'll be made outa iron rather than wood, but it should save you some time. If'n it's in to rough a' shape, I'll buy ya some lumber from Diamond Tiara's store." Granny looked to AJ and Mac, "Y'all don't mind tuh much." She looked to Rainbow's disapproving look, "If'n y'all do that fer me an' don't put up too much o' a fuss, I'll rent y'all a room at the ole inn fer tonight, maybe throw in a vintage bottle of one-oh-five."

Harald rose from his seat, put the diagram in his backpack and bowed to Granny Smith. "You honor me with too much kindness honored Elder. I'll be indebted to you." Gathering up his things he headed to the door. "I'll start splitting wood this morning."

Applejack called after him, "Don't wear yerself out, yuh gotta help us applebuck in the west field this mornin'!"

Harald nodded quietly as he walked out the door. Soon the sound of an axe splitting wood was heard.

"OH! 'Fore Ah forget", Granny Smith called after him, "My gran' niece Babs is comin' in to town this afternoon with her hubby an' their new foal. They's gunna help us out fer the rest o' th' month with th' applebuckin'. If'n yuh don't mind well put ya up in a new room."

"Nay honored Elder, 'tis fine. You have shown me ample generosity already.", Harald hollered with a happy tone in his voice, "It will be a good thing to hear the sounds of a youngling."

"C'Mon RD-A, we gotta gather up buckets outa th' barn an' get a couple a' wagons.", AJ said.

AJ and Rainbow made their out to the barn.

Several minutes later two pegasi landed in front of the main Apple house. Both had pale blue coats, the male had a greying blonde flat top mane with short cropped tail, the female had a long, freshly styled rainbow colored mane and tail. They trotted up to the porch casting scornful glares at Harald and knocked loudly on the front door.

"Ah got it Granny!", Applebloom called from behind the door. She opened the front door. "What can Ah-" She paused with a stunned expression on her that was quickly replaced with one of anger and revulsion. "What are you doing here?!", she asked angrily, the venom dripping visibly from her voice.

"Who is it Bloom?", Big Mac asked trotting up, "Oh." His face became hard and stern.

The male pegasus narrowed his eyes in contempt at Big Mac. "Where's Rainbow?", he asked spitefully.

Harald began cinching his weapon belts around his waist, his instincts told him there might be a fight, he slid his axe into its ring. Wiping the sweat off his brow, he sat on the chopping block.

Big Mac pushed past his sister and out to the yard, making the pegasi step back tentatively. He whistled out to the barn and shouted in his deep voice, "Rainbow!"

The rest of the Apple clan made their way out to the porch, none to pleased expressions on their faces.

The male pegasus sneered at Harald and asked spitefully, "What's the ape-thing? A new pet?"

Harald didn't know what an "ape-thing" was, but he knew when he was being insulted. He rose to his feet and placed his hand on the pommel of his sword. Setting his jaw, he locked eyes with the pegasus and started staring him down. A wrinkled green hoof rested on his forearm. Darting his eyes over he saw Granny Smith shaking her head. He moved his hand from the sword pommel, but he didn't let it drop and instead moved it to his midsection. His muscles trembled with anger, but he was taught too well to disobey an Honored Elder so resigned himself to plant his heels...for now.

The barn door opened and Rainbow flapped out with a slight grin. "Yeah, Big Mac? What did you-" She momentarily froze in the air, her expression morphing into one of shock, anger and hurt. She landed on the ground, her breath became shaky as she was holding back her anger and tears. "Mom?! Dad?!", she said her voice cracking. She cleaned her throat trying to regain what little composure she could, she failed. "Th-the last time I saw either of you *hsnf* me and AJ were still dating. *hsnf* You called me an a-a-a *hsnf* a-an abom-abom *hsnf* abomination. *hsnf* A-a-and *hsnf* you said that you didn't want *hsnf* want t-t-t *hsnf* to see me again, th-that I-I *hsnf* I was dead to you." Tears of hurt and anger began to roll down her cheeks. "Why are you here?", she asked, her voice was a wavering croak.

"We're here to inform you that your grandmother died.", her mother said, her eyes two pits of contempt.

"Gam-gam died?!", Rainbow exclaimed as sadness mingled with the other emotions, "W-when is her funeral? *hsnf*"

Applejack walked up and stood next to Rainbow, glaring daggers at the two pegasi.

"It was about three months ago.", her father spat out contemptuously.

"WHAT?!", Rainbow shouted, her voice a shrill with anger, "You couldn't have been bothered to write a letter? Something on the likes of 'Dear daughter that we no longer claim, We write to inform you that your Gam-gam has died and this is when her funeral is. Signed, your former parents'?!" She stepped forward, anger burning in her eyes. "But no!", she said prancing in an over exaggerated manner, "You both had to come down here in your haughty manner, thinking you're better than everypony else attitude, to do what? So you could hurt me in front of my family?"

The male pegasus reached into his flank pack and pulled out an urn with a key tapped to it. He unceremoniously tossed it too her. "Here! Don't know why she left her remains and the key to her safe deposit box in Canterlot to you."

Rainbow awkwardly caught it out of the air.

"And by the way, a family is between a stallion and a mare, not between a sicko and a perverted dyke.", he continued, "Mares marrying mares and stallions marrying stallions! Disgusting!" He spat on the ground.

Rainbow sat on her haunches, tears of anger and hurt streaming down her cheeks. "What happened to my parents that used to cheer themselves hoarse at every accomplishment I had, no matter how small they were?" She held her face in her hooves weeping.

The male pegasus sneered. "That was before you decided to be an abom-OOF!"

Applejack cut him off with a right cross to his jaw, knocking him to the ground.

He glared up at her from the ground and growled, "You bitch!"

Applejack was beside herself with anger. "HOW DARE YOU!", she shouted, her anger boiling over, "YOU COME DOWN HERE SPOUTIN' SUCH FILTHY WORDS IN FRONT A' MAH FAMILY!" She snatched her Stetson off her head with her hoof and bit down on it before throwing it hard on the ground. "NOPONY AN' AH MEAN NOPONY TALKS TUH MAH WIFE LIKE THAT! RRR!", she ground her teeth and spat on the ground, "YOU TWO MAKE ME SICK! AN' TH' ONLY ABOMINATIONS AH' SEE HERE ARE YOU TWO!"

The female pegasus stamped her hoof and snorted.

Applejack narrowed her eyes at her and glared. "You want some too?", AJ growled, " Jus' gimme th' excuse."

"Are you going to sucker punch me too you filthy dyke?", the female pegasus spat back.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho, that's it sister!", AJ snarled lurching forward, raising her hoof to throw another punch.

A big red hoof shot out and grabbed Applejack's forelimb. In her anger, she hadn't seen him come down off the porch. "Eenope.", Big Mac said in his deep voice, "They ain't worth it." He pointed his hoof to Rainbow.

AJ nodded and walked to her distraught wife. Wrapping her forelimbs around Rainbow and began shushing her. "It's okay, it's okay. Ah got ya."

Granny slowly walked off the porch, looking up she smiled as she saw an orange pegasus with vibrant pink mane and tail flying back towards town. "Y'all go on into town.", she said to Rainbow and Applejack, "Ah'm givin' y'all the day off. Ah'll have some bits an' a bottle a' one-oh-five sent tuh y'all in a piece."

As the two began walking down the path Rainbow's former mother snorted stomped and made a lurch towards Big Mac.

"Dun do nuthin' we'll both regret.", he growled softly.

Rainbow's former father rose to his hooves and rubbed the corner of his jaw. He glared hateful daggers at Big Mac.

Big Mac held his ground until he knew AJ and Rainbow were well on the road to town. He then turned and started walking to the farmhouse.

"Where you going big red?", the male pegasus spat, "I thought this party was just getting started!"

Big Mac paused, sighed, then continued walking to the house. "Celestia, gimme the strength tuh not kill a pony.", he whispered to himself.

Feeling incensed, the male pegasus snarled, "Yeah, that's right! Walk away! Just like that filthy pervert you call a sister."

Big Mac snapped around, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Struck a nerve did I?", Rainbow's father mocked.

Macintosh began stalking forward. "You low down no good son of a-"

Granny Smith held up her hoof stopping her mountain of a grandson in his tracks. She gestured to the farmhouse.

"Yes Granny.", Big Mac said turning back to the house and walking inside.

Applebloom followed him inside.

"Sugar Belle, bring out a jug of triple-x an' some bits, Ah'm gonna have Harald run 'em into town fer me.", Granny called out.

"Yes Granny.", Sugar Belle said. She gestured to Red Delicious who was taking a hit of his puffer. He followed her in once he had finished with his puffer.

The male pegasus flapped over to Harald and flew up getting in his face. "And you, you filthy ape-thing! You've been staring me down the whole time. Get yourself a good eyeful?" He sneered at Harald.

Harald seethed. He ground his teeth, if this winged pony kept insulting him he wasn't going to be able to hold himself back much longer. His mind was a battleground of two conflicting teachings, on the one hand he had been taught since he was a boy to not disobey the commands of an honored elder, on the other hand growing up in his culture and his years of warrior had told him that talking as such to even the humblest members of society would get their skull cleaved in twain and that part of his brain demanded blood. His hand involuntarily twitched towards his sword before he could catch himself, he consigned himself to rest his wrist on the pommel of the sword. He glared hard into the eyes of the pegasus, bit hard on his lip, a small trickle of blood slid from his mouth and mingled with his beard.

"What's the matter? Can't speak? Or are you too stupid to speak?", the pegasus mocked before shoving a hoof into Harald's shoulder, "Just say-URK!"

With a blur of movement and flash of steel Harald had grabbed the pegasus by his neck with one hand while pressing the tip of his under the pegasus' chin, a trickle of blood ran down the blade. Harald narrowed his eyes at the pegasus as he growled out, "You must have a death wish if you think you can speak contemptuously to those have not harmed you and then think you can lay a han...hoof on a Rimewalker like he was some mongrel."

The pegasus flailed in panic trying to escape the vice-like grip on his neck and the tip of the sword under his chin. Trying to gasp for air, his vision began to blur at the edges.

Granny Smith clacked her front hooves together loudly. "Alright Harald, let him go. I can handle him from here."

Harald hesitated for a second before tossing the pegasus roughly to the ground. He stood over the pegasus who was now giving deep panicky gasp of air and spat a gob of saliva on his face. "Vile cur!", Harald snarled, "If you ever speak another foul word of this family again or lay a hoof on me again, I shall make a cloak from your hide and wear your guts as garters!" He pulled a rag from his waistband, wiped the blood from his sword, returned it to his scabbard and tucked the rag back into his waistband.

Sugar Belle walked out the front levitating a small pouch of bits and a jug of booze, she paused catching the tail end of the events that had just transpired. Clearing her throat she said, "Granny, I've got the bits and alcohol you asked for."

"Thank ya kindly.", Granny said sweetly, "Harald, be a dear an' take those into town fer me an' give 'em to Applejack an' Rainbow when find 'em. Then ya can go do whatcha need tuh with Rarity, Princess Twilight an' Pinkie."

Harald bowed politely and turned walking to the porch. He took the pouch and jug out of the air. He paused by the chopping block to pick up his backpack and cloak, then walked down the path towards town.

After Harald had walked out of sight, Granny Smith turned her head to the house and called out, "Big Mac, you an' Sugar Belle come sit on the porch, Ah might need y'all tuh throw out some trash fer me ina lil few minutes." She began to walk back and forth in front of the two pegasi slowly.

"Tsk tsk tsk! Such a shameful act y'all had to put on here this mornin'", Granny scolded shaking her head, "Usin' such filthy words not only on yer own young'un, but also on my gran'babies. If Ah had a half a' mind I'd wear a switch out on both o' yer rumps an' wash yet mouths out with soap."

Granny Smith paced back and forth slowly looking at the two pegasi glaring at her.

"Ah still remember that night when Applejack an' Rainbow Dash got back early from their trip to see y'all.", she continued, "That poor filly was beside herself with hurt an' grief. She cried fer three days tryin' tuh figure out why her momma an' daddy would say such horrible things. It broke mah heart tuh see such a strong an' tough mare have her heart shattered because a couple a' ponies cared more fer their own hate that they fergot tuh love their own foal." Granny walked over to the porch and sat on the steps with a grunt. Sighing she continued, "An it don't make a lick o' damn sense then an' it still doesn't."

"In the book of Neighviticus it says-", the male pegasus said before Granny Smith cut him off.

"Ah know what it says! You shouldn't go by a dusty ole book was written before the foundation o' Equestria an' th' rise of Celestia an' Luna. 'Sides don't it say in First Solar that ponies should love each other like Celestia loves us? Don't it also say in th' book o' Puddinghead that ponies should rejoice in all acts of love?"

The two pegasi shifted uncomfortably before casting indignant looks at Granny Smith.

Granny rose from the steps with a grunt and sighed. She slowly walked over to the two pegasi and continued, "Ah still remember all them years ago when Applejack was still a school filly, Ah had noticed that she never seemed to show much interest in colts her age an' Ah remember feelin' more'n a lil bit o' concern. An' then one day when she got back from school ahead fear in her eyes an' skinny legs were a tremblin'. When she told me she liked fillies, it caught me off guard an' at first Ah felt a might indignant. Ah wanted to say so many things, but when Ah looked in those scared lil eyes, all Ah could see was that filly Ah loved who had jus' laid her soul bare before me an' Ah knew that anything Ah was gonna say before was outa mah own fears an' misunderstandin'. Ah coulda went on some tirade, but all Ah knew in that moment was that that was mah gran'daughter an' whether she liked colts or fillies or both or neither, Ah still loved her. If ya were tuh ask me in that moment Ah'd say that Ah didn't understand it. Ah sometimes still dun understand it. But it don't matter one lick whether ah understand it or not, only that she's honest with everpony an' herself an' whoever she's with makes her happy."

Granny sighed as she began to pace back and forth slowly again. "Now it weren't easy fer an ole mare like me to tuh raise three foals on mah own after their momma-n-died, but Ah did the best Ah could. An' Celestia knows Ah made mah share of mistakes. But when Ah see how those three grew up, Ah can rightly say that Ah'm proud o' 'em."

The female pegasus sneered as she said, "Well maybe if you had raised them better then your-AH!"

Granny Smith back-hoofed her across the mouth. "Now you ain't got no right to say how I raised my gran'babies considerin' how you treated yer own flesh-n-blood!", she snapped with anger flashing in her eyes. "Ah'm done here. Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Ah please throw this garbage offa may property!"

The front door creaked open as Applebloom walked wearing her high constable uniform. "Ah've got from here Mrs. Apple." She gestured down the path leading up to the house where six members of the Ponyville constabulary, two earth ponies, two pegasi and two unicorns were walking up. "Stormfront Dash, Windy Acres Dash, by th' authority granted to me under Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Ponyville charter, you are under arrest. Lay on yer bellies, keep yer wings folded and place your hooves on yer heads."

"What?!", the male pegasus exclaimed, "Why are you arresting us?! We have done nothing wrong!"

Applebloom stepped off the porch and said louder with a strong authoritative tone in her voice, "On yer bellies, keep yer wings folded and place yer hooves on yer heads! Yer under arrest fer disturbin' th' peace an' criminal trespass on royal property. You can comply, but Ah hope you try to resist or fly away." She narrowed her eyes with a smirk.

The two pegasi begrudgingly complied.

"Very good.", Applebloom said, "You have th' right to remain silent. You have th'-"

Twilight landed flanked flanked by four Canterlot royal guards interrupting Applebloom. "High Constable Apple, the crown requests that thou remand Stormfront Dash over to us. It has come to our attention that he committed battery against Equestrian nobility."

"What?!", the male pegasus exclaimed rising from the ground.

Two guards approached him and pointed spears in his face. "On your belly!", one of the guards commanded.

Twilight produced an old parchment. "Jorgen the Irontooth was crowded fifteen-hundred years ago as High Lord Defender of Northern Equestria and one of six Lord Commadants of the Equestrian military. Harald Irontoothson being his heir has al rights, privileges and responsibilities of that station." She passed the parchment to Applebloom. "We think thou shalt find all is in order."

Applebloom read the parchment, then bowed. "All seems to be in order highness."

Twilight held her head high in a regal pose. "Stormfront Dash, under our authority as Princess of Equestria all thy property and holdings are hereby seized and sealed until the finality of thy trial. Guards, please inform him of his rights under the Equestrian Constitution."

The four pegasus guards surrounded the male pegasus. The lead guard began reading him his rights, "Stormfront Dash, under the United Kingdoms of Equestria and the Crystal Empire you are under arrest for battery with malicious intent on a member of Equestrian nobility. You have the right to remain silent, if you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a trial of your peers. You have the right to fair treatment while being held in custody. You have the right to an advocate, if you cannot afford an advocate, one will be granted to you by the crown. You have the right to make an official statement once in custody. You have the right to a fair and impartial trial by a jury of your peers. Do you understand your rights?"

Stormfront Dash nodded.

"Do you wish to make an official statement at this time?", the lead guard asked.

"No."

"High Constable Apple, may we use a holding cell at Ponyville jail until we can procure transportation to Canterlot?", the head guard asked.

"Yes you may. If'n you ask Granny Smith, she might let y'all borrow a wagon.", Applebloom replied.

"Thank you, but the holding cell will suffice for now.", replied back.

Applebloom proceeds to put Windy Acres Dash under arrest.

In Ponyville Harald was following the sound of Rainbow's crying. Several minutes earlier he had run into Twilight and had recounted to her what had transpired on Sweet Apple Acres, needless to say she was angry and had left quickly to retrieve several constables. Several minutes later he had seen her fly over with several royal guards. He had searched the town for nearly thirty minutes when he caught the sound of Rainbow crying. He tracked them to an alleyway between two boarded up shops. "The honored elder had me bring you these.", he said handing them the pouch of bits and jug of strong spirits.

AJ took the jug and gave a sly grin. "Well Mrs. Apple, seeing that Granny gave us a jug o' her infamous triple x, we had best buy ourselves a bottle a aspirin 'cause tomarah we're gonna be hung to the over." She popped the cork and took a swig. Wincing and coughing, all she could utter was a weak "Yup!"

Rainbow took the jug and took a swallow. Coughing, her eyes went crossed for a quick second. "Woo!", she exclaimed. "When we get that aspirin, I'm gonna have to get a bib too, 'cause it's gonna be sloppy tonight." She offered the jug to Harald. "Care for a slug big guy?"

Harald took the hug not knowing what a "slug" was, but he inferred that it meant a swallow. Immediately it felt like he had poured liquid fire down his throat followed by a warm feeling in his stomach, his skin sprouted with goose bumps. He passed the jug back to AJ who promptly returned the stopper.

"Day drinking?", a prim and proper voice said from behind, "What ever is the occasion?"

Harald looked over his shoulder seeing a white unicorn with a royal purple, expertly coiffed mane.

"Oh hi Rares! Care for a drop?", AJ said.

"As tempting as it is, I must say no. The last time I drank Granny Smith's triple x, I woke up with the worst hangover.", Rarity replied, "Now what calls for day drinking, especially with the end of cider season coming so soon?"

"Well you see...", Rainbow balked before sighing and continuing, "my parents decided to show up at the house to tell me that Gam-gam died three months ago." She up an urn with a key taped to it. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Then they decided to rile everypony up. The only good thing out of it is that she left me her penthouse in Las Pegasus and what ever she had in her safe deposit box in Canterlot."

First anger then sadness played over Rarity's face before she centered herself back into a neutral expression. "My my my darling, that is harrowing news." She walked over and gave Rainbow a tight hug. "Yes I think I shall take that drink." Levitating the jug in her magic, she popped the cork and moved it to her mouth. "To the memory of dear sweet Gam-gam Dash.", she said before taking a swig. Returned the cork, she levitated the jug to Rainbow. "I'll leave you both to it Mrs. and Mrs. Apple.", she said coughing as her eyes watered.

"C'mon Rainbow, let's get that bottle of aspirin and then rent that room", AJ said. Rainbow nudged her. AJ snickered as they walked away, "If's it's gonna be as sloppy as yuh say it'll be, Ah don't think a bib'll be enough, we'll hafta get yuh a poncho." "Yahoo!", Rainbow shouted as she jumped in the air clicking all four hooves together.

Rarity chuckled as she shook her head happily. "It's hard to believe those two have been married for nearly ten years, they still cavort like newly weds." She turned to Harald, "So Monsieur Harald, what brings you into town on this morning?"

Harald took his backpack off and began fishing through it. He pulled out a folded up piece of paper and passed it to her. "You wanted to know how my clothes were made. I wanted to repay you patching my tunic by teaching how my people made our clothes."

Rarity took the paper in her magic and unfolded it. Levitating a pair of reading glasses from her flank pack to her face, she began looking the diagram over. "Oh my Monsieur Harald, this looks like a diagram for some kind of loom." She looked at the drawings of hands next to some parts of the diagram and segments of fingers next to other parts of the diagram, then she looked over at his hands. "I take that these are measurements of some sort?", she asked pointing a hoof to the paper.

Looking over at the paper, Harald replied, "Quite astute. The first draft I made had the measurements made in my native runes, but then I realized that you might not be able to read them."

Rarity folded the paper back, then levitated it and her reading into her flank bags. "Let us go to my boutique, I'll get get the measuring ribbon out and set about converting these measurements. I'll talk to a handypony or two about constructing it for me."

"The honored elder said she had an old iron loom that she'd be willing to loan you if it was in good condition. At least until you can get one built for yourself.", Harald replied.

"Honored elder? Oh! You mean Granny Smith? Celestia bless her!", Rarity replied back joyously. As they continued walking and talking softly, Rarity looked up seeing Fluttershy trotting up. "Good morning Fluttershy!", Rarity said pleasantly, "What brings you to this part of town this morning?"

"Good morning Rarity and Mister Harald!", Fluttershy said as she smiled warmly.

Harald looking at the smile on the yellow pegasus with pink mane brushed over the side of her face. He suddenly felt warm, but he wasn't sure if it was her smile or a residual effect of the strong drink from earlier.

"Did you hear?", Fluttershy continued, "Stormfront and Windy Acres have been arrested."

"Whatever for darling?", Rarity asked, her ears perking up ready for some fresh juicy gossip.

Fluttershy looking up at Harald and seeing him blush made her blush as she hid her face behind her mane. Catching herself, she took a deep breath and let it out. Clearing her throat quietly, she continued, "Apparently Mr. Harald is Equestrian nobility and Stormfront hit him. He's being charged with assaulting him." She tucked her face back behind her mane to hide her blushing smile.

Gasping, Rarity turned to Harald looking for bruises or marks. "Is it true darling? Are you Equestrian nobility and did that nasty cur Stormfront strike you?"

Harald clearing his throat turned from Fluttershy and looked to Rarity. "As far as I being a chieftain of this land, I can honestly say that I know not. There is an old story handed down in my family that my ancestor the first to hear the name Irontooth was given some land holdings and a title. I'd have to ask the Sky Queens if there is any veracity to that claim. As far as the male winged pony striking me, I can honestly say he did not strike me, he however did cast insults at the good Apple family, then at me, then flew up in my face and shoved me with his hoof."

"So your ancestor was given land holdings and a title, but you're unsure if you're nobility. Darling, that sounds as an awful like you're the legitimate heir to nobility.", Rarity politely retorted, "As far as being shoved, that's close enough to being struck for legal reasons."

"As far as myself being a chieftain, I shall have to ask the Sky Queens. As for myself, I have little use for lofty titles. Give me the open sky, ample game, a few honorable individuals and a someone of strong spirit to share my life with and I'll be happy.", Harald responded bluntly.

"That does sound nice.", Fluttershy said softly from behind her mane.

Harald blushed slightly.

Rarity raised her eyebrow slightly at the reactions Harald and Fluttershy gave. She she thought back to the words that the specter of Ingrid had said to her. To be sure she decided to change gears and push them gently into the right place. "Fluttershy darling, Monsieur Harald has agreed to teach me how to make clothes like his chapeau. Apparently his people use looms to weave them. Granny Smith said she had an old loom she could loan me until I can have my own made. Because of your amazing knowledge of sewing, I figured that you might be able to pick up on it faster than I and you could help me to learn. Would you care to join us at the boutique?"

"That's it. Dangle the bait out there and see if she comes up for a bite.", Rarity thought to herself.

"We'll...um...ah...um...", Fluttershy stammered and blushed behind her mane, "...I mean if it's to help you learn a new way to make such pretty clothes...um...I mean I guess I can.", she said peeking an eye from behind her mane.

As the three of the them walked to Rarity's shop, Rarity would dart her eyes sidelong at Fluttershy and Harald, stealing glances at them. She gave the slightest of smiles as she saw Fluttershy push her mane away from her face and give a small blushing smile. Her smile spread a little further ever so slightly when she saw Harald smile back to Fluttershy. Rarity began to prattle vapidly about the latest fashion trends, trying to hopefully give the impression that she was oblivious to what was going on just a few paces besides her. Rarity gave a small crooked smile edge closer to Harald and gently brush her body against his hip before blushing and talking a few steps away. As she watched Fluttershy out of the corner do the same little dance of brushing up against him slight Pluto blush and back away again. "Come on Fluttershy, go for it!", Rarity exclaimed in her head.

When they reached the boutique, Rarity levitated the key into the lock and opened the door. She gestured to the door. "After you.", she said to Harald and Fluttershy. Harald bowed politely, gesturing towards Fluttershy and then the door. Fluttershy entered, followed by Harald, Rarity took up the rear. After they had all entered the boutique, Rarity gently closed the door and latched the lock. "Would you care for some refreshments? Coffee, tea?"

Harald felt flushed and his stomach felt jittery. He chocked it up to the strong drink. "Some coffee if you please.", Harald replied, "That draught I took earlier was strong and I'm feeling a little out of sorts."

Rarity smiled slightly. "It is strong isn't it?", Rarity responded in a friendly tone. She turned to Fluttershy, "And you Fluttershy? Your usual chamomile?"

"Ginger tea please. If you don't mind.", Fluttershy replied demurely, "My stomach feels a little bit...fluttery."

"Come and sit in the kitchen while I prepare the refreshments.", Rarity said turning to the kitchen. She smiled broadly as she heard Harald and Fluttershy following her.

Harald and Fluttershy sat at the, he grunted uncomfortably at the how low the chair was before curling a leg under him.

"A thousand pardons darling.", Rarity said to Harald, "I forgot how tall you are. Allow me to make you more comfortable." She levitated several cushions from the other room and stacked them in the chair.

Sitting back down he nodded his thanks. Looking across the table he saw Fluttershy stealing a glance at him. As his eyes locked with those two glittered sapphire pools, his cheeks and ears felt hot. He chalked it up to the strong drink from earlier, but he couldn't deny there was something...enchanting about those brilliant blue eyes partially hidden behind that pink mane.

Fluttershy stole glances at Harald since he sat down across from her. The breadth of his shoulders, the the length of his limbs and body, his braided hair and beard, the length of his limbs and body, it all seemed equal parts exotic and alluring and for some reason...inviting. Her mind wandered remembering how she had never felt attracted to any stallions or mares. She remembered Twilight had asked her if she was asexual, but she knew she wasn't as she felt certain...urges and had fantasies about the characters in the cheesy romance novels she enjoyed reading. As she continued to steal longer and longer glances at Harald, her thoughts began to drift. She wondered how warm his body felt, she wondered how he smelled, she wondered how much of his body were covered by those markings, she wondered what he looked like under his clothes. Swallowing hard, she tried to push that last thought out of her mind, failing that into a box. "Don't think inappropriate thoughts about somepony...creature...being you just met yesterday.", she mentally scolded herself, "Even if he is handsome." She tried to push the lest few thoughts in a box unsuccessfully.

As she stole another glance, her eyes locked with Harald's. Her breath caught in breast as she looked into his green eyes. Her right rear hoof slid forward seemingly on its own, it bumped into his foot. "Oh...umm...sorry.", she whispered an apology, turning her face sideways blushing. As she went to pull her hoof back, she felt Harald hook her hoof with the side of his foot. "Eep!", she yelped quietly before covering her mouth with her forehooves. She leaned back on the chair to keep her wings from fluttering and flaring as her hoof began moving of its own accord slowly up his ankle and calf. Harald smiled at her which made her smile back.

Rarity turned her face to Fluttershy when she she heard her yelp softly. She grinned so wide it made her cheeks hurt seeing Fluttershy playing hoofsies with Harald. The tea kettle began whistling and Fluttershy curled her leg back. Rarity scowled at the teapot for interrupting. She levitated the tea kettle, coffee pot, three cups, a loaf of bread, butter, jam, honey, sugar and cream over to the table. "Cream? Sugar?", Rarity asked as she poured a cup of coffee.

"Just some salt please.", Harald replied.

"I forgot that you don't eat sugar.", Rarity apologized.

"It's not that I don't eat sugar.", Harald replied, "It's just that sugar is rare and we only eat it for certain special occasions like weddings, feasts and holiday celebrations, so we eat it sparingly." He sprinkled a small bit of salt on his palm, tasted a small bit of it and sprinkled it in his coffee, then took a sip.

Rarity shuddered, "I don't think I could ever get used to that darling. Even if I lived a hundred years."

"I think it's nice, Rarity", Fluttershy said softly, "Something that makes him unique."

As they finished their morning tea and coffee, there was a knocking at the boutique. Rarity walked to the door and opened it slightly seeing Big Mac standing outside. Opening the door fully she greeted him, "Good morning Big Mac!" Looking past him she saw an old iron loom sitting on the wagon. "Is that Granny Smith's old loom?"

"Eeyup!", Big Mac respond, "Got 'er fixed up an' cleaned up fer ya."

It took Harald and Big Mac twenty minutes to wrestle the heavy loom into the boutique and another twenty minutes to to get it in place. After they had gotten into place Big Mac noticed a few pins that could have been removed and let them take the whole thing apart. Aggravated, Harald huffed and flopped down on the nearby couch, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Harald stood up from the couch and walked over to the loom. He inspected the arms making sure they moved like they were supposed to. He gestured to a small bottle of sewing machine oil which Fluttershy brought over to him. He applied it to the gears, then took a large spoon of thread and began looping through the eyes on the arms. He pointed a finger to the thread he just strung through the eyelets for the benefit of both mares, "The first step is to run the material you're weaving to hold the cloth that's going to be made. Then...", he paused adjusting a few wing nuts while gently plucking the strings, "you adjust the tautness of the threads. Too loose and they won't properly hold what you're weaving, too loose and the threads will snap will snap and you'll have to restring them." After finding the tightness he was content with, he ran his fingers along the threads like he was strumming a harp then pressed gently, grunting happily at the results. Adjusting the teeth on the two sets of horizontal arms to the desired width and locked them with a key bolt, he then he then set the horizontal arms at the angles he wanted, working them a few times making sure everything was how wanted it. Giving a pleased grunt he continued, "You always check to make sure all the arms are at the correct angles before you start weaving so you make as few mistakes as possible." He wound thread around two football shaped spools and placed a measuring stick between his teeth.

Soon the boutique was filled with the soft clicks of the spools of through the threads and the loud clacks of the loom. After several minutes he had a length of cloth woven out, stopping only to undo the occasional tangle or tapping what he had woven with the measuring stick to test its tightness or test how taut the vertical threads were, adjusting the wing nuts as needed.

Rarity stepped up close putting on a pair of reading glasses to inspect the work. "I must say darling, this used a level of hoofxterity that I never knew was required for a simple tool. This will require me some time to master it.", she remarked.

"It's actually quite simple Rarity.", Fluttershy said as she was looking on thoughtfully, "My aunt used to use a similar machine before Prancington's disease robbed her of the proper use of her hooves and wings." She walked up to the loom and asked, "Do you mind if I give it a try Mister Harald?"

"No, I don't mind.", Harald replied brightly as he laid the measuring stick and spools to the side. He held a hand to what he had woven, "I've already done one hand's worth of weaving, I'll let you do another hand or two's worth to see how much teaching you need." He moved from the stool he was working at to allow her proper access to the loom. He stacked a couple of crates nearby and sat on them to observe her work.

Fluttershy soon was quickly working the loom with her hooves and wings. Soon the had woven nearly a foot of of cloth, stopping only to adjust a wing nut with a hoof or flick an errant thread with her wing. After a bit she stopped and turned to Rarity, "Come on Rarity, give it a try. It's really easy once you get the hang of it."

Rarity swapped places with Fluttershy and started working with the loom. She grumbled softly under her breath as she had a few tangles. When Harald or Fluttershy showed her how to undo a tangle it made her get cross with herself. Sighing to calm herself, she sat down the spools. "This is definitely harder than I thought.", she said sweetly, "I guess I need a few more days of practice to get better at this."

Harald worked the arms a few times tamping down the work Rarity had done. "You did well for someone...err...somepony's first time using a loom. You just have to remember to keep your lines tight and occasionally check the tautness of the threads on the loom.", he said in an encouraging tone, "Give it a few days of practice and some...uh...pony of your talent will be making whole bolts of cloth."

"Why thank you good sir Harald, I shall certainly do that.", Rarity replied politely. Soon a sly thought ran through her mind as she remembered how Fluttershy was flirting with Harald earlier. "I need to go downstairs and get some supplies for the orders I need to fill in the next couple of days. You two stay here and after I get what I need, I'll make us some brunch.", she wasn't entirely truthful as she knew she had more than enough supplies up here to complete her orders, she knew that Fluttershy and Harald were smitten with each other, she also knew Fluttershy wouldn't make a move or allow a move made against her if she knew someone was watching, so she decided to come up with a little white lie to give her an excuse to leave them alone and let what ever was going to happen, happen.

After Rarity had went downstairs, Harald rested his right hand on one of the spools near him. Fluttershy rested her hoof on his hand. She began slowly running her hoof up his arm. Harald looked into her eyes and saw that Fluttershy was smiling behind her mane. When her hoof reached his elbow, he moved his hand up to her mane gently brushing it out of the way feeling its silky smoothness. He leaned forward slightly, the smell of her mane and fur filled his nostrils. She smelled of fresh dewy grass and wildflowers, it made his heart start to beat in his chest like a drum.

As Harald leaned in close to her, Fluttershy could smell his skin. He didn't have the strong musky smell of a stallion, but more of an earthy smell, like soil after the spring thaw, it made her breath quaver in her chest. The anticipation got the better of her and she leaned into him, pressing her lips into his.

Harald ran his hands across her shoulders, down her flanks and across her back. He felt that despite her graceful build, she was heavily muscled. It intrigued him as to what she did to build such muscles.

Fluttershy moaned softly into the kiss as she ran her hoof under his tunic feeling his thick, knotted muscles. As she ran a hoof across his ribs, he jerked slightly. Fluttershy parted from the kiss and turned from head, hiding behind her mane. "Did I do something wrong?", she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Harald licked his lips still tasting her kiss. He reached out gently turning her face towards him, before brushing the mane from her eyes. "I'm ticklish.", he replied softly, "You did nothing wrong. I cannot speak for you, but I enjoyed your kiss."

Fluttershy emboldened gently flapped into his lap and leaned into him, kissing him hard. As they began exploring each other's mouth vigoursly, Fluttershy's wings wings began to flare and flutter with excitement causing the crates under Harald to tip over. As they crashed to the floor, Harald looked up to Fluttershy who was now sitting on his stomach. They shared an embarrassed laugh before she leaned down and with renewed vigor began kissing him deeply with loud wet smacking sounds. After what seemed like minutes or maybe hours, they heard a creak come the basement stairs. Both of their heads shot up as they knew that Rarity was coming up the stairs. As quickly and quietly as they could, they scrambled upright, going back to working at the loom.

Rarity had taken more time than what she actually needed looking for what she needed. As she reached the base of the stairs, she heard something something fall over, then soft laughter followed by wet smacking sounds. As she gingerly made her way up the stairs, she took extra care to step over the squeaky step halfway up the staircase. When she reached the top of the stairs, she looked through the basement door seeing Fluttershy on top of Harald kissing him loudly. "Good for you Fluttershy!", she thought to herself, "I'll head back down to give them a few more minutes of privacy." She quietly backed down the stairs. Hallway down she stepped on the squeaky step. It creaked loudly. The sounds of kissing immediately stopped. Rarity glared at the step, silently cursing it. She heard quiet clamoring and sound of the loom clacking. Scowling that she had interrupted their intimate moment inadvertently. Centering herself, she happily trotted up the stairs, humming a happy time. Noticing that Harald and Fluttershy looked a bit disheveled. Feigning ignorance, she said, "You two look like you have been working hard. Let's stop for some brunch." She noticed that they looked at each other and smiled.

"Brunch sounds nice, Rarity", Fluttershy said tucking her mane behind her ear.

As they walked to the kitchen, Fluttershy leaned into Harald's waist. "It's a start, a good start.", Rarity thought to herself. As Rarity began making brunch, she would occasionally look over to the table. Fluttershy was sitting by Harald, her hoof resting in her hand, she would lean over and kiss him, which he reciprocated. It made her heart sing to see her friend find somepony she enjoyed, even if it wasn't a pony. "What can I get you two to drink?", she asked standing over the stove.

"Just some water if you please.", Harald replied.

"Chamomile-lemon grass tea please.", Fluttershy replied.

Rarity put the tea kettle on and filled a glass of water. She went to the fridge, pulling out some fruit, cheese and eggs. She wrote on a small pad stuck to the fridge door a few things she needed to pick up at the market. She sliced up the fruit and cheese, placing them on a plate. Soon the kettle was singing. She levitated the kettle, two tea cups, the glass of water, three plates and the plate of food over to the table. "If you hold on darlings, I'll cook us up some eggs.", she said in a sing-songy tone.

Rarity fetched three small plates from the cabinet as she fried six eggs. Finishing, she placed two eggs on the each plate, then added a small garnish of lemongrass. Bringing the eggs over to the table, the three divided the fruit and cheese between each other, eating in a happy silence.

When they had finished eating, Harald helped Rarity do the dishes and put them away. Fluttershy went onto the boutique floor, pulling the cloth out of the loom. Harald looked out the window noting the shadows were getting on towards late morning. "Many apologies Lady Rarity. I have other places to be before it gets too late.", he said bowing politely, "Keep practicing with the loom and you'll catch on. If you have any problems with it, don't be afraid to ask."

Rarity curtsied back. "And a good day to you Sir Harald. I hope you come back soon. Ta-ta!", she returned in a friendly tone.

As Harald walked past Fluttershy, he bent down to her, paused, gave her a hug. She returned the the hug and kissed him on the cheek. Harald then broke the hug and walked out the door.

Rarity walked up behind Fluttershy, hearing her sigh towards the door. "Do you like him darling?", Rarity asked making her friend jump slightly.

"Well he's nice and handsome...and...he smells nice...", Fluttershy said softly, tucking her face behind her mane, "...I...uh...ah... I mean yes, yes I do." She squeed softly. "When you were downstairs...", she put her hooves over mouth, "...mmfmmfmmfmmf."

"I'm sorry darling, I can't hear you when you cover your mouth.", Rarity said smiling.

Fluttershy placed her hooves on her lap sighing. "Um...we kinda sorta...made out...", she said softly squeaking in a filly-ish manner before continuing in a whisper, "...please don't be mad."

"Why would I be mad darling?", Rarity said gently, "You're an adult and you can kiss whomever you so choose. One question, did you enjoy it?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"Do you want to kiss him again?"

Fluttershy nodded again. "Yes!", she exclaimed softly.

"Then go to him and let your feelings be known, dar-" Fluttershy was out the door in a blur before she could finish her sentence. Rarity chuckled to herself as she levitated Sweetie Belle's wedding dress over to a sewing machine. "Good for you Flutters, go get 'em!", she said out loud to herself.

Harald stood in an alleyway between two buildings trying to get his heart to slow down. Every time he thought of Fluttershy, it made his heart beat like a drum until he thought it would burst from his chest. Closing his eyes he could still see her perfect sapphire eyes, he could still smell her on his clothes, he could still taste her on his lips. He began breathing slow and even to get his heart to slow down. Hearing the gentle beat of wings he opened his eyes. Seeing Fluttershy flapping in front of him made his heart pound harder against his ribs.

Pushing her mane behind her ears she softly said, "Harald, you have something in your beard."

Putting his hand up to his beard, he asked, "What is it?"

"Me!" She leaned in kissing him hard, exploring his mouth with hers.

Initially surprise, Harald wrapped his arms around her body returning the deep kiss. He pinned her gently against the wall causing her to moan into the kiss. After an amount of time that neither man nor mare could determine, they heard an excited voice call out. "Woo-hoo! Alright Flutter-butter! Get you some! Uh-hunh! Woop-woop! Who da bad pony?! You da bad pony!"

The two broke their kiss and looked over seeing Pinkie Pie doing the pony version of the cabbage patch into the running man into the lawn mower into the electric slide. Both gave a sigh. Harald leaned back letting Fluttershy up from the wall.

"I guess everypony knows now.", Fluttershy said giving Harald a peck on the nose before flapping down to the ground, "Pinkie, please don't make a big deal out of it."

"Okay, I won't throw a "Harald and Fluttershy are special someponies" party. But I'm telling Evey pony and creature that you found your special somepony!", Pinkie said excitedly, "Ooooo, I wonder if Discord is going to be jealous that you have a special somepony and it's not him?"

"Hardly Pinkie.", Discord snorted from behind her, "Fluttershy and my relationship has always been platonic."

"Darn it, Discord!", Cadance exclaimed dropping the invisibility spell she had cast over them both, "I was hoping to have a few more minutes to be able to quietly slip away."

"Discord?! Princess Cadance?!", Fluttershy exclaimed, "I guess everypony knows now for sure."

Harald feeling a bit overwhelmed at seeing Cadance appear out of seemingly nowhere. Dropping to a knee, placing a fist over his heart and bowing his head. "Sky Queen!", he said in surprised reverence.

A crowd began to gather, murmuring at the presence of Cadance. "Alright everypony, go back about your business.", Cadance said in a clear, loud voice. When the crowd lingered longer than she desired, Cadance stamped a hoof in a sharp crack. That got the message across to the crowd. As the crowd dispersed, a few excited ponies snapped some photographs before scampering back to their business. She spoke softly to Harald, "Arise Lord-Protector Irontoothson. One who has sacred bonded with Princess Twilight Sparkle is my equal and has no need to grovel before me."

Harald rose slowly to his feet.

Discord appeared next to Harald with a snap of his lion's paw. "Okay buddy!", he growled into Harald's ear, "For your sake I hope your intentions are pure with my good friend Fluttershy. If you use her or break her heart I'll turn you into an inside out gopher with backwards moose antlers that poke you in the butt every time you breathe."

"Discord! BE. NICE.", Fluttershy snapped flapping up in his face and jabbed a hoof in his shoulder to emphasize each word, "I like him! Maybe I more than like him. And for your information buster, I was the one who kissed him." She spread her hooves wide in a dramatic motion. "I kissed him and I liked it and I don't care who knows!", she shouted.

The few ponies walking down the street stopped to gawk and murmur. Fluttershy snapped her head around to glare at them which made them decide to hurry about their business. She placed a hoof between her eyes and sighed, "I swear the rumor mill in his town will be saying by morning that I'm carrying his foals." She looked Discord straight in his eyes, "I appreciate that you're trying be a good friend and look out for me. I thank you for that, but I'm a grown behind, no, a grown assed mare and I can kiss whoever I want. If I get my heart broken, it's a risk I'll have to take. It's my heart, not yours. If you do anything to mess this up for me, so help me I'll hit you with a stare so bad you'll wish you were still encased in stone."

Discord swallowed hard, having a look like a whipped dog. A fedora appeared con his head and he took it off, placing it on his chest. "I'm sorry Fluttershy, I went too far.", he turned to Harald, "I apologize to you Mister Irontoothson. I shouldn't have threatened you." He bowed politely.

Harald bowed back. "If the situation was reversed, I'd probably have threatened your life and it would be me Fluttershy would be scolding, so forgiven."

Fluttershy hugged Discord. "It's okay! Just remember to be a good friend friend and be happy for me." She flapped over to Harald and kissed him quickly on the lips. "I'll see you later.", she said in her best attempt at a sexy, smoky voice. She then flew away, looking over her shoulder and giving Harald a smile.

Watching Fluttershy fly off, Harald gave a wistful sigh.

"What do we have here?", Discord asked, a playful tone in his voice, "I think you'he lovesick old chap!"

"Yyyyeeeeeaaaaahhhhh!", Pinkie said, parroting the playful tone, "You got a terminal case and the only cure is five hundred cc's of Flutter-butter kisses asap!" She stood on her hind hooves turning her back to him, running her forehooves along her sides and making loud kissing noises.

Pinkie and Discord fell into each other in a raucous giggling fit. Cadance put a hoof to her mouth trying to stifle her laughter. Harald smiled and huffed trying to cover up his laughter.

As Discord caught his breath he said, "And now I must depart, I've got a smooze that is going to want to hear this juicy gossip." With a snap he disappeared in a puff of smoke that spelled out "C U L8R LUVRBOI!"

As Pinkie picked herself up dusting off her coat and mane."Soooo? What do we have planned today?", she asked.

"I guess I'm teaching you how to make sweet rolls.", Harald said.

"Oooooo! Super duper yummy!", Pinkie said excitedly. "Oh hi Derpy!", Pinkie said excitedly, waving.

Derpy smiled as she waved back to Pinkie. With a loud crash she slammed into a light pole. "I'm okay.", she said shakily as several ponies came to help her.

As they entered into Sugarcube Corner Cadance said, "I'll see you two later."

Pinkie hastily scribbled down the ingredients as Harald mixed them in a bowl and then placed it in the oven, baking it for a hour. Pulling the dense conical cake out of the oven, he poured the honey glaze over it and put it back in for five minutes. Pulling it back out, it resembled a glistening mountain made of dense confectionery in miniature. Drooling, Pinkie smacked her lips and she went to wolf it down, but Harald stopped her. "You don't just gobble a sweet roll like a starving Ursa. It's meant to be shared.", he said. Picking up a knife, he cut two small slices and flipped them onto a couple of plates. Picking up a fork he cut a chunk of his slice and started chewing it. "If you try to eat the whole sweet roll in one sitting, you'll be lucky if you can move after three days.", he said around the mouthful of sweet roll.

"Shtuper juper wooper ummy!", Pinkie said with the whole slice crammed in her mouth. She cut two more slices, wrapping them up for Cheese Sandwich and Lil Cheese.

The smell of the of the sweet roll brought all four members of the Cake family to the kitchen. Pinkie cut four slices for them. They began eating the slices, making yummy sounds.

"Absolutely delectable!", Mrs. Cake said between bites.

"Mmm! What is this called?", Mr. Cake said after a bite.

"It's called sweet roll!", Pinkie said laying the hastily scrawled recipe on the counter, "And it's super duper luper yummy!"

"We have to sell it in the shop.", Pound Cake said around a mouthful.

Harald bowed. "You have my blessing as sweet rolls are meant to be shared with others." Looking outside he saw it was getting towards mid-afternoon. Bowing politely he said, "Many apologies, I must get back to the farm. I hope to see you all again. Until we meet again, health and prosperity." As he left the bakery, the small group of ponies wave goodbye to him.

Fluttershy comes courting and the feast

Harald made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres after his busy morning and early afternoon. As he approached the house he took off his weapons, backpack and cloak, dropping them on the porch. Granny brought him out a bowl of vegetable soup and a glass of water. He gratefully at the meager lunch. When he finished eating, he passed the the dishes back. Granny Smith pointed with her hoof out to one of the orchards. "Big Mac'll be happy tug have another set o' hooves helpin' him out.", she said. Harald nodded his head in affirmation and bowed.

Harald made his way out the the orchard, seeing Big Mac working alongside a turquoise unicorn stallion with stark white mane and two crossed anchors as his cutie mark.

Big Mac seeing Harald walk up stopped bucking and gestured for the unicorn to follow him. As the two of them reached Harald, Big Mac gestured with his hoof, "Harald, High Seas, High Seas, Harald." He then turned back to bucking apples.

"Ay! How ya doin'?", High Seas said in a deep gravelly voice extending a hoof, "Tha name's High Seas Waves. So what block ya from?"

Harald grasped High Seas' forelimb tightly. "Harald Irontoothson and I apologize, I do not think I understand what you mean by...block.", he replied.

"What city did ya grow up in?", High Seas asked revising his question realizing Harald wasn't familiar Manehattan slang.

"Where I come from there aren't any cities to speak of, mostly villages and hamlets.", Harald said with a little more clarification of what the unicorn meant, "Though to outsiders it may look to be little more than a land of ice and snow, where a dim sun shines and cold winds blow."

The three of them were soon all harvesting apples. Big Mac bucked the trees, causing the apples to rain from the branches into the buckets, the ones that didn't fall in the buckets he picked up with his teeth. High Seas levitated the apples off the trees and into the buckets. Harald lacked unicorn magic, so he kicked a tree. The best he could muster was making it tremble slightly and make a couple of apples fall. Kicking the tree again with the same result, he sighed and shimmied up the tree and shook the branches with his hands or feet, causing apples to cascade off, sitting on the lowest branch he dropped roughly onto his feet.

As they reached the next batch of trees, Big Mac let Harald so he could be boosted into a tree. When Harald wasn't shaking branches or getting boosted into trees, he was helping pick up loose apples, stack full buckets and place empty ones around trees. Once they had finished with the last tree in the orchard, they stacked the buckets on the wagons and brought them to the barn. Harald had to modify one of the wagons so he could lean his weight into it properly.

In the barn they sorted the apples, they tossed the rotten ones or the ones eaten by bugs and worms into rusty dented buckets. Placing many of them into crates or boxes, they stacked them onto several wagons. Most of the wagons had a tiara painted on the side, two had a cake painted on the side. They loaded the broken apples or the ones too bruised into the masher which Sugar Bell and Red Delicious were operating. Big Mac stopped working long enough to tousle his son's name and kiss his wife. They loaded half the remaining apples into crates and the other half into the cider machine. After they had lugged crates into a cellar, Big Mac whistled to the house.

Granny Smith walked out to the barn slowly, followed by Babs pushing a carriage. When they entered the barn, the Apple family stopped working long enough to cop and giggle over the brown earth pony colt with sea green mane.

Harald walked over to the carriage and grinned broadly at the colt.

Babs stepped over to Harald, spit on her hoof and extended it. "So youah tha famous Harald? Name's Babs Waves. How ya doin'?"

Harald grasped Babs' forelimb tightly. "I fare well madame. Harald Irontoothson at your service."

Babs gestured to the colt in the baby carriage, "And this heah's my son, Whitecaps."

Harald held Whitecaps' gently between his fingers. "Greetings young one. Strength, health and prosperity upon you."

As they finished the afternoon chores, they all made their way inside. Babs changed and then started nursing the fussy colt. Granny Smith and Sugar Belle began making dinner. Big Mac directed Harald to the downstairs bathroom, "Go get cleaned up, we'll have supper ready soon." Big Mac turned to help his grandmother and wife with making dinner.

Entering into the bathroom, Harald undid his braids shaking them out. Striping down, he draped his tunic, pants and loincloth across the edge of the tub, he placed his boots by the door. Turning the shower on, he stepped in the tub, closing his eyes, he let the hot water cascade over his head and down his body. After Harald had finished washing himself, he began rinsing out his clothes, turning off the shower he wrung the excess water from his clothes. Stepping out of the tub, he grabbed a towel and dried the excess water from himself. Getting dressed, he stepped into his boots and headed downstairs. He retrieved the comb from his backpack and began to meticulously braiding his hair and beard.

"So Harry. Do ya mind if I call ya Harry?", Babs asked gently rocking the sleepy colt in her forelimbs.

Harald quietly shook his head.

"So Harry, why do ya braid youah mane?", Babs asked.

"I braid my hair and beard because it makes them easier to manage and keeps them out of the way.", Harald replied.

Babs nodded thoughtfully as she laid the sleeping colt in the carriage. High Seas trotted over, beamed down at his son and nuzzled his wife.

Soon dinner was served. As the ponies and human sat down to eat, the front door opened as Applebloom walked in wearing a temporary brace with prosthetic. She hung her constable's uniform on the coat rack. "Ah need a cold cider. Ah've had one Tartarus of a day.", she said getting a bottle of cider from the fridge. Sitting down at the table, she opened the bottle, took a sip and sighed, "On days like tuday Ah wish Ah could go back in time to when th' hardest thing ah had tuh do was figure out what crudasin' we was gonna do tuh figure out what our cutie mark was gonna be." She began eating dinner while sipping on her cider.

When they had finished eating dinner, Harald was helping put away the dishes as Applebloom finished her bottle of bottle of cider. There was a gentle knocking at the front door.

"Ah got it.", Applebloom said getting up. She dropped the empty bottle in a nearby crate and opened the door. "How can Ah help-oh hi Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy smiled gently as she pushed her mane behind her ear. "Hi Applebloom!", she said in a friendly tone, "Is Harald in?"

"Harald?", Applebloom called out, "Fluttershy here tuh see yuh."

Harald walks to the door at smiles at Fluttershy. "Good evening, Fluttershy.", he says.

"Good evening Harald.", Fluttershy says smiling back, "I was wondering if you'd like to take a walk with me on this evening.?"

"That does sound pleasurable.", Harald said bowing.

As the two of them walked off in the lengthening shadows of the evening, Applebloom gently closed the door and looked out the window. "Ah guess that one rumor Ah heard tuday was true.", she said closing the curtain, "Good fer both o' 'em."

A little over two hours later Harald returns to the farmhouse, his braids bedraggled and a goofy grin on his face. Babs snickers teasing him as she gets ready for her shift on night watch.

The next morning at around ten o'clock Applejack and Rainbow stagger through the front door.

"Could that door squeak any louder?", Rainbow whispers rubbing her temples with her wings.

"Aspirin?", AJ said softly as she chewed on a couple of aspirin herself.

Rainbow waves her off, "Not until my stomach settles."

Granny walked in the kitchen and said with a smirk, "Hi girls, have a good night?"

"My head is killing me and my stomach hates me right now, but totally worth it.", Rainbow whispered.

Applejack placed the empty jug by the door and asked, "Granny, is there any leftover breakfast?"

"There's some leftover eggs an' hash browns on th' counter an' as always a bowl o' apples on th' table."

Rainbow takes one look at the food, her face takes on a tinge of green as her stomach lurches. "Oh no!", she mumbles as she holds a hoof to her mouth. She runs to the bathroom in a blur and begins retching loudly over the toilet. Soon her retching gives way to dry heaves. "Come on stomach, either settle down or let something come up", Rainbow whimpers. A cold sweat beads up on her forehead and she lays her head on the seat. A sour burp comes out Rainbow's mouth followed by the splashing of vomit in the toilet bowl. "Oh sweet Celestia thank you!", Rainbow exclaims. Gasping for air, her muscles lock as her stomach violently lurches and she vomits loudly several times. Gasping for air, Rainbow spits a mouthful of bile and strings of saliva from her mouth. Staring at the pool of vomit in the toilet bowl, Rainbow wouldn't have been surprised if she saw her tail floating in the bowl. Rainbow's muscles lock again as vomit splashes several times in the bowl again. Soon her vomiting gives way to dry heaving. "Thank you dear merciful Luna.", Rainbow says weakly as her dry heaving subsidies. Reaching with her hoof she flushes the toilet and rinsed her mouth out at the sink. She slowly walks out to the kitchen table, sits down and chews on a couple of aspirin.

"Feel better?", AJ asks with a mouthful of food.

Rainbow shakes her head, "No, I just don't feel sick."

"Breakfast?"

"Ugh!" Rainbow turns her head away, she couldn't bear to look at food, much less think about it.

"So me an' Rainbow heard th' oddest rumor this mornin' on th' way back tuh th' farm.", AJ said shoving the last of her breakfast in her mouth, "Ponies are sayin' they saw Fluttershy an' Harald a-kissin' on each other and a-courtin' each other."

"Ah ain't seen no kissin', but Fluttershy did come a-courtin' Harald yesterday evenin'.", Granny Smith said from the other room.

"We'll ah say good on 'em both. Nopony deserves a special somepony more than Fluttershy.", AJ said putting her plate in the sink.

"I think we should congratulate them both for their relationship.", Rainbow said.

"Ah say we let her tell us when she's good an' ready. Yuh know how shy that mare can be.", Applejack said, "An' 'sides, Am'm pretty sure Harald's a pretty private fella, Ah mean look how he constantly keeps himself covered up under his clothes. He was even a lil self conscious when he didn't have his shirt on. Jus' give 'em their space an' they'll come to us when they're ready."

Rainbow nodded in agreement.

"C'mon Rainbow, let's get started on th' chores.", AJ said trotting out the door.

Rainbow followed her grumbling.

That evening and the next three evenings after dinner Fluttershy would arrive at the front door calling on Harald. Each evening would play out the same, Harald and Fluttershy would walk off together in the shadows of the evening. After a couple of hours Harald would return to the farmhouse with a disheveled appearance and a goofy grin on his face.

On the night of the feast several ponies were helping the Apple family set up several long tables and benches. Rarity had brought several tablecloths she had woven on the loom. Nearby several tables were set up for the ponies under the drinking age. Wood for bonfires had been stacked up in piles of varying size.

Harald admired the intricate patterns and colors in the tablecloths. "I am truly impressed Lady Rarity, your skill has surpassed what I could teach you.", Harald praised Rarity, "You skills with weaving are amazing."

"It was as you said darling, a few days practice and I even surprised myself on what I can do.", Rarity said, "I even borrowed a book from Twilight that had a few techniques and patterns that can be done on a loom."

The Apple family laid out baked apple goods on the tables. They set up barrels of apple juice, sweet cider and hard cider. They set up crates filled with bottles of sweet cider, hard cider and one-oh-five, they spread out jugs of Granny Smith's infamous triple-x liquor on the tables.

Ponies came from across Ponyville bringing platters, pots and a few kettles of food. Diamond Tiara brought a cart stacked with bottles of wine and beer from her own personal cellar, she also brought several jugs of Appleoosan Snake Bite whiskey.

Celestia and Luna flew came down from Canterlot on their pagasi-drawn chariots. They led a train of fifteen pegasi-drawn wagons. Twelve of the wagons were loaded down with Canterlot delicacies, many of which were made by the sister's own hooves and magic, the last three were loaded with casks of the princesses favorite vintages of Canterlotian wine.

Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich, Lil Cheese and all four Cakes came each pulling a wagon. The wagons were stacked high with sweet rolls, cakes and other baked goods. The four remaining Pie sisters arrived with bags full of rock candy and three kettles of rock soup.

The Crystal Empire train pulls to the station. Cadance, Flurry Heart and Shining Armor disembark leading a procession of ten wagons. The first five wagons are loaded with Crystal Empire delicacies and the second five wagons are loaded with barrels of crystal berry wine.

After all the food and drink was stacked up, sideboards had to be set up to accomidate the excess. Celestia lowered the sun as Luna raised the moon, the bonfires were lit. The ponies and one human gathered at the tables. Drinks were poured into mugs, many of the adult ponies had opted for apple juice or sweet cider, most notably was Babs as she was still nursing her foal and all five of the Pie sisters because they had inherited their father's ill temper when drinking alcohol. Twilight got the attention of the crowd as she gestured for them to settle down. "I would like to thank you all for coming out and making tonight's feast a success.", Twilight said in a clear loud voice, "And I would to thank the Apple family for hosting tonight." A few ponies gave whooping cheers. Twilight chuckled, "Okay everypony, settle down. Before we get started with tonight's celebrations, Applejack and Pinkie each have something they would like to say." Twilight gestured her hoof to AJ,"Applejack?"

The ponies stamped their hooves, whooped cheers and whistled as Applejack stood up on the bench. She looked as if she was going to burst as liquid pride glistened in her eyes. "Ah'd like to that all y'all fer comin' out t'night. Ah'd also like y'all to join me in welcomin' th' newest member of the Apple clan, the son of High Seas an' Babs Waves, Whitecaps Waves." The two loving parents held up the sleeping colt. Applejack swallowed hard, blinking back more liquid pride. She held her mug up as her voice cracked, "To you Whitecaps. Salute, health, prosperity!" She took a sip.

"Salute, health, prosperity!", the crowd echoed back holding up their mugs and took sips. Applejack plopped down in her seat as liquid pride poured from her like a river. Rainbow rubbed her back, spoke softly in her ear and kissed her cheek.

Twilight gave Applejack several minutes to gather herself before continuing. She gestured her hoof to Pinkie, "Take it away Pinkie Pie!"

Ponies stamped their hooved, whistled and gave woofing cheers. Pinkie egged the crowd on, spinning her hoof, giving woofing cheers back. She suddenly held up a hoof silencing the crowd almost immediately. Pinkie held up a piece of paper and began reading what was on it, "Your average apple tree can take upwards of 30 years to full mature, once fully matured a single tree can produce nearly three million apples over the course of it's lifetime. Common pests that plague the apple tree are..." Cheese sandwich quickly stood up and turned the paper around, which resulted in laughter from the crowd. Pinkie began reading again, "To whom it may concern, dear sir or madame, we regret to inform you that your pet gopher has escaped and has gone missing..." The crowd roared with laughter as Pinkie ripped the paper into confetti, tossing it in the air. "Okay for realsies this time.,". Pinkie said grinning from ear to ear, "We have gathered here to welcome Harald Irontoothson to Ponyville.", Pinkie said holding up her mug, "Ponyville, the welcoming committee and the family of unparalleled premier party ponies, I'd like to say to Harald, welcome, health, prosperity!" Draining her drink, she placed the empty mug on her head.

"Welcome, health, prosperity!", the crowd echoed before draining their drinks and placing the empty mugs on their heads.

Pinkie pulled a little red button from her mane. "NOW LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! WOO!", she shouted as she pressed the button, several party cannons appeared firing confetti and streamers across the crowd.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as ponies heaped food on their plated and they refilled their drinks. musicians and phonographs began playing. Nearby Octavia began playing her cello, stopping only to take a swallow of liquor or a bite of her food. Fluttershy made her way to Harald, sitting next to him, she leaned her body into his side and smiled contently. Harald wrapped his arm across her shoulders and pulled her in tight, he occasionally popped food into his mouth or held some up for Fluttershy to eat happily.

Mugs of drink were laid in front of Harald and Fluttershy which they sipped, enjoying the closeness with each other.

Rarity walked up to the princesses levitating a bottle of hard cider in her magic. "Trotzle tov!", she toasted the princesses then took a drink.

"Trotzle tov!", Celestia and Luna toasted back, taking a drink.

"I didn't know you were Lunish Rarity.", Twilight said surprised.

"Quite Twilight.", Luna said, "Nearly a quarter of Equestria's population of ponies are Lunish. Many still make pilgrimages to the village of Neighzarreth where Tia and I were first discovered."

"Wow!", Twilight said breathlessly, "I'd like to participate in a Lunish ceremony some time, for intellectual purposes."

Rarity walked over and draped her forelimb across Twilight. "Well consider yourself lucky tonight Twilight Sparkle, my old friend." she said levitating a jug of liquor and popping the cork, "As my old Lawgiver Tuckman used to say, "There's good food, Good ponies, there's fresh air. there's birds, trees, animals, there's the sky, there the ground, so let's bless each other until we are frishnekdt!", so I say to you Twilight Sparkle, let's bless each other until we're frishnekdt." Rarity took a swig and passed the jug to Twilight. The two of them proceeded to "bless" each other.

Celestia chuckled, "It's good to see your old teaching still bearing fruit all these years later Lulu."

"Indeed it is Tia.", Luna replied, "Of course frishnekdt was always my favorite Hebronie word." Luna grabbed two bottles of hard cider in her magic, popped the lids off and offered one to Celestia.

Celestia gestured the bottle away, so Luna just shrugged and pounded both bottles down. Luna grabbed another bottle of hard cider and drank it down.

As the feast continued on Fluttershy and Harald refilled their mugs then retook their seats. A mischievous idea entered into Fluttershy's mind, she drained her drink and placed the empty mug on Harald's head. She began to giggle and snort uncontrollably.

Harald held the empty mug to his head as he drained his drink. He then placed the empty mug on Fluttershy's head. The two began laughing until the mugs fell off their heads.

Harald leaned back too far laughing. "Woop!", he exclaimed falling backwards off the bench.

Fluttershy grabbed his arm between her forelimbs, but found herself being pulled off. "Yeep!", she exclaimed as she fell sideways off the bench.

Laying on his back, Harald raised his head seeing Fluttershy laying across his chest.

Fluttershy lifter her head, seeing Harald looking down at her. She shifted her body and pressed her mouth into his, kissing him deeply. Harald slid his hands across her back as they kissed, holding her.

An inebriated Rainbow went to leap up off the bench to cheer Fluttershy on, but Cadance push her back down on the bench with her hoof. Cadance levitated a bottle of hard cider, popped the cap and shoved it into Rainbow's hooves.

Rainbow greedily accepted the drink, tipping her head back, she swilled the drink down and fell over backwards off the bench.

A very tipsy Applejack staggered over. "Rain *hic* Rainbow *hic* you're *hic* you're drunk *hic*!"

"Yyyyuuuup!", Rainbow slurred, "YYYooouuuuuu'rrrreee drrrruuunnnk ttttoooooooo."

"Ah'm not *hic* Ah'm not *hic*", Applejack tried to protest, "Yup! *hic*" She laid down and nuzzled up to her wife.

As the feast began to slowly wind down after a few hours, Fluttershy parted from making out with Harald and whispered in his ear, "Let's go somewhere more private." Helping Harald to his feet, the two of them begin slowly walking to her cottage, stopping to passionately kiss when their lips could not bear to be apart from each other.

Cadance watched the two slowly leave. She nudged Shining Armor who had his head laying on the table, a jug of liquor between his forehooves. "Look Shiny! Isn't that sweet?", she asked.

Shining raised his head slightly, "Maneuvers already? I just got ssskkkggggzzzzz....."

Cadance chuckled slightly as she watched them walk off. Prying the jug from her husband's grip, she toasted the couple. "May you have a long romance.", she said softly before taking drink. "Damn!", she exclaimed wincing, "That's really strong." Tears stung her eyes as the vapors from the liquor stung her nose.

The last stretch leading up the path to Fluttershy's cottage became slow going as their kissing became more passionate. The last few paces became incredible slow as fiery kisses were followed by hands and hooves exploring each other's bodies. Seemingly to lose fine motor skills to passion, Fluttersy was barely able to get her front door open. As they made it inside her cottage, they slammed the door and Fluttershy was able to momentarily able to part from the kiss. She quietly shooed the critters either up the stairs or out the small door installed in the kitchen door.

Fluttershy slid her hooves under Haralds tunic, lifted it over his head and tossed it off to the side. The combination of the sweat glistening on his chest and his musky, earthy aroma filling her nostril was driving her mad. She began to softly kiss his chest, tasting the saltiness of his sweat. As her kisses traveled up his chest, she reached his shoulder, gently nipping it. Harald roughly pinned Fluttershy to wall, tightly holding her hooves in his hands. He roughly kissed her neck, causing her to cry out in pleasure softly. "Harald,", Fluttershy whispered hoarsly in his ear, "I need you!"

Outside the cottage, there was a bright magenta flash. A very drunk Rarity and Twilight appeared. Twilight was levitating a dozen bottles of hard cider in her magic.

"Twinlilinkle!", Rarity slurred, "This isn't your castle either. I think you're drunk."

"Hey!", Twilight slurred belligerently, "You're not drunk, I'm drunk Rariririrty!" The two of them began to sputter and laugh. Twilight popped the tops off two bottles of hard cider and passed one to Rarity. They chugged the bottles quickly.

"Heeeeyyyyy!", Rarity slurred, "IIIIIIIIIi think we are at Tutterfly's, no, Flutterby's, no Blubberfi's, gah! Butterfly butt's place. Let's see if she's home so she can help us find the way to your castle." As they started to walk up to the door, they paused hearing what sounded like the squeak of an animal. Turning their ears, they heard another set of sounds, they were soft moans slowly getting louder.

"let's look elsewhere for somepony to help me find my castle.", Twilight slurred before cracking two more bottles open. As Twilight and Rarity staggered down the path, they drank the two bottles.

Halfway down the path a very, very drunk Twilight and Rarity ran into a very drunk Shining Armor and a tipsy Cadance. "Twilight, did you get lost trying to find the castle?", Cadance asked half laughing.

Twilight shook her head no and said, "Yeah."

A loud moan came from Fluttershy's cottage causing all four inebriated ponies to blink in surprise. Cadance gathered the other three drunk ponies and teleported them out in a bright pink flash to the castle.

As the feast finally ended, Derpy was the only drunk pony who was not seeing double or staggering. She easily made her way home, slipped the key in the lock and passed out on the front step, snoring loudly.

Celestia laid on her back, her belly bloated. she was unable to move. Gesturing weakly with her hoof, she called out, "Luna, help me! I ate too many sweet rolls and now I can't get up." Weakly turning her head, she saw Luna curled up, surrounded by dozens of empty bottles and jugs. Celestia reached out with her wing and nudged Luna, "Luna, wake up. I need help."

"I am Nightmare Booze!", Luna mumbled in a drunken stupor, "And the drunk will last forever...zzzzzzzz"

Celestia put a hoof to her face. "Great, she thinks she's Nighmare Booze again. At least she's passed out this time.", Celestia sighed, "Guards!" Craning her head around, Celestia saw that her guards were afflicted with sweet roll paralysis too. Celestia slapped Luna's rump with her wing, "Luna! Wake your drunk arse up!"

"I am Nightmare Booze and I will banish the sober!", Luna mumbled drunkenly.

Celestia screamed in frustration.

The next morning Luna woke up long enough to lower the moon before passing back out.

In Twilight's castle Rarity woke up hanging half on, half off the map table. Blinking her eyes blearily, she slowly rose to her feet and sat in one of the thrones. Shining Armor was laying on one of the thrones across from her snoring. "Oh my head!", she said weakly, rubbing her temple with her hoof.

Cadance walked in softly from the kitchen with a jug of liquor in her magic. "Hair of the dog?", she asked levitating the jug to Rarity.

"Yes please. You're a life saver.", Rarity whispered taking the jug in her magic magic. Taking a couple of swallows, she knew it would do nothing for her hangover, but it would push it back until she was more awake and capable to deal with it. Placing the jug down, she looked around. "Where's Twilight?", she asked softly.

"After we got back to the castle and you had passed out, she got sick, like really sick.", Cadance said softly, "So me and Shiny helped her to the bathroom. We let her pass out in the tub."

Shining lifted his head with a snort, smacked his lips and looked around disoriented.

"Good morning Shiny!", Cadance whispered cheerily, "Hangover?"

Shining shook his head slowly and said weakly, "Still drunk." He lowered his head and began snoring.

"Now I need to need to figure out where Flurry Heart got off to.", Cadance said softly.

On the balcony outside the castle Flurry Heart was leaning halfway over the railing. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at the few ponies that stopped to look up at her. She groaned softly and closed her eyes going back to sleep.

Fluttershy woke up on the floor in her living room nestled up to a nude Harald. She turned her head and smiled happily at him as he softly buzzed in his sleep. Gently she rose from from in front of him. She looked at his sleeping form, she could clearly see the geometric lines of his tattoos running from his wrists, up his arms, over his shoulders, down the sides his body, across his abdomen, over his hips and down his legs nearly to his ankles. She sighed contently as she drank in his form.

Harald rolled over onto his stomach and felt out with his hand where Fluttershy had been laying next to him. Raising his head, he looked around seeing her smiling down at him. He smiled back at her and rose to his knees.

"Good morning!", Fluttershy practically sang. Fluttershy stepped over to him and pressed her lips to his. After parting the kiss she said, "I'm going upstairs to wash up, you can use the guest bathroom to wash up if you want to. Afterwards I'll make us some breakfast." As they went upstairs, she directed him to the small guest bathroom.

After she finished showering and drying off, she met Harald in the hallway as he exited the guest bathroom. She frowned slightly that he had put his clothes back on after his shower, but she let it pass. His red unbraided hair and beard flowed down his chest and back like a fiery waterfall. As they entered the kitchen, Fluttershy stacked several cushions in one of the chairs so he could sit more comfortably. She walked to the fridge singing, "Ba-dum-buh-dum-dum! You got the music in you! You got to feel the music in you!" She hummed the tune as she swayed her rump and mane in time to the tune.

Harald followed her to the counter and picked up a knife.

Fluttershy looked up at him confused as she stopped humming.

Harald grabbed several strands of his hair and cut them off with the knife causing Fluttershy to gasp. Laying the knife down, he reached over to her mane and wove the shock of red hair into her mane in a single small braid that hung down by her cheek.

"Your beautiful name!", Fluttershy gasped as she ran her hoof where he had cut his hair before moving it to the small braid hanging by her cheek.

"It's a love braid. It's a sign of love and affection amongst my people. It's a way of always having a small piece of myself with you when we can't be around each other physically.", Harald said as he kissed her lips gently.

Fluttershy admired the braid before plucking one of her primary feathers with her teeth. She braided the feather into a section of his hair. "Now a piece of me will be with you when we can't be around each other physically.", Fluttershy said smiling. They embraced and kissed gently. She went back to making breakfast humming a tune happily.

Author's Note

Okay I managed to finish this chapter. I hope you all enjoy as love scenes aren't exactly my strong point.
I know chapter is shorter for this story than I usually have done for earlier chapters. This chapter was originally supposed to be part of the previous chapter, but because of internet issues and a few weird crashes I had to make this its own chapter.

Thanks for reading and enjoy

I will try to take all criticism as constructive.

Nighmare Night and assault on Griffonstone

As the days pressed on Harald began spending more and more time with Fluttershy when his duties on Sweet Apple Acres were completed. She would come by at midday bringing him lunch either in a basket or wrapped up in bundle, consisting of bread, cheese and fruit along with a bottle of juice or water. They would sit together under a tree or if the weather was bad, on the porch. They would converse quietly as they ate. When they had finished eating and had packed the belongings they would part with a tender kiss. In the evenings they would walk through Ponyville wing in hand. At first the ponies would gossip, but over time they lost interest in what became a common occurrence. On evenings when Harald wasn't needed for night watch, he would spend the night with Fluttershy, returning in the morning shortly before chores would start. After a few days Harald had his stitches removed from his old wound.

One day a little over two weeks before Nightmare Night as he and Fluttershy were sitting under a tree eating their lunch as the chillier breezes of mid-autumn began to blow Harald asked, "Beloved, there is something I have been wanting to ask you."

"Oh? What is it love?", Fluttershy replied back.

"I have noticed you are you're very well muscled.", Harald said, "You're as muscled as the women of my land. You seem to possess physical strength on par with shield maidens. How did you build such strength?"

"As you've seen, I take care of animals. Some of the animals I take care of are bears and sometimes they can be stubborn, especially when they don't want to do something. Sometimes I have to wrestle them down when I have to give them medicine or administer a shot.", Fluttershy replied, "If you don't mind me asking, what's a shield maiden?"

"Shield maidens are women who choose to train as warriors and hunters.", Harald replied.

The two continued talking softly as they finished eating. After they had finished putting away the remainder of lunch in the basket and parted with their usual kiss, Harald turned facing the distant mountains to the north seeing the snow falling upon their peaks. He decided that he needed to return to his strength and combat training soon. It would be odd to train, especially with weapons without another to spar with, but he was already laying out a rigorous regime.

Rainbow flapped out to Harald seeing him staring at the distant mountains to the north. "The weather teams always bring winter to the mountains in the north first.", she said alighting next to Harald. Seeing the thoughtful look on Harald's face she asked, "You miss your homeland dontcha?"

"A part of me will always miss it, but all that is left for me there is tears.", Harald answered, "It was there I had place the bodies of countless members of my country to the pyre. The ashes of my mother, father, sister and brother now sleep in the burial cave alongside those of countless generations of my family, the ashes of my betrothed sleeps with the ashes of her clan." Tears welled in his eyes before blinking them back. "It lays behind me now as I am now bound to this land by more than an ancient oath. It shan't be long before I must begin my training anew, the evil one still walks this land."

Rainbow slapped Harald's thigh with her wing, "As much as I can appreciate a good training period, we've got the last of orchard to bring in before evening." As she began to flap off she said, "Don't tell anypony I've said that, I got a reputation to keep."

"Your secret is safe with me.", Harald said a smirk.
***************************************************************
It was dark when Sombra made his way to a cave high in the mountains where he knew a pool of dark magic laid. Outside the mouth of the cave a stallion waited with a heavy cloak pulled over him. Sombra sneered as he approached the stallion.

The stallion bowed revealing a royal blue snout and greying mane. "Sire.", the stallion said with reverence, "My master sends his apologies for not being able to arrive in person, business in Canterlot has him indisposed. Fear not, I have been briefed on his business with you and my loyalty to him is unwavering."

Sombra curled up one side of his lip in a sneer of contempt. "Your master disappoints me at his refusal to honor my summons. Am I to take this as a sign of his contempt for his future Crystal Emperor", Sombra growled as his eyes flashed red.

"No sire.", the stallion said trembling, "His royal duties at this time would have made it difficult to leave at this time and it would have drawn the attention of the princesses."

Sombra scoffed derisively, "Very well." He lit the magic in his horn and with a crackle of red electricity four jagged crystal daggers appeared on the ground. "Your master is to take these. He is to distribute them amongst himself and three of his most trusted servants. At the first opportunity he it to slay that upright, it will slay him outright. The other three are for Celestia, Luna and Twilight Sparkle, it won't kill them, but it will leave them weakened." He raised his head up high, bearing his fangs. "Now off with you and tell your master that next time I summon him, he had better show himself or I may consider changing the nature of our deal"

The stallion quickly gathered up the daggers, dropped them into a pouch and took flight off into the dark sky.

Sombra gave one last scoff at the pegasus flying off into night. As he entered the cave and approached the pool of dark magic, he froze at the sound of rattling bones.

Out of the shadows a skeleton of a ram walked out wreathed in green flames. Two green flaming pin points formed in the empty eye sockets, glaring disapprovingly.

From behind Sombra a voice rumbled, "Sombra, your puny power plays disappoint us."

Turning his head Sombra saw an oily black shadow that looked like a twisted and warped alicorn flow across the wall. As the shadow flowed past him, it felt as if icy daggers were dragged across his coat. As the shadow formed into a three dimensional shape next to the skeleton Sombra bowed trembling to the cave floor. "Lord Grogar! Lord Nightmare!", he said in terrified reverence.

The skeletal ram gestured with its hoof lifting Sombra off the floor and pinning to the cave wall with an invisible wall of force. "Did you think you could hide from us Sombra?", Grogar's skeletal form croaked, "Your narrow view and insignificant gambles for power have put our centuries of planning on a knifes edge. When I sent you to the land of the Rimewalkers you were supposed to find the heir of Irontooth and guide me to him so I could corrupt him, not slaughter his people in droves. He possesses a magic beyond that is beyond your reckoning. And now the magic of his blood mingles with that of a princess and her family." Reaching out his hoof, he began to strangle Sombra with an invisible line of force. "Give me one reason I shouldn't kill you here and now."

As sombre writhed and gagged under the force strangling him he said between gasps, "I have changelings *urk* to steal griffon chicks and eggs. *urk* My agents are close to *urk* close to Celestia and Luna *urk* all I need to do is order them to strike and kill the upright *urk* at the winter gala. *kkggghhkk*"

Grogar released his magical stranglehold dropping Sombra to the floor.

Sombra gasped for air as he rubbed his neck a hoof.

Grogar and Nightmare looked at each other before nodding in silent agreement.

"Very well.", Nightmare rumbled, "We shall allow your power games persist as it entertains us for now." Nightmare cast pieces of itself onto the floor before Sombra, they transformed into various gems. "We have altered our agreement with you. Take these to the diamond dogs, they will twist them to your cause. It will further amuse us. Do not fail us or plan on reneging on the agreement or we'll rescind our agreement and bring it to your servant."

"We now depart to find where we may find the place to summon the brother of Lord Nightmare, do not fail me again or you will find out that there are fates worse than you can imagine.", Grogar croaked.

"Yes Lord Grogar. Yes Lord Nightmare.", Sombra said as his two masters faded into the shadows. Gathering up the gems, he lowered himself into the pool of dark magic.
***************************************************************

As days stretched on Harald would begin his strenuous training regimen. Each morning he would rise before dawn, refusing to eat or drink anything for breakfast. He would always start out the same way, a run to the farthest parts of the orchards and back to the farmhouse in the chill of the autumn mornings. After returning he would help out with the morning chores. After finishing the chores, he would do inverted push-ups, stopping when too much blood rushed to his head so he wouldn't pass out, after his blood pressure would equalize he resume his reps. At noon when Fluttershy came around, he would stop to eat with her under their usual tree. After they would finish eating and part with their usual kiss, Harald would continue his training with somersaults on the ground followed by weapons drills, stopping when it came time for the evening chores. At dinner time he would wave off the food only drinking a few cups of water. For a week he would continue the same training regimen rain or shine, stopping to rest and eat when Fluttershy came by at noon.

As Fluttershy and Harald were sitting down for their noon meal, Applejack hastily trotted out to them with Rainbow quickly flapping behind her.

"Look AJ, I know you're worried about him.", Rainbow said fluttering up next to AJ, "But take it from somepony who's been in the military for over twenty years, I know strength and endurance training when I see it."

"Ah know yer military trainin' says he's doin' strength an' endurance exercises, but Ah'm concerned about him sugarcube.", Applejack said stubbornly, "Ah'm concerned that he's runnin' himself ragged. From sun up tuh sun down he's excercisin'. He only stops to rest an' eat at noon when Fluttershy comes out. Yuh know as well as Ah do that he's only sleepin' a coupla hours a night."

Rainbow flapped in front of AJ landing and placing a hoof on her chest stopping her momentarily in her tracks. "If you saw how hard Wonderbolt training is, you'd think the same.", Rainbow argued, "I push the ponies under me as hard as Spitfire pushed me saying the same mantra to them that she would say to me, 'the more you sweat in training the less you bleed in fighting, the more you hurt in training the less you die in fighting'. For all we know he's his tribe's version of a Wonderbolt or Royal Guard." Sighing, she lowered her hoof letting her wife pass, "But I know as well as anypony that once you get something in your head you're gonna see it through come Tartarus or high water."

Applejack with Rainbow in tow approached Harald as he cut a slice of an apple."Harald, Ah'd like tuh talk tuh yuh real quick like.", she said.

Harald slid the slice of apple in his mouth as he turned to her. "Here goes.", he sighed, "I already know what you're going to say. I've been seeing you practice this speech for at least two days and the answer is no, I will not stop my training for at least another fortnight."

AJ was taken aback for a second before recovering mentally. "But Harald,", she plead pushing any indignant feelings down, "yer only eatin' when Fluttershy comes around an' barely sleepin'. When you ain't helpin' with th' chores, yer runnin yerself ragged with all that exercisin. Ah'm worried yer gonna hurt yerself or make yerself sick."

"Is it true Harald?", Fluttershy said placing a hoof on his arm, "Are you starving yourself, pushing yourself hard with exercise and denying yourself sleep?"

Laying his hand on her hoof, Harald looked Fluttershy in her sapphire eyes. "Fluttershy beloved, I will not lie.", he said passionately, "I have been denying myself food and rest as part of my training. It may seem excessive to those who aren't trained as a warrior and it may seem like madness, but there is method. My training is to teach my mind and body how to operate when tired and hungry. When one is in combat, you may not have time to ear or rest, so I train myself so my mind and body can keep going giving me an advantage over my enemies. As my father said, the more you sweat in training the less you bleed in combat, the more you suffer in training the less you die in combat."

"That's when I told ya AJ!", Rainbow said loudly, "Standard military endurance training."

AJ plopped down on her rump and said, "When yer right Rainbow, yer right. But that don't mean Ah gotta like it none."

"I'll exercise with you.", Fluttershy said, "If it will give Applejack some peace of mind, early tomorrow morning I'll join you."

"Huh!", AJ mused, "Jus' when yuh think yuh know a pony they can still surprise ya. Aw heck! Ah guess Ah can join yuh tamarrah too."

"What the hay!", Rainbow said, "I could join in too. It might be nice to get some light exercise in for a change."

"Well then it's decided then.", Fluttershy said, "Tomorrow morning, bright and early. But no more exercising for you today Harald. Gather your things and come along to my cottage. I'll need you to preserve your strength." She batted her eyelashes.

Harald stood and bowed. "I must bid you farewell for now Apple family. Apologize to the honored elder for me as I will not be able to stand watch tonight."

"I'd honestly be surprised if you're standing tonight.", Rainbow snickered.

Applejack elbowed Rainbow in the ribs. Waving to Harald and Fluttershy as they walked down the path. "Bye! See y'all tumorrah!"

Rainbow rubbed her ribs. "You didn't have to hit me so hard.", she grumbled.

The next morning Harald and Fluttershy made their way to the farmhouse just as the sun was a sliver above the horizon. Rainbow was in the yard stretching her legs, she rubbed her wing while looking at the clouds gathering over the Everfree forest. "Looks like some weather is going to blow in from the Everfree this afternoon. I might have to take off this afternoon to help the weather team if it gets too rough.", she grunted while flapping out the stiffness in her wing.

"A bit of bad weather just makes the exercise more challenging.", Harald said breathing in the brittle chill of the autumn morning.

AJ came out onto the porch and yawned. "No breakfast, no coffee. Woo howdy, this is gonna be a rough start.", she said jogging in place to get her blood flowing, "So how we gonna get started this mornin'?"

Harald laid his weapons on the porch then pointed to the far end of the property. "We start with a run to the edge of the river and then back, no stopping for breaks until we get back here." He drug his toe in the dirt making a line to emphasize his point. "Remember, this isn't a race. We go as one group and we can only move as fast as the slowest of us."

The four of them set out running to the edge of the river on the far end of Sweet Apple Acres. When they returned to the farmhouse, they stopped long enough to wipe the sweat from their foreheads before going into long hours of squat thrusts, sit-ups and push-up or in the case of the two pegasi, wing ups. They then switched to doing inverted push-ups, stopping their reps when the blood rushed to their heads. At noon they stopped to drink water, eat a couple apples each and take a quick rest. They spent the rest of the afternoon alternating going between tumbling reps and pairing off to spar. When evening came, they finally broke to go inside and eat.

"Whew pardner!", AJ said between mouthfuls of food, "Ah never knew exercising could be so exhausting." She rubbed her shoulder with a hoof. "Ah'm gunna feel that in th' mornin'"

"Eat hardy and rest well.", Harald said shoving food into his mouth, "We do the same in the morning."

"Well I'm up for it.", Rainbow said confidently, "The only part I don't like is no breakfast, lunch or napping."

After dinner was finished and the dishes were put away, Harald gathered up a couple of blankets and his cloak.

"Where ya goin'?", Rainbow asked.

"I'm going to sleep on the ground under the sky.", Harald replied.

"I know a nice hill you can lie down on.", Fluttershy said.

"Go on Harald.", AJ said, "If'n we need ya, Ah think Ah know th' hill y'all be at."

Harald and Fluttershy made their way to a hill at the very edge of Sweet Apple Acres that overlooked a pond. Laying out the blanket, Harald laid down and Fluttershy cuddled up next to him. He laid his cloak over her before settling down to get some rest.

"You're not cold?", Fluttershy asked him.

"In my homeland this is late spring. Besides I have you to keep me warm if I get cold.", Harald said kissing her gently.

Fluttershy cooed softly as she nestled up closer to him.
***************************************************************

Sombra made his way along a narrow path up a plateau. Reaching the top he stopped to sneer at the moon before transforming into smoke and slipping down a diamond dog hole. Drifting through the tunnels he stopped when he arrived at a small warren and transformed back into his physical form. He clacked his hooves loudly on the stone floor to announce his presence, his efforts were rewarded with sounds of yipping from the shadows. "Come forth! I have a deal to make with you.", he said letting his eyes gleam red.

Several diamond dogs came out of the shadows. "What you want pony", the largest diamond dog said.

Lighting the magic in his horn, he manifested a gem pulsing with malevolent magic on the floor, using his magic he concealed the dark magic in it. "I come to recruit you for my war. If you accept, I can assure that you ample wealth and slaves to suit your needs."

"Or we take your shiny gem and make you our slave to get more shinies!", the large diamond dog said gesturing with his paw. Three diamond dogs started walking towards Sombra, two with crude iron spears and the third with a length of rope.

Summoning his dark magic, Sombra melted the two spears and ignited the rope, he then fired a dark blast of energy turning the largest diamond dog into a smoldering skeleton. "Join me and I can magnify your wealth, oppose me and you can join him, the choice is yours.", Sombra snarled. He then summoned more dark magic gems on the warren floor.

"Yes yes!", a scraggly diamond dog said scrambling forward, "We'll take you deal!" As it picked up one of the gems, veins of red and black ran up its forelimb and across its body. "Come brothers!", the newly corrupted diamond dog said, "Accept our new friend's offer!" Soon dozens of diamond dogs were corrupted and Sombra began weaving more dark magic to corrupt the whole warren.

Sombra began laughing wickedly. "Go forth and carry out your new King's commands. Go forth to the warrens and convert those you can, slaughter those who resist!" He blasted a shallow pit in the floor and filled it with dark magic. "Baptise yourselves in my new sacrament. Bring my sacrament to all your brethren!" He threw his head back with wicked laughter as the diamond dogs prostrated themselves before him in worship and lowered themselves and their pups into the pool of dark magic.
***************************************************************

The weeks went by as Harald, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued their training regimen. Harald's muscles became bulkier and ropy as he built lean muscle. AJ much denser muscle mass more akin to Big Mac. Rainbow's lean athletic build became more well defined as her muscles became more like bundles of steel cables. Fluttershy gained greater muscle definition while maintaining her graceful form, more akin to a ballerina crossed with a soldier. Their training had ended a few days before Nightmare Night.

Rainbow had to leave early that morning for maneuvers with the Wonderbolts. "I'll be back the evening of Nightmare Night.", she said kissing AJ goodbye.

"Stay safe and Ah'll see yuh in a few days.", AJ said squeezing Rainbow tightly. As Rainbow flew off, Applejack turned to Harald and said, "So Harald, have yuh ever done Nightmare Night before?"

"What's Nightmare Night?"

"It's a hoot an' a half.", AJ said, "Everypony dresses up in costumes an' all the foals go house tuh house asking fer treats. There'll be food an' games. Princess Luna comes down dressed as Nightmare Moon an' all the foals scream an' squeal as they run away while she pretends to try an' gobble 'em up. An' at th' o' th' night all th' foals leave a big ole pile at th' statue o' Nightmare Moon tuh bribe her to not eat 'em up this year."

In Ponyville made her way to Carousel Boutique, turning more than a few heads as she passed. Opening the door, she walked in.

Hearing the bell jingle, Rarity turned her head and said, "Welcome to Carousel Boutique. How may I help- why hello Fluttershy! How can I help you?" She looked Fluttershy over. "Wow Fluttershy! You look amazing!"

"Good morning Rarity!", Fluttershy said looking over the various costumes on the ponyquins. She walked over to an elegant form fitting black dress with jeweled mask. "I'd like for you make me a Nightmare Night costume. Maybe something like this?"

Rarity wiggled her hooves in her ears and blinked a few times. "I'm sorry, I think I misheard you. Did you say you wanted me to make you a Nightmare Night costume? As in you're going out on Nightmare Night rather than staying in your cottage?"

"Mhm.", Fluttershy said while smiling, "This is Harald's first Nightmare Night and I'd like to show him a good time."

Rarity took the dress off to ponyquinne and tried it on Fluttershy before taking a few measurements. "It should only take me a day or two to adjust this to your new measurements. I would have figured that you'd be staying at your cottage and have Harald over for company.", she said writing down the measurement adjustments and helping Fluttershy out of the dress.

"Well Nightmare Night is a long night.", Fluttershy said raising her eyebrows several times.

Rarity gaped at her friend's almost lewd comment before recovering her composure.

On the day of Nightmare Night Twilight walked to the grave of Flash Sentry under the willow tree and laid some flowers on the grave. A tear rolled down her cheek as she spoke to the grave, "I still miss you so badly Flash, I would trade my immortality to be able to hold you in my forelimbs again and raise our foal together. I will always come to put flowers on your grave, but I must move forward for my own sake as for my friends and all of Equestria. I will always miss you until the sun dies, the stars burn out, the moon no longer shines and the world dies." Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw Flash Sentry standing by her smiling, but when she turned her head she found she was alone. Twilight turned, wiped the tears from her eyes and walked back to her castle.

That evening ponies gathered around Ponyville for Nightmare Night celebrations. Applejack was dressed as the headless horse. Pinkie was dressed in a purple suit, wearing a green wig, her face was painted white and she had bright red lipstick on her mouth in an exaggerated smile. Rarity was wearing skin tight black dress and a massive black bouffant wig. Twilight wore a green cloak with a green clover pendant. Fluttershy and Harald walked side by side, she was wearing the form fitting black dress with jeweled mask, he wore his damaged chainmail jerkin and weapons, he had painted his skin black with blue lines. Rainbow was wearing her general's uniform, flanked by several of her officers as they passed out candy, Wonderbolts poster and plushies to the foals.

Twilight worked up the courage and talked to the barrel chested Wonderbolt officer standing to the left of Rainbow. "Um, hi!", she said nervously, "I'm Twilight Sparkle. But you probably already knew that." Twilight winced and thought to herself, "Crap Twilight, don't blow it." Regaining her composure, she said, "What's your name?"

"Lieutenant Cumulonimbus princess", he said bowing.

"I was wondering if...", twilight sighed, taking in a breath to calm her nerves, "...if you'd like to walk with me?"

"Go on ahead soldier, we've got this tied down here.", Rainbow said smiling, "Go get 'em Twilight and good luck!" Looking around she caught sight of AJ, she waved her hoof and called out, "Applejack! Hey Applejack, come here!"

AJ came over and kissed Rainbow hard on the mouth. "Ah've always been a sicker for a mare in uniform.", she said parting from the kiss.

"Look AJ!", Rainbow said pointing a hoof to Twilight and Cumulonimbus walking off together.

"Well Ah'll be!", AJ said smiling.

Twilight and Cumulonimbus sat on a bench a ways off from the celebration. She leaned over and gently pressed her lips into his. Cumulonimbus at first started at her forwardness before pressing back into the kiss, wrapping his hooves around her back.

Parting from the kiss, Twilight stood and gestured for Cumulonimbus to follow her, they began walking to the castle, her tail entwining his. As they entered the castle, they passed Starlight Glimmer and Trixie Lulumoon sitting at the map table sipping on bottles of hard cider. Going up the stairs, Twilight said, "Starlight, don't get too drunk tonight. Inform anypony who comes looking for me tonight, I'm not to be disturbed for the rest of the night."

"Will do Twilight.", Starlight said raising her bottle in a toast, "Good luck and trottzle too!"

As Twilight and Cumulonimbus entered the bedroom, she closed the door with her magic and locked it. Laying on the bed, she patted next to her beckoning for him to lie down next to her. When he laid down next to her, she began open mouth kissing him as she unzipped the front of his uniform and gently ran her hoof across his chest. Parting from the kiss she said, "I've been hurting for too long. I need to make me feel good, even if it's just for tonight." As she gently pushed him back on the bed, he began kissing her neck.

Celestia walked in wearing a pink poof wig, her coat enchanted to the color pink, balloon stickers on her flank and a confetti cannon on her back.

Starlight and Trixie took on look at her, they started snickering that quickly devolved into riotous snorting laughter as tears poured out of their eyes.

Celestia chuckled looking at her coat. "Yes I do suppose I look pretty ridiculous.", she said, "Is Twilight in her room, I need her for something."

Starlight teleported in front of Celestia. "Twilight left specific instructions not to be disturbed for the rest of the night.", she said gesturing to the table, "Come have a drink with us, maybe she'll come down in a few hours."

"Nonsense, Twilight has always had time for me.", Celestia said as she gently pushed past Starlight and up the stairs. When she reached Twilight's door, she raised a hoof, but stopped when she heard soft moaning and the bed creaking. Teleporting down to the map table, she sat in on of the thrones and said, "I guess I'll have that drink after all."

Starlight levitated a bottle of hard cider to Celestia. "Here ya go...", she snickered, "...Princess Pinkie Pie."

Trixie fell out of the throne she was sitting in with gut busting laughter.
***************************************************************

In Griffonstone Gilda was walking through the streets. An uneasy feeling churned in her stomach, something was wrong on this night. She knew the ponies in Equestria were celebrating Nightmare Night, but here the griffons had celebrated mid-autumn quietly. Something felt off in the cold night air and she couldn't quite put her talon on it, but she was determined to find out why. As she turned the corner she saw a twisted and warped changeling pulling a griffon chick out of a window to a small hut.

Roaring a battle cry, Gilda leapt at the changeling, ripping its throat out with her talons before catching the chick. Taking a quick look inside the window, she saw two other changelings gnawing on the remains of its parents.

The two changelings looked up seeing Gilda and they leapt at the window. Taking to the air, Gilda shrieked out several warning cries. Soon all across Griffonstone there came sever warning shrieks and battle roars. As she flew to the main building where multiple griffons were gathering with chicks and eggs when a changeling tackled her midair. "Get off!", Gilda snarled as she raked her hind claws disemboweling it.

Landing, Gilda placed the chick on Gabby's back with four others she already had. "Any griffon that is able, rally our forces and spread the word, they're going after the chicks and eggs.", Gilda snapped orders.

Chrysalis landed on the roof of a nearby building and started laughing. "Such a valiant effort.", she sneered, "Just surrender and maybe we'll let some of you live. Though I do have a lot of hungry grubs to feed." Flitting down to the ground, snapping the spine of a retreating griffon.

"Chrysalis!", Gilda snarled as she charged roaring a battle cry. Chrysalis reared up struck Gilda hard on the cheek before pinning her to the ground. Chrysalis ran her black tongue across Gilda's face, licking the blood from the corner of her beak. "I prefer to make my victim suffer before consuming their flesh. It makes their meat much sweeter.", Chrysalis mocked clacking her fangs, "But I think I can forgive OOF!"

Gallus roared as he did a swooping tackle, knocking Chrysalis off Gilda. They tumbled on the ground before he pinned Chrysalis under him gripping her neck in his talons.

Four changelings tackled Gallus off of Chrysalis, allowing her to take to the air. Gilda helped Gallus fight off the four changelings. They killed three changelings before the fourth flitted away. Gilda took to the air and shouted, "Any griffon that is able gather up as many chicks and eggs you can carry, then scatter. Take them to our allies in Equestria, Mount Airis, Yak-yakistan and Thorax's hive!" Landing she helped load as many chicks on the backs of Gallus and Gabby. "Head to Ponyville, I'll be right behind you!" Gilda loaded four chicks on her back before red streaks of forced her to take flight. She she'd silent tears for the chicks and eggs she had to leave behind, she didn't let it slow her as she flew with haste. She flew next to a griffon carrying six eggs. "Go to Canterlot and tell the princesses what happened!", Gilda shouted. She flew next to a griffon with a dozen chicks on its back and shouted, "Go to Coudsdale and get help!" Gilda flew over a nearby mountain peak and killed several changelings flitting about. Landing she found Gabby and Gallus hiding amongst the rocks. "Let's go!", she whisper-shouted, "Once we get the chicks and eggs to safety, we'll rally any available griffons. If Chrysalis wants a war, a war she'll get." The three flew off with two dozen chicks and eight eggs between them.

A mad dash to Ponyville/Walking the gauntlet

Gabby and Gallus hid amongst the craggy boulders of the Everfree mountains, it had been two weeks since they had fled Griffonstone with Gilda, carrying two dozen chicks and eight eggs between them. They had spent the last two weeks flying fast and hard at night, hiding amongst the clouds, wooded thickets, ravines and boulders during the day to avoid changeling patrols. The two griffons hid the scared and hungry chicks under their wings, trying to keep them quiet as they kept the eggs warm between them. The two griffons would periodically shift their heads towards the sounds of scree shifting or the cracks of rocks falling from the mountains ever watchful for changeling ambushes. The griffons had used their natural instincts and magics to hide themselves and the chicks making them blend into the natural surroundings, but it had been taxing on their reserves as they had to risk hunting to get meat for the chicks. Currently Gilda was currently out hunting as it was safer for one griffon at a time to hunt, leaving the other two to guard the chicks and eggs.

Gallus and Gabby alternate regurgitating a milky substance in the hungry beaks of the chicks, a unique adaptation griffons had to be able to feed their chicks during famine times, with cost of taxing the reserves of their own bodies. In the distance the griffons could see Ponyville on the horizon in their sharp vision, with the broad expanse of Sweet Apple Acres between Ponyville and them.

Gilda landed on the ground, scorched lines cut through the feathers of her head and forelimbs, greenish-black blood stained her talons. "We make for Sweet Apple Acres!", she shouted as she helped load chicks on the other two griffons backs, "I ran into a changeling patrol while I was out hunting. Managed to give them the slip for now, but it won't be long 'til they double back and find us. Go fast and hard, don't slow down for anything! I got your backs and will keep as many off you two as I can!" Once the chicks were loaded and the eggs were gathered, all three griffons took off climbing high into the sky before diving to gain speed.

As they sped away from the mountains, a squad of four changelings sprang up from amongst the rocks fire red beams of energy from the horns. Gilda grabbed a nearby cloud and threw it behind her to provide cover. A dozen changelings sprang up from a wooded thickets between Gilda and the other two griffons. "Dammit!", Gilda snarled as she pushed herself forward. Latching her talons on the first changeling, Gilda ripped it in half, flying forward she raked a rear claw against the body of another changeling gutting it. Gilda was fighting amongst the remaining ten changelings, ripping with her talons, snapping with her beak and raking with her rear claws when a dozen more changelings swooped down from a cloud bank making for Gallus and Gabby. Gilda roared in anger as she propelled herself forward when a changeling slammed its body into her, she went into a tumbling midair duel with it.

As Gabby and Gallus neared the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, they shrieked out calls in the hopes that any nearby pony would hear them. Gabby banked to avoid a blast of energy that nearly clipped her right wing, another blast passed through the flight feathers of her left wing igniting a few of them. Her flight became erratic when Gallus pointed to Big Mac, High Seas and a two legged creature pruning an apple tree, they banked towards the three individuals giving shrieking calls as the first of the changelings started nipping at their tails.

Big Mac, High Seas and Harald turned hearing the shrieking calls seeing two griffons swooping down towards them with changelings on their tails. Harald snatched up his axe and sword that were propped against the tree, readying them for combat. "Strength and speed ancestors.", he prayed quickly as he summoned the weirding. Big Mac readied the polesaw he was using as High Seas charged a concussive spell in his horn lining up a shot. As the griffons got closer, a green streak came from High Seas and exploded amongst the changelings causing them to scatter momentarily giving the two griffons the break they needed to get to the ground.

When Gallus and Gabby landed, Harald charged past them in a blur. He tree his axe at the first changeling, imbedding it in its head, he leapt grabbing another changeling by its hing limb and impaling it on his sword. Flinging the still thrashing body off his sword and roared a challenge, "Come at me if you dare for I am your death!" As Harald fought amongst the changelings thrusting and slashing with his sword, Gilda slammed into two changelings from above crushing them under her talons.

A red bolt of energy slammed into Gilda's shoulder exploding, she screamed in pain as she fell to the ground. Harald lurched forward swinging his sword decapitating a changeling that was lunging at Gilda, reaching his hand down he helped her back to her feet. A changeling tackled Harald and he tumbled with it, pinning it to a stump with his sword. He went into a diving roll dodging two red blasts, he snatched up his axe from the body of a dead changeling and felled another.

The remaining five changelings seeing the fight had turned against them flitted up into the skies to escape. Twilight appeared above them in a brilliant magenta flash. Summoning her magic, the five changelings burst in flames as their bodies fell out of the air. Gilda clutched her shoulder, groaning she collapsed to the ground as her strength gave out. Twilight landed as Harald knelt, bowing his head and placing a fist over his heart.

Once Gabby and Gallus had finished making a rudimentary nest out of tree branches, they placed the chicks and eggs in it then Gabby nestled on top of them.

Twilight gestured for Harald to get up. "I'm sorry I was able to be here sooner, I had to deal with Chrysalis' changelings chasing three griffons through Ghastly Gorge.", she said, "For some odd reason I could feel your magic flaring in my blood." Looking over at Gilda, she said, "Oh no Gilda, you're hurt!" Lighting her horn, she gently touched Gilda's shoulder. "There that should help with the pain."

Applejack, Rainbow and Sugar Belle ran up. "We saw th' fighting an' got here as fast as we could!", Applejack said, "But it looks like it's over now."

"Get a wagon!", Twilight said, "Gilda's hurt!"

"With all due respect princess, I'll live.", Gilda said rising slowly from the ground, "I've had worse in scraps back home. We've got hungry chicks to worry about." She winced in pain, staggering before regaining her footing and attempting to give a traditional griffon regal pose.

Harald released the weirding, the fatigue of the short combat washed over him causing him to breathe heavily. "It is noble of you to think of your younglings, but you need to see a healer.", he said catching his breath, "Let us tend to your young, you focus on healing."

"AJ, Big Mac, Sugar Belle, go get thee wagons and load one with hay.", Twilight ordered, "Rainbow, go around town and tell everypony it is my decree that if they have any blankets to spare, they are to bring them to the castle. Harald, High Seas, gather as many branches and sticks as you can. Gallus, you are hereby recalled from leave. Go to the palace and find a suit of armor, then tell spike to bring food for...", she paused quickly counting the chicks, "...two dozen griffon chicks, then grab something for yourself and Gabby too. Gilda, you're going to the hospital whether you want to or not." Giving the gesture for them all to go, she walked over to Gabby, nestling down next to her helping keep the chicks and eggs warm.

Celestia appeared in a flash of golden light. "Is everypony...oh my!" She looked around seeing the carnage of the short battle. "When I felt Harald summon the weirding I knew he was fighting. I would have gotten here sooner, but I was helping protect griffon refugees from changelings. At about three this morning two griffons nearly dead from exhaustion carrying three dozen starving and cold chicks. Reports from Cloudsdale are saying that yesterday afternoon around five the wonderbolts intercepted a seriously injured griffon female carrying eleven eggs. She was in histrionics, saying that changelings killed her two companions, abducting the chicks and eggs. It was also reported that she said that the changelings snatched the twelve chicks she was carrying off her back and threw eggs she was carrying in her talons before she could lose them in a cloud bank. Similar reports are coming in from across Equestria. You have any reports to add?"

"The Everfree scouts reported fifteen adult griffons hiding in Ghastly Gorge being hunted by changelings. When I arrived and helped repulse them, three adult griffons had been killed. An unknown number of chicks and eggs were abducted. After the changelings had been repulsed, there were three Everfree scouts injured and two unaccounted for. The number of living griffons recovered so far is nearly two two hundred. When Rainbow gets back from gathering blankets, I'm sending her to call up the Wonderbolt division under her command to search the surrounding areas for changelings, griffon refugees or bodies."

Gilda turns her face and weeps silently for the griffons killed or taken by the changelings. Anger and vengeance begin to bubble in her heart.

"Sombra and Chrysalis have gone too far!", Celestia seethed, her pastel ethereal mane and tail becoming like the corona of the sun for a brief second.

Gilda snapped her head around, furious vengeance burning in her eye. "Sombra?!", she snarled, "Has he allied himself with Chrysalis?! Where is he hiding? I'll rip his throat out with my own beak and wear his horn as a trophy!"

"Calm down Gilda. I don't know where he is.", Celestia said forcing calmness into her tone, "I promise you that once I find where he is, I'll give you the first opportunity to seek vengeance for your fellow griffons. But until then, I implore you to keep a level head and be the leader for all griffons now living in exile."

Currently Gilda was beyond reason, the desire for vengeance was beginning to ignite her griffon anger. A predatory grow rumbled in her throat as she stalked forward until her beak pressed against Celestia's snout. "You will tell me where he is!", she growled, "I will pry it from you if I have to, pony!" Her griffon anger was clouding her better judgement.

Celestia knew that when anger began taking over a griffon's mind, proper displays of power would return them to a more amiable mindset and she decided to give Gilda a small display of power. She transformed from Celestia, the white coated, kind and benevolent diarch of the sun, co-ruler of Equestria to Celestia, the terrifying avatar of the sun. Her coat became like the surface of the sun, her mane and tail because a solar corona, her eyes shone like twin solar storms, the snow around her hooves instantly evaporated as the air became uncomfortably warm and the terrifying light shining from her hurt to look at. Celestia the terrifying avatar of the sun spoke softly in a tumbling tone that seemed to come from everywhere at once, "Do not think thou can threaten us, Gilda! Thou art an ant standing before the burden of all eternity! We have strode the length and breadth of the world long before thy grandfather's grandfather's oldest remembered ancestors were conceived and we shall continue to stride this world long after has forgotten thee!" Gilda backed away in fear. Celestia snapped back to her familiar form, the world, even the snow was unchanged. Celestia said in her usual kind and almost motherly tone, "Calm your temper Gilda and save your anger for a more productive time. Right now you need to be the leader of the griffons." She smiled warmly.

The three wagons were soon brought up. In the first the hay, branch and sticks were made into a nest for the eggs, they were placed in then Gabby gently nestled on top of them. The chicks were loaded in the second. Spike, Gallus and Rainbow flew up carrying a couple sacks of food and a few blankets. Gallus made a rudimentary nest out of the blankets, soon the chicks were fed with enough food left over to feed Gabby and Gilda. Gallus nestled on top of the chicks as Gilda was helped into the third. Soon the chicks and eggs were hustled to the castle as Gilda was hurried to the hospital.

Twilight took Celestia aside. "When Gilda angrily confronted you earlier, she backed away scared after a few seconds, but all you did was stare her calmly in her eyes. Did you do something", Twilight asked..

"I showed her in her mind one of my many forms, Twilight.", Celestia answered.

"Your many forms?", Twilight asked surprised, "I thought this was your true form."

"This is my true form. But so is every form I choose to take.", Celestia explained, "We alicorns have multiple forms, each is our true form. It's the one trait we share with the gods. Once you have been chosen to swim the great river, all will be made clear, including both how infinitely massive and tiny eternity is."

Twilight tried to wrap her mind around what her teacher had told her. "Gods? The great river?"

"I was just as confused as you were when my teachers Haefestus and Faustinus told me of the great river.", Celestia chuckled warmly.

"I thought Starswirl the Bearded was your teacher.", Twilight said confused.

"He was my teacher, he taught Luna and I how to use magic. But only alicorns can teach an alicorn to be an an alicorn, about other the gods, the elder dragons, the great river, the great wheel, the far above father, the deep mother and our place in the universe. But those are things that must be talked about at a later time.", Celestia said, "Now we must worry about getting the refugees somewhere safe and fed." Celestia walked off spryly. "Forgive me Faustinus for not Teaching my faithful student or my adopted niece about about the great river.", Celestia thought.

"Fear not daughter mine, thy student shall swim the great river soon and she shalt join the clan of Invictus.", a voice echoed in Celestia's mind.

That evening the Everfree rangers returned to Ponyville escorting a band of haggard griffons carrying as many chicks on their backs as they could. Several wagon and carts carried injured adult griffons, scared chicks and eggs, the last wagon help the bodies of three griffons covered with blankets. All the griffons had exhausted expressions on their faces, their eyes held hollow stares. Soft weeping could be heard amongst the griffons. When the caravan stopped ponies rushed up with food and water. A train of ponies came from the castle led by Gallus, Gabby, Twilight and Celestia, passing out blankets. Gilda limped up, her shoulder bandaged and her forelimb in a sling, she had chose to leave the hospital as soon as they were done bandaging her up, much to the protests of the medical staff.

After lodgings had been accommodated for the griffons, the elements, Starlight, Gabby, Gallus, Celestia and Harald gathered around the map table. Luna, Cadance and Flurry Heart teleported in. Before any could begin talking, the weight of the last two weeks came crashing in on Gilda and she wept loudly as she covered her face with her talons.

It was an hour before Gilda's tears finally ran out and was able to compose herself. She looked around with bloodshot and puffy eyes. "I'm sorry, griffons don't normally cry this much.", she apologized, her voice raw and gravelly.

"Thou need not apologize to us good Gilda, a rightful leader mourns when their kind suffers.", Luna said.

"Indeed,", Celestia agreed, "right now you need to be the leader the griffons both deserve and need. Right now you need to be the stone they can stand upon to regain their strength and Equestria will be the safe harbor for them until this storm passes."

"I didn't ask to be a leader, I never wanted to be a leader, I just want my all griffons to be happy and safe.", Gilda lamented.

"Nay thou didst not ask for this mantle, fate hast decreed that this mantle be thrust upon thine shoulders.", Luna said calmly, "Thou must be the shining beacon of hope and the banner of courage all griffon-kind to gather to."

Flurry Heart's eyes shone white as her mane became ethereal, a myriad of colors and ever shifting shapes played across. After a moment her eyes and mane returned to normal. "Gilda, your name will become a rallying cry for the survivors of Griffonstone."

The double doors to the map room snapped as a tall stallion walked in wearing a dark cloak, an air of power seemed to waft about him. "The child speakest true dear sisters and cousins. But we didst not come here to discuss the matters of griffons."

Luna stood smiling. "Oranos! It's been too long!", she exclaimed as she ran forward to embrace him.

Oranos discarded the cloak with a flicker of magic revealing an orange alicorn stallion with sky blue ethereal mane as he returned the embrace. "It hast indeed been too many cycles of thy moon since we last parted.", he said before glancing to Celestia, "We still see thy elder twin is as dour as ever."

"I'm surprised to see you here Oranos. I didn't know you were traveling in Equestria and I didn't sense you alive until now.", Celestia said, her face a calm stoic mask, "Why are you here?"

"We are amused to see thou art as dense as ever little sister.", a silver alicorn with golden ethereal mane said descending the stairs with a smile, "Oranos and we have come to train our cousin, thy faithful student for a fortnight as the great river will call her soon. Now don't be rude dearest sister, introduce us and our brother to thy student whom shalt be the youngest sister in the Invictus clan."

"Twilight, Cadance, Flurry Heart this is...", Celestia paused taking in a breath, "...Luna and my older brother Oranos and our oldest sister Phoebe."

"Is it true that you and Luna are twins?", Cadance asked.

"Yes were are, Cadance.", Celestia replied, "And, yes I'm the eldest twin."

"Only by three days!", Luna said trying to hide her excitement. She began to to dance in place. "Oooo! I'm going to be a big sister! I'm going to be a big sister!", she she repeated over and over again before running over to plant a wet kiss on Twilight's cheek.

Celestia chuckled as Phoebe and Oranos said, "Come along young Twilight Sparkle, we have much to show thee."

"Well I guess that adjourns us for now.", Celestia said, "Flurry Heart, unless the elements object, I leave Twilight's responsibilities to you until she returns. I think I'll go to Sugarcube Corner for something sweet to eat."

"They're having a sell on slices of sweet roll right now!", Pinkie said excitedly.

Celestia turned green in the cheeks momentarily at the thought of eating anymore sweet rolls.

Twilight stood on a massive cliff overlooking a vast golden plain flanked by Phoebe and Oranos, a shimmering silver river flowed from gleaming amethyst mountains in the distance across the plain, branching off in uncountable directions. Some of the of the branches swung off into the distance, some branches braided around each other in impossible patterns, some branches disappeared under the plain reappearing further down, some branches fell over precipices in the plain into great swirling pools. The sky above was like field of black velvet, the stars and planets. Amongst the stars she could see the spirits of untold numbers of ponies dancing, singing, romping and galloping in joy. Twilight's breath caught in her throat as she took in the impossibility massive vista.

"Behold a glimpse of infinity!", Oranos said in a grandiose tone as he gestured with a hoof, "The great river flows from the eternal mountains where the spirits of the humans live with the gods."

Twilight stared in silence, for the first time she could not find the words to explain what she was seeing. If this was just a glimpse of infinity, how massive must it be if this glimpse was impossibly massive and indescribably beautiful.

Four other beings appeared before Twilight. Two were human-like and the other two were the most massive dragons she had ever seen. The first human-like being appeared to be a heavily muscled male, it had skin like burnished bronze, its hair writhed like flames, its eyes shone like gold in a furnace, its armor gleamed like diamonds, lighting wreathed around its arms. The second human-like being appeared to be female, its spin was like ebony, its matted black hair hung like ropes from its head, its eyes shone like diamonds, it was clothed in a dark grey tattered dress, a ring of skulls hung around its neck like a necklace, in its left hand it held a wavy blood stained dagger and in its rich hand it held a pure white lotus blossom. The first massive dragon had scales the color of molten iron in a crucible, its spines had the silver sheen of polished steel and the second dragon had scales the color of midnight, its spines shone like starlight. Twilight felt fear begin to overtake when Phoebe placed a hoof on her shoulder to calm her.

The six beings projecting images into Twilight's mind faster than she could comprehend. After a time she could comprehend the images. They were images of two immensely massive and indescribably powerful beings as they discovered each other, one was a deep dark purple, the other was a deep rich emerald. The embraced in love and a great silver river flowed forth from them. They raised up great amethyst mountains and spread out a great golden plain. From the silver river sprung a golden god, a silver god, an emerald dragon, a sapphire dragon, a flame red alicorn and an ice blue alicorn. The two beings the six smaller in their hands and sang to them in deep voices. As the gods, dragons and alicorns laid with their own, they gave birth to dozens upon dozens of young. The two immense beings pointed to the grey emptiness singing. The dark purple being sacrificed its body to become the vast heavens, the deep emerald being sacrificed its body to become the stars and planets.

On a planet Twilight recognized, she saw most of the gods, elder dragons and alicorns raise continents out of the seas as twinkling light rained down across the planet. The light coalesced into sleeping form of ponies, griffons, hippogriffs, yaks and humans. The gods, elder dragons and alicorns sang in a deep throaty note causing the world to explode to life as the creatures awakened. "The great wheel is constructed, guard it well grandchildren.", two voices boomed like thunder. The gods, elder dragons and alicorns took their places across the world to guide and protect it.

Twilight felt time lose meaning as she felt herself simultaneously grow both old and young. Power began to crackle through her body she had not felt since her duel with Tirek. Phoebe and Oranos began to sing deep throaty notes in her ears. The notes began showing dozens of alicorns standing upon a great wheel, most stood upon the rim of the wheel or walked along spokes, she saw Celestia and Luna standing in the center of the wheel, soon Twilight saw herself standing beside them. As she took it in, a bright flash nearly blinded her and she's standing before Luna in the night court.

"Greetings Twilight Sparkle. I hope thy fortnight went well.", Luna said calmly, smiling ear to ear.

Twilight went to speak but found herself stricken silent. Her legs wobbled as she collapsed to the floor, gasping for air.

Luna walked over and levitated Twilight on her back. "Take it easy. You have been through an ordeal.", she said softly, "Let's get you somewhere more comfortable to lay down. Just give yourself a couple of days to recover and reflect on what you have seen."

After a few days of rest and quiet talks with Celestia and Luna, Twilight was ready to resume her duties back in Ponyville.
***************************************************************

As the weeks began heading towards Hearth's Warming Eve, all of the ponies in Ponyville were singing carols happily, romping in the snow or hanging decorations. Harald trudged through the knee deep snow banks on the edge of Sweet Apple Acres towards town when Celestia appeared before him in a flash of golden light. "Sky Queen.", he said in reverence as he went to kneel, but Celestia stopped him.

"Come walk with me.", Celestia said, "We have some business to discuss."

They walked through the snow drifts to a hill outside Whitetail Woods. "Midwinter is coming in a couple of weeks and with it shall come your final test so you can receive your final marks.", Celestia said placing a hoof on his chest to accentuate her statement, "When you complete it, you will become a full-fledged weirding warrior. I've already arranged for who will be testing you. You will need to choose one to be your cruelty and one to be your courage."

Harald bowed politely. "Sky Queen, you grant too much honor."

Summoning a red and a blue ribbon with her magic Celestia said, "We shall see in a couple weeks if your opinion changes." She passed the ribbons to his hand before disappearing in a flash.

Harald scratched his chin in thought. He began making his way to Carousel Boutique. Scrubbing off his boots a the stoop, he opened the door with a jungle.

"Good morning and welcome to Carousel Boutique! How my I help you?", Rarity said turning from a ponyquein, "Good morning mister Harald! What brings you here, darling?"

Bowing, Harald said, "Lady Rarity, I have a request of you."

Harald produced the red ribbon. "Midwinter is coming and I am to be tested in order to receive my final marks. I ask you to be my cruelty when I get tested."

Rarity felt mixed emotions about the request, one the one hoof she had never never been intentionally cruel, on the other hoof she had said cruel things to her sister and friends in the past when she was angry or stressed, on the third hoof she was surprised at how candidly Harald had asked this of her, on the fourth hoof a part of her was honored that Harald had asked so candidly of her, she was out of hooves. "What does being your cruelty ensue?", she asked.

"When it comes time to test me, you must taunt me and tempt me to give up with offers a leisure and sweets.", Harald replied, "Will you be my cruelty?"

Rarity blinked at the request. Rarity took a long moment to think before replying, "Yes." The words seemed to gall her.

Harald gently took her hoof with his hand and laid the red ribbon on it. "When the time comes to test me, braid this into your hair...err...mane."

Rarity tied the ribbon around her hoof as Harald bowed before leaving the shop.

Harald walked down the street in thought kicking some snow absentmindedly. He ducked some snowballs thrown by several foals and Pinkie, he quickly formed a snowball, throwing it he hit Pinkie square in the snout. The foals squealed in laughter as Pinkie guffawed, as Harald chuckled an iceball smacked into his cheek causing him to stumble. Rubbing his cheek, he turned his head seeing Babs laughing at him. He ducked a few more iceballs as he packed an iceball. Throwing it he smacked Babs between the eyes, causing to stagger and curse. Walking over, he helped dust Babs' forehead off saying, "All's fair in winter war."

"Babs chuckled, "Yeah, ya got me pretty good theyah Harry!"

Harald pulled the blue ribbon from his waistband, playing it over in his hands before saying, "Come walk with me, I have business to talk with you." Harald spun dodging another volley of snowballs snagging one deftly out of the air, he threw it back smacking Pinkie in the eye. Suddenly the street became snow war one as Pinkie, the foals, several other ponies and some griffons began hurling snowballs at each other. Babs and Harald decided to retreat as this was a war that would have no clear victor.

After they had walked away from the snowball war, Harald said, "Midwinter is coming and I must be tested so I can receive my marks. Will you be my courage."

"What does it mean to be youah courage Harry?",Babs asked.

"I have already chosen my cruelty. When I am to be tested, cruelty will taunt and tempt me to give, you must be the counter voice. At the time of my testing, braid this blue ribbon into your name.", Harald replied.

"Deal!", Babs said taking the ribbon in her teeth.

After parting with Babs, Harald made his way to Fluttershy's cottage.

As the weeks wore on towards midwinter, Harald dug a long shallow wide trench on the edge of Sweet Apple Acres and built a simple wooden longhouse over it. After thatching the roof, he wove mats from dried reeds and brought them into the longhouse.

On my day before the testing began, the five princesses led a procession of the elements, Babs, Shining Armor, Gilda, Gabby, Gallup and the Cake twins. The procession entered the longhouse where Harald was sitting at the far end with a sack of herbs, in the center was a shallow fire pit with a fire burning making the longhouse toasty warm. As the party Sat, Harald added wood to the fire and stoked it making the flames grow. Soon the longhouse became hot as all inside began to sweat. Harald reached into the sack and produced a handful of herbs. "First we cleanse our spirits.", Harald said, "Breathe the smoke and the visions will show you things. Some see friends or loved ones long passed, others see the desires of their hearts, others see glimpses of the past or future, others see the spirits as they travel this world, what each see is meant for you." He threw the handful of herbs on the fire, as the herbs burned a sweet smelling blue-grey smoke began to fill the longhouse, reaching into the sack again, he threw a few more handfuls onto the fire. As the blue-grey smoke became thick, the group's vision began to dance as the visions came on them.

In Pinkie's vision she was old sitting in a rocking chair on a porch watching her great-grandfoals were frolicking and roughhousing in the yard of a small cottage. Her vision swirled and she was laying on a bed looking up at the sad faces of her great-grandfoals all grown up, they were sad. She felt cold and tired as her sight began to fade.

In Rainbow's vision she was laying on a hospital bed with Applejack holding her hoof, her belly was big and she felt kicking inside it. A doctor sitting at her hind legs told her to push and she screamed in pain as sweat ran down her face. Once the pain ended, the doctor placed a bright red pegasus colt with golden mane and tail in her forelimbs, Applejack leaned to kiss her and nuzzle the colt. Her vision swirled and the colt was older, complaining that the other foals had been teasing him about not getting his cutie mark yet, she chuckled warmly as she ruffled his name.

In Rarity's vision she was standing on a battlefield, she was carrying a medical case as she was bandaging the wounds of an injured griffon with golden feathers. Her vision swirled, she was at sitting next to a female human with yellow skin, black straight hair and narrow eyes, the human was wearing a brightly colored robe, they were sipping a warm bitter clear liquor from small alabaster cups.

In Applejack's vision she was out in the orchards harvesting apples with Rainbow when a bright red pegasus colt with golden mane came running up knocking over the buckets of apples, he was excitedly showing off his new cutie mark, a zip apple with lightning bolts coming off it. Her vision swirled and the colt had grown into a tall strong stallion. He was bringing to the house a white earth pony mare with pink mane and curiously, crossed golden eyes to meet his mothers.

The cake twins had a shared vision, they were foals again, a Pinkie Pie was talking care of them. She had plopped down on her hind quarters crying when they dumped a bag of flour on themselves to make her laugh. Their shared vision swirled and they were pacing outside a hospital room. Inside they heard Pinkie scream and curse in pain. After the screaming finally stopped, the doctor open the door to beckon them in, inside Pinkie was holding a colt in her forelimbs, he was yellow with a pink poofy mane.

In Fluttershy's vision she was standing beside Harald who was weeping before an unlit pyre, Gilda was laying on the pyre, Griffons came and poured oil on the pyre. Harald spoke a few words she didn't understand before laying they torch reverently on the pyre. Her vision swirled, she saw Harald was standing before a great host of ponies, griffons and Thorax's changelings. He had finished a speech as he lifted his sword high in the air. Voices cried out from the host, "For Equestria! For Gilda and Griffonstone! For Thorax's hive!" The host began to shout in voices that sounded like thunder.

In Gilda's vision she saw scores of griffons joining a column of ponies marching across Equestria to a valley between two buttes. The griffons were singing a song about being Gilda's vengeance and Griffonstone's wrath. Her vision swirled and she saw a new Griffonstone being built.

In Gallus' he saw himself in a bedroom, he was laying on top of a female griffon who was crying out in passion. He looked down at the blue highlights in the crown of feathers on her head and deeply into her golden eyes. He felt a deep love for her. His vision swirled, he was in the Crystal Empire, the female griffon with blue highlights in the feathers and golden eyes stood next to him, several chicks tussled between his feet. A crystal statue of Gilda was unveiled as he told the chicks of the story of Gilda the Gallant.

In Gabby's vision she was flying over Ponyville when she landed alongside her friends, the former CMC's . A green unicorn mare his behind Sweetie Belle's legs. She gently laid a talon on Applebloom's pregnant belly and giggled when the foal inside kicked. Scootaloo was showing off her engagement necklace. The three friends hugged. The vision swirled, Gabby was being held back by police as they drug off a pegasus stallion, she shrieked in rage as she tried to get at the stallion. Scootaloo laid on the ground barely conscious as paramedics tended to her. Her face was swollen and lumpy, her wing was in a brace. Gabby broke loose from the police ponies and lunged at the pegasus stallion with murderous intent when a little red pegasus colt flew in front of her stopping her. Gabby plopped to the ground crying when the little pegasus colt hugged her.

In Celestia's vision she playing on a green hill with a pitch black alicorn colt that called her auntie. She scooped him up on her back and flew up to a cloud where they snuggled under the moon.

In Luna's vision she was on a green hill playing with a sky blue alicorn filly calling her auntie. They tumbled down the hill and snuggled together under the warm afternoon sun.

In Cadance's vision, she was sitting in the gardens at Canterlot at a small table next to a very pregnant Twilight. She laid a hoof on her sister-in-law's belly feeling twins.

In Twilight's vision she was sitting in the Crystal Empire next to two baskets containing two alicorn foals. One was a pitch black colt with fire red mane and azure eyes, the other was sky blue with white mane and bronze eyes. A dark green pegasus sat next to her nuzzling her.

In Babs' vision she was in highschool back in Manehattan, two unicorns were holding her down in an alleyway as a third was on top of her forcing himself on her. She tried to feebly fight them off but her head ached and her hind right leg felt like she had a white hot wire in it. She tried to scream but the unicorns clamped her mouth shut with their magic. When she went to her parents after the attack, they threw her out of the apartment. Her vision swirled, she had been living in a box in an alleyway for months a few blocks away from her parents apartment, hoping they would forgive her. She laid in a pool of her own vomit, delirious with fever when Rainbow had found her. Rainbow had been in Manehattan with Applejack to announce their marriage to the Oranges. When Applejack saw the condition of Babs, she went berserk and had to be restrained to keep from beating her aunt and uncle to death. Her vision swirled again and she was in her apartment on the Upper East side of Manehattan with the brash young unicorn she had been dating for two years. He was recently discharged from the navy. He had recently proposed to her and they had set a date. He sat on the couch as she laid with her head on his lap, they watched an old silent film together as she drifted off to sleep on his lap.

Flurry Heart's vision became a trinocular view of past present and future. In the past she saw the gods, ever dragons and alicorns fighting against tendrils of darkness that sought to tear the world apart. In the present she saw the great tendril of darkness slowly snaking across the world hungry to devour all life on it. In the future she saw the other five elements sprout wings and horns as the silvery waters of a river flowed into their hearts. Out of the mirror to the other world strode seven alicorns. Flurry saw herself lead the twelve alicorns to victory. A new name was on their lips. "Euphrates!", she whispered.

In Shining Armor's vision he was standing in a longhouse with dozens of rooms. In the beds were foals sleeping, all adopted war orphans. The last name on each plaque at the foot of the bed was Irontoothson. In the last room was Harald and Fluttershy locked in the throes of passion. Her mane and coat were the same, though she was changed, a scar ran down her left eyebrow, past her eye and down her cheek. The vision swirled, Fluttershy stood on a hill next to a grave stone. She was changed, her coat was the same buttery color, she still bore the same scar on her face, but she was an alicorn, her mane and tail were ethereal green that blew in an unfelt wind. She wore on her flank familiar weapons. Foals pranced around her calling her great-grandmother.

I Harald's vision he stood atop a great frozen mountain, the spirits of his ancestors were around him singing as lightning and blood rained down around him. Enemies rose against him, he stomped his foot and the ground opened up swallowing them. More enemies rose against him, he roared and a great wind dashed them against the rocks. A third wave of enemies rose against him, he rose his fist in challenge and a great food deep them away. A yellow pegasus mare flew up and embraced him, a great whirlwind of fire surrounded them.

As the last of the party's visions faded, the daylight outside was fading. Celestia lowered the sun and Luna raised the moon. Harald nodded to Rarity and Babs, they braided the ribbons into their manes. All members laid down to get rest for the night as the fire was fed fresh wood and restoked.

*THE FIRST DAY*

Harald rose with the first rays of daylight, he roused the members still sleeping before walking outside the longhouse. He began cutting twelve switches.

Celestia raised a hoof to stop any from following Harald. "Remember the goal is to make him suffer not to cause permanent harm. Welts are one thing, but no deep gashes. Use only the switches provided.", she said softly, "For this part of the test he must not cry out in pain or even speak or the test is over. Cadance, Flurry Heart, Twilight, follow Luna's lead. Rarity, Babs, you know your roles, go and take your places on either side of him."

After Rarity and Babs had left, the group lined up behind the princesses. As they walked outside, Luna directed the twelve to the pile of switches. Luna walked up to Harald, stared him in the eyes as she narrowed hers. She slapped Harald across the face with a wing then spit in his face. "You disgust me cur, leave my sight now!", she said in a curt tone. Luna raised an eyebrow in signal to Rarity.

"You see, even Luna finds you repulsive!", Rarity hissed hatefully even though saying it made her stomach twist in knots, "Just quit now."

"Don't listen to her Harry! Stand youah ground and prove youah worth!", Babs retorted.

Cadance walked up to Harald, placed a hoof under his chin and turned his head from side to side. She slapped him a wing. "I used to think that every creature deserved love, but I see I was wrong. You don't deserve love, you don't even deserve pity! Just leave back to you come from!" She spat in his face before turning and walking off with her snout in the air.

Rarity's stomach turned as she summoned the words. "You see? If the princess of love can find nothing to love in you, you should just quit!"

"Stand strong Harry! Prove the princess of love wrong! Keep youah chin up!", Babs retorted.

Flurry Heart stared into Harald's face with an intense glare. She spat into his face before slapping him with a wing. "I can see into the future and I see that Equestria would be better off without you." She turned with a huff and walked off.

"You see? If Flurry Heart sees Equestria doesn't need you, that's proof you should just quit!", Rarity said. Her own words made her feel like she had just been gut punched.

Twilight stared Harald in the face. She spit a long silvery ribbon of saliva in his face. "You're a coward!" She slapped him in the face with a wing before stomping off.

Rarity's stomach churned at the words she was forming. "You see? If Twilight thinks you're a coward, you should just flee!"

"Stand firm and prove youah no coward Harry!", Babs retorted again.

Celestia walked up and glared into Harald's eyes. "I'd spit on you, but I wouldn't waste my body's fluid on a pathetic excuse of a creature as you!" She struck him hard on the cheek, she turned and walked off with a "harrumph".

Rarity went to form the words, but her body rebelled. Her stomach heaved as she retched loudly, vomiting on the ground. She regained her composure, wiping her mouth with a hoofkerchief and said, "You see? Even Celestia thinks you're not worth it and your very presence made me vomit." She felt like vomiting again but swallowed it back.

"Stand firm Harry! Prove youah worth it!", Babs retorted once again.

"Strip him!", Luna ordered.

Gabby and Gilda pulled Harald's tunic over his head as AJ and Pinkie pulled his pants down, forcing him to step out of them leaving only his loincloth. Harald trembled slightly in the cold.

"Look at you, completely undressed and freezing. If you just say the word, you can get dressed and get next to the fire.", Rarity taunted as she felt guilty.

"Don't do it Harry! Show 'em youah strong and can take a little cold.", Babs replied encouraging.

The twelve lined up as they picked up switches. Soon the air was filled with short staccato crack as each switch raised a red went on Harald's flesh.

Rarity flinched at each crack of a switch on flesh. She wanted to beg for them to stop. She saw painted regret on her friend's faces, especially on Fluttershy's face as she blinked back. Rarity maintained her composure as she continued to taunt Harald, even though it made her feel like it was eating an ulcer in her stomach. Babs continued to retort encouraging Harald to stay strong.

After several hours Luna gave the order to stop. Harald's legs, arms, stomach, chest and back were covered with raised red welts. A few were bleeding and more than a few were bruising. Harald trembled from a combination of the cold and the pain. Rearing up on her hind legs, she wrapped her forelimbs around him in an embrace. She kissed Harald gently on the cheek. "Salve!", Luna called out, she then directed Harald to the longhouse. Celestia summoned in several bowls of a thick grey salve that smelled heavily of medicine and soothing herbs.

As the group made their way into the longhouse, they carried the bowls of strong smelling salve with them. The group began to gently apply the salve to to his wounds. Cadance teleported in food and water. As the group ate, Harald found his hands were trembling too much to property hold on to the food, so Fluttershy gently fed, she even gently held the cup of water so he could. After eating, they helped Harald get dressed, when he laid down, they draped a blanket over him. Fluttershy cuddled up next to Harald to help him stop trembling.

*THE SECOND DAY*

As the group rose in the morning, Harald had a slight glint of reluctance in his eyes as he moved with apprehension. He gathered up armfuls of wood and draped two lengths of rope across his shoulders. Harald started a fire near a stout tree as he threw the two lengths of rope across a sturdy branch, tying a loop in the end of each one with slipknots. He cut several short lengths of wood from nearby branches.

"Steel yourselves as this shall be the most trying and dangerous test that Harald must endure.", Luna said with measured aprehension, "It is called the sun dance. We will suspend him by his wrists effectively stretching his body over a bed of coals. He will loose consciousness and may be unable to walk or even able to use his arms until his the joints are put back in. His pain and suffering will be great. He is not allowed to cry out in pain or speak or the test will fail, however he will be allowed to grunt and groan. We will be provided sticks to clack rhythmically. Follow my sister's lead."

Celestia stood at the entrance of the longhouse as the rest of the group lined up behind her. She began to stamp her hooves in a simple rhythm as she hummed a simple canter, the group followed suit. They marched and hummed the canter as they made their way to Harald. Celestia pointed to the pile of sticks and the group minus Rarity and Babs picked them up sitting in a semi-circle. "Strip!", Celestia ordered Harald.

After Harald had removed his tunic and pants, Celestia inspected his body before slipping the two loops over his wrists and gently pulling the ropes with her magic until Harald's arms were over his head. Celestia gave a slight twitch of her eyebrow to Rarity as a silent signal.

"Give up Harald!", Rarity taunted, "Just run away!"

"Nothing is gained without sacrifice Harry!", Babs retorted, "Show youah courage and show that ya can endure any hardship!"

Celestia pulled the ropes with her magic hoisting Harald off the ground, causing him to grit his teeth and suck in air at the pain. She cleared away the snow from beneath him is a circle levitating a bed of coals beneath him. She nodded to the group who began clacking the stick in a simple rhythm, some began humming or chanting a simple canter to help keep the rhythm. Celestia checked the tautness of the ropes, adjusting them before gently swinging Harald back and forth.

Harald grimace as he gritted his teeth in pain until they began to make squeaking sounds. The pain in his wrists, elbows, shoulders and back became excruciating, he tried to pull in a deep breath but the agony made his lungs want to spasm. He groaned struggling to stay conscious as the pain became white-hot agony, soon darkness began to creep across his vision as the world faded away from him. He drifted in darkness as his mind was barely able to comprehend the pain. Suddenly a blossom of agony erupted in his right should snapping him awake, he thrashed about and gasped in a panic as his body tried to flee the pain. After several moments he was able to regain control of his mind. A white-hot line of pain ran fromhis right shoulder, up his neck and threatened to explode out the back of his head. A hollow pop in his left shoulder sent a fresh bloom of raw agony into his body, he bit down hard on the inside of his cheek to suppress a scream, the taste of copper filled his mouth. The world threatened to fade to blackness, he forced himself to stay awake, tears of pain made his vision blur.

"Just cry out!", Rarity said in an attempt to sound contemptuous. She struggled to suppress the urge to cry and beg Celestia to end this.

"Just stay strong Harry", Babs said as her voice cracked seeing the agony playing across Harald's face and body.

The survival instinct in Harald soon tried to make him flee from the agony in panic. Soon his survival instinct replaced the panic with anger, rage and contempt for the two ponies he considered friends. He spat a gob of blood and saliva at Rarity, while kicking at Babs. The violent animal side of his mind battered against the inside of his skull as everything in him desired to be let loose from the ropes, for the incessant rhythmic clacking of the stick to stop, the logical side of his mind wrestled and warred against the animal side of his mind for control. He lost sense of time as he slipped between panicked gasping, agonizing consciousness and blackness. When he was finally back in control of his mind, he was enveloped in a warm golden glow as he was being gently lowered to the ground.

"You did very well.", Celestia whispered in Harald's ear, "If you want to scream now, you can."

Harald was able to hold his cries of agony until he was laid on the ground, once his weight pressed into him, the pain overwhelmed him and he let out a scream. His vision blurred and would have passed out if he didn't feel a familiar warmth press into his chest anchoring him back to the world. Once he was able to breathe more evenly, Harald weakly raised his head and saw Fluttershy laying her head on his chest.

As Celestia gently rose Harald to a sitting position,Fluttershy braced her body against his back helping prop him up. Celestia slowly and gently worked Harald's shoulder joints with her magic popping one then the other back in. Fluttershy massaged small gentle circles into the strained muscles of Harald's shoulders, she then helped him get dressed. Celestia helped Harald stand slowly withe her magic, once he was standing she used her wing and body to help him stay upright before slowly going to the longhouse.

Back in the longhouse Harald gently sat down as Celestia braced him with her magic. He gingerly worked his shoulders making sure the joints were seated properly before he began flexing his elbows to ensure they weren't dislocated or locking up, Fluttershy gently leaned on him. He grabbed his left hand with his right and leaned his forehead into Fluttershy's as he tried to give it a quick twist to relocate it. He cried ou as he was unable to get enough strength or leverage to relocate his left wrist.

Applejack leaned into Harald's back, bracing him with her immense earth pony strength. Fluttershy reached around his neck with a hoof as she pressed her cheek into his. Gilda firmly gripped his left hand and forearm in her talons, she loked Harald in the eyes giving a curt nod as a signal to brace himself. With a quick sharp twist Harald's left wrist was relocated with a loud pop. Celestia quickly ground medicinal herbs into a fine paste before mixing them into a slurry with some water. Celestia using her magic helped feed the slurry to Harald, after several minutes the medicinal herbs began to work numbing the pain. Celestia summoned a glass bottle and ingredients with her magic, she quickly mixed a potion. Levitating the potion over, Fluttershy gentley too it our of the air with her wings and helped Harald drink it. Poultices of medicinal herbs were applied to his joints as the princesses used their magic to summon food and water.

*DAY THREE*

As the sun rose the party made their way out of the longhouse while Harald stayed behind. Celestia and Luna directed the party to stand in two lines. Rarity and Babs had taked the ribbon out of their for the final test as they joined the two lines. "Twilight, stand st the end between the two lines. Once Harald has completed walking the gauntlet, you must engage him in ritual combat. Don't use magic or fly, just wrestle and try to flip him. Once the two of you engage in ritual combat, you can swipe with your hooves or wings, just don't use lethal force and the fight goes on until one bests the other you feel he has proven himself.", Celestia said calmly, "As for the rest of you, this is a test of his endurance, no broken bones, deep cuts or serious injuries, he is to make his way between the lines as each of you attack him testing his endurance and resolve until he reaches Twilight, then we surround them so neither can escape. He can cry out in pain and he amy fall to the ground a few times, if he does do not help him up, he must be able to rise on his own."

Harald made his way out of the longhouse and made his way to the two lines, he dug his feet into the ground preparing for the gauntled. As he walked forward, Gilda was the first to approach him. She balled up her talon punching Harald in the gut, she then struck him across the face with the back of her talon send him staggering backwards torards Rarity.

Rarity ducked low behind Harald, kicking one of her hind legs into the muscle just above the back of his left knee. As Harald struggled to maintain his balance, Rarity reared up and shoved him forward with her forehooves. As Harald staggered, Gallus grabbed him by the tunic and punched him in the face with a curled up talon.

As Harald staggered from the strike to the face, he forced himself to stagger forward attempting to bypass as many in the as he could. They struck out at Harald catching him in his hips or in the soft spots just below his ribs. Harald fell to his hands and knees in front of Shining Armor who placed a hoof on top of the back of his hand ad slowly ground it until he withdrew it with a loud yelp of pain. As Harald rose to his knees, Shining Armor shoved over with his hooves.

As Harald made his way to the end of the two lines, he was battered and bruised, a trickled of blood came from his nose. He entered into a crouched combat stance facing against Twilight, he slowly cricled her as he slapped his chest several times in a taunting challenge.

As Twilight slowly circled Harald snorting, she snorted as she let the analytical part of her mind go over the books she read and digs she went to learning about paleo ponies. She knew modern Equus Sapiens from an ancient interbreeding of carnivorous and herbivorous ponies. She knew that modern ponies possessed a bite force strong enough to not one cut through the toughest plant materials, but also crush bones and shear flesh. She tapped into the ancestral memories that all alicorns shared to simultaneously use her prey-sense to better anticipate Harald's movement and use her predatory-sense to search for weaknesses in him to exploit.

As the group gathered around the two circling each other, Twilight used her alicorn ancestral memories to see early paleo humans and ponies hunting each other in the distant past, she could feel in herself those same primal instincts and see them in Harald. Soon the two stopped circling each other. Twilight drug her hoof along the ground aggressively as Harald dug his feet in. She waited for the subtle shift in stance that told her he was about to charge.

Time seemed to slow as they locked eyes. Their muscles trembled with adrenaline and anticipation for the soon to come initial thrust of combat. Harald extended his arms as he leaned forward, he slight twisted his feet under him to gain better footing as he rose to the balls of his feet slightly. Twilight saw him preparing for a charge and she made a quick charge of her own to force him to either launch an unbalanced charge or force him onto his heels to try and counter her charge. Harald launched himself forward in a sprinting charge. As they neared each other, Twilight leaned her shoulder to use her greater strength and weight to knock Harald on the defensive, but he tangled her neck in a grapple, sliding his feet forward in an attempt to drive her head into the ground. Twilight used her quadrupedal stance to create a wider base so she could drag him into an upright stance and get her weight under his center of mass.

She drove her shoulder into Harald's thighs just below his hips using her weight and wider stance to flip him over her. Harald hung on, using the momentum of the flip to carry himself over her. Twisting her neck, Harald flipped Twilight past him and sent her tumbling across the ground. Using his bipedal nature, Harald quickly rolled up to his feet and sprung at Twilight. Twilight used her longer axis to roll through the springing attempt to pin her and drove a wing into Harald's solar plexus forcing the air from his body, she drove her longer body into the small of his back shoving him into the circle. They roughly shoved hi on his back and went into a twisting roll back to his feet facing Twilight again. Forcing the air back into his lungs, he began circling Twilight. Their initial clash had been to size abilities up. She matched him in speed, she was clever and quick to adapt, but she lacked any real close-in combat experience. He circled her sizing her up, she was heavier, stronger and had greater reach on him, but he could turn and pivot faster than her. He quickly formulated a strategy.

Harald dug his heels in giving the impression he was going to go into a defensive stance to try and brace the charge Twilight was telegraphing. He quickly went into a mock charge forcing her to backpedal spightly in an attempt to brace, shifting into a quick stutter step to keep her guessing, Harald launched his charge and faked like he was going to his right before spinning left driving the point of his elbow into the corner of her jaw, he swept out with his right front leg hicking her left forehoof from under her. Catching her off balance, Harald drove his shoulder into the soft spot at the base of Twilight's ribs further shoving her off balance, he drove his knee into the base of her keel bone causing her diaphragm to spasm so she couldn't get a clean breath. He entangled her wing into a standing wingbar, slowly forcing her to the ground.

Predictable Twilight panicked at the sudden grapple to her right wing and she tried to pull away. Harald wrapped his legs around her right wing, using his right shin to force leverage across the main joint. Twilight screamed in pain as lines of pain radiated down her wing and through her shoulder causing her legs to collapse. Twilight began to hyperventilate as she tried to thrash about to shake Harald off her, but cause fresh pain to blossom across her wing. She tried to stand thinking she could his weight to shake him off but the added pressure to the base joint made her quickly lay back down. She thought about rolling over on top of him to try and use her greater weight to force him to release, but that was too risk as he might hold on breaking her wing in at least two places. Twilight tried to crane her neck back to try and latch onto Harald with her teeth, but her was too far back and each time she tried, he applied more pressure to her main wing joint. A clear realization came to her, with out using her magic she was trapped and if she used her magic she would forfeit, she only had one option.

"I yield!", Twilight cried out.

Harald quickly released Twilight and embraced her. "You fought valiantly Sky Queen!", Harald said pressing his forehead to hers.

Twilight quickly flexed her aching wing, confirming nothing was broken before returning the embrace. As the analytical part of mind began running through the fight, she saw how she was beaten. She remembered previous conversations with the princesses about his people being skilled warriors and hunters in a harsh land. "Harald?", she asked, "How long did you train to be a warrior and hunter?"

"Before I was old enough to lift a blade or spear.", Harald answered.

The next morning Celestia was using an iron needle that was dipped in ink and slotted into an intricately piece of wood to indelibly apply making under Harald's skin, permanently etching five stylized alicorns across the empty spots on his back, she sealed the ink in with her magic healing the shallow wound almost instantly. Luna then took over on his chest. She applied over his heart an intricate butterfly, across his collar bones she indelibly marked stylized branches with apples hanging off them. Across his stomach she made two stylized griffons, one holding a balloon in its talons, the other holding a diamond. On the center of his chest she created a six-pointed star flanked by two cakes, below the star she made a shield flanked by two hearts. On the right side of his chest she made a stylized cloud with lightning bolt. She then filled in the empty spots with stylized animals, twisting lines and complex geometric shapes. She sealed the shallow indelibly marked wounds with her magic.

Author's Note

I managed to finish this chapter with little problems other than losing the muse for a few days.
If you come across any typos, misspellings or problems with sentence structure, please feel free to point them out so I can go back to fix them.
As always thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoy.

I will attempt to take any criticisms as construnctive.

A betrayal brings the blood eagle

Harald and Fluttershy were sitting atop a hill eating as they enjoyed each other's company during late winter as she was talking about winter wrap-up.

"So you all on the last day of winter clear the snow, break up the ice, awaken the hibernating animals and lead the birds back to your lands?", Harald asked around a mouthful of dried fruit, "Interesting."

"Mhm.", Fluttershy nodded, "Did you do a similar thing in your land?"

"No.", Harald replied, "Back in my lands the winters lasts much longer and the thaw doesn't come until three cycles of the moon from now."

"It must be very difficult to live in your old land.", Fluttershy said with a slight morose tone, "Hunger must run rampant."

"During our winters we hunt and if one clan experiences hunger the chieftains of other clans will meet to discuss exchanges to help keep each other fed. Though it is not unheard of for more isolated clans to launch raiding parties.", Harald replied as he spat out a rogue cherry pit, "By this time of the year the seas to the far north will be mostly frozen over. The clans that live there will travel out across the pack ice to hunt seals, walruses and the great white bears."

"What animals did your clan hunt", Fluttershy asked.

"Mostly caribou , moose and bear. But we have in hard time had to hunt wolves. Occasionally there will be a roving Ursa and several clans will gather their best hunters together to bring it down and we will split the meat, hide, claws and teeth as evenly between us as possible.", Harald said as he peeled a boiled egg."

Fluttershy visibly shuddered at the image of an Ursa Major. "Do you never grow crops?"

"The growing season is usually short so we can only plant grains and tubers. W mostly forage for wild berries and fruits. Some clans are fortunate to live next to hot springs, so they can cultivate fruit trees and berry bushes. Some even raise sheep and goats.", Harald replied passing the peeled egg to Fluttershy, "Plus the sun in the Rimelands isn't as strong as it is here so our crops don't grow as big, our grains are what the Apples call winter wheat."

A bright golden flash appeared in the air and a scroll landed in Harald's lap. As Harald unrolled the scroll a gilded ticked fell out. Harald starred at the scroll for a moment before passing it off to Fluttershy, "I cannot read your runes, please tell me what the message the Sky Queen sends."

Fluttershy took the scroll and read it outloud.

"Dear Harald Irontoothson Lord-protector of Northern Equestria,

You are hereby invited to the Grand Galloping Gala. I have enclosed for you a ticket.

Her Royal Majesty, Princess Celestia

Fluttershy gasped then kissed Harald on the cheek. "Harald! You've received an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala! We have to get Rarity to make you a new suit."

"Are you not going?", Harald asked.

"My ticket is probably waiting for me at the castle.", Fluttershy replied, "Come now, let's go to Rarity's." Fluttershy flapped up in the air, grabbed Harald's wrist with her hoof and began heading towards town.

As they entered Carousel Boutique, the bell jingled.

"Just a moment!", Rarity called out from a storeroom in the back. She came out from the storeroom levitating bolts of cloth. "welcome to Carousel Boutique, how can I help-Fluttershy! Mister Harald! What brings the two of you in today darlings?"

"Harald has received as invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala.", Fluttershy says, He's going some new clothes for the occasion."

Rarity's eyes goes wide for a moment as glee goes across her face. She pulls up a measuring ribbon. "Forelimbs up please." After Harald lifted his arms to his sides, Rarity measures from his armpits to his wrists. "Forelimbs down please." She then measures his chest and shoulders. "Spread your hind limbs please." She measures his inseam, his outer seam and his waist. "Now this might make you a bit uncomfortable Mr. Harald, I'm going to measure your...ahem...stifle. If you're uncomfortable with it, I can let Fluttershy measure the area or I can have a stallion measure it for you."

"If it's just for fitting clothes, then I have no problem.", Harald replied, "Though we usually call it a crotch or groin."

"I'll remember that for future reference.", Rarity said as the continued her measurements. After she finishes her measurements she wrote them down on a piece of paper. She took out a jeweler's glass to get a better look at the pattern on Harald's tunic and pants, she quickly drew the pattern of the cloth on another piece of paper. "I should have something ready in a couple of weeks. It gives me a chance to try out my new loom, though I may have to see if Twilight has any research material on your culture." She began hastily tracing out a few ideas on some paper. "Ta-ta! Do come back soon."

Fluttershy and Harald left Carousel Boutique, they turned and began walking towards Sugarcube Corner. As they walked down the road, her tail coiled around his leg. Reaching a nearby bench, they sat down and shared a gentle kiss. One of Twilight's guards walked up and said, "Lord-protector Irontoothson, Princess Twilight Sparkle requests your presence."

Harald sighed as Fluttershy rolled her eyes. "Very well. Lead on.", Harald said as he rose to his feet.

"I'll see you back home.", Fluttershy said as she kissed Harald's cheek.

As they walked down the road, Harald took in the garb of the Friendship Guard. It was a simple, mostly unadorned unadorned purple suit of plate that covered from the withers to just above the flank. The helmet was the only part of the armor with any adornment, it was a simple purple skullcap with a simple ridge of gilded metal running down the middle. Reaching the castle, the guard escorting Harald stopped and snapped a quick salute to the two guards that were guarding the door. They pushed open the door and signaled for them to enter.

As Harald entered the foyer, the guard escorting him stepped through a small side door. As he reached to open the big double doors leading to the throne room, a purple aura enveloped the door opening it slightly. From inside there came the sounds of shouting, roars and screeching.

Twilight walked through the door rubbing a hoof between her eyes. "I swear these griffons are going to be the death of me, if I could die", she grumbled softly.

Harald knelt, bowed his head and placed a fist over his heart. "You sent for me Sky Queen?"

Twilight's demeanor rose slightly. "You have no need to kneel before blood bonded brother. Rise."

"I take it that negotiations with the...what are they called...lion eagles...isn't going smoothly?", Harald asked.

"Oh no, the negotiations are over, they went smoothly.", Twilight replied.

"Are they still bickering over whom shall be their leader?"

"No, they decided almost unanimously that Gilda will be the prime minister of Griffonstone-in-exile."

Harald cocked his head in confusion. "So what are they arguing over?"

Twilight gave an exasperated sigh, "They're arguing on what the formal apparel they should wear to the gala."

Harald cocked his head further until he thought he was going break his neck. "Is that what you summoned me for?"

This time it was Twilight's turn to cock her head. "What?"

"Your guard approached me saying you had summoned me."

Twilight placed a hoof between her eyes subbing the bridge of her snout. "Those Canterlotian transfers give me a headache. You they won't let me go to the bathroom to piddle with at least two of them escorting me to the door?", she grumbled, "I had asked them to tell you to come to the castle when you had a free minute. Buuuut, since you're here...I guess we can solve this little dispute." She gestured to the door.

As they entered the throne room three griffons were in each other's faces each waving waving a swatch of cloth while Gilda simply held her face in her talon shaking her head and Gallus in his armor just rolled his eyes.

"Gold!", the first griffon shouted, "All griffons should wear capes or shawls of gold cloth!"

"Royal purple!", the second griffon shouted, "All females should wear royal purple tunics!"

"Silver!", the third griffon shouted, "All griffons should wear suits of silver!"

The three began to screech an roar as waved the swaths of cloth at each other.

"Ugh!", Gilda groaned as she help her talons in front of her in exasperation, "I don't care! Just shut up already!"

The three griffons snapped a glare at Gilda before turning back to shout at each other.

Gilda pinched her claws together and shook them in aggravation. "Why why why?! Why does it matter what a griffon wears?! I say just let them wear what they want!" She looked to Twilight and mouthed "Kill me now!"

Twilight shot a look at Harald and nudged her head towards the argument insistently.

Harald walked towards the argument. "Lion eagles! Lion eagles!"

"Griffons!", the three shouted at him.

"Whatever.", Harald replied. Pointing to the Griffonstone flag hanging next to the Equestrian flag, he said, "Why not have every lion...er...griffon wear the colors of your homeland with a black armband...uh...forelimb band to signify you're all in mourning of the loss of your country?"

The three griffons looked at each other in thought for a moment before giving a nod. "Agreed.", the third griffon said, "Now where shall we eat? I say we go to Sugarcube Corner for some pastries."

"I say we go to the cafe for sandwiches.", the first griffon said.

"I say we go the farmer's market to buy some apple pies.", the second griffon said.

The three began arguing again, this time for where to eat.

"Out!", Twilight snapped as she pointed her hoof to the door.

The three griffons left arguing about where to eat.

After they had left Twilight rubbed a hoof to her temple. Turning to a guard she said, "Get some aspirin."

"Make it two.", Gilda said rubbing her talons on her temples.

After a servant had brought a bottle of aspirin and two glasses of water, Twilight said chewing up two aspirin, "Lets go to the state room so we can talk about the business at hand."

Twilight, Gilda and Harald walked into a long room with six thrones at the far end and a few desks against the walls. Twilight opened a drawer on a desk and levitated out three rolls of parchment, she passed one to Gilda.

Twilight opened the rolled up parchment, cleared her throat and said, "Harald Irontoothson, on behalf of we princesses of Equestria we present thee with thine official declaration as Lord-protector of Northern Equestria and High Lord General of the northern regiments. Thou have the rights to tax to tax thy subjects to thy own whim. Thy own judgement over thy domain is answerable only to we the high princesses of Equestria, may thou rule with with wisdom and integrity." She laid the parchment on the desk and sighed, "I hate talking in such overly formal language.", she gestured with a wing as she levitated a quill over, "Just sign on the line and we'll make it official." After Harald signed his name on the line, twilight passed him the second rolled up parchment, "This is the map of your lands."

As Harald studied the map seeing he shared his northern border with the Crystal Empire, Gilda stepped up clearing her throat. As Harald looked over to her, Gilda unrolled her parchment, "Lord-protector Irontoothson, I Gilda Swoopingfitz humble request as the leader of Griffonstone-in-exile for your help in the resettling of several griffon refugees."

"How many refugees?", Harald asked.

"Approximately one thousand five hundred, mostly chicks and eggs.", Gilda replied.

Harald rubbed his chin thoughtfully before answering. He pointed to a castle on the map ringed by several towns and hamlets, "What is this place?"

Twilight looked at the map, "That's Irontooth keep."

"Very well, Gilda as leader of Griffonstone-in-exile, your people may have the use of the keep until they are able to build their own sustainable settlement.", Harald proclaimed.

Gilda's eyes went wide with shock. She threw her forelimbs around Harald in a tight hug. "On this day Harry you have made yourself into griffon-friend."
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*One week later*

The sun was setting as Bonbon left her candy shop locking the door. Staring at her reflection in the reflection of the glass in the door she observed the fine lines around her eyes and the few streaks of grey in her mane. Sighing she slipped the pocket of her apron and began walking home. As she entered her dimly lit home, she caressed a hoof across a picture of her and Lyra on the end table by the door. "Where did you go all those years ago?", she whispered with a tear in her eye.

Some movement in the shadows by the fireplace caught Bonbon's attention. Slowly sliding the drawer on the end table open, she slips her right hoof in grasping the dagger inside. A creak to her left catches her attention, she slips a hoof under her apron grasping the dagger under it. In a blur of unwasted movement she hurls the dagger in the end table forwards where she saw the movement by the fireplace while simultaneously hurling the dagger under her apron to her left in a spinning motion. She doesn't hear the wet thunk of steel hitting flesh or the clatter of either dagger hitting the floor. She freezes stunned seeing the two daggers floating in the air, one surronded by a deep blue aura, the other surrounded by a golden aura.

Celestia and Luna walk forward releasing their magic causing the daggers to fall to the floor harmlessly.

Bonbon bows before the princesses.

"Rise.", Luna says calmly.

Celestia levitates the picture of Bonbon and Lyra over looking at it. "You two were very close."

"Yes princess.", Bonbon replies, "When I have the spare time I try and find out what happened to her."

Luna rubs her chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps my sister and I could offer you a quid pro quo."

"What are the terms your majesty?", Bonbon asks.

"We tell thee of the whereabouts of Lyra and in turn thou become our spymaster.", Luna replied, "Dost thou agree to the terms?"

"I agree.", Bonbon said,

Luna raised an eyebrow to Celestia who in turn said, "Ten years ago Luna and I received a prophesy from an old friend saying that the Nameless One would return in a new body. We decided to send Lyra accompanied by Daring Do across the sea to the to make contact with the Emerald Empire and the Kingdom of Chin for we knew we would need allies when our enemies revealed themselves."

Bonbon stared confounded and stunned for a moment.

"Kneel agent Sweetie Drops.", Luna said.

When Bonbon knelt, Luna tapped her horn on each of her withers, "Arise Spymaster Sweetie Drops."

When Bonbon arose, she said, "It's Bonbon now your majesty."

"Very well Spymaster Bonbon.", Luna replied.

"Don't worry about your shop and house, Luna and I have it covered.", Celestia said, "Come on out Antenna."

A magazine that had been laying on the floor by the couch transformed into an emerald-colored changeling with lapis multifaceted eyes and navy highlights in a flash of golden flame. Antenna clicked and chittered a few times before saying, "Greetings Spymaster." He then transforms into a perfect replica of Bonbon.

Bonbon walks over to the transformed Antenna, she pokes him a few times with her hoof before silently nodding. She takes off her apron and hoof it over to him. "You'll need this.", she says with slight apprehension in her voice, "And make sure you don't run my shop into the ground."

Antenna nodded before saying, "Long live Thorax's hive and long live Equestria."

"Come along Spymaster,", Luna said calmly, ",we have much to do and little time to tarry." In a flash of golden and deep blue light the three teleported out leaving the disguised Antenna behind.
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*The Grand Galloping Gala*

The palace was decorated immaculately with banners flapping in the wind, magically floating lanterns, wreaths and garlands of flowers hung about the walls. Fireworks burst in the air in brilliant multicolored displays. Carriages lined for blocks filled with guests, each time a new carriage would pull up to the walkway servants would approach opening the door and helping the guests disembark.

The carriage containing Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Harald pulled up to the walkway flanked by a dozen honor guards. Twilight stepped out of the carriage, wearing a shimmering violet dress that flowed across her form almost her form like water, deep violet horseshoes adorned her hooves, an ornate golden tiara rested atop her mane and amethysts were woven into her mane. Rarity stepped out wearing an ornate flowing golden gown, she held a gem encrusted silver masquerade mask on a thin golden rod in her hoof, crystal shoes adorned her hooves. Pinkie stepped out wearing a dusty pink dress with royal blue trim, a simple onyx tiara rested on her poofy mane, strings of white pearls weaved through her mane and tail. Applejack stepped out wearing a simple but immaculate light green dress, her mane was braided into a simple strand that hung elegantly across her shoulder with a simple emerald jeweled clasp on the end, around her neck hung an elegant braided gold chain with ruby, emerald and golden trinkets dangling from it in the shapes of apples. Rainbow wore her sky blue general's dress uniform, red piping ran along the seams and twin lightning bolt pins were clipped to her collar, A black general's cap with white brim rested on her braided mane, a black officer's crop rested in the crook of her forelimb. Fluttershy stepped out wearing a flowing leaf green dress, her mane was braided in a similar manner to Harald's hair, deep green shoes adorned her feet with vine-like embelishments wrapping up her fore and hind limbs, under the edge of her wing she held a black clutch with a silver latch. Harald stepped out wearing a simple red tunic with black intricate along the neck, cuff of the sleeves and bottom hem, simple silver pants with lapis stitching at the seams, on his feet he wore black knee-high boots with polished steel caps on the toes, an intricately carved ivory scepter rested in the crook of his elbow, his braided fiery red hair and beard were adorned with ivory, golden, bone and gold trinkets.

The group approached the doorpony and showed him their tickets, taking their tickets he tipped his head gesturing for them to enter. Atop the first landing on the stairs the entered the ballroom Cadance stood greeting the guests as they entered. Twilight and Cadance kissed each other's cheeks.

"How is it tonight?", Twilight asked.

"Droll as usual.", Cadance replied, "Maybe you and your friends can liven it up like you all did all those years ago." The two shared a friendly chuckle before the group ascended the stairs into the ballroom.

Inside the ballroom lanterns floated magically above the room, gold and silver garlands hug from the butresses, tapestries with the symbols of the various regions of Equestria and its allies hung from the walls, at each end of the room stylized symbols of the sun and moon stood atop long thin wooden poles. Long tables were laid out covered with silver trays of food. Goblets and fluted crystal glasses were filled with drinks. A quartet playing a flowing classical piece was on the stage, ponies, yaks, changelings, hippogriffs and griffons swirled in an intricate dane about on the dance floor . In one corner Celestia, Luna, Flurry Heart, Yona, Gilda, Silverstream and Thorax talked quietly. The band finished their set and took a bow before leaving the stage as the audience and dancers applauded. A new band took the stage and began lilting tone, couples took to the dance floor leaning close as they swayed to the music. Applejack and Rainbow took to the dance floor leaning close as they danced. Rarity walked off taking the opportunity to schmooze. Pinkie went to the tables, filling plates with food, then sat a table waiting for Cheese Sandwich and Lil Cheese. Twilight went and joined Celestia, Luna, Yona, Flurry Heart, Silverstream, Gilda and Thorax's quiet conversation Fluttershy and Harald sat at a nearby table. Fumbling with the latch on her clutch, Fluttershy opened it and pulled out a small silver flask which made Harald smile slightly. Unscrewing the stopper, she took a sip, winced slightly at the sharpness of the liquor and passed it to Harald. Harald took a sip, scrunched his mouth slightly, resealed the stopper and passed it back to Flauttershy who returned it to her clutch snapping the latch back.

The band on stage finished their set to applause. A yak band took the stage and began playing a traditional song. Harald pulled Fluttershy onto the dance floor and taught her a traditional Rimewalker dance as yak music was similar to the music of his homeland. Soon they were leaping, spinning and squat kicking to the music. A crowd gathered to watch them in amusement, soon cheers and whistles of encouragement began to erupt from the crowd. As the yak band began playing the crescendo of their last piece, Harald and Fluttershy began slapping hand to hoof and kicking foot to hoof, they linked arm to forelimb spinning in a circle. The crowd applauded both the yak band and Harald and Fluttershy. Wiping beads of sweat off his forehead, Harald gave a bow as Fluttershy blushed slightly as she caught her breath. They walked over to the table they were sitting at and sat back down.

"Oh my, that was quite fun Harald.", Fluttershy said demurely, "Are all Rimewalker dances that fun?"

"Most are, some are more measured and some are only done on somber occasions.", Harald replied.

Celestia walked over to the table where Harald and Fluttershy were sitting, an elegant flowing gown draped gracefully across her form accentuating her mirror-polished royal vestments. "Fluttershy? May I have a nip from your flask?"

Fluttershy nodded as she retrieved the flask from her clutch and passed it to Celestia.

Unscrewing the stopper from the flask, Celestia took a sip. "Thanks Fluttershy, you're a lifesaver." She resealed the stopped and passed it back to Fluttershy.

A small chime sounded eight times as a unicorn back came onto the stage in traditional Canterlotian garb. Twin lines formed on the dance floor as Fluer Dis Lis stood at the head of both lines between them.

"Fluttershy, Do you mind if I steal Harald for the traditional Canterlot trot?", Celestia asked.

"N-no princess.", Fluttershy replied demurely suddenly feeling a bit jealous and self-conscious.

"Don't worry, I promise I'll bring him back right after the dance.", Celestia said noticing Fluttershy's sudden jealously. She gently patted her hoof on Fluttershy's forelimb then turned to Harald gesturing to the dance floor, "Shall we?"

Walking to the dance floor with Celestia, Harald said softly, "Sky Queen, I don't know how to do your dances."

"It's okay, just listen to the cadence called by Fluer and I'll gesture on what to do.", Celestia replied in a hushed tone.

Soon the unicorn began playing a traditional Canterlotian tune as Fkuer began calling cadence. Following the cadence they bowed, two towards each other, back of hand to back of hoof, quarter turn to the left, one step backwards, one step forwards, full turn to the right while pirouetting, two steps apart, bow again.

As they stepped back forward to start the next phase of the dance, Celestia whispered, "Be on guard. It has just come to the attention of Luna and I that there are traitors in this room whom seek to assassinate you and seek to usurp the we princesses." She tipped her head towards Prince Blueblood II, "Keep your eyes on him, rumor has it he has grown jealous of you being rightfully instated as the Lord-protector of Northern Equestria. He's had his eye on that particular state for some time and will seek to challenge you to a duel."

Fluttershy starred at the dance floor watching Celestia and Harald do the very measured and droll traditional trot. She was trying to figure out why she was feeling jealous, it wasn't uncommon for a princess to ask a member of royalty to take part in the traditional trot, especially when there was business to talk about.

Cadance sat down at the table snapping Fluttershy out of her jealous thoughts. "Don't worry, I have felt his heart and it only beats for you.", Cadance said softly. She flicked a hoof in the direction of Blueblood II, "Rumor has it he may confront Harald tonight because he wanted that province that Harald rules over. If he does, I want you to stick close to me or Luna, okay?"

Fluttershy's eyes opened wide at the statement. She knew what it meant, Blueblood II would seek to issue a challenge to a duel. She had seen a few duels in her time, usually over matters of insults over somepony's honor or when two parties came to an impasse that couldn't be diplomatically. Most were over quickly, usually whomever landed the first blow or drew first blood, but she had heard rumors that a few duels went to the death, she had also heard of Blueblood II being a quite skilled duelist having won several duels in his own right. There were also rumors that he was a sore loser and would waylay or even outright back stab somepony who had bested him. "I-is Harald going to be alright?"

Cadance smiled gently, "I'm sure he'll be fine, after all you've seen yourself he's a capable combatant and would be more of a match for Blueblood." She rubbed the back of her head with a hoof as she had seen personally Blueblood II lose face at a duel by pulling a hidden dagger or stabbing a combatant through their flank when their back was turned after the duel, he had even lost some of his families holdings because of such dirty tricks.

After the dance had ended with a final pirouette, parting and bow, there was soft applause as the dancers left the floor. Harald walked back over to the table with Celestia. Harald sat next to Fluttershy with a stern look on his face deep in thought, she looked up into his with concern in her eyes. Celestia whispered into Cadance's ear.

Prince Blueblood II adjusted his cummerbund and straightened the lapels on his jacket before walking over to the table with a smug sneer on his face. He sat across from Harald as Cadance nodded for for Fluttershy to follow her to the drink station. After the two of the walked off, Blueblood II gave a sigh of contempt, "So you're the savage that has the of Equestria abuzz the last few months."

Pressing his lips together, Harald set his jaw, ran his tongue across his teeth and stared Blueblood in his eyes, a spark of anger began to grow in him. Celestia spoke up, "Now let's all be civilized here."

"You know nothing of who I am or from whence I come.", Harald said narrowing his eyes.

"Oh I know of you and the land you come from.", Blueblood replied smirking in contempt, "I know of your land, a frozen lawless place where your kind eat their dead. I you ask me, we should invade and turn that uncivilized place into a smoldering wreck." Blueblood allowed a contemptuous smile to part his lips.

Inside Harald began to seethe, he allowed his calmer emotion to temper his anger before replying, "Those whom taste the flesh of the sentient are either killed or are branded with a mark of dishonor and banished into the wilderness. And if thou art the paragon of what is 'civilized', I am not impressed."

Prince Blueblood recoiled at the retort, causing Harald to give a predatory grin.

"I bet your kind enjoys going on rampages of murdering and raping foals.", Blueblood retorted back feeling flustered.

"You speak hollow words and insults laced with poison.", Harald fired right back, "In my land your skull would be split with an axe for speaking in such a manner to even the lowliest farm page."

Harald's words cut into Blueblood II's ego like a knife. His face flushed slightly as he worked up the next insult, "I bet your mother and father were just a bunch of unwashed savages whom murdered foals for fun!", he snapped, "And what does that say about Lady Fluttershy whom allowed you to enter her?"

Harald slammed his fists on the table as he rose. "Retribution!", he shouted as the ballroom went quiet at the shouted challenge. He stalked forward allowing his words to carry the proper level of the fire of his anger. "You insult me! You insult my homeland! All that I can forgive.", his words came out a a venom laden hiss, "You insult my family! You insult my betrothed! That I cannot forgive!" He reared his left hand back and backhanded Prince Blueblood II across his mouth. "I demand the right of retribution!", He snapped his eyes ablaze.

Blueblood recoiled from the strike in shock, tasting the coppery sting of blood on his lips. He levitated the hoofkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth before folding it and levitating it back into his pocket. Pulling the glove off his hoof with his magic, he slapped Harald across the face with it, "Very well, I accept!" He gestured for a dark blue pegasus, "Clarence shall be my second. Whom I wonder shall be your second"

Shining Armor stepped forward, "I Prince Shining Armor shall second Lord-protector Harald Irontoothson."

Prince Blublood II looked around with stunned disbelief. He quickly gathered himself with a harrumph, "Very well! Long swords in an hour to the death!" With an upturn of his snout he stomped off with a huff.

After Prince Blueblood II had stomped off, his father, the Viscount Blueblood I stepped to Harald, his face marred by wrinkles, his wispy grey mane hanging limply. "I must offer my sincere appologies for the behavior of my son Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II...", he said sadly, "...too often are his actions unbecoming of the title of Prince of Canterlot and the Hinterlands." He sighed, "I should have not abdicated."

Shining stepped forward, "Duly noted Viscount, but now for the sake of the rules of the duel I must ask you to please vacate, the Lord-protector needs this time to prepare."

Viscount Blueblood I bowed, "Many apologies." He gave a sharp turn and trotted off as fast as his bones old bones would allow him.

Shining led Harald to a side room to prepare. After the door closed Harald stripped down to just his loin cloth, knelt down and began praying to the ancestors summoning the weirding.

"Be cautious Harald...", Shining said, "...Prince Blueblood II has a tendency to pull dirty tactics in duels. Keep on guard."

"Strength, speed and skin of iron ancestors", Harald prayed silently.

Celestia sighed ans Luna waked up. "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II is going to get himself killed isn't he sister?", Luna asked.

"If he's fortunate then Harald will kill him outright.", Celestia replied, "Are Thorax's changeling guards in place Luna?"

"Aye sister, they are. When the Prince or any of his servants go to make their move, they will spring out on them."

Celestia nodded, "Then may the Father above and the Mother below have mercy on their souls."

An hour later Blueblood II and Harald met in one of the royal gardens, the gala guests formed a wide circle around them. Blueblood adjusted took off his dress coat and adjusted his cummerbund feeling the jagged dagger underneath, Harald wore only his loincloth. He and Harald walked forward to meet accompanied by their seconds. One of Celestia's butlers came forward with a long rectangular rosewood box, opening it revealed two narrow-bladed long swords with gold filigree and pearl inlaid handles and cross guards. Harald and Blueblood each took a sword and took several steps back, their seconds each took a stand off to the side of the dueling area. Blueblood raised his sword in his magic in a high stance, Harald held the blade in his hand in a low stance giving the ruse of being untrained with such a weapon.

"I give you this chance now to throw down you weapon, walk away with your honor and life in place.", Prince Blueblood II said, a crude smirk on his face.

"I'd offer you the same but a cur such as yourself knows nothing of honor.", Harald taunted.

"Why you!", Blueblood snarled.

Celestia cleared her throat and levitated a silk hoofkerchief. "I want this to be a clean an honorable duel, no dirty tricks or dishonorable tactics or the royal guard will cut you down with crossbow bolts." To add impact to her words, several pegasus guards hovered up in the air pulling back the strings on the crossbows and placing bolts in each. Around the perimeter nopony or creature noticed a dozen stone scuttle up to the edge of the crowd. She continued, "When my hoofkerchief hits the ground, you both come out fighting and may the best duelist win." She released her hoofkerchief from her magic.

When the kerchief hit the ground Harald and Blueblood charged forward. Blueblood made the first attack giving his sword a high thrust, Harald leaned away from the thrust and gave an off-speed upwards slash with his sword. Blueblood leapt back narrowly avoiding the slash that traveled mere inches from the tip his snout, counter attacking he swung the blade of the sword in a horizontal slash at Harald's waist. Harald caught the slash on the flat of his sword and pinned Blueblood's blade to the ground.

"You're going to have to be faster than that.", Harald taunted.

Blueblood feeling incensed, began pulling the blade hard with his magic to free it. Harald lifted his sword slightly allowing Blueblood's to slip out easily from under his. Blueblood cried out in pain as the pommel of his sword smacked him in the nose as he wasn't prepared for it to come free easy.

The two began circling each other slowly looking for an opening. Rarity swooned, Fluttershy trembled, Applejack shifted from side to side uncomfortably, Rainbow Dash chewed on her hoof, Pinkie Pie bounced up and down excitedly, Twilight Sparkle looked remembering her grappling match with Harald. She leaned over to Luna a whispered, "Harald has just about sized him up and will make his move."

"We know Twilight Sparkle...", Luna Whispered back, "...we are well versed in all human fighting styles."

Twilight blinked in thought as she turned attention back to the fight.

Harald and Blueblood finished circling each other, standing a few paces apart waiting to charge. Blueblood charged forward giving several rapid thrusts with sword. Harald backpedaled easily countering each thrust, he gave a quick riposte flipping Blueblood's blade aside, gave an advancing spin past the charging unicorn and slapped blueblood on his rump with the flat of his sword.

Blueblood yelped in surprise as Harald taunted him, "It appears first strike goes to me." Harald gave a malicious smile.

Blueblood gave an angry huff and charged forward giving a mighty thrust of his sword. Harald turned the attack aside, allowing the tip of his sword to graze Blueblood's cheek, drawing a crimson line of blood. He had him figured out, Blueblood was competent with a sword and a highly experienced duelist, but he allowed his vain pride and anger to blunt his actions.

Harald gave his sword a quick flourish into a tight defensive stance as he crouched in a wide stance and slide his foot forward slightly, he decided to taunt Blueblood once more, "First blood goes to me too. I thought you were an accomplished duelist."

Blueblood snarled as he wiped the blood from his cheek. Readjusting the sword in his magic, Blueblood charged forward with a shout. Harald knew he had him, he decided to bait the trap to pull in his opponent. Harald feinted left giving the impression that he was dodging out of reaction and panic, predictably Blueblood thrusted his sword to the left, Harald charged forward snatching the the sword out of Blueblood's magic and laid the flat each sword against each other in a V. Blueblood tried to rear up to escape the deadly V coming at him but tripped over his hind hooves falling hard onto his back. Harald placed the edge of both swords against Blueblood's neck.

"I-I-I yield!", Blueblood shouted in a panic.

Harald removed the swords and turned to walk away as Blueblood rolled up to his hooves.

Feeling humiliated and incensed, Blueblood reached inside of his cummerbund drawing the black jagged dagger. Leaping in the air with a scream, he aimed the dagger between Harald's shoulder blades as the crowd gave a collective gasp.

Harald quickly turned, slapped the dagger out of Blueblood's hoof with the flat of one sword and chopped his horn off with the other. He have a swift kick driving the unicorn's chest, knocking him to the ground.

As Harald stood over the unicorn with the tip of the sword at his throat, Blueblood shouted, "Now!"

Blueblood's second, the dark blue pegasus with greying mane flew at Harald pulling a black jagged dagger from under his wing while a brown and a red earth pony lunged at Celestia and Luna with similar daggers drawn. Harald turned quickly decapitating the pegasus with a quick slash of his sword as three crossbow bolts imbedded in the pony's ribcage. The changeling disguised as rocks sprung upon the two earth ponies.

As several royal guards forced Blueblood up to his feet, Luna walked forward kicking off her horseshoes. "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you are under arrest for the attempted assainatiom of myself, Princess Celestia and Lord-protector of Northern Equestria Harald Irontooth.", she snarled. Throwing her hoof forward, she struck Blueblood II across the jaw knocking out cold. "Take them away."

Celestia levitated one of the black jagged daggers getting a closer look at it. "Sombra!", she snarled. Clearing her throat, she spoke in a clear loud voice, "Alright every pony and creature, the Grand Galloping Gala is officially over! Go back to your rooms and await the royal guards to search you and your belongings."

Harald and Fluttershy sat in their room in the castle side by side on the bed.

"Wh-what d-do you th-th-think this m-m-means?", Fluttershy stuttered trembling.

"War,", Harald replied.

Fluttershy began to cry. "I was so scared that you would be hurt or worse.", she said between sobs, "Hold me!"

Harald wrapped his arms around Fluttershy, gently rubbing his hand between her wings as she wrapped her forelimbs around his neck crying into his shoulder.

A knock at the door drew attention from the embrace. A guard opened the door saying, "Princesses Celestia and Luna request an audience with the two of you." As they left the room a contingent of guards followed them. They were soon joined by Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity, each with their own contingent of guards.

"This is bad.", AJ said softly.

"Do you think they'll cancel future galas?", Rarity asked.

"Well duh Rarity!", Rainbow said annoyed, "Four ponies just tried to assassinate Celestia, Luna and Harald, I think future galas are the least of our concerns."

"What do you think this means?", Rarity asked.

"War.", Harald and Fluttershy said at the same time.

Pinkie said nothing, her mane hung limply as fear filled her eyes.

As the seven of them entered the throne room, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart were softly talking with Silverstream, Yona, Gilda and Thorax. Celestia quickly waved them over.

"Guards! Leave us.", Luna commanded.

"Listen every pony and creature...", Celestia said with a dead serious tone in her voice, "...this is officially an act of war. Sombra has decided to make the first undeniable strike against Equestria and her allies." Turning the the group as a whole Celestia said, "The day and night guard will be ready to march in force by the end of the week. How long will it take each of you to have your respective forces ready?"

"I can get my 'bolts recalled into a full fighting force in three days. It'll take me a week, ten days tops to recall the reserves.", Rainbow said.

"You have five days to call up as many reserves as you can.", Luna ordered.

"Yes princess.", Rainbow bowed.

"If Harry goes to fight, then the griffons will flock to his banner. It'll take a month to call up all the griffons from across Equestria and beyond.", Gilda said.

"Yona can have yak army in Crystal Empire in one moon.", Yona said.

"If I leave in the morning, it will take me two months to have the hippogriff army and seapony navy here in two months.", Silverstream said.

"I can mobilize my hive and have them here in two weeks.", Thorax said.

"Ah c'n have th' Apples and th's Pears in Ponyville by th' end o' th' month.", Applejack spoke up, "We might no be a proper-like army, but we c'n serve as militia tuh help keep th' peace."

"I can have the Everfree Rangers ready to deploy in full force by the end of the week.", Twilight said, "They may not be in large numbers, but nopony is better at hit and run tactics."

Celestia clicked her tongue. "That just leaves the dragons, Saddle Arabians and the kirin.", she said, "I know Spike can talk to Dragon Lord Ember, but it'll be at least a month, maybe more before they arrive. The kirin are trickier as they're generally isolationist when it come to matters of war, if there was a representative from the Emerald Empire or the Kingdom of Chin they might be more amicable. The Saddle Arabians may be able to come, but it would be at least six months before they come."

"The subjects under my rule depending on how well they are trained could be mustered into an army. Though if they're not well trained, it will take at least a full cycle of the moon to get a single company ready to fight."

"That just leaves the zebras.", Luna said, "But it would take Zecora at least six months to reach Zabrbobway and another six moinths to return if she can convince the chieftans of her homeland to come."

Celestia looked over the maps trying to crunch the numbers. "The factors we don't know is how many changeling Chrysalis has managed to breed, what her and Sombra wanted with the griffons and if there are any other creatures they have managed to sway to their cause or force into their service." She tapped her chin with a hoof, "There's some piece of information we're not getting."

"I can have the Spymaster send her agents out immediately to gather intelligence on the whereabouts of our enemies and their numbers."

"With the allies we know we have that equals to around three million strong for a fighting force.", Celestia said thoughtfully, "Until we have better information, we have to assume the enemy has at least that number, safe to assume at least half as many more." Celestia began writing down military calculations. "Twilight, Luna, Cadance and I will need you to begin running calculations on how much this war will cost in bits, supplies, military and civilian casualties and how long before we finally run out of everything."

As Twilight began jotting down the numbers as she crunched from memory all the military manuals she's ever read. "Well we can definitely account for five thing we know Sombra and Chrysalis doesn't have...", she quipped in thought, "...alicorns."

Luna looked to the group, "You are dismissed. Go gather your forces at the first available opportunity."

Three days later the trial of Prince Blueblood II commenced. He wound up defending himself as every given to him he fired claiming he knew Equestrian law better than anypony other than the princesses. Over the next three days evidence was presented as his two surviving co-conspirators had turned state witnesses in exchange for a guilty plea and banishment. The state made arguments as Blueblood II made counter arguments.

On the final day of the trail, the judges allowed Blueblood II to make his final arguments first. "Mares and gentlestallions of this esteemed jury everything I did was for the good of Equestria!", he stated, hoping to convince any potential firebrands amongst them, "For too long have we suffered under the iron shoe of the princesses whom at any time the whim comes to them, they can overturn the law implemented by the vote of the citizens and councilponies of any province or city-state of our fair country. I simply wanted to depose their tyrannical rule and instate a more democratic rule by the by the ponies for the ponies. It was not my intention to kill any pony or creature, just remove them from power and have them banished. Thank you, that is all." He took his seat back at his table.

The prosecuting attorney rose from the table and began addressing the jury in an Appleoosan accent. "Mares and gentlestallions of the jury, now Ah'm not some highfalutin' well educated noblepony from Canterlot, Ah'm just some poor ig'nit farm pony from 'round Appleoosa ways that got lucky enough tuh save up enough bits tuh be able tuh afford law school, but Ah know a load of hooey when Ah hear it. Is it true that th' princesses reserve th' right un'ner our constitution tuh countermand any law if they so choose? Yes. But if'n any of y'all were to remember y'allses history lessons or ev'n look in any law book, y'all find that not ne'rry one time in th' last three hun'ed years when they had done so an' the last time was durin' a massive plague that threatened all the lives of th' ponies. Th' res' o' th' time they's allowed th' locally elected officials to make th' local laws. Th' only time any royals have done so was when they taxed they's own provinces or city-states an' if'n Ah'm not too forward in statin' so, Prince Blueblood II until recently was was a member of said royals an' even held a seat on th' royal house of our noble parliament. All Ah ask of of y'all is tuh please consider may argument when Ah say that if'n he was concerned with givin' the common ponies more electoral power, why dinint he vote fer laws to give 'em more gov'mental power or e'en pass lawws in th' provinces an' city-stated he ruled o'er to give th' common ponies more gov'mental say so? In conclusion Ah'm sayin' that his move was tuh grab more power fer hi'self. Ah thankie y'all." The prosecuting attorney sits back at his table.

As the jury goes back to deliberate, Blueblood II fumes and trembles as he stares around the courtroom giving pleading stares to any pony or creature that would lock eyes with him. Twenty minutes later the jury comes back out to their box and the forepony stands. "Has the jury come to a unified verdict?", the judge asks. "We have your honor.", the forepony replies. "Would the forepony please read the verdict?", the judge asks. "*ahem* We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II guilty on three counts of high treason. We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II not guilty on the three counts of conspiracy to commit high treason.", the forepony reads off causing a stir amongst the courtroom. "Order! Order!", the judge calls out clapping her gavel, "Please continue forepony."

"We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II guilty on one charge of attempted murder on Lord-protector Harald Irontoothson of Northern Equestria.", the forepony continues reading, "We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II not guilt on the charges of conspiracy to commit murder. We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II guilty on two counts of attempted murder on a high ruler of Equestria We the jury find Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II not guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit murder on a high ruler of Equestria." The forepony passes the paper off to the bailiff who passes it to the judge.

As the judge reads the verdict statement, Celestia rises in her royal box. "If it so pleases this court, I'd like to pass the judgement."

The judge rubs her chin with a hoof for a moment, "It so pleases the court. The condemned will rise for judgement from Princess Celestia." Blueblood II hesitantly rises to his hooves.

Celestia clears her throat before speaking, "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you are to have your name blotted from every book in Equestria, all statues bearing your likeness shall be turned into gravel, all pictures and paintings bearing your likeness shall be burned, your holdings shall be seized by the state and transferred to a proper party as deferred by the house of nobles, your marriage is hereby annulled and finally with no small amount of regret I pass upon you the judgement of death. The means of your execution shall be determined by Lord-protector Harald Irontoothson."

The judge says, "What say you Lord-protector Irontoothson?"

Harald rises and say, "Blood eagle!" Those two words makes Celestia and Luna's eyes go wide with shock.

The judge quickly calls for a book on all means of evecution, reading it her eyes goes wide with horror. "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you shall in the morning be sentenced to death by the blood eagle. May Celestia and Luna have mercy on your soul."

The jury forepony shouts, "You got off too easy having to deal with some eagle! Our verdict was to have you sealed in an oubliette until you died of thirst and hunger in the darkness."

"Order! Order!", the judge shouts slamming her gavel down, "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you remanded over to the royal guard until commencement of your execution. Court is adjourned."

Twilight leaned in close to Celestia and whispered, "What is the blood eagle?"

"It is one of the most painful and brutal forms of punishment that can be inflicted on any creature, it would be more merciful if he had been sentenced to be burned at the stake or drawn and quartered.", Celestia replied.

The next morning two beams of wood were laid out in an X as Harald stood by it with a sharp curved knife and four long nails. Blueblood II surrounded by dozens of guards with a magic restraining ring on his horn, he gasped in surprise at the twin cross beams and Harald standing with his means of execution, he faltered dragging his hooves until two guards shoved him forward. The gathered crowd jeered and booed as he bade his way to the execution platform. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart and the six elements made their way to the royal observation box.

Celestia raised a hoof silencing the crowd, "Give this condemned pony silence as this is the only mercy he shall receive from this point forward."

Blueblood II was placed on the crossbeams and his limbs were held in place by magic.

Harald lined up the first nail at the base of Blueblood's hoof and began driving it in until pierced through and into the wood. The elements hid their faces in horror as Blueblood screamed and cried for mercy. Harald did the same for the other three hooves. He then stood over Blueblood's back and began cutting an incision into the left side of his back in a large U pattern, then peeled the flesh away from the ribs in a massive flap. Harald the did the same for the right side. Putting the knife away Harald gestured for a bonesaw and began cutting the exposed ribs away ribs. The crowd began crying out, "Mercy! Mercy!" Harald ignored them as he discadred the ribs one by one in a nearby bucket, he then reached in the holes and pulled Blueblood's lungs through the holes and let them hang over the sides of his body. Mercifully Blueblood had long since passed out from shock and blood loss. Harald gestured for a pulley, rope and hook. He raised Blueblood's body on the top of one the spires of the royal castle where a team of pegasus guards affixed it to the side of the golden dome. As the crowd looked on, many ponies remarked that Blueblood's body looked like some perverse pegasus, griffon or eagle. He mercifully died shortly before the ravens and crows began to peck at his body.

Harald pointed a finger at the now mercifully dead body of Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, "Look upon and behold what conspiring with dark forces earns you! Take what you have seen here and tell all you see what happens when you side with the dark ones! He shall hand there as food for the carrion birds until his body rots and falls from the precipice, then what remains shall be tossed into a bog!"

Battle for the Crystal Empire

It had been three months since the execution of Blueblood II and Celestia was sitting in the foundry deep in the catacombs of the Royal Palace. She held up the designs her and Luna had made of armor and weapons for Harald. She rubbed her chin with a hoof in deep thought. "The designs are right, it's just lacking a certain...something.", she muttered to herself.

A slight chill filled the room causing Celestia's coat to bristle. The spectral form of Jorgen manifested sitting on an anvil nearby. He slid off the anvil landing on the floor noiselessly and silently strode over as he looked at the drawings. He rubbed his spectral hand across his chin in thought.

"What awakes you from your rest beloved?", Celestia asks.

"Dark forces move.", Jorgen replied in a wispy voice, "Their tendrils stretch to the north. Thy thoughts wander to and fro on the matter."

"Sombra has already made his first public move against Harald and it cost him some of his servants.", Celestia muttered in thought.

"The great pretender lost no servants, he simply cost them aside as one would cast aside a broken tool.", Jorgen whispered. He ran a spectral finger along the drawing. "This is nearly complete. Though it does lack one vital component."

"What would that be?"

"The essence of the most powerful defenders."

Celestia rolled the thought over in her head for a moment. "It shouldn't take more than a few drops, maybe a little more." She began quickly writing down the alterations on the margins of the drawings. She turned seeing the specter of Jorgen fading. "Thank you beloved and rest well." She teleported to her office and began writing a few letters, rolled them up, sealed them with her magic and teleported them with a flash of golden light.

Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart were sitting in the throne room of the Crystal Palace listening to several politicians argue over taxing districts when Flurry Heart's snapped up and she looked to the south. "Two letters for us coming mother."

Cadance and Shining Armor looked over at their daughter. Cadance opened her mouth to say something when two flashes of golden light appeared before the thrones and rolled up letters with Celestia's seal appeared in the air floating for a split second before falling to the ground with a small rustle.

Flurry looked at the arguing politicians. "There is no need to change the lay out of the taxing districts at this time. Especially now that we are on the eve of war."

The politicians looked to Flurry with irate and indignant expressions on their faces. The first politician turns her face to Cadance, "Does Princess Flurry Heart speak with your authority on this."

Shining Armor leaned forward and spoke, "On this matter we three sit in agreement. Our judgement stands, it is more imperative to prepare the empire for the ensuing war than to bicker about changing tax districts. Good day."

"Your majesty!", the first politician spoke up again, "Do we not need better tax districts for the war preparations?"

Cadance rose from her seat. "I believe what Prince Shining Armor meant to say is dismissed."

The politicians sputtered for a moment but then thought the better of it when they saw Flurry Heart's mane ripple ethereal for a brief second. "Yes your majesties.", the politicians said bowing before leaving the room.

Cadance levitated the letter and broke the seal unrolling it. She read the letter and reread the letter again. "Flurry and I have been summoned to Canterlot. Aunt Celestia needs us for forging something", she said as she hastily reread the letter again, "She needs our...blood."

Shining pulled the letter over with his magic, read it, then rubbed his chin. "This seems unusual."

"These are unusual times father.", Flurry said as she unrolled her letter, "But there will come a time when we will welcome unusual." Flurry lit the magic in her horn and vanished in a flash of multicolored light.

Cadance sighed, then nuzzled Shining. "I'll return as soon as I can Shiny." She vanished in a flash of pink light.

Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity and Pinkie were sitting in their thrones around the map table looking over requisition forms and troop readiness forms.

Pinkie felt her hoof twitch and held it out.

"Uh Pinkie? What are you doing?", Rainbow asked.

"Mail incoming.", Pinkie said.

As if on cue there were six small flashes of light as six letters appeared. Five of the landed on the map table, the sixth landed in Pinkies hoof.

Pinkie quickly unrolled the letter and read it. "Hmm, Celestia needs us for forging and needs our...", she said as she stuck out her tongue, "...blech, our blood." She reached under her mane a pulled out a hat, then placed it on her mane. She pulled out a quill and a piece of paper and quickly wrote a letter. Stepping over to the window, licked her hoof to check the wind, pulled out a mattress, laid it on the floor and opened the window.

Derpy sailed through the window and landed on the mattress with a soft thump. She sat, shook her head to get rid of the cobwebs, looked up at Pinkie with a weak smile, "Th-thank you."

Pinkie placed the letter on Derpy's hoof, "Take this to Cheese Sandwich for me please." She then pulled a muffin out of her mane and placed it on Derpy's other hoof.

Derpy looked at the muffin, smiled and happily gobbled it down. "Th-thank you Pinkie." She stood up and flew back out the window.

The other five stare at Pinkie with confused looks on their faces.

"What?!", Pinkie says, "We're going aren't we?"

Twilight gathers herself and rolls the note reading it. "Hmm, why does Celestia need our blood for forging?"

The remaining four opens their letters and reads them.

Twilight gestures for the other five elements to gather up, she then ignites her magic and they all vanish in a flash of purple light. When they materialize in the throne room in Canterlot, Celestia, Cadance and Flurry Heart were waiting on them.

Luna walks in from a side door yawning and sipping loudly on a cup of coffee. "Are we ready to *yawn* *smack-smack* to begin Tia?"

"Yes Luna, everypony is here."

Luna quickly drains the cup of coffee and teleports it away. "Hoo!", she exclaims at the strength of the coffee, "Okay let's do this while I'm awake."

In a flash on golden and deep blue light the group appears in a forge. Celestia lights the furnace as Luna levitates powdered iron ore into ten crucibles. Once the furnace was up to the proper temperature, Celestia levitates the crucibles into it. After an hour Celestia levitates the crucibles out of the furnace, letting them alight in front of her, Luna, Cadance,Flurry Heart, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, inside of each was a yellow glowing spongy mass of iron.

"Do as I do.", Celestia says. She raises a hoof to her mouth, bites down hard on the frog causing blood to flow forth, holds her bleeding hoof over the crucible and lets a small stream of blood dribble onto the super-heated iron. The hot iron fizzles and squeals as the blood contacts it. The other nine do the same. Luna lights her horn and seals the wounds on all ten of their hooves. Celestia levitates the crucibles back into the furnace and adds powdered nickle to them. After another hour Celestia moves the crucibles out of the furnace, mixes the metal mixtures with a stone rod, levitates the blobs of molten metal out of the crucibles and forms them into billets. Luna takes half the still glowing billets and submerges them into a trough filled with oil, causing small gouts of flame to leap up before she snuffs them, then levitates the cooled billets onto onto the workbench.

Celestia lights a smaller furnace and moves all the billets into it. Luna lifts a heavy hammer in her magic as Celestia pumps the bellows until the billets start glowing orange, she moves them onto an anvil and Luna starts hammering them into thin sheets. Celestia stacks the sheets of metal and levitates them into the small furnace, she gives the bellows a few pump until they start blowing orange again. Celestia levitates a small hammer and a chisel as she moves the stacked metal back onto the anvil. Giving small taps of her hammer, Celestia directs Luna where to strike, once the metal makes the sound she sound she wants, Celestia places the chisel along the newly formed billet, strikes it with her small hammer until a small line is formed and she folds the metal over on itself. Heating the metal in the furnace again, Celestia moves it back to then anvil, splits the metal into several strips and forms them into small cylinders. Reheating the metal again, Celestia twists the metal cylinders into a twisted rod, levitating another large hammer, she and Luna hammer the twisted rod into a new billet. With a grunt of satisfaction, Luna plunges the billet into a trough of water causing steam to erupt from it, dispersing the steam with a flap of her wings, she moves the billet back onto the anvil.

Celestia levitates a small bronze hammer and gives the billet several taps as she listens to the ringing of the metal. Wiping the sweat from her face, she gives Luna a quick nod. As Celestia moves the billet into the small furnace, Luna readies the sledge hammer. Using her magic to separate the billet into smaller ones, Celestia lay out a small steel hammer and several tools. Celestia moves one of the smaller billets onto the anvil and with taps of the small steel hammer she guides Luna where to strike, soon the metal is formed into a blank sword. Celestia plunges the blank sword into a vat of weak acid to reveal the grain structure, washing the acid away from the sword blank with a bucket of water, she levitates it in front of her inspecting it. Giving a grunt of approval, Celestia plucks a hair from her mane, she wraps the ethereal strand around the sword blank and blasts it with her magic. The forge fills with bright golden light and the sword is finished into a brightly polished and sharpened weapon, a small flicker of golden magic shimmers along the blade as she wraps the handle in golden cord. Celestia and Luna swap sides on the anvil.

Luna moves a glowing billet from the small furnace as Celestia readies the sledge hammer in her magic. Giving taps of the steel hammer, Luna guides Celestia where to strike with the sledge hammer, soon the metal forms into an axe blank with a broad curving blade on one side and a long thin spike on the other. Luna levitates a small bronze hammer and gives the axe several small taps as she listens to the metal ring. Giving a small smile, Luna plucks a hair from her mane, wraps the dark shimmering strand around the axe blank and blasts it with her magic. Bright silver light fills the forge revealing a polished and sharpened axe, a small layer of frost form on the head before dissipating. Luna wraps the haft in a fine silver wire. The two sisters each ready a sledge hammer in their magic as they move the last of the metal onto the anvil.

The sledge hammers rain down on the billets as sparks and sputters of hot metal fill the air. The other tools are levitated in the sisters magic as they begin working the metal with it. When the sisters finish a helmet, a pair of metal boots, a round metal shield, leafmail shirt and chainmail leggings lay on the anvil. Celestia plucks a hair from Flurry Heart's mane, wraps it around the helmet and the sisters blast it with their magic filling the forger with multicolored light, a gleaming winged helmet alinghts gently on the anvil. Luna plauck a hair from Cadance's mane, lays it across the shield and the sisters blast it with their magic, a brilliant mirror polished shield gently lands on the anvil. The sisters pluck a hair each from Twilight's, Fluttershy's, Rainbow's, Applejack's, Pinkie's and Rarity's manes. They weave the hairs into the leafmail, chainmail and boots, they blast it with their magic and a shimmering set of armor alights on the anvil.

Two days later Harald is summoned to The Crystal Empire. Harald kneels before the Princesses, Shining Armor and the elements. Celestia lowers a simple woven iron headband onto Hararld, "Harald Irontoothson, with with this band I hereby crown thee Lord-protector of Norther Equestria and High-commander General of its armies. May thou lead with honor, courage and wisdom." Cadance lays a laurel of crystal leaves on Harald's head, "Harald Irontoothson, I dub thee master and commander of the Crystal Legions. May thou lead with integrity and honor." Twilight drapes a ruby red cape with a golden liner across Harald's shoulders, "Harald Irontoothson, I bequeath upon thee the title of champion of Central Equestria. May thou stride forth with justice and foresight." Gilda lays the seal of Griffonstone before Harald, "Harald Irontoothson, griffon-friend, I offer unto thee the command of all griffon forces. Call upon them in thy time of need and they shalt be thine to command." Luna walks forwards, gently lays a hoof on Haralds shoulder and strikes him across the cheek, "Arise Harald Irontoothson and let that be the last blow thou receives unanswered." The weapons and armor are laid out before Harald. "Gird thyself in thy new armor and weapons.", Shining Armor says. Harald rises to his feet as several Crystal Guards and Royal Guards help him into his armor then slips the weapons onto his belt and attaches the shield to his arm. The doors to the balcony are opened and the sounds of the cheering crowd pours in.

"Your adoring public awaits.", Celestia says gesturing to the balcony.

Harald strides onto the balcony as the rest of the royal group filters in behind him. He looks out across the crowd, draws his sword and raises it high. "Hah-oo! Hah-oo!", he howls in a loud voice, "Let all who oppose us stand forth and let themselves be known. By our blades and our might they shall be felled! By our courage and our honor they shall be thrown back into their holes. By our strength and our conviction they shall know only fear!" As the crowd roars in cheers he begins banging the flat of the sword against his shield in a loud rhythm, the soldiers and legionnaires begin pounding out the same rhythm with their spears or hooves.

In the snows of the crystal mountains a pair of red eyes gleam hatefully at the celebration. "Celebrate while you can my crystal slaves, soon you will know only pain and suffering."
********************************************************************************************************

*One month later*

The sun had just slipped above the horizon bathing the Crystal Empire in a soft pink glow. Cadance stepped out onto one of the balconies levitating a teapot and a teacup. She sat a small table ready to drink her morning tea before the kitchen staff made breakfast. Sipping the tea, she smiled softly enjoying the ray of the morning sun giving a contented sigh. Her ear twitched as she heard a sound. At first it was low slowly growing in volume, the sound of droning wings. First she turned her ear to the sound, then turned her head facing the sound. With a loud gasp she dropped her teacup, her eyes went to pinpricks as the cup shattered on the balcony. Thousands of twisted changelings were pouring out of the caves and crags of the crystal mountains, their black carapaces were beginning to blot out the skies above the Crystal Mountains.

Running inside, Cadance shouted, "Alarm! Alarm! We're being invaded!" Guards began scrambling towards the shouts of her alarms. "Call up the legions! Chrysalis' changelings are coming out of the mountains!", she shouted.

Shining Armor ran out into the hallway hastily pulling on his armor. "Cadance!"

"Get a shield above the city Shiny!", Cadance shouted, "I'll send warning to the rest of Equestria!" As Shining ran outside, Cadance lit the magic in her horn, reached out to Celestia, Luna and Twilight. "Hear me please!", she projected with her mind, "The Crystal Empire is being invaded. Send help!" After she sent the message out hoping it reached their targets, she ran through the halls to Flurry Heart. She found her daughter putting on armor. "Flurry!", she cried out, "You need to get out! Teleport yourself to the fall safe house! If the Crystal Empire falls you're Equestria's last hope!"

Flurry Heart nodded as she put on the last of her armor. Igniting her magic, she vanished in a flash of multicolored light. She appeared in a dimly lit room surrounded by two dozen unicorns. As they all bowed as sunburst spoke up, "What is it princess?" "We are at war.", Flurry replied.

Luna snapped awake in her bed hearing Cadance's call for help as Celestia barged into her room.

"Luna!"

"I heard sister! I'll rouse our forces here, you go rally Harald's forces!"

Celestia nodded then teleported in a flash of golden light.

Twilight was sitting in Carousel Boutique sipping tea and eating breakfast with Rarity. "I don't know about what is the newest fashion...." Her eyes became pinpricks as she heard Cadance's call for help. The teacup slipped from her magic and shattered on the floor.

"Twilight, darling? Is everything okay?"

"Oh no.", Twilight whispered. Quickly gathering herself, she replied, "No, everything isn't okay. The Crystal Empire is being invaded! Gather up evrerypony, I've got to sound the alert!" She teleported to the castle and began ringing the bell at the top. Twilight teleported outside as the citizens of Ponyville began gathering up outside the castle. "Alright everypony, this isn't a drill. We are at war! The Crystal Empire is being invaded as we speak!"

"Twilight!", Rainbow shouted as she flew up.

"Get you Wonderbolts and get to Cloudsdale! The Crystal Empire is being invaded!"

Rainbow snapped a salute as she flew off.

"Somepony call up the Everfree Rangers!", Twilight shouted, "And get the Ponyville guards! We march to war."

Harald sat up in his bed yawning and stretching, Fluttershy was nestled up next to him. He prepared to do his morning exercises. He paused, something in the air didn't feel right. He walked over to the window and threw the curtain open. He took a step back in shock seeing the skies to the north begin to darken. He gave a low growl in his throat, then hurried over to his cabinet and threw the doors open revealing his weapons and armor.

Fluttershy stirred and woke up seeing the dour look on Harald's face. "Harald? What's wrong?"

Pointing to the window, Harald said, "Something dark is moving over the north."

Fluttershy flapped out of the bed and over to the window. Looking out she gasped. "Oh my!", she squeaked.

Celestia appeared in Harald's and Fluttershy's room. "Harald!"

"I saw!", Harald snapped hastily pulling on his armor. As Harald fastened his weapon belts around his waist, Fluttershy nuzzled against his thigh. "I need you to stay here beloved.", he said.

"No!", Fluttershy exclaimed flapping up to eye level with Harald, "You go, I go!"

"This isn't training Fluttershy, my beloved, this is war.", Harald said, "I have trained as long as I could stand for this."

"Then I march alongside you.", Fluttershy said sternly, "You call me a shield maiden, a warrior mare, then I stand and fight." A fire gleamed in her eyes.

Harald sighed softly then took a breath, he didn't want to argue. "You may come if you wish, but as soon as the fighting starts, you need to steel yourself for there will be much violence and bloodshed."

Fluttershy began braiding her mane and tail quickly.

"We don't have time to waste!", Celestia snapped, "Whether you two are ready or not, we're going." Igniting her magic, Celestia teleported the three of them in a flash of golden light.

Cadance stepped out onto the balcony alongside Shining Armor and used her magic to bolster his shield. The sky over the magical dome began to grow dark as the thrumming of the wings of the warped and twisted changelings became deafening. A flash of golden light on the balcony caught the attention of Cadance and Shining. Looking over Cadance saw Celestia, Harald and Fluttershy standing on the balcony.

Her face becoming stern and hard, Celestia scanned the skies with her sharp alicorn vision. "There's thousands if not millions of them."

A patch of the changelings parted as a smoky apparition formed in the sky looming over the Crystal Empire. "Surrender my crystal slaves and I may be merciful.", Sombra's voice boomed. He began a cackling laugh when a gleam of light caught his eye, looking down he saw Celestia and Harald standing alongside Cadance and Shining Armor. "Ah princess! Have you come to surrender?", he mocked, "And Rimewalker, I shall finish with you what I began with your country."

Celestia lit the magic in her horn and summoned a fireball above the magical dome. It exploded sending hundreds of smoldering corpses of changelings plummeting towards the dome leaving smoke trails behind them as it dispersed the smoky apparition of Sombra.

Harald stood on the railing of the balcony.

"What are you doing?!", Celestia asked.

"I need to get to the ground, the battle will take place there, not up here.", he shouted above the din of droning wings, "Fluttershy! I you want to earn your steel, now is the time!" He took a flying leap off the railing sailing through the air. Fluttershy flapped hard through the air hard and extended her forehooves to Harald, who grabbed them tightly in an iron grip. When they were a few feet above the ground, let go letting himself drop. As his heavy boots grated against the ground, Harald stuck his fingers in his mouth giving several loud whistles then shouted, "To me! To me!"

As the soldiers began gathering up, Harald knelt and began praying, "Ancestors, lend me your strength and endurance to stand against the enemies." As he felt the weirding flow into him, he stood to his feet. "The enemy is upon us and here they shall meet their doom! When they fall upon us, they shall break like waves upon the shore! I ask nothing of you I ask not of myself, give no quarter, give no ground, give better than you receive, let have nothing, take everything from them!", he shouted. He pumped his fist in the air, "Let these motherless curs feel our steel! Hah-oo! Hah-oo! Hah-oo!"

"Hah-oo! Hah-oo! Hah-oo!",, the soldiers nearby howled, soon the same howls began to ring across the city.

Sombra materialized in a cave next to Chrysalis overlooking the Crystal Empire. "Our army awaits the order to begin the attack King Sombra.", Chrysalis said.

"Gorgoroth!", Sombra called out.

A diamond dog with gnarled limbs came walking up in a jerky manner and prostrated itself before Sombra. "Yes-yes you summon me my-my king?"

"Prepare your pack to tunnel from up under the city.", Sombra ordered.

"Yes-yes my king! We shall slay-kill them!" Gorgoroth rose and walked off to the back of the cave into the darkness.

"Abeloth!", Sombra called out.

A twisted and warped griffon landed in the mouth of the cave from the cliff above with six gleaming red eyes on its face, several smaller, misshapen red eyes were along its wings, its sideways turned beak was filled with jagged crystalline teeth. Taking a few steps forward, it bowed its head and placed a crooked talon on its chest. "Yess my king?", it hissed.

"Prepare your griffons for the assault once the shield comes down."

"As-ss you command, I obey.", it replied before flying off.

A perverse gleam flashed in Sombra's eyes. "You may begin the attack Queen Chrysalis."

Chrysalis nodded then sent the message to her hive.

As the soldiers began moving the civilians to the castle, the changelings began unleashing bolts of dark magic against the shield or slamming their bodies into it.

A magenta flash appeared in the streets. Twilight appeared with Scootaloo and Gilda. They were flanked by two hundred Everfree Rangers, seventy-five Ponyville Guard and two dozen Griffonstone forces. Twilight directed the Ponyville Guard to hep evacuate the citizens as the Everfree Rangers and the Griffonstone forces joined the Crystal Legion. Twilight hurried through the line carrying several crystal pony foals on her back.

"Twilight!", Celestia called out as she alighted to the ground, "Is this all you could muster?"

"Just what I could get her immediately.", Twilight replied, "I've sent Rainbow Dash and her Wonderbolts to Coudsdale to get reinforcements from Spitfire and Soarin. I sent Gallus and Gabby to summon more griffons. The Everfree Rangers and Ponyville Guard were loading up on the train when I left Ponyville. Applejack left out for Appleoosa to summon the Apple's militia. Rarity is moving from town to town gathering up medical supplies and anypony with medical experience."

"How long until the main body of your forces arrive?", Celestia asked.

"They can be here by train in two days provided nothing delays them.", Twilight replied, "Rainbow and her Wonderbolts can be here in the morning. The rest of the Wonderbolts can be here not long after that."

"Luna will be here by this evening...", Celestia said, "...she'll be bringing the day and night guard with her and as many of the Canterlot regulars as can be spared." A loud popping sound drew her attention up seeing a large crack formed in the shield before the magic of Cadance and Shining resealed it. "That won't last."

A rumbling could be felt in the ground. "The yaks are coming!", voices shouted from the soldiers in the back.

Harald gave a toothy smile as Twilight and Celestia gave a sigh of relief.

Another large crack formed in the shield drawing the attention of every creature and pony. Cadance landed on the ground as the crack resealed, "The shield won't hold much longer."

Harald turned to a group of officers, "Spread your forces through the city. Make them fight you street by street and if necessary, building by building." He pointed to Scootaloo, "Send your forces on scouting runs to look for anything out of the ordinary. When the shield comes down, do hit and run attack and help plug any gaps where the enemy forces come through." He pointed to Twilight, "Help bolster the shield to give us as much time as possible. When that shield comes down, take to the air and keep them off the troops." He pointed to Cadance, "Go to the yaks and tell them to smash through the enemy lines anywhere they can." He pointed to Celestia, "Take to the air and keep an eye out for dirty trick or reinforcements."

"And what will you do?", Celestia asked.

Harald readied his shield and drew his sword giving a vicious smile. "Slay."

Over the course of an hour Twilight helped Shining bolster the shield pouring her magic into it and patching up the large cracks as Celestia sailed through the air. Scootaloo banked high over the city watching the cliffs and areas outside the shield. Cadance guided the yaks to the main lines then took to the air and helped seal any smaller cracks she saw in the shield.

Celestia saw a section of ground crack then heave up slightly. She banked low over the buildings and shouted, "Somethings coming up under the ground!" She banked back up into the air watching for other places on the ground.

Scootaloo banked along the edge of the shield and saw twisted griffons forming up in the scrub. She banked back towards Celestia shouting, "We've got griffons! But something looks wrong with them!"

Celestia turned her head towards the direction Scootaloo came from and saw the twisted griffons. "Dammit! That's what they wanted with the griffons!", she snarled. She flew over to Gilda and hovered above her, "Gilda! Sombra and Chrysalis have twisted griffons with dark magic!" She flew off to look for more problems.

Cracks began to form in the shield faster than Twilight could patch them.

"Go Twily!", Shining shouted, "You can't do anymore good here!"

"But I..."

"I said go!", Shining shouted cutting his sister off as he gave her a shove, "It's coming down and there's nothing you can do to stop it!"

Twilight nodded and took to the air.

A hole opened up in the street and warped diamond dogs began pouring out. "Slay-kill! Blood-blood! Die-die!", they shouted as they loped forward holding jagged iron swords, pitted axes and spiked clubs in their paws.

"Forward!", Harald shouted as he charged.

The soldiers gave shouts, screetches and bellows as they rushed forward.

Harald braced against his shield as he slammed into the first diamond dog sending it careening over before slashing with his sword into another diamond dog nearly decapitating it.

Celestia swooped down loosing a blast of energy into the hole colapsong it and cutting off any immediate reinforcements. She then turned and ignited a dozen diamond dogs leaping at her.

Harald dueled with a diamond dog that stood nearly as tall as him. He held up his shield as the diamond dog swung his sword downwards causing the inferior weapon to shatter. The diamond dog grabbed Harald's shield and shoved him backwards. Harald spun his body around and slashed across the diamond dog's hind limb, severing just below the knee joint. As the diamond dog fell, Fluttershy took to the air and slammed her hooves hard on its neck, causing it to go rag doll. Harald tapped the flat of his sword against his helmet in salute to Fluttershy. Soon the first group of diamond dogs were slain or sent running in full rout as the discarded their weapons.

Sweat poured down Shining Armor's face like a river as he poured as much magic into the shield as he dared without risking burning out his horn. Massive crack were running across the shield and beginning to connect. The shield shattered with a loud crashing sound as Shining collapsed onto the balcony in exhaustion. For a split second a pregnant silence fell across the empire that seemed to stretch on for an eternity. The air filled with the loud droning of wings as the twisted changelings began descending onto the combatants, the warped griffons took to the air with hissing shrieks or charged into the streets with distorted roars.

Harald braced himself as dozens of changelings swooped down at him. He swung his sword through the air in a wide arc vivisecting several changelings. As they surrounded him he began thrusting and hacking with his sword, kicking forwards and backwards with his feet and bashing with his shield into the changelings. Scootaloo swooped down scattering several changelings away from Harald, she grappled one with her hooves, spun around in the air and threw it into a wall and swooped down into slamming her hooves into hard, turning its head into greenish-black paste. A group of yaks charged goring and trampling changelings when a section of ground opened up, causing several to tumble in. Wet smacks of weapons against flesh erupted out of the hole along with the screams of dying yaks. Several diamond dogs poured out of the hole, blood dripping off their weapons and snouts, they charged forward screaming for blood. Gilda led a squad of Griffonstone forces as they dueled with a squad of twisted griffons. She gouged her talons into the eyes of twisted griffon, hurled onto a roof top, swooped down on it and disemboweled it with a rake of her hind claws, she took back to the air as it thrashed about dying. Twilight twisted, turned and rolled in a midair dogfight with several squadrons of warped changelings as bolts of dark magic whizzed and crackled within inches of her. Cadance flew over the top of her loosing a wide blast of magic, turning the warped changelings into smoldering corpses that plumetted to the ground. Fluttershy slammed her hooves into twisted changelings and warped griffons to crush their bones or keep them off balance, a corner of a building collapsed near her sending her tumbling backwards. Diamond dogs poured out of the hole under the collapsed corner of the building screaming for blood and murder. Fluttershy picked up a spear off a slain legionnaire, took to the air and flew forward in a screaming charge. She slammed the tip of the spear shrieking into the chest of a loping diamond dog, as the tip plunged through its back, Fluttershy kept pushing forward using the bod as a grisly battering ram knocking diamond dogs to the ground. Celestia flew through the streets and over the tops of building blasting twisted changelings, warped griffons and diamond dogs with her magic. She landed by Harald bucking or blasting away changelings. Turning to face Harald, Celestia sent a stream of magic into his shield. Harald pivoted his body around, directing the deadly stream of energy into diving squads of changelings, turning them into smoldering heaps.

After nearly an hour of fighting the first wave of invaders finally broke and rolled back. The last stragglers and isolated pockets of attackers were slain as they tried to retreat. Diamond dog holes were sealed with rubble or collapsed with magic, injured survivors of the attackers were slain, patrols went out retrieving the injured or slain defenders, a field hospital and a field morgue were hastily constructed to hold the dead or injured. Pits were dug and the bodies of the dead attacker were piled in. Soon reports of with tallies came in. A combined estimated total of two thousand yaks, ponies and Griffonstone griffons were dead, injured or missing. Another fifty civilians who weren't able to be evacuated in time were dead, injured or unaccounted for. Fifty thousand twisted changelings, one thousand warped griffons and three thousand diamond dogs were confirmed dead.

Celestia read the reports. "Over twenty-five to one odds of confirmed enemy causalities compared to our own.", Celestia said to herself as she walked amongst the exhausted survivors, "Not bad odds. But now Sombra knows how far we will go to defend our own."

Shining Armor sat exhausted on a hospital cot greedily chugging water as a nurse tended to him. Cadance ran over and hugged him. "Oh Shiny!", she exclaimed crying, "I'm glad you're not hurt." "Yeah, the nurse said it's a case of magical exhaustion.", Shining said as he wrapped his forelimbs around Cadance, "I won't be projecting any large shields for the next day or two."

Twilight walked over to her brother and sister-in-law slurping down a canteen of water. "What do we do now?", she asked after swallowing the last mouthful of water.

"We consolidate our forces and reinforce our positions.", Shining replied, "This was just the initial thrust and though we bloodied them, they will be back to hit us harder."

Celestia focused her magic magic and projected her thoughts to Luna, "Hurry sister. We have bloodied the enemy and have thrown back their first wave, but more is to come."

Soon the defenders began throwing up barricades and reinforcing them with sharpened stakes. Patrols were sent out to look for enemy scouts or force any remaining civilians back to the castle. It was now a waiting game.

Harald sat against a wall dozing to conserve and replenish his strength. Fluttershy walked up carrying two plates of food, placed them on the ground and gently nudged Harald awake. They sat in silence eating.

"You fought well.", Harald said finally breaking the silence.

"Mhm.", Fluttershy replied flatly.

Sombra looked out across the Crystal Empire in thought. "Abeloth!", he called out.

"He was-ss ss-slain in the attack.", a twisted griffon hissed. It had two red eyes on one side of its face, its beak was upside down, its talons and hind feet were backwards, writhing tendrils snaked through its feathers.

"Very well Abraxis, you have been promoted in his place.", Sombra replied. He summoned a scroll and gave it to the griffon. "Choose two of your brethren to accompany you to the city and deliver our terms for their surrender."

The twisted griffon bowed, "I hear and obey King Ssssombra." It flapped off. Three twisted and warped griffons landed on the outskirts of the city hoisting a flag of parlay and slowly approached the barricade.

"Halt abomination!", a legionnaire shouts from behind the barricade leveling a crossbow at the twisted griffons, "What is your purpose here?"

Abraxis hulds up the scroll in his talon and hisses, "I come to parlay with the princesssesss."

A runner is sent to the rear and several minutes later Celestia and Cadance flap up to the barricade.

Stepping to the top of the barricade Celestia says in a loud voice, "What is your purpose?"

Abraxis steps to the barricade and passes the scroll to Celestia.

Opening the scroll, Celestia reads it then narrows her eyes. "Is this some kind of joke?"

"No joke princesss. Our termsss for your ssssurrender."

Celestia looks to Cadance in an unspoken agreement, then incinerates the scroll. "The terms of surrender are unacceptable. Instead I want you to deliver a message to Sombra and Chrysalis. They shall surrender themselves unto us to face full judgement before a military tribunal. The bulk of their armies are to be put to the spear and the survivors are to be banished into the badlands. Now go! I have nothing more to say!"

The three twisted griffons flap away. Celestia walks to the back lines and summons several officers, "Pass the word. The barricades need to be heightened and strengthened, any with the sharpest eyes and ears are to watch for diamond dog activity, every unicorn is to set up killing lanes and use their magic to whittle down the numbers of their flyers before they can reach the troops and civilians, once the flyers get low enough, the pegasi and griffons are to engage them with spears, sword or whatever they have available, gather up as man wagons and carts as possible to evacuate the civilians, a small contigent force of earth ponies and yaks are to hold in the back lines to wait for a break in the enemy lines and then press hard to from a safe corridor for the civilians to be evacuated. As soon as the civilians are out of the city, they are to break for the forest, the canopy should be dense enough to protect them from flying patrols." She sighed, "Let's hope it will be enough until Reinforcements arrive."

Sombra stood at the mouth of the cave overlooking the Crystal Empire for two hours. Licking his fangs, he said to himself, "Oh Celestia, your pathetic attempt to defend the city will crumble like a castle made of sand before the flood."

Chrysalis walks up. "Sombra, our forces grow anxious. How much longer until we launch the attack?"

Sombra starred across the city one last time before turning. "Order the attack. We shall crush them under our endless waves."

The slopes of the Crystal Mountains became black as hordes of twisted griffons and diamond dogs poured down as the skies above began to disappear in the massive swarms of warped changelings. The defenders in the city bristled as they prepared for the waves of enemies. The very air seemed uncomfortably still as the forces of Sombra and Chrysalis began to descend on the city.

The unicorns and princesses began to fill the air with lances of energy into the swarms of changelings, for every changeling cut down by blasts of magic, two more seemed to take their place. Rumbles under the ground began alerting the defenders of diamond dogs coming up from underneath, the officers ordered the soldiers to spread out to lessen the casualties. As the twisted griffons came amongst the buildings they took to the air staying low over the tops of buildings, leaving the diamond dogs charging through the streets as ground troops. The Griffonstone forces and the pegasi soldiers took to the air engaging the warped griffons in twisting and turning duels. As the diamond dogs in the streets began their loping charge, holes opened in the ground disgorging more diamond dogs, twisted griffons and warped changeling onto the battlefield. Hefting his axe, Harald shouted, "Forward!" The defenders on the ground pressed forward hard in a counter charge. As the ground forces clashed, the twisted changelings began descending on the city. Celestia, Cadance and Twilight took to the air loosing their magic cutting massive gashes into the descending changeling forces. Crossbow bolts filled the air felling twisted changlings, warped griffons and diamond dogs in volley after volley.

Harald twisted and turned hacking into attackers as he found himself cut off. The attackers parted and a massive warped griffon approached him with sickly green tendrils writhing and wriggling in its beak. Harald charged forward as the warped griffon counter charged, they tangled in a duel. Twilight swooped over the streets unleashing a stream of magic that cut a swath through attackers and turned a narrow stretch of the street into molten rock. Cadance twisted, turned and rolled through the air leading a growing knot of warped changeling in a fight, she quickly teleported behind them and unleashed a wide blast of energy turning the massive knot of changeling to ash and smoldering chunks. Celestia hovered in place unleashing flaming bolts of energy into groups of flyers or squads of enemies on the ground, several crackling red bolts of energy whizzed with fractions of inches of her, turning in the air she summoned a massive fireball and launched it into a swarm changeling incinerating them almost instantly. Fluttershy thrusted into the bodies of nearby attackers, a changeling swooped down from above her snapping its jaws within an inch of her neck, turning she slammed the haft of the spear into the changeling knocking it to the ground and raised the spear running it through. Shining Armor advanced slowly unleashing concussive bolts of energy into groups of enemies blasting into chunks or into diamond dog holes collapsing them. Harald and the twisted griffon twisted and turned in the deadly dance of the duel, axe and talons coming within millimetres of each other, the twisted griffon lurched forward in an off-balance charge that Harald sidestepped and slammed his shield into his opponent staggering it, flipping the axe around, he buried the spike in its skull, the warped griffon spasmed a few times before going limp. Harald turned to the attackers surroundin him, seeing them tremble at the slaying of their champion he smiled and began charging, the twisted creatures scattered from him. Gilda slashed the throat of a twisted griffon with her talons and pecked out the eye of a charging diamond dog with her beak before pounching and raked her hind claws cross its chest tearing it open. Up and down the line and in the air the defenders clashed with twisted creatures, the lines pulsed back and forth locked in a deadly stalemate.

Twilight hovered in the air for a second catching her breath. As she looked down at the battle, movement in the mountains. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw a massive second wave coming in. Curling her lip in contempt, she snarled flying off to rejoin the fight.

For three hours the defender held, but the casualties began mounting as the fight slowly turned against their favor. They had managed to turn back the first waves, but the third and fourth wave began slowly pushing them back. A fifth wave came on the heels of the fourth wave causing the lines of defenders to slowly crumble. Harald was forced into a fighting retreat as a wall of twisted creatures began to overwhelm him, a red streak of energy slammed into his helmet knocking him onto his back and sent the helmet tumbling away. A twisted griffon pounced on Harald forcing him to raise his shield in defense, the warped creature's beak snapped inched from his face as it pinned his right arm to the ground. Twilight plummeted out of the sky, smoke billowing off her wing and impacted hard on the roof of a building punching through. Cadance's wing was marred by a smoldering wound as she reared up and slammed her forehooves, bucked her hind hooves and loosed into the tightening knot of warped creatures. Celestia landed on the ground breathing heavily, long gashes stained her pristine white coat pink, she sent burning bolts of energy in every direction she could. Gilda tackled the warped griffon off Harald and they tumbled away in a desperate fight. As Harald rose from the ground, the twisted griffon bit into Gilda's wing causing to cry out in pain. Harald charged the griffon and buried the blade of his axe decapitating it. As Gilda rose from the ground gripping her injured wing, Harald tossed her his sword and the two began a fighting retreat. Scootaloo fought in a high speed aerial battle with several changelings, as she scatted the changeling from her, another on slammed into her knocking her onto a balcony on the castle. Spitting blood, Scootaloo rose to her feet and prepared to make her last stand. Harald and Gilda found themselves pushed back against a collapsed building, they hacked and slashed at the twisted creatures the got close. A red lance of dark magic slams into Gilda's side causing to collapse to the ground as she coughed up bright red blood and mucus. Harald stood over the fallen form of Gilda, chopping his axe into nearby twisted creatures. Fluttershy desperately fought against a knot of diamond dogs, thrusting her spear into any of them she could. A diamond dog knocked the spear from her hooves and swung its jagged sword downwards. Fluttershy leaned away from the attack and the tip of the sword cut a line down left eyebrow and cheek. Slamming her fore hooves hard into the diamond dog, Fluttershy snatched up a dropped sword and took to the air flapping hard as she flew vertically. Hovering high above the battle, Fluttershy saw the defenders finghting in desperation in tight knots. An ancient instinct sparked in Fluttershy's mind and summoning pegasus magic, she began flapping her wings in long even strokes, soon static electricity began building across her body. Fluttershy felt crackles of static electricity began leaping between her feathers as her hooves began a emitting a faint whistle, she dove downwards as streaks of electricity leapt off her. Slamming her hooves hard on a loping diamond dog, Fluttershy screamed as arcs of lightning began leaping off her, she thrust the sword forward into a twisted griffon and a massive bold off lightning leapt from it and began chaining towards nearby warped creatures. Darkness soon began overtaking Fluttershy as she collapsed to the ground.

A massive dark blue flash appeared above the crystal empire as Luna teleported in flanked by hundreds of pegasus guards. She summoned a massive black swirling cloud, silver flashed and arcs of lightning began leaping in the cloud. Hundreds of silver bolts of lightning streaked towards the ground blasting the twisted creatures apart or sending them scattering in directions. Pointing her hoof downwards, she silently commanded the pegasus guards to the city. As they dived to relieve and reinforce the embattled defenders in the Crystal Empire, Luna swooped towards the mountains. Summoning her magic, she unleashed torrents of lightning and shards of ice on the next wave of attackers descending from the mountains or filling the skies. Soon the attack was a rout as the defender charged forward throwing the twisted creatures into confusion and panic.

Sombra snarled in anger. "Sound full retreat.", he said to Chrysalis and nearby officers. Summoning his magic, he teleported himself and Chrysalis away.

Luna landed and blasted several fleeing warped creatures to atoms. "Tia! You are injured!", Luna exclaimed seeing the gashes in Celestia's body.

"Nothing that won't heal Luna.", Celestia said almost breathlessly, "Thank the great river you arrived when you did."

Once the last of the warped creatures had been slain or run off, the defenders and the pegasus guards began the process of the dead and wounded. Stretchers began bringing the wounded to the field hospital as wagons and carts brought the dead to the field morgue. Cadance grunted in pain as a nurse tended to her wing. Fluttershy woke up as two soldiers began lifting her onto a stretcher, once she was taken to the field hospital, she winced in pain as the nurse tended to the cut on her face. Harald sat on the ground in the field hospital as a nurse tended to four parallel slashed on his face. Shining Armor ran over as he saw a barely conscious Twilight being brought into the field hospital on a stretcher, the feathers on her wings were blackened and a bandage was wrapped around her head. "Twily!", Shining shouted as a nurse gently pushed him back. Celestia hissed in pain as the nurses tended to her gashes. Gilda laid on a bed coughing up blood as the nurses desperately worked to save her live, her eyes rolled up in her head as she gave a gurgling rasp, a nurse gently closed her eyes and pulled up a sheet over her body. Scootaloo laid on a bed, she had been fortunate, a broken jaw, a concussion and a dislocated wing along with other minor injuries.

Soon the reports began coming in. Of the combined fifteen thousand ponies, Griffonstone griffons and yaks defending the empire, eight thousand were dead, injured or missing. No civilian losses were reported. Of Luna's forces, only five injuries were reported. An estimated one hundred thousand warped changelings, five thousand twisted griffons and ten thousand diamond dogs were dead, a combined total of fifteen hundred twisted and warped creatures were taken prisoner awaiting processing and interrogation.

That night on a nearby hill a single massive pyre was erected as dozens of smaller pyres were erected in the valley around the hill. The bodies of the Griffonstone griffons were wrapped in ceremonial shrouds and laid reverently on the smaller pyres. The body of Gilda was wrapped in a ceremonial shroud, the flag of Giffonstone in exile was draped across her body and laid on the massive pyre, the griffons laid offerings of spices, gems, small copper coins or food on the pyres. Harald walked up carrying a torch as oil and offerings were poured over Gilda's pyre. With a tear running down his cheek, he laid the torch on the base of the pyre. As the embers danced up high into the air, Luna formed a new constellation in the night sky.

Author's Note

Well I finally got this chapter finished.
Thank you all for reading.

I will try and take all criticisms as constructive.

I hope you all enjoy.

The battle of three days

It had been months since the attack on the Crystal Empire. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight, Shining Armor, Yona, Silverstream, Gallus, Thorax and Harald sat around a table with the map of Equestria and the lands beyond on it. Figurines representing allied and enemy forces were laid out on the map.

Reading a battle report, Celestia moved a few pieces representing twisted changelings, warped griffons and corrupted diamond dogs to the edge of Vanhoover. "It seems we're loosing ground as fast as we gain it.", she said grimly.

"Indeed.", Luna replied as she looked over more reports, her forehead scrunched in frustration, "Though we've pushed back the forces of Sombra and Chrysalis from the Crystal Empire, Appleloosa and Whinnyapolis, they've pushed in on Manehattan, Maretropolis and have surrounded Las Pegasus." She placed several figurines in the mountains. "The spotty intelligence from the pegasus scouts have discovered they are recouping their losses and are amassing in the various mountain ranges."

Twilight studied casualty reports and supply reports. "If this war keeps going like it is, we'll run out of food for our military." She slapped the reports down in frustration and gave an exasperated grunt.

"We need a way to draw the bulk of their forces out in a battle so we can break their back and deplete their numbers so we can relieve our embattled forces.", Shining Armor said looking at troop estimates.

Harald leaned over the map studying it as an aide interpreted the battle reports for him. He scratched his chin in thought as he dragged his finger across the map. He stopped his finger on a valley leading into a box canyon flanked by to rivers. He tapped his finger on the map, "There!"

Cadance looked at where Harald had his finger. "What's special about box canyon? It's just a dry dusty canyon with some arable farmland several leagues to the east."

Celestia and Luna looked at the canyon on the map. "By the great river! It's a nearly unflankable position!", Luna exclaimed. "What are your thoughts Harald?", Celestia asked.

"The dark one's ego is his weakness. When he attacked my homeland and slaughtered my people, I went out to confront him. He pontificated on end about how none born of mare could kill him. He fled when my harpoon pierced his flesh and I tracked him to this land.", Harald said, his face a mask of grim resolve. He placed a figurine representing himself on the canyon. "I will send out the call that I shall march to here and will accept any who volunteer to stand with me. Once the words reach his ears that I march for a grand campaign, his ego shall stoke him to send the greater portion of his forces against me. He may even show up himself to oversee the battle himself."

"It would take you a week to march there, maybe longer.", Shining Armor said, "Plus it would take us at least the long to muster a sufficient relief force. There's no guarantee you could hold out long enough."

"I could make it there in three day on my own if I summon the weirding and if I push myself. Then a day of rest and recover to regain my strength.", Harald said, "That will give me sufficient time to scout out the area and create a base camp." He drug his finger to the nearest towns. "If the call goes out the day I leave, the first volunteers could be there the same day I arrive."

"What would you need for this forced march?", Cadance asked.

"As much food and water as I could carry.", Harald replied.

Celestia looked around the table. "Any thoughts or rebuttals?" When none replied, she continued, "Then in the morning you will be given a pack with as much food and water as you can carry. May the father above and the mother below send a favorable wind to your back."

In the morning Harald lashed his weapons and armor to a heavily stuffed backpack. Several sack of food and canteens of water were delivered to him, which he lashed to the backpack or to his body. He knelt grasping the leather medallion hanging around his neck praying to the ancestors for speed and endurance. Rising to his feet as he felt the weirding enter him, he slipped the backpack on. Flexing his legs a few time to get used to the weight, he set off in a blur, legs pumping hard. The next three days would be a grueling trek across the countryside at speed.

As soon as Harald was on the edge of Canterlot, the princesses teleported letters across Equestria to every city, town, village and hamlet calling for any and all volunteers to head to Box Canyon. As the letters arrived, runners and criers began scattering shouting the message.

In Ponyville, as soon as the message from the princesses was received, the town crier began calling out for volunteers. The exiled griffons were the first to respond as they began strapping armor to themselves and gathering in the center of town. Once every able bodied griffon had gathered, the banners of Griffonstone in exile and cries of "For Gilda! For Griffonstone!" went out as the armored column took to the air. Over the next few hours the Everfree Rangers gathered alongside the the Ponyville guard in regimented formations. Ponies no part of a military outfit began forming a militia. Applejack with a brush hook strapped to her back and an old pike in her hooves gave her siblings and Granny Smith, before turning to Rainbow embracing her and sharing a tender kiss.

"Now don't get yourself killed.", Rainbow said parting from the kiss.

"It'll take more'n a few changelings tuh stop me.", Applejack replied, "'Sides Ah gotta give you a reason tuh make it tuh the battle."

The two shared one last quick embrace. "Stay safe.", Rainbow whispered as they parted. She watched her wife march off humming an old Apple family song as she joined the militia, before she herself flew off to gather the Wonderbolts under her command.

Rarity came out Carousel Boutique securing saddlebags, flank bag and satchels filled with medical supplies. Locking the door, she tossed the key with her magic to Sweetie Bell, then joined the growing militia. Banners were unfurled as the mass of ponies began marching out, singing an old Equestrian battle hymn.

In the province of Northern, Fluttershy braided her mane and tail, then pulled on traditional pegasus armor. After securing a crested helmet on her head, she grabbed a spear off the nearby rack. Cresting a nearby hill, she watched as the armored griffons were flying off into the distance. Turning her head back to the amassing ponies, yaks and Thorax's changelings, she hoisted the spear above her head giving a great shout. Voices returned the shout as she took to the air and banked towards the front of the column. As they began marching out singing hymns, two ponies that no pony or creature recognized, one an earth pony mare with a grey coat and white mane, the other a blue pegasus mare with a blonde mane, joined the back of the column.

Over the next three day as Harald pressed himself hard, the countryside blurred by him as the scenery changed from the green rolling hills of the Canter Valley, to rolling forests, to open plains, to scrub and finally to desert. Cresting a rise, he saw his desination, the entrance to Box Canyon, the valley leading from it was flanked by two flowing rivers that cut through the land like blue arteries. Pressing himself hard, her forded the river at a shallow spot where two sandbars nearly met and turned towards the entrance of the canyon. Reaching the canyon entrance, he quickly found a cave. Picking up a rock as big as his hand, he threw it into cave, making sure there was no unwanted animals using it a den. He let out a sigh of relief as a small swarm of bats flew out, he made his way into the cave and began setting up camp before releasing the weirding. Slumping against the cave wall, his muscles trembled as the burnt taste of adrenaline filled his mouth, he slid down the wall into a sitting position and greedily drained a canteen. Soon exhaustion overtook him and he allowed himself to slip into sleep.

Harald was awakened some time later by the creak of wagon wheels, the clanking of pots and the clopping of hooves. Grabbing his sword, he hurried out the cave and into the canyon. A sigh escaped his lips when he saw a wagon loaded with cooking supplies being hauled by a scruffy looking earth pony at the head of a column of about fifty ponies.

When the scruffy earth pony saw Harald, he put a hoof to his mouth and gave a loud whistle. Two pegasi flew up from the column of ponies wielding wood axes as the earth pony unhitched himself from the wag and drew from underneath it a weather beaten crossbow. He approached flanked by the two pegasi and asked, "You Lord-protector Irontoothson?"

Harald laid the flat of the sword against his shoulder, shifted his weight onto his heels and nodded. "I am he. And who are you?"

The earth pony gestured for the pegasi to stand down and then laid the crossbow across his back. He walked forward, extended a hoof and said in a jovial tune, "My name's Chuck Wagon! Most ponies jus' call me Cookie!"

Harald grasped cookie's forelimb firmly with his hand. "Greetings Mr. Wagon..."

"Jus' call me Cookie!", Cookie interrupted, "Everypony else does!"

"*ahem* Greetings...Cookie. I am Harald Irontoothson.", Harald said feeling slightly uncomfortable. He looked at the column of ponies approaching and lifted his chin towards them.

Cookie looked back at the approaching column. "This here's th' militia from a lil' town about thirty leagues away called Tumbleweed. Most of us are Apples to th' core!", he gestured his hoof towards the column, "We ain't no fancy solderin' types, but in a dust up ya couldn't ask fer a better buncha ponies tuh have at yer back. Dinit figure we'd'a been th' first uns out here, 'sides yerse'f. But we's here now." Cookie went back to his wagon and hitched himself back to it. After an hour the column of ponies had made camp and had begun digging trenches.

Harald was sitting around a fire with several ponies. He had given his foodstuffs to Cookie to help bolster the food. He shoved a handful of dried fruits and nuts in his mouth before going out to oversee the last of the tranches being dug when he saw several shadows cast on the ground by the afternoon sun. Looking he saw a mixed group of twenty-five griffons and thirty pegasi.

Landing, the lead pegasus, a stallion with an ice-blue coat and silver mane, walked up to Harald and snapped a salute. "Lord-protector sir! My name is Sergeant Cirrus of the thirty-seventh pegasi reservists out of Hailton!", he said gesturing with a wing to a city drifting past on the horizon looking like storm clouds.

Harald placed a fist on his chest and tipped his head, "Welcome Cirrus. Get your ponies settled in then help with the fortifications or set up patrols."

Cirrus snapped a salute then flew off shouting orders to the pegasi under his command as Harald began to converse with nearby griffons.

As the sun began to set, griffons and pegasi who had been filtering in for hours began settling down in tents or clouds they had gathered as others flew out over the camp and beyond on patrol or to gather water.

Harald stood on the upper lip of the canyon to help keep watch, alongside a few earth ponies whom had been carried up by pegasi or griffons. After a few hours, a crude walkway wound up the sides of the canyon constructed from ropes and old boards. Looking out in the growing dark of the evening, he saw the twinkle of campfires on the horizon. Holding two fingers up to his mouth, he gave a loud whistle to catch the attention of one of a flying patrol, then pointed to the campfires. The pegasi and griffons nodded as they banked towards the twinkling campfires in the growing gloom of dusk. Harald starred off towards the horizon as the moon crested above the horizon, breathing in the cooling air of night he knew that things would get interesting over the next several days.
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Sombra sat in a hastily constructed hive overlooking the siege of Las Pegasus as the the yipping of corrupted diamond dogs, the chittering of twisted changelings and the guttural growls of warped griffons blended with the groans and shrieks of ponies being tortured for suffering and meat to fuel his forces. He starred at a crude map of Equestria with several notes scrawled on it denoting troop movements. He looked over the map in deep thought as he ran the reports that several scouts had given him for the past three days. He racked his brain as he thought about why mass movements of ponies, yaks, Griffonstone griffons and Thorax's changelings were heading towards a canyon on the edge of the desert. His eyes narrowed as a realization came to him. "Rimewalker!", he growled as he drew an X on the canyon. Rising from where he was sitting, he walked deeper into the hive.

Chrysalis was making sport of torturing a pegasus filly, she would strike it with a forelimb sending it tumbling across the floor, drinking in its fear and suffering before acting like she was going to let it run away. When she began to tire of her cruel game, she lifted it in her dark magic up to her mouth and ripped one of its wings off with her fangs. She shuddered with bliss as the filly shrieked in pain. After she swallowed the severed wing, Chrysalis licked the stump of the wing then cauterized the wound with her magic. Suspending the filly above her throne with some mucus, she cut cut long gashes into its body and sat under, catching the dripping blood in her mouth. Looking over she saw Sombra walking up and flapped her translucent wings hovering next to the suffering filly as she ran her long black tongue along its gashes. "Ah King Sombra.", she said with a wicked glint in her eyes as she drank in the filly's blood and suffering, "Care to partake?"

Sombra gave a sneer at Chrysalis' vulgar display. "The Rimewalker summons his forces on the edge of the desert in a vain attempt to challenge us.", he said as his eyes glinted red.

"So?",Chrysalis asked derisively, "He must know any attempt to call forth an army will fail." She bit into the side of the filly, tearing off a chunk of skin and meat, the chewed it loudly before swallowing it.

"He stands without the aid of the princesses.", Sombra said, "If you enjoy the suffering of ponies, think of the suffering you could feast on from one human."

Chrysalis gave ran it through her mind as she licked the wound in the filly's side. Reaching out with her magic, she pulled the filly from the ceiling and tossed it screaming to her changelings who leapt upon it, when they were done only a bloody skeleton and a few scraps of organ remained. Bowing, she asked, "What is your orders King Sombra?"

Sombra gave a wicked smile, "We lift the sieges and fall back to the mountains to consolidate our forces. Then we march to confront his pathetic little band."

Chrysalis rose from the ground and reached out with her mind to her changelings. "It shall be done my king.", she said with a gleam in her eyes.

After Sombra walked off Chrysalis felt something summon her to a part of the hive where the creatures rarely went. As she the dark alcove, a shiver ran through her carapace as dark magic began to swirl about her. On the walls of the alcove shadows of two alicorns manifested on the walls. Taking a step back, she spoke a challenge, "Shades! Who are you?" "Queen Chrysalis, you serve us well.", said a voice from behind her. Turning she saw a skeleton of a goat wreathed in green flames. Bowing, she said. "Lord Grogar! How may I serve thee?"

Grogar walked forward, his bones rattling with each step. "Arise Queen.", he said in a dry, wispy voice, "Dost thou not recognize your other two masters Lord Nightmare and Lord Shadow?"

Chrysalis trembled slightly as she rose from the floor.

"Sombra will soon be no longer of use to us.", Shadow said in a rumbling voice that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

"His ambitions are small and his failure to kill our enemy shows his lack of true loyalty and ambition.", Nightmare said in a whisper that seemed to come from both within and without Chrysalis' mind, "His petty power plays threaten to underwhelm our true plan."

"What do you ask of me my masters?", Chrysalis asked trying to mask the fear in her voice.

"Soon we will find the heir to our king.", Grogar said, "All we ask of you is a sacrifice to show your loyalty and we will assure your eternal service in our court."

Chrysalis bowed again. "Ask anything me, including my life and it shall be yours."

Grogar approached Chrysalis and lifted a sharp stone knife in his magic. Slicing open her cheek, he gathered the greenish-black blood that oozed out in his hoof, the sealed the wound. Producing a changeling egg, he smeared the blood on it. "When the time comes Sombra shall show weakness. Thou art to wound him and we shalt gift unto thee the dark magic we gave unto him."

"As you command, so shall it be done.", Chrysalis said rising.

Grogar, Nightmare and Shadow faded away leaving Chrysalis alone in the alcove. As she walked out of the alcove, she gave a soft chuckle anticipating her rise to power.
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Celestia and Luna looked over reports. "Sister...", Luna said, "Sombra and Chrysalis have lifted their sieges."

Celestia looked over the reports before speaking, "Harald has been gathering forces to him for four day so far and Sombra and Chrysalis' forces will take at least three days to fully mobilize, then another two days to arrive." She turned to a nearby aide, "Send word to Queen SIlverstream to have her mobilize the hippogriffs and seaponies."

Luna turned to the aide, "Send word to Princess Yona and Chief Strongheart to mobilize."

"Yes your majesties.", the aide said bowing before leaving the room to relay the messages.

Celestia and Luna left the room to begin gathering their forces.
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After a week, thousands of ponies, Thorax's changelings and Griffonstone griffons had joined the growing forces st Box Canyon. Harald stood on a berm overlooking the flat stretch of land between the two rivers as three columns of ponies began fording the rivers, one from the north carried the banners of the Province of Northern Equestria, to the south two forded the river, one carried the banners of Ponyville and the other carrying the banners of Rockville and Western Equestria. After the three columns forded the rivers, they merged into one massive column as they marched to the entrance of Box Canyon.

Shouts of of celebration went out from the creatures in the canyon as the massive column arrived. Harald leapt off the berm and went down to greet the massive column. Fluttershy rushed ahead of the column and threw her forelimbs around Harald's neck in a hug as she kissed him. After they broke from the embrace, Harald went along the column inspecting the forces. He noted the pike Applejack was carrying.

Harald reached out a hand to the pike. "May I have a closer look?", he asked Applejack.

"Sure. Here ya go Sugarcube!", Applejack said hoofing over the pike.

Looking over the pike, Harald noted it was old but well maintained, the wood showed no sign of being rotted, the leaf-shaped bronze head was sharpened but in need of polishing, the sharpened iron spike at the base served as a counter balance, it was twice as long as the largest pony. "It is well constructed.", he said handing it back to Applejack, "How old is it?"

"'Cording to Granny, it belonged tuh her grandpappy's great-grandpappy back we was still called Smith an' we was travelling seed merchants.", Applejack replied, "It t'were used in th' defense o' Equestria during the first griffon war."

Harald tapped his thumb to his collar bone in thought. "How long would it take to make enough for the militia?"

"Gettin' th' wood ain't no problem, but gettin' enough iron or bronze might be a might hard.", Applejack replied, "If'n Ah had 'nuffa help Ah could make 'bout a thousand in three days."

Marble Pie stepped forward. "Getting the iron won't be that hard.", she mumble from behind her mane, "The rocks in this canyon have enough ore to make the heads. Getting the copper and tin to make bronze will be hard as it doesn't look like there isn't much of either in the rocks here."

"Hmm...", Harald hummed in thought, "The enemy surely marches. You have two day to gather up materials and make as many as you can."

Over the next two days pegasi and griffons gathered slim, narrow trees from the wooded thickets along the rivers while AJ lead several ponies in shaving them down. Marble set up a smelting operation at the back of the canyon as she led expeditions along the walls of the canyons to gather ore. At the end of the second day eight hundred pike were made. Harald gave a grunt of satisfaction as he inspected several of the pikes.

in the early morning of the third day Harald was roused from his sleep in his tent from a small clamor in the camp. Gently rolling Fluttershy over, he rose and pulled his clothes on, then walked out of the tent. Walking into the canyon, he looked out to the far horizon and saw a growing dark cloud. "Report?"

"Looks like a storm front moving towards the south and east.", a pegasus mare said.

"The storm front moves against the wind!", an earth pony stallion shouted from the top of the canyon looking through a spyglass.

Harald growled softly as he set his jaw. "An advance column of the enemy.",he growled in his throat. He called orders out, "Watch that swarm and put sentries to watch the horizon in every direction for any other movements. Set up listening posts for signs of burrowing. Give me hourly updates." After giving orders, he made his way back to his tent and gently shook Fluttershy awake.

"What's the matter beloved?", Fluttershy asked with concern seeing the stern look on Harald's face.

Slipping on his armor, Harald said, "An advanced column of the enemy has been spotted moving to the south and east..." He strapped his weapons to his waist and strapped his shield hook to his hip, then hung the shield from it. He strode out of the tent as Fluttershy began donning her armor.

As the sun began slipping below the horizon, Harald stood atop a freshly constructed berm that Marble Pie had help build. A green earth pony mare that stood as tall as him and an orange pegasus mare that came up to his chest walked up next to him. Glancing at them, he raised an eyebrow. "You two come with me.", he ordered. Pointing to a wooded thicket several paces away from the mouth of canyon, he said, "Accompany me there on patrol." The three walked in silence to the thicket. As they entered the thicket, Harald walked to the edge of the river, knelt and ran fingers through the water as he clicked his tongue in thought. Rising to his feet, he turned and asked, "Sky Queens, why are you here?"

"I-I don't know what you're talking about.", the pegasus mare said.

Stepping forward getting face to face with the pegasus mare. "Lie not to me!", he snapped, "You think I cannot recognize my blood-bound sister?" He leaned his face close to the pegasus mare, narrowing his eyes. "Drop your disguise and lie not to me."

The earth pony mare sighed, "The jig is up Twilight." Dropping her disguise, she revealed herself to be Cadance.

Twilight dropped her disguise revealing her true form.

"Now answer my question.", Harald said in an annoyed tone, "Why are you here?"

"I owe you a debt that I cannot repay.", Cadance said, "You lead the defense of my kingdom and I choose to stand with you here."

"Fair enough.", Harald replied. Turning to Twilight, he asked, "Why are you here and not gathering your forces?"

"My forces are here.", Twilight confidently replied, "The Everfree Rangers, the Ponyville Guard and the Ponyville Militia are here. As for why I am here, I will not idly sit by while my subjects risk their lives."

"Why the deception? Why not lead at the head of your forces?", Harald asked.

"We were in agreement with Celestia and Luna to conceal ourselves so that Sombra and Chrysalis did not know that we were part of the grand army.", Cadance replied sternly.

A toothy grin spread across Harald's face as a plan formed in his mind. "Hold your disguises until after the enemy scouts pass over our positions. It will be a great surprise when two Sky Queens join the fight." Gesturing for them to follow as he began walking towards the edge of the thicket, he said, "Come, we have much planning before the enemy is upon us."

As the three of them of them made their way back to the canyon, pegasi and griffons were gathering up clouds and making ice javelins. Harald grunted in approval as he watched the pegasi use their magic to preserve the javelins.

Over the next two days as the enemy forces began making their camp at the far end of the valley, Harald drilled the pikeponies in basic formations on how to breach and envelop ground forces. Pegasi and griffons began drilling in aerial combat formations. Earth ponies and yaks began gathering boulders as they formed small earthen ramps. Thorax's changelings began drilling in shock and flanking tactics.

As dawn broke on the third day, storm clouds were seen forming in the distance to the north east and west. As Sombra and Chrysalis' forces began forming ranks at the far end of the valley, the allied army began forming ranks at the mouth of the canyon. Pikeponies spread out on the front line as earth pony soldiers filled the gaps. Earth ponies and yaks formed up behind the front ranks as they rolled boulders onto the base of the earthen ramps. Buffalo and yaks formed up as part of the center of the center of the second line shock troops, as the Everfree Rangers and Thorax's changelings formed up on the second rank as flankers. Fluttershy lead the third rank to serve as forces to fill gaps in their lines or push into breaches in the enemies lines. Griffonstone griffons spread purple dye on the crowns of feathers on their heads and around their eyes before taking up ice javelins and joining the pegasi in the air.

DAY ONE

Twisted griffons, warped changelings and corrupted diamond dogs marched forward halfway up the valley before holding their position. Their scouts gave flybys as close as they could to the front lines to try and gather as much information. The front lines parted as a massive griffon with chitinous growths on its face strode forth and stopped several paces from the mouth of the canyon. It shouted in a loud voice, "Throw thrown down your weapons and..."An ice javelin from above cut its word off as its head and chest froze solid.

"You can have that one!", a pegasus shouted a taunt.

The corrupted army began marching forward. They began picking speed slowly as twisted changelings began swarming up from their ranks.

"Make them pay for every step they take!", Harald shouted waving his sword in the air.

As the corrupted army began closing on the mouth of the canyon, boulders and ice javelins began raining down on their ranks, cutting swaths into their formations or forcing them to break ranks. The pikeponies lowered their pike and braced for the charge. Harald gave a nod and Cadance and Twilight dropped their disguises.

Aerial duels broke out above the two armies. "Hold! Hold!", Harald shouted as the enemy front line approached. When the enemy front was a few paces away, Harald shouted, "Brace!" Shields were raised on the front lines as buffalo, yaks and earth ponies braced their bodies against the back of the front line. As the front lines of the two armies clashed, the corrupted creatures tried to avoid the pikes, many were impaled on them. With a lout clatter, bodies slammed into each other. Hooves dug hard into the ground as the corrupted army started pushing, talons and pitted iron weapons tried to find purchase. "Now!", Harald shouted. Twilight fired off a signal with her horn and earth ponies on the top of the canyon came out of their concealed positions. They kicked large boulders off the cliff into the ranks of the corrupted army as several of them loosed bolts from their crossbows. As the corrupted army's ranks began to break up, Harald shouted, "Push!" The front line began pushing with all their might sending the front line of the corrupted army throwing pockets of the creatures back onto their own ranks. "March!", HJarald shouted and the front line of the army began moving forward.

Gaps began to widen in the corrupted army's lines. "Charge!", Harald shouted. The front line rushed forward as pikes, spears and swords were thrusted into the creatures. Soon the first ranks of the corrupted army began to devolve into disorganized pockets. "Break their lines!", Harald shouted. The front lines of the allied army opened to allow yaks and buffalo to charge through into their front lines turning the initial charge into a rout as Thorax's changelings and the Everfree Rangers charged out into the flanks picking off isolated groups, further spreading panic through the ranks. Soon the front ranks of the corrupted army devolved into panicked fleeing or infighting as the rest of the initial push was forced to fall back through the valley. "Hold!", Harald shouted, bringing the push to a stop as the enemy army retreated back up the valley. The allied army slowly backed up into the mouth of the canyon.

Rumbling came from below as shouts of "Diamond dogs!", came up from the ranks. The allied army spread out and unicorns came up and began casting magical barriers where cracks were forming. As the army successfully spread out across the canyon floor, the cracks began to spread and holes began to open up. Pitted iron weapons began hacking at the unicorns magical barriers, causing spiderweb cracks to form. Earth ponies rolled boulders in place as the barriers began to fail. As the magical barriers were broken, boulders were rolled into the holes crushing the creatures pouring out and sealing the holes.

At the mouth of the cavern the ground heaved as several of the berms collapsed when several holes opened up. Diamond dogs rushed out of the holes screaming for blood. Harald rushed forward and slammed his shield into the first diamond dog that came out of the hole, sending it tumbling back down into the hole screaming. He swung his sword severing the paw of another diamond dog, swing his shield around, he connected the edge into the side of another diamond dog's head causing it to collapse to the ground twitching. A diamond dog leapt out of the hole at Harald. Raising his sword as he rolled back onto his heels, the point found purchase and slid between its ribs. As the weight of the diamond dog's body slammed into Harald, he rolled backwards with it until he was on top. Twisting the sword, he withdrew it from the creature's chest and charged forward back to the entrance of the hole, slamming his shield into a knot of diamond dogs pouring out. Several earth ponies rushed up and began thrusting their pikes into the diamond dogs.

Harald thrust his sword into the neck of a diamond dog, giving a flick on the blade he opened up a massive wound sending a spray of blood forward. "Close these holes!", he shouted.

Marble Pie rushed forward with a pick in her mouth and swung it into the lip of the hole. Several rocks dislodged bringing clumps of soil with them. The lip of the hole collapsed pulling her down with it.

Dropping her pike, Applejack reached out with a hoof to catch Marble as she fell into the collapsing hole, but she wasn't fast enough. "No!", she cried out.

Several moments later a small hole opened up and Marble crawled out covered in dirt and scratches, her pick had blood dripping from it. As she pulled herself up onto the ground panting, she kicked her rear hooves causing it to collapse.

Soon the rest of the holes were sealed with either blasts of magic or boulders rolled into them or shovelfuls of soil thrown into them. Above the canyon the aerial duels continued. Bodies of wounded twisted changelings, warped griffons, Thorax's changelings, pegasi and Griffonstone griffons began falling to the ground. Ponies rushed forward to dispatch the corrupted creatures or pull their wounded allies to safety. Soon the warped creatures in the air were turned back. Allied griffons and pegasi landed on the ground panting as sweat ran down the bodies. Water was brought to them as they say on their haunches to regain their strength. Caves along the canyon walls were turned into field hospitals.

Harald removed the helmet from his head, wiped the sweat from his forehead with his wrist, then secured it to his head again. With a flick of his sword in the air, he signaled for the reforming of the front line. At the mouth of the canyon, pikeponies formed into a checkered formation as yaks and buffalo formed in the gaps. Earth ponies formed ranks behind the pikeponies, pegasi and allied griffons hovered above the formation. On the ridges at the top of the canyon, earth ponies readied their crossbows or set up boulders.

At the far end of the valley, the corrupted army began forming up ranks again. As they began marching to the mouth of the canyon, pikes were lowered and the allied army braced for another charge. The front ranks of the corrupted army began to waffle at the sight of the pikes, creatures from behind began to push their corrupted compatriots forward. Soon the corrupted army began marching forward again. As they began nearing the mouth of the cave, they froze looking up to the sky.

A massive column of fired up into the sky from Mount Canter and the energy spread across the sky, turning it red like fire.

"Celestia and Luna are coming and they're calling for aid!", Cadance shouted.

As the corrupted army began backing away slowly, Harald leveled his sword forward and shouted, "Charge!" A shout came from the allied army as they rushed forward. The buffalo and yaks rushed forward slamming their bulk into the front lines of the enemy army, tearing through their ranks. Pegasi and griffons swooped onto the fleeing army, thrusting weapons, hooves or talons into bodies. Allied changelings landed amongst the corrupted army, transforming into massive beasts and mauling their ranks. Unicorns and earth ponies rushed into the ranks, bucking with their hind legs, stamping with their hooves, thrusting weapons or loosing blasts of magic. Holes opened in the ground causing ponies, yaks and buffalo to disappear in them with screams of surprise or pain. As diamond dogs rushed out of the holes trying to turn back the massed charge, many were cut down by weapons or trampled under hooves. The massed trampling of hooves caused many of the holes to collapse as unicorns sealed others with blasts of magic. The enemy army was thrown into a disorganized rout as most of the twisted creatures scattered in a panic, the few who tried to hold a rear guard were either trampled or fought to the death as they were cut off and surrounded.

The corrupted army trampled over its camp as the allied army continued pushing it up the valley. A long hole opened up at the back of the corrupted army and several massive diamond dogs loped out driven by smaller diamond dogs in the rear with whips. As the massive diamond dogs slammed into the allied army, Harald rushed forward with all his might, a buffalo squated down and he ran up its back. As he reached its head, the buffalo stood and thrusted his massive bulk forward, sending Harald through the air in a broad arc. Harald shifted his sword into a reverse grip as he descended onto a massive diamond dog, as his weight slammed onto the creature, he thrusted the sword into its shoulder and threw his weight downward. The massive diamond dog howled in pain as Harald drug the sword through its flesh. As the massive diamong dog fell to the ground with a thud, Harald withdrew the sword from the massive gash and spun to the right, slicing the blade into the thigh muscle of another massive diamond dog. As the massive diamond dog fell to the ground, the allied army took advantage of the gap and pushed hard, scattering the massive diamond dogs. The massive diamond dogs broke in a panic and many trampled over their drivers as the fled back into the hole. A diamond dog lashed out with its whip, wrapping it around Harald's wrist. Harald snatched his arm backwards, the diamond dog stumbled forward as Harald slammed the edge of the shield into its throat. The diamond dog staggered backwards, grasping its throat as blood poured from its mouth, before collapsing to the ground, Harald stomped on its head for extra assurance, then shouted the order to halt.

As the corrupted army fled into the distance, the last of the holes were collapsed. The allied army began looting the camp, gathering what weapons that could be melted into ingots, discarding or burning the rest, tents were burned as what food stores the enemy had stockpiled was inspected for corruption. What food and water that could be used was taked, the rest was smashed or burned. The allied army fell back to the canyon as they gathered their dead and injured. A count was taken of the causalities. Out of the twenty thousand gathered, their losses had been light, one hundred were dead, three hundred were injured, five hundred were missing or unaccounted for. Harald sat on a rock as he took his helmet off, lifting a canteen to his lips, he swilled water, enjoying the coolness of it as it trickled down his throat.

Rarity walked up carrying a medical kit in her magic. "You've been wounded darling.", she said as she gently poked a hoof at a gash on Harald's arm.

Harald looked down at the gash on his arm where a weapon or a talon had slipped under the edge of his armor. "It's nothing.", he said, "I've had worse injuries in training. There are those whom have far worse injuries that need your skills."

"Pish posh darling.", Rarity scolded, "Every injury needs to the treated, no matter how minor." She began dressing the wound as Harald gave an annoyed sigh. After using her magic to disinfect the gash and tying a bandage around it, she gave his arm a gently tap. "Keep that bandage on it and keep it clean. Fortunately it wasn't serious, so you'll be as right as rain by tomorrow."

"Thank you,", Harald grunted as Rarity walked off.

As Rarity was binding the wounds of an injured griffon, Applejack walked up and sat next to her. "Soes Rares, Ah know yer against violence an' stuff, why did ya volunteer for th' militia?", she asked.

"I may be a conscientious objector, but that doesn't mean I'll sit idly like some damsel while my fellow countryponies risk their lives.", Rarity replied, "Besides if I'm here, that means Sweetie and her husband won't have to fight."

"Tha's very noble o' ya.", Applejack said, "But what's a consen-whose-its-what's-it?"

"A conscientious objector darling.", Rarity said in a pleasant tone as she finished binding the griffon's wounds, "It means I'm generally opposed to violence. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a pacifist or a coward as I've fought alongside you before. When it comes down to it, I'll pick up the spear to protect those I care about."

"Ah'm sorry fer doubtin' ya Rares.", Applejack apologized, "Ah had always figured with all yer bein' all ladylike an' stuff, ya'd avoid th' war like th' plague."

"Apology accepted.", Rarity said, "It's true that a proper lady avoids getting her hooves dirty, but there comes a time when one must put aside being a proper lady and help our fellow contryponies. After this war is over, I hope you'll join me in the hayva neighgilla." She held up a canteen in a toast.

Applejack lifted her canteen and tapped it against Rarity's. Both mares took a long swill of water as they threw their forelimbs around each other's withers.

As the sun slipped below the horizon, Harald sat at a fire dipping food from a pot onto a plate. As he ate, he sat listening to the ponies, yaks, buffalo, griffons and changelings chatter or sing.

A griffon sentry ran up. "Lord-protector sir!", he exclaimed out of breath.

Harald passed the griffon a canteen, "Calm yourself and tell me what's wrong."

The griffon gulped the water, then wiped his beak with a eagle talon. With gasp of air he said, "There is an enemy griffon who approached our front line holding a flag of parlay. It requested an audience with you, sire."

Harald placed his plate aside and rose to his feet. "Gather up a guard contingent. I will hear what he has to say."

As Harald approached where the twisted griffon was being held, he took a moment to observe it. It had red, multifaceted eyes, an almost crystalline beak filled with jagged crystal teeth, odd chitinous growths covered its head and forelegs, the feathers on its wings were interwoven with writhing tendrils, its hind quarters was covered with small spines rather than fur, instead of claws and talons, it had wriggling tentacles. He approached the twisted and corrupted griffon. "Art thou the one that has come to parlay?"

"K-k-k-k-nay.", the twisted griffon chattered in reply, "K-k-k-I have k-k-k-come to deliver the k-k-k-terms of parlay k-k-k." It produced a scroll from under its wing.

Harald took the scroll, unrolled it then passed it to a guard for translation. "What is thy name?"

"K-k-k-Apothis."

"Sire.", the guard said, "This scroll say Chrysalis calls for you and her to meet in parlay in an hour at the middle of the field. You both will bring five bodyguards each."

Harald looked to the guard then back to the warped griffon. "Very well Apothis, tell your master I agree to their terms of parlay. Inform them if they try any deceit, I shall slay them."

Apothis dipped his head slightly, "K-k-k-I shall relay the k-k-k-message your k-k-k-majesty." As the guards holding him stepped back, he took to the air.

Harald strode to where Twilight was resting and nudged her awake. "Blood bound sister, gather thy sister and disguise thyselves, we parlay with the enemy leader in an hour." He strode off before Twilight could respond. He approached Fluttershy who was sitting around a fire eating. "Gird thyself beloved, we go to parlay with the enemy in a hour."

As Harald strode into the center of the valley with an armored and armed Fluttershy, the disguised Twilight and Candance and two griffons as his bodyguards, he saw Chrysalis approaching with five twisted changelings as bodyguards, the two groups stopped several paces apart.

Harald paused before walking out, looking up to the sky as it turned from a deep purple to black and the first stars winked into view. He took several steps forward as Chrysalis mirrored his steps.

As Harald approached Chrysalis, he said, "Why have you called this parlay?"

Chrysalis slunk around Harald, gently grazing her body against his. "This war has been costly for both sides.", she purred seductively, "Too many ponies, yaks, buffalo, changelings, diamond dogs and griffons have lost their lives already." She ran her tongue across her lips.

Fluttershy fumed seeing the vulgar display from Chrysalis. As an angry growl rumbled in her throat, the disguised Cadance placed a hoof gently on Fluttershy's forelimb and shook her head gently to calm her down.

"So is this why you have called the parlay?", Harald scoffed, "To tell me of the losses I already know of? For some grand leader, I am no impressed."

Chrysalis glowered for a moment before regaining her composure. "No, I did not come to parlay to tell of losses.", she cooed.

"Then speak!", Harald snapped, "Did you parlay so you could show me some vulgar display? Did you come to present yourself to me as some trollop?"

"No. No.", Chrysalis hissed seductively, "I called this parlay to call for the end to this pointless war." She shifted her for to look like a beautiful woman, wearing a flowing white dress with a split revealing a thigh seductively. "Just surrender to me and I shall give you pleasures you have never known."

"So you would make me your prisoner?"

Chrysalis transformed back into her normal form. "No...", she cooed seductively, "You would be free to come and go as you want."

"Stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage.", Harald retorted.

Chrysalis shifted her form to look like Celestia. "All I ask is that you surrender to me, you subjects and troops will be allowed to leave with their lives. Just bow down and worship me and anything you ask shall be yours." As she turned seductively, she flicked her tail across Harald's nose. "Am I not beautiful? Just bow down and worship me and profess your love for me. I'll even allow you to keep the little yellow one as your concubine. If you so shoose, you can even take Celestia, Luna, Cadenza and Twilight as your bound concubines." She turned her flanks to Harald, lowered the fron of her body and presented to him.

Fluttershy chuffed and ground her teeth at the vulgar display. Stamping a hoof, she when to move foward. Cadance placed a hoof on her chest to restrain her and shushed her.

Harald walked in a circle turning away from Chrysalis who was disguised as Celestia and presenting to him. He kicked a rock with his foot and chuckled to himself. Turning back to the disguised Chrysalis. "You seek to tempt me with a beautiful form.", he said chuckling, "If I were a lesser man, I may fall for your temptations. But I know that no matter what form you wear, it is but a shallow veneer to hide your ugliness." He walked in front of Chrysalis and snarled, "I know who you are! You think yourself a grand queen, but you are but a whore who prostrates herself for the evil one. You try and tempt me with a beautiful form, but your heart is laid bare before and it is filled with rot. I shall not prostrate myself before such an ugly and vile creature who knows not love, courage or honor." He spat on the ground in contempt before turning his back on her.

Chrysalis transformed back into her original form and stood back upright. Walking up behind Harald, she said snarling, "You have chosen death. I will take great pleasure stripping the flesh from your bones. I'll make you watch as I torture that little whore who presents herself before you. Oh I'll make her scream and beg before I take her life slowly. We are done here!" She stamped back to her guards.

"The next time we meet, you shall taste my steel, whore queen.", Harald retorted as he walked back to his bodyguards.

DAY TWO

In the predawn light, a refreshing chill hung in the air over the canyon as the allied army was making preparations for the coming battle. Harald walked amongst the camp giving orders to reinforce the berms. Marble Pie led the effort to dig layers of trenches several paces away from the front of the berms. After the trenches were dug, rows of stones were stacked up on the backside of the trenches fetlock-high to a pony. Earth ponies, buffalo and yaks shaped or rolled large boulders to the base of earthen ramps. Pegasi, griffons and changelings stacked piles of large stone on the ridges atop the canyon walls or flew patrols. The rest of the army prepared breakfast, repaired armor or sharpened weapons. Roiling clouds moved slowly towards each other high above the valley, the occasional flash of lightning could be seen from inside the clouds or tracing along the tops of the clouds, followed by the occasional rumbling.

Harald stopped at a campfire where Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy were sitting on some stones eating breakfast. As he sat, Cookie brought over a dented tin cup of coffee and a tin plate of flapjacks.

As Applejack finished eating, she took a last swig of coffee from her tin cup and tossed the remaining liquid containing grounds onto the ground. Stacking the cup on the plate, she joked, "Ah dun know what's gonna kill me first, Sombra and Chrysalis' army or Cookie's food." She passed the empty cup and plate to Cookie.

After taking the plate and cup, Cookie gave AJ the hoof and joked back, "Maybe next time Ah won't put th' antidote in yer food."

"An' Ah love ya too!", AJ teased back, "Welp Ah gotta get back to patrol." She hoisted her pike, stuck her tongue out at Cookie playfully and head off to patrol.

"That's a rude thing to say.", Rarity said as she finished up her breakfast.

"Aw Aj dun mean nuthin' by that.", Cookie said stifling a snicker, "We always tease each other like that. She says my food is poison, Ah tell her that she burnt her fritters. C'mon, ya can't tell me ya dun tease yer family."

Rarity finished drinking her coffee and gingerly poured the last of the liquid containing the ground out before stacking the cup on top the plate and passing it to Cookie. "Well I still tease Sweetie when she makes breakfast if she burned the juice again." When Cookie raised his eyebrow getting ready to question what he heard, she interrupted, "Long story, don't ask." She rose from where she was sitting, cleaned her coat off with her magic. "I've got to check my supplies and tend to the injured."

"Burnt the juice.", Cookie snickered softly as Rarity walked off.

"Sweetie was an over enthusiastic filly.", Fluttershy chuckled, "The story as I heard it from Rarity was that one morning She decided to make breakfast for Rarity and their parents. She burned everything and made a complete mess of the kitchen." She laughed softly before her expression turned dour. "A few months after that their parents were killed on the way to Manehattan when a bridge collapse and they drowned in the river." She gave a sigh. "They their father's body that afternoon but they didn't find their mother's body for a week. Of course they were devastated, but Rarity put on a brave face for her sister." She shoved the last of her flapjacks around on her plate before giving a sigh and dumped out her coffee on the ground. Stacking the cup on top the plate she passed it back to cookie. "I'm sorry Mister Cookie, breakfast was good, but I seem to have lost my appetite."

"Dun think nuthin' o' it darlin'.", Cookie said with a reassuring smile as he took the plate and cup.

Fluttershy placed her helmet on her head, secured her armor, hefted her spear and gave Harald a nuzzle before going off to do some drills with her company.

Cookie turned to Harald, "So Lord-protector, ya got any funny stories from where yer from?"

Harald shifted his weigh and cleared his throat. "It's bad fortune to speak ill of the dead, but my aunt used to make this porridge that smelled so rancid that not even the ravens would come near it.", he said with a slight smile, "And it tasted even worse." He gave a chuckle. "But none of us could bring ourselves to say anything as it's rude to speak ill of one's cooking. We'd pretend to eat it and wait until she had gone to gather berries and roots to dispose of it. My father would dump it around the edge of the village to keep the wild dogs and wolves out." Wiping a tear from his eye, he gave a sad chuckle. "One day she caught my father dumping the porridge and she threw a fit. She made a huge pot and hovered over us after serving it insisting we all eat it. When my mother walked in and saw what was going on, she and my aunt got into an argument that erupted into a full on fist fight. They nearly tore down the longhouse and created such a stir that the whole village came out to watch." He gave a deep belly laugh. "By the Gods, Sky Queen and Sky Kings, I hated that porridge. Don't get me wrong, she was a good woman and made my uncle a happy man, though I think he ate her porridge to keep the peace." He gave a toothy grin as he laughed. "If you ever see the spirit of my aunt, don't tell her I hated her porridge." He gave a long sigh as he suppressed a laugh.

Cookie snickered. "You dun hafta worry 'bout me makin' no porridge. Though you should ask Applejack 'bout th' time when she was a filly an' snuck under th' at her first Apple family renuion an' ate enough fritters to fill up three grown stallions."

"I've seen her eat.", Harald replied with a chuckle. The two of them shared a laugh until one of the griffon sentries gave a screeching call. Downing the coffee, he tossed the last of his flapjacks on the ground, then tossed the cup and plate to cookie. Securing his helmet to his head, he rushed off.

Putting the last of the dishes into a tub of water, Cookie said, "Looks like were havin' a late supper." Reaching under the wagon, he pulled out his weather beaten crossbow, cocked the string and slotted a bolt in it.

Cresting a berm, Harald looked across the valley seeing the corrupted army forming ranks at the far end. Looking up to the sky, the clouds began slowly pushing towards each other. He shouted orders for pikeponies to form up on the berms and for soldiers to fill the ranks. Panning his vision around, Harald saw griffons and pegasi dropping unicorns and earth ponies on the ridges at the tops of the canyon walls. Turning his head over his shoulder, he shouted for the third rank to the backs of the berms to cut off any creatures that tried to flank around the sides or fill the gaps where they on the berms. Taking one last look to the sky, the clouds were beginning to merge high above the valley as the occasional flicker of lightning skated across the bottom of them.

Applejack took up position on the top of the berm. Looking to the sky then to Harald, she said, "Looks like we're in fer a spot of rain."

Breathing in deeply, Harald replied, "Aye."

Shouts came from on top of the canyon walls from ponies and griffons holding spyglasses. Holding his hand over his eyes, Harald looked our across the valley seeing the army beginning to march. Taking one last look to the sky, the last of the clouds began to merge into a massive weather front.

Slipping his shield on his arm, Harald drew his sword and waved it a few times in the air. "Yesterday we made them taste our ferocity and they scattered before us like beaten dogs!", he shouted, "Today we show them our unyielding resolve! Dig in and plant yourselves and they shall break before us like wave upon the rocks! Give nothing and take everything from them! Hah-oo!"

"Hah-oo!", the allied creatures shouted back in one voice.

As the corrupted made it halfway up the valley, a chill wind heavy with the smell of moisture blew across the canyon and valley causing little whorls of dust to dance across the ground. As the corrupted army continued marching, the allied army leveled their pikes as pegasi, changelings and griffons flew patrols above them. It began first as a drop here or there, soon it increased into the pit-pat of steady raindrops, finally they increased into the steady drumming of fat raindrops. The floor of the valley and canyon became a muddy quagmire, the clouds above became dark as the occasional flicker of lightning skating along the bottom of the clouds periodically revealed the two armies. Soon the wind began buffeting the two armies as it blew the rain into a horizontal curtain.

A flash of lightning revealed to Harald the corrupted army nearing the trenches. "Make this their grave!", he shouted above the whistling of the wind and the drumming of the rain.

Shouts came from up and down the allied army as pikes were angled downwards.

Out of the gloom of the storm the front lines of the corrupted army appeared. Harald waited until the pikes began to thrust into the front lines of the corrupted army before he shouted the signal to the earth ponies behind front lines. Boulders sailed through the storm and landed amongst the ranks of the enemy army, scattering dozens as they tumbled through, only for dozens more to fill their ranks. Pegasi and griffons began dropping or hurling large stones on the heads of the corrupted army as unicorns fired blasts of magic in the flanks of the enemy army. Changelings on both sides found themselves grounded as the rain made their wings to wet to fly, instead they loosed red and green lances of energy back and forth along the front lines trying to open gaps in the other's ranks. Pegasi and Griffonstone griffons began fighting aerial duels with corrupted griffons, soon the corrupted griffons in the air were driven off.

As the corrupted creatures charged up the berms, many of the hesitated at the points of the pikes, only for those behing the to push them forward or trample them. Across the allied army, hooves, paws and chitinous limbs dug in as the corrupted army clashed with them. Harald thrust his sword into the neck of a charging twisted griffon griffon, as it coughed up gobs of bright crimson blood, he kicked it back down the berm through the ranks of the warped creatures. The bulk of the corrupted slammed into front line of the allied army, they began slowly sliding backwards. Yaks and buffalo rushed up the berms and pressed their bulk into the back of the front line to brace them.

Up and down the line pulses of shoves and counter shoves rippled back and forth, as pockets of the allied army were pushed back a few inches, pockets of the corrupted army were pushed back inches in other pockets. As the fight on the berms devolved into a battle of inches, weapons, hooves, talons and chitinous limbs thrust forward trying to open gaps in each other's lines. The screams of wounded creatures on both sides mixed with the drumming of the rain.

For an hour the two shoved back and forth as the stink of adrenaline, sweat, exhaustion and blood mixed with the smell of the storm. As gaps began opening in the allied left flank, Twilight dropped her disguise and crested the berm. Igniting the magic in her horn, she swung her head from the left to right loosing a continuous stream of magic. Scores of corrupted creatures were turned to ash as their bodies flew apart like piles leaves in a strong wind. She charged up a ball of fire and fired it through the ranks of the corrupted army. Twisted creatures turned to ash almost immediately, as the fireball exploded, were scattered like a foal swatting a stack of blocks. Her mane blew on an ethereal wind as he eyes glowed white, the soil turned to glass under her hooves as she marched forward. Charging her magic, warped creatures near her turned to stone or were frozen solid or gave gurgling screams as their flesh melted. The corrupted army's right flank devolved into a rout as twisted and warped creatures scrambled over their own rank or trampled their comrades as they tried to escape the wrath of the magenta alicorn.

Cadance took to the air over the center of the line as she charged up her magic and loosed balls of explosive energy into the center of the corrupted army. Bodies of warped creatures sailed through the air like dolls thrown by an angry yearling foal. Charging up her horn, she unleashed hundreds of needle-thin lances of magic that felled hundreds of creatures. Dozens of twisted griffons flew up to challenge her. Igniting her horn in a wreath of flame, the twisted griffons burst into flame and fell to the ground leaving streaks of black smoke in their wakes.

Watching from a nearby patch of reeds, Chrysalis snarled to herself silently. Reaching out with her hive-sense, she ordered the army to fall back. "Sombra has outlived his usefulness Queen Chrysalis.", Nightmare's voice rumbled in the back of her mind. She turned and began walking back to the command tents.

The allied army gave shouting cheers as the corrupted army fell back into the gloom of the storm. Twilight her magic as her mane went back to the normal dark purple with bright magenta stripe in it. She helped the medics gather up the wounded. Giving a gentle smile to nearby trembling ponies, she said in a praising tone, "You fought well."

As Chrysalis entered the camp, Sombra stormed out of his command tent. "Why did you order my forces back?!", he shouted.

"Our forces were suffering too many casualties and were gaining no ground!", she snapped back, "In case you haven't noticed two princesses are amongst their ranks."

Sombra gave a derisive snort before scoffing, "I will deal with Cadenza in due time and the Crystal Empire shall be mine."

"You sit her safe in the back and waste the greater part of the strength of our army against the Rimewalker.", Chrysalis retorted, "You are either a fool or a coward, maybe you're both."

Sombra stormed forward and raised his hoof to strike Chrysalis. Lighting the dark magic in her twisted horn, she enveloped his fetlock in a red aura.

"What is this?!", Sombra shouted as he tried to free his hoof from the grasp of the dark magic, "Release me now!"

Chrysalis hurled Sombra to the ground with her magic. "I challenge you for control of the army!", she snapped in a derisive tone, "You are no longer worthy to lead."

Twisted griffons, warped changelings and corrupted diamond dogs formed a packed circle them to watch the duel.

Rising to his hooves, Sombra wiped the mud from his face and gave an angry snort. "Very well, I shall enjoy breaking you.", he growled dangerously. Lighting the magic in his how, he wrapped Chrysalis' limbs in black crystals.

Chrysalis threw her head back in mocking laughter. "Crystals? Really?", she chuckled derisively. Stepping forward, she effortlessly shattered like they were brittle glass. She unleashed a blast of of dark magic into Sombra's wither.

Snarling in pain as he gripped his wither, Sombra charged his magic and unleashed a thin beam of dark magic that pierced through Chrysalis' chest. He gave a laugh of triumph as greenish-black blood oozed from the hole in her chest, the laughter died in his throat as he watched her wound close up on its own.

Chrysalis licked her lip as she chuckled. "You think too small Sombra.". she cooed. Dark magic crackled in her horn as she charged up a blast.

Sombra leapt backwards as the blast of dark magic vaporized the the mud where he was just standing. Charging his horn, he gave a bright flash of red light, blinding all near him. His mouth curled up in a cruel smile exposing his rows of sharp fangs as he saw Chrysalis staggering disoriented. Lowering his horn, he charged forward and encased his horn in hardened crystal. His horn slammed into Chrysalis' barrel, piercing through her carapace and into the organs beneath. The corners of his mouth curled up cruelly as he saw her spit up a gob of greenish-black blood.

Chrysalis twisted her neck to Sombra's ear and ran her black tongue across it. "That almost hurt.", she hissed in a simultaneously derisive and seductive tone. She morphed her win into a scorpion's tail and grazed the dripping stinger across his neck.

Sombra tried to withdraw his horn, but found himself stuck tight. Placing his forehooves against Chrysalis' barrel, he tried to shove himself free.

Chrysalis nipped Sombra's ear and ran her black tongue down his cheek and across his throat. "Your fear is like fine wine.", she cooed, "I wonder if your suffering will be as delectable." She slammed the scorpion stinger into his neck and injected him with a paralyzing venom. She allowed Sombra's horn to to slide from her body. As he staggered to the ground, she turned to face him and gave a moan.

Feeling his strength fading, Sombra charged up his horn for an all or nothing attack. As he went to loose the spell, Chrysalis spat a gob of mucus that enveloped his horn and hardened almost immediately, causing his spell to rebound, enveloping him in crystal.

Chrysalis held her head up his as she walked over, swinging her withers and flanks with each step. Raising her chitinous hoof, she struck Sombra across his face shattering the crystal and knocking him to the ground.

Spitting blood out of his mouth, he glares up at Chrysalis and snarls, "You whore!"

Chrysalis stomps on Sombra's horn, shattering it. Igniting the magic in her horn, she surrounds him in a ring of black flames.

Sombra pushes himself up weakly to his haunches and in an act of defiance, he holds his chin up in a stoic expression as the spell drags him down into the diamond dog tunnels.

As the rain and wind buffets her, Chrysalis holds her head up and lets out a laugh of triumph. Turning to the gathered creatures, she bares her fangs. "Any challengers?" She cackles as the creatures back up and bow. "The king is no more! Long live the queen!", she shouts victoriously.

"Long live Queen Chrysalis!", the creatures shout in earshot.

Landing on the stone in the diamond dog tunnels, Sombra rises to his hooves. As diamond dogs leap out of the shadows at him. Bellowing a challenge, he sinks his fang into the throat of the nearest diamond dog. As the other diamond dogs descend on him, the tunnels devolves into a brawl of hooves, fangs, paws and pitted iron weapons.

Turning to nearby officers, Chrysalis orders, "Pull back our forces and consolidate! We must work on a plan to breach those berms."

Harald held his shield blocking the rain from the storm from his face. Looking across the valley, he sees flashes of red at the far end.

Twilight walks up next to Harald. "There's dark magic at the far end of the valley.", she says, "What's going on?"

A toothy grin spreads across Harald's face. "Infighting.", he says through the grin, "Let us fall back to consolidate our forces and tend to our wounded."

Leaning against a wagon, Harald take a long slug of water from a canteen as Twilight stands nearby. Cookie passes him a tin bowl of carrot soup that he slurps down greedily.

Cadance walks up as Harald finishes his soup. "So what happens now?", she asks.

Handing the tin bowl back to Cookie, Harald wipes his mouth and replies, "Once their 'issue' with leadership is resolved, they will fall back and consolidate their forces."

"Do we continue to hold the berms?", Cadance asks.

"Put yourself in the mind of the enemy and think like they do and you'll know what they're planning."

Twilight goes into the library in her mind as her mental self draws up military strategy books from memory, while drawing out equations, battle plans and plays hundreds of games of chess against herself all in the matter of seconds. Drawing a breath, she speaks, "I can say within an eighty-point-three-five percent likelihood with a chance for error of two-point-three percent..."

"Just give what you think are the most likely plans that the enemy will use.", Harald interrupted, "We don't need equations and mathematics."

Twilight sighs before taking in a deep breath. "They're most likely to hold back their forces until they breach the berm."

Harald taps a knuckle to his lips thoughtfully. "I concur. So what plans do you have to counter that?"

Twilight hastily draws out the canyon and valley in the mud with a hoof. "They'll either use diamond dogs to collapse the berms or use magic to blast them apart."

"So why haven't seen any of the tunneling creatures yet?", Harald asks.

Twilight holds her head up to the clouds as the rain runs down her face then squishes some mud under her hoof. The storm has saturated the soil, so it would make any exits to the tunnels they make unstable and would limit any reinforcements from below limited."

Harald gives a small smile as he he twirls a braid in his beard. "And why haven't the tunneling creatures tried to come up through the caves in the canyon?"

Twilight hems and haws as she wracks her brain for an answer.

Seeing Twilight struggle for an answer, Harald points to Marble Pie and gestures for her to come over. When Marble walks up, Harald says, "Please enlighten us as why the tunneling creatures haven't come up through the caves in the canyon."

Marble kicks a rock as she mumbles.

"A little louder please?", Harald say.

C;earing her throat, Marble says, "Though the walls of the canyon are made from sandstone, the bed rock is a double layer of dolostone over the top of basalt. If the diamond dogs had steel tools, they could tunnel up through it in a week."

"How were they able to make tunnel exits yesterday?", Twilights asks.

Marble kicks a rock before speaking, "The floor of the canyon and valley is a mixture of clay and sandstone atop the layer of dolostone. The storm has saturates the sediment layer above preventing any effective upwards tunneling. They could collapse sections of ground to make temporary exits."

"Thank you Miss Pie.", Harald says, "You may go back about your business." Turning back to Twilight, Harald asks, "Why has their flying creatures been limited to the lion-eagles?"

Twilight flexed her wings flicking the water off them. "Feathers aren't as weighed down in rain as chitinous wings, so the changelings are ground bound, even if they shift into feathered creatures."

Tapping a finger to his mouth, Harald says, "So they only have lion-eagles, their shifting creatures are ground bound, their tunneling creatures are limited in effectiveness, that leave only magic to breach the berms."

Cadance listened nearby to the conversation before deciding to walk forward and interject. "Harald, why not say what you intend instead of holding Twilight by her hoof while nudging her towards the answer?"

"A leader needs to hear all possibilities when making decisions. I am not holding her hoof or nudging her towards any conclusions, I am simply laying out what we know and offering my own insights to allow her to make a more informed decision.", Harald said calmly, "Please offer your insights."

Cadance turned to the berms, "Well if we know the berms are coming down, we need to form barricades behind them to slow them down when they push through. Create gates and fences to force them to spread their ranks out, dig tranches and shallow pits to make them stumble, place a wall of stakes spread a pace apart to form kill lanes for our forces, put every available unicorn and crossbow on the ridges to thin their ranks."

"Not just stakes, but also a pike wall", Twilight said in a ah-ha moment, "Put a third of the yaks, buffalo and changelings in hidden places at the bottom of the canyon walls to slam into their flanks."

Harald rubbed his mouth thoughtfully. "Are we in agreement?" When the two alicorns nodded their heads, he asked, "How long do you think we have before the enemy regroups and attacks again?"

"If we're lucky, two and a half hours.", Twilight replied after a quick moment of thought.

"So we had better aim to complete as much as possible in an hour.", Harald said.

Twilight's face turned stern as her eyes went into thought. "Make it so.", she said before walking off to inspects the forces. She suddenly felt like a great burden was chained to her back.

Over an hour pegasi and griffons that weren't on patrol were sent out to gather wood to turn into pikes or sharpened stakes. Wagons were disassembled or flipped on their sides to form barricades, every scrap of iron was stripped from them to turn into pike heads. Trenches and shallow pits were dug behind the berms. Nails and scraps of chain not usable for pike heads or weapons were turned into caltrops and scattered on the ground in front of the berms.

Cadalce landed next to Harald and said, "We have constructed as much as we can. What now?"

Hefting a pike, Harald turned his face to Cadance and replied, "Now comes the wait. Every minute the enemy stalls is a minute they have to consolidate their numbers, but we cannot be idle and every minute we must wait is a minute we further fortify."

"So it's like a game of chess, move and countermove. The only difference is that neither side can see the other's pieces until one finally commits.", Cadance said.

"I like to think of it as a hand of hold with the option of a reshuffle.", Harald replied.

As the time stretched out over the next two hours, the allied army built low earthen walls between the berms and scattered loose rocks on the ground amongst the fortifications. Where the pikes would be erected, layers of sand was spread out. Shouts went out from the pegasi and griffon patrols warning of the approaching enemy army. Ponies, yaks, buffalo and changelings rushed up the where the pikes were laid out. Hundreds of pikes were raised in overlapping layers to form a wall of sharp points. Earth ponies and unicorns were lifted onto the ridges on the canyon walls, crossbows were cocked as magic was readied. Fluttershy was put in charge of the second rank to fill any gaps that formed in the lines. Twilight and Cadance took command of the third rank to serve either as counter-flankers or additional bodies to fill gaps. Buffalo, yaks and changelings hid at the base of the canyon walls amongst scrub or threw blankets over themselves. From beyond the berms the sounds of the corrupted army was heard. As the sounds of the marching corrupted halted, the wind began to whip the rain in ever direction at once making it seem to come straight down, sideways and from underneath at the same time.

Raising his pike, Harald seated the butt of it against the ground and planted a heel on it to further brace it. He shifted his shield across the left side of his chest. The wind of the storm died down causing the rain to drum straight down. The occasional muffled ping, thwap or thump began to mix in with the drumming of the rain as hailstones bounced off metal, bodies or the ground. Every breath seemed to collectively catch in every throat simultaneously as the seconds seemed to stretch into hours. The drumming of rain drops and hammering of hailstones seemed to become deafening. In a bright red flash, a berm flew apart with a blast of dark magic. Clumps and grains of soil seemed to fly through in the air in slow motion. The other berms flew apart in blasts of dark magic, soil for a few seconds mixed with the rain and hail in the air as it showered down. Bolts of lightning skating across the bottoms of the clouds revealed the two armies to each other in split second flashes.

The allied army bristled for several seconds in the drumming rain and hammering hail before shouting in wordless voices challenges. Screeches, roars, yips, howls and chitters came up from the corrupted army as the charged forward. Hooves, paws and chitinous limbs dug in at the last second in the allied army. The front ranks of the corrupted faltered, quailed or tried to turn back trying to avoid the pike wall, the ranks behind them shoved forward onto the sharpened points or trampled over them in a mad press forward. Rank upon rank of corrupted creature fell shrieking in pain as they were shoved onto the sharpened points of the pikes. Shouts of hold went up and down the allied lines as pikes bent and groaned under the strain. As the front ranks of the allied army were slowly slid backwards by the growing weight of the corrupted army pushing forward, more pike points slid forward creating a wall of sharpened death.

Loud cracking sounds came from amongst the allied line as pikes here and there broke. Shouts of "push" came from the allied front line, followed by the rhythmic stamps of limbs as the allied creatures began shuffling forward shoving the points of the pikes into the corrupted army. Crossbow bolts and blasts of magic rained down from the canyon walls into the ranks of corrupted creatures. Twisted griffons took to the air, pegasi and Griffonstone griffons flew up in a counter aerial charge. As the air above the canyon turned into twisting brawls, the ranks of the corrupted army were slowly pushed back as their every pulse forward failed as the allied army inched forward. Yaks and buffalo stampeded out from their hidden places along the base of the canyon walls, slamming their great bulk into the flanks of the corrupted army. The ranks of the corrupted army shattered as they lost cohesion and scrambled over each other in a rout. The twisted griffons scattered as they retreated.

As the corrupted army fled, shouts of victory came up from the allied army. Orders were shouted above the cheering and drumming of the rain and hail. The pike wall fell back into position as the yaks and buffalo swung into the flanks and rear.

"Looks like we dun whooped 'em good!", Applejack shouted to Harald.

"This was just a probing attack to reveal our location and test our strength!", Harald shouted back.

"By my counting they dun sent twenty thousand at us an' that was jus' a probe?", Applejack shouted, "When does th' first wave hit?"

To answer her question, a wall of twisted and warped creatures began marching out of the gloom of the storm.

Gritting her teeth, Applejack braced her pike while saying, "Ah had tuh jus' open my mouth."

In the center of the corrupted army's ranks, Chrysalis atop the back of a gigantic diamond dog flanked by dozens of her changelings. "Break their front line!", she shouted.

Massive loping diamond dogs were ran forward by smaller diamond dogs with whips. As the massive diamond dogs loped forward howling in rage, crossbow bolts and blasts of magic rained down on them from the canyon walls. Twisted griffons filled the air in a flying rush, pegasi and Griffonstone griffons took to the air. The occasional crackling flash of lightning revealed the aerial brawls above the canyon. As Chrysalis stomped her hoof to order the gigantic diamond dog she was riding forward, a blinding white flash of lightning revealed a dozen more gigantic diamond dogs walking forward slowly on all four limbs with dozens of. Ordering the massive diamond dogs to a halt, she looked across the canyon floor. "Break their pikes. ", she said, "I'll support the initial push." As waves of hulking mutated diamond dogs loped forward driven by whips , Chrysalis loosed streaks of dark magic at the canyon walls. Screams of dying ponies, blood, body parts and pulverized rock filled the air as bolts of dark magic exploded against the canyon walls. The pike wall braced as massive loping diamond dogs loped forward. The pike wall slid backwards hard as the crazed mutated diamond dogs slammed into their sharpened points. The sounds of splintering wood filled the air as pikes snapped or shattered against the bulk of the massive enraged diamond dogs.

Harald slid backwards on his heels as his pike snapped in half. Shoving the broken half into the maw of a hulking form of a mutated diamond dog, he drew his axe and stepped forward. Swinging the axe in a downward arc, the blade slammed into the skull of a diamond dog holding a whip and cut to its teeth. Wrenching the axe free, blood and brains fell from the blade, he swung it in a horizontal arc slamming it into the rib cage of a loping diamond dog as big as him. Giving a snatch of his arm, Harald pulled the axe free as blood and lung chunks sprayed onto the battlefield. Flipping the axe around to the spike, he swung it in a downward arc into the skull of a diamond dog holding a whip. The diamond dog twitched and spasmed as the sharp spike dug in deep. Harald twisted the axe, causing the spike to rip out the diamond dog's face, spraying his armor with blood and viscera. As a twisted griffon leapt at him, Harald swung the spike in an upwards arc slamming it into the creature's gut. As the spike made purchase, he yanked it backwards, spilling the twisted griffon's intestines on the ground. As the twisted griffon laid on the ground thrashing in pain, Harald strode forward squishing viscera under his feet. Swinging the spike in a horizontal arc, it embedded into the hip of a loping diamond dog, a split second later the point of a pike exploded out the back of its skull. Giving the axe a twist, the spike came free with a loud crunch as the hulking form of the twisted and corrupted fell to the ground. Harald nodded to the earth pony holding the pike as he flipped the axe back around to the blade as he turned to to find another creature to slay.

After several minutes, the last of the waves of massive loping diamond dogs were scattered in a panic as the either trampled over the drivers with whips or were cut down by their own ranks. Most of the pikes lay on the ground broken and useless. Bodies of pegasi, allied griffons and twisted griffons plummeted out of the air wounded or dying onto the ground below.

"Send the first wave,", Chrysalis said through the hive-sense. Hundreds of twisted griffons, warped changelings and corrupted diamond dogs rushed forward in a writhing mass. The allied army rushed forward in a counter charge. As the two armies clashed, Thorax's changelings rushed out from their hiding spots and transformed into Ursa majors. They ripped apart warped bodies with their claws or scattered scores of twisted creatures with massive swipes. As many of Chrysalis' changelings transformed into Ursa majors, the canyon floor devolved into knots of brawling.

Applejack thrust the bronze point of her pike into the chest of a corrupted diamond dog. Withdrawing the point, she swung the haft of the pike in a wide arc scattering dozens of corrupted creatures away from her. Using the momentum of the swing, she flipped the pike around to its sharpened iron counterweight and thrust it into the eye of a twisted griffon. As the griffon howled in pain, she bucked her rear hooves into its chest, sending it sailing backwards through several charging creatures. Flipping the bronze point back around, she counter charged a knot of charging warped changelings. As the changelings scattered from the point of her pike, she spun on her hooves, using the weight of its haft to knock over or scatter creatures near her. A corrupted diamond dog knocked the pike from her hooves. Applejack rolled to avoid a wild swing of its pitted iron axe and bucked her hooves into its throat. As the diamond dog fell over clawing at its neck, she pulled the brush ax off her back. The hardened steel of the brush ax gleamed as Applejack raised it with a hoof and slammed it downwards into the wither of of a twisted griffon. The weapon bit deep and severed the forelimb of the creatures. The twisted griffon howled in pain as it fell to the ground, she reared up and crushed its skull under her hooves. She swung the sharpened hook of the brush ax into a warped changeling and split it carapace like an overripe melon.

Holding a pick in her mouth and a sharpened shovel in her hoof, Marble Pie rushed forward. She slammed the sharpened edge of the shoved into into the skull of a diamond dog, sending a shower of viscera across the battlefield. Swinging her neck around, she embedded the pick into the body of a warped changeling. She twisted her head around around to free the pick, but it held fast, she opened her mouth, letting it drop. Stamping a hoof on the ground, she launched a sharped rock into the air and smacked it with the flat of the shovel. The rock sunk deep between the ribs a twisted griffon, it coughed up gobs of bright crimson blood as the sharpened rock ricocheted inside its rib cage. As a twisted griffon slammed into the ground in front of her wounded, she raised the shovel and crushed its skull.

Fluttershy flew close to the ground, kicking her hooves into the heads of warped creatures or thrusting her spear into their throats. Landing near where five corrupted diamond dogs had surrounded two earth ponies. Rushing forward, she slammed the point of the spear into its back, as the blade made purchase, it ripped through its organs and exploded out its chest. Withdrawing the spear from the dying creature, she swung the but of it around into the muzzle of a diamond dog on her right, sending a spray of blood and teeth through the air. Keeping the momentum of her swing going, she slashed the blade across the throat of another diamond dog. The diamond tried to scream but instead a wet gurgle came out as blood poured out its mouth and throat as it fell to the ground gripping its neck. She thrust the point of the spear into the mouth of another diamond dog, the blade easily pierced through its brains as it exploded out the back of its skull, making the creature spasm violently. As she withdrew the spear, blood and viscera sprayed across her face and mane. As the last diamond dog tried to flee, she thrust the spear into its neck, giving the weapon a twist, she withdrew it. Blood spattered her coat as the diamond dog fell to the ground. Taking a second to wipe the blood from her face, she helped the earth ponies to their hooves.

As the casualties mounted, the first wave of the corrupted army began to crumble and fall apart. "Send the second wave.", Chrysalis ordered before tapped her forelimb driving the gigantic diamond dog she was riding forward. As the second wave of the corrupted army swarmed forward, the gigantic diamond dogs strode forward in long strides, sending rumbling impacts through the ground. Chrysalis cackled with glee as she loosed blasts of dark magic into brawling knots of creatures on the ground or in the air.

Cadance and Twilight ordered the third wave forward, before taking to the air. Grasping a massive boulder in her magic, Twilight hurled it at the head of the gigantic diamond dog Chrysalis was riding. Chrysalis loosed a blast of dark magic, turning the boulder into dust and rock splinters before. Twilight charged up her magic and enveloped the head of the gigantic diamond dog in a magenta aura. The head of the gigantic mutated creature twisted violently as its neck broke in a series of wet pops. As the gigantic diamond dog staggered and fell to the ground, crushing scores of charging corrupted creatures under its bulk, Chrysalis leapt from its body and landed hard on the ground. Cadance lit her magic and sent dozens of needle-thin beams of magic into the body of another gigantic diamond dog, causing it to stumble into its neighbor, sending the two of them crashing to the ground.

The battle froze in time as a wooden door appeared on the canyon floor. As the door opened, Discord walked carrying a bunch of bananas. Peeling a banana, he tossed the peel under the foot a one of the gigantic diamond dogs and shoved the meat of the fruit into the face of warped changeling charging Marble Pie. Picking up several of the charging creatures, he turned them facing the direction they were running from. Walking over to Rarity where she was crouched low defending a wounded buffalo as two diamond dogs charged her and a third stood behind her with a pitted iron axe over its head. He plucked the axe from its paw and replaced it with a banana, he then turned the two charging diamond dogs to face each other and lowered their pitted swords to each other's chests. Thumping her horn, he caused her magic to ignite, picking up a nearby spear, he slipped it into her magic pointing backwards and gave it a gentle push towards the diamond dog's throat behind her. Walking over to Fluttershy, he grabbed the necks of the two twisted griffons charging her from behind. Lifting her up, he moved her aside so the warped changeling charging her would miss and angled the tip of her spear level with its head. Walking over to Harald, he pulled the pitted iron weapons from the dozen diamond dogs leaping at him from all sides and slipped the remaining bananas into their paws. "I'm only helping you because you make Fluttershy happy.", he whispered into Harald's ear, "Don't make me regret this." He walked into the valley past the mouth of the canyon, slipped on a pair of horn rimmed glasses with a piece of take in the middle, pulled out a keyboard and a computer monitor, he began typing on the keyboard pulling up dozens of command prompts, pressing enter on the keyboard, a voice said, "Artillery strike inbound! Mortars inbound! Airstrike inbound!" He turned to the fourth wall and winked. He walked over to Chrysalis, slipped on a pair of wrestling tights and pulled out a steel folding chair. "If you want me to mess her face up with this chair, give me a hell yeah!", he shouted. Bleachers with hundreds of discord clones waving signs and foam finger apeared shouting ,"Hell yeah!" He slammed the steel chair into Chrysalis' face. Tossing the chair away, a red convertible corvette appeared before him. Stepping in, he pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number. "Of course she would send me to voice mail.", he scoffed, "*ahem* Consider that little pest problem taken care of for today. You and woowoo owe big time lesty, bye." Cranking up the the Corvette, he vanished in a flash.

The battlefield erupted into chaos. Twisted and warped crashed into each other blunting their charges. A gigantic diamond dog slipped on a banana peel as explosions rocked the valley. The two twisted griffons charging Fluttersy from behind fell over dead as their necks made wet crunching sounds, the warped changeling charging her was impaled on her spear as its body careened past her. The diamond dog charging Marble Pie had the flesh of a banana squished into its eyes, blinding it, causing it trip over its own feet, she crushed it skull under the flat of her shovel. The two diamond dogs in front of Rarity slammed into each other, sinking their pitted swords into each other's chests, the diamond dog behind her slapped a banana into her flank as a spear in her magic pierced its throat. The dozen diamond dogs leaping at Harald splatted bananas harmlessly on his armor. They fled from him in a panic as he swung his axe wildly into their bodies. Chrysalis was rocked violently by dozens of blows from an unseen attacker before she fell to the ground unconscious. Twisted griffons pulled her body to safety before flying off with it. The corrupted army fled in a panicked rout as the allied army began slaying scores of their number. As Celestia and Luna flew fast and hard to the massive storm over Box Canyon, a cell phone appeared before Celestia blinking one missed call. Swatting the cell phone from the air, she turned to Luna, "It looks like Discord bought us some time!" The two sisters looked over their shoulders seeing thousands of pegasi being led by a yellow streak, a grey streak and a rainbow streak.

The allied creatures gathered up their dead and wounded, then piled up the the dead bodies of the corrupted creatures into heaps. Twilight and Cadance use their magic to burn the heaps of corrupted bodies.

Applejack accompanied Rarity and Fluttershy in a cave as they performed triage on the wounded ponies, yaks, griffons, buffalo and changelings. "Ah coulda sworn we was 'bout to buy that big farm in th' sky as we was gettin' ov'rrun an' then th' army dun went crazy like that as it completely feel 'part an' run off."

Rarity held a bandage to a bleeding wound on the barrel of a pegasus with her hooves. "Press here hard.", she directed Fluttershy. "Yes it's most unusual, it's almost like fate or some other force intervened on behalf to turn them back at the right moment." Tying off the bandage she lit her horn to numb the pain of the pony. Walking away, she shook her head, "She's not going to last the night."

"Discord helped us.", Fluttershy said.

"Well thiss def'natly has his handiwork all o'er it.", Applejack said. She froze in her track and her breath caught in her throat as she saw Cookie laying on the cave floor coughing, long gashes and burns covered his body. "Cookie!", she shouted running over with tears in her eyes. She knelt down and cradled his head.

Cookie looked up at Applejack as a weak smile spread across his lips. "Looks like Ah'm not gonna be able tuh eat yer burnt fritters again.", he said weakly.

"Dun talk like that, Rares c'n patch ya up.", Applejack said sniffling.

Rarity laid her head on Cookies chest, lifted her head, closed her eyes and softly shook head softly, "There's too much fluid in his lungs, I can ease his pain, but that's about all I can do."

Applejack rocked Cookie's head gently. "Chuck "Cookie" Wagon, ya can't die on me. Braeburn will be crushed.", she whimpered, "Yer a fighter an' an Apple tuh th' core."

"Apple...*kaff*...tuh...*kaff*...th'...*cough*...core...*kaff*...", Cookie said weakly between wet coughs, "T-tell G-ranny...t-tell Granny that...*cough*...th-that...it was...was...was..." A gurgling rasp cut off his sentence as his eyes rolled up in his head.

"Nooooohooo-oh-oh!", AJ cried out. "Come back Cookie!", she begged, "Ah gotta getcha home! Pleasepleaseplease! Tell me how Ah burnt th' fritters 'gain!" She gently stroked his mane crying.

Rarity reached over and gently closed his eyes with a hoof as tears swelled in hers.

Twilight and Harald sat stony-faced as they poured over of their dead and wounded. Out of the thirty thousand that had joined them, they had lost nearly twenty thousand over the past two days.

Cadance walked up seeing the dour expressions on Twilight and Harald's faces. "How bad is it?"

"Not good.", Twilight replied, "Over the past two days we've suffered two-thirds causalities. If we put every available weapon into the limbs of all the creatures that can walk or limp, we'll be lucky if we can get up to eleven thousand." She shook her head. "Chrysalis hasn't fared much better. By the best estimates, her army suffered nearly eighty percent losses and they still outnumber us by at least five to one at best."

Chrysalis woke up in her command tent being tended to by dozens of warped changelings. Sitting up as he head still rand, she scattered the changelings from her. Rising to her limbs, she walked to a nearby griffon with chitinous growths covering its wings, a ring of writhing tendrils surrounded its jagged beak, dozens of red twitching eyes covered its face. Raising her chin, she said, "Report."

"I don't know what happened my queen.", it said in a croaking voice, "Even with the two princesses helping them, we were about to break their forces and overrun them. The the whole attack went to pot when our forces turned on each other and those explosions decimated our ranks. We're down to sixty thousand. Our army just descended into panic and chaos."

"Discord!", Chrysalis snarled. She walked out the tent as the light of the day faded putting the storm tossed valley canyon into darkness. Lifting her head, she shouted over the drumming of the rain and hammering of the hail, "Have your victory this day Celestia! I will strip the flesh from your whore apprentice!" Forking arcs of lightning lit up the darkening sky as they skated across the bottoms of the clouds or skipped across the tops of the storm. She narrowed her eyes at the raging rivers as she swore she saw figures in them.

DAY THREE

As dawn broke Harald stood at the mouth the canyon with the allied army camped to his back. As the rain and hail pelted his armor, he swore he saw figures swoop amongst the roiling storm clouds above or peek out of the raging rivers. Looking to the north and south he saw massive dust clouds on the horizon moving fast. Turning to face Mount Canter, he saw beyond the edge of the storm what looked like a massive cloud moving fast and hard. "Just a few more hours.", he whispered to himself under his breath. Turning back to face the far end of the valley he saw the corrupted army begin to form up ranks. Pegasi and griffons flying patrols swooped over the allied camp shouting alerts that the corrupted army was forming ranks. Harald made his way back to camp to grab a quick breakfast.

As the corrupted army began marching down the valley, the allied army formed up ranks at the mouth of the canyon. Harald strode out in front of the army several paces finishing an apple. Taking one last bite, he threw the core onto the ground, slipped the shield on his arm, adjusted his helmet and drew his sword. Turning to face the allied army, he addressed them in a loud voice, "Know that what ever happens on this day I am proud of you. When bards sing of this day let them say we stood fearless before the great horde.", squaring his stance and shoving out his chest, he continued, "I know many of you are afraid. The same fear that desires to devour your also plagues me. If you fall and open your eyes finding yourself in a hall filled with feasting and drinking, weep not for you have been found worthy to join your ancestors. Know that all who have stood with me and shed blood are my family and for that I am proud of you all. Of you my are my brothers. I only ask of you to steel yourself one last time as we prepare to charge into the breach. On this day bards will sing that we few stood against the many. In the years to come when I am old and grey, I will roll up my sleeves to show the scars...", he lifted a sleeve on his armor to give impact to his words, "...and I shall recount the tales of how I stood with my battle bound brothers and others who listen will think themselves unworthy and turn faces downcast. At the end of this day we will sing songs of how we few stood against the many and strode over corpses in victory. Cast not your countenance downwards, nor mourn. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" He lifted his sword high over his head, "Together we stand alone." He pointed his sword across the valley and shouted, "The mindless horde fights only out of fear driven forward by whips and threats like slaves. We stand as free brothers and for every one of you I would gladly give my life. If that comes to pass, then my only regret is that I can only die once for you all. Raise your head my brothers and give a glad shout." He began to stamp his feet and banged his sword on his shield as he shouted over and over again, "WE ARE BROTHERS! WE ARE BROTHER!"

The allied army began to stamp and shout loudly as one voice, "WE ARE BROTHERS! WE ARE BROTHERS!" The shouting and stamping began reverberating off the canyon walls and across the valley, the corrupted army quailed momentarily before resuming their marching.

As the corrupted army crossed halfway across the valley, Harald leveled his sword at them and shouted, "Forward!" He forward in a furious charge as hard as his legs could carry him. With loud shouts, the allied army charged forward. The thunder of hooves, paws, talons and chitinous limbs echoed down the valley as the rush of wings filled the air.

The two armies clashed in the drumming rain and hammering hail with the sound like unto thunder. Harald sung his sword into the chest of a diamond dog, as the blade bites, it cuts through flesh and bone like a hot knife through snow, the wound is wide and deep, blood gushes from the wound, Harald smiles as the creature dies screaming. Thrusting his sword forward, it finds purchase in a warped changeling, the sword splits its carapace as easily as sharp knife splits a melon. Wrenching the blade free, the Warped creature collapses nearly split in two. Stepping into the breach, he swings the sword horizontally and it bites into the neck of a twisted griffon, its head floats in air weightlessly for a second before plummeting to the ground, its body collapses thrashing. Swinging the sword upwards, Harald splits a diamond dog from groin to chest. Stepping forward, viscera squishes under his feet. Slamming the edge of his shield forward in a punching motion, it slamms into the face of a twisted griffon, shattering its beak, the griffon screams before a sword thrust into its throat silences it.

Applejack rushes forward bellowing as her pike pierces the three warped changelings almost effortlessly. Using her earth pony strength, she pushes forward opening a channel through the corrupted army that allied creatures scramble in to fill. Once her momentum stops the three changeling impaled on her pike slide off the end. She swing the haft of the pike side to side smashing corrupted creatures aside. The creatures as a massive diamond dog strides forward, a chain hung around its neck with hooves of pony attached to it. It clangs its two pitted iron axes in a challenge before pointing one at her saying, "Your-your pretty scalp will make a pretty trophy! Yes-yes!" "If'n ya want it, come'n claim it!", AJ shouts back in a challenge. Leveling the pike, she drags her hooves across the ground and snorts, as she readies to charge. "Blood-blood!", the diamond dog howls as it charges. A primal bellow erupts from Applejack's lips as she charges. Aiming the pike at the diamond dog's throat, she gives a mighty thrust. The diamond dog duck under the thrust and rushes AJ. She quickly flips the sharpened iron counterweight around in a counter thrust. It spins away from the counter thrust and she swing the haft of the pike around in a smashing attack. The diamond dog slaps the pike out of AJ's hoof with the flat of its axe and leaps at her. Applejack rolls away from the attack, pulling the brush ax off her back. Swinging the hardened steel blade, it bites deep into the diamond dog's thigh, severing muscle and tendons. As it collapses to its knees, she uses the momentum of her swing to bring the hardened steel blade around again. The diamond dog crosses it axes in defense as the brush ax swing around. The hardened steel blade lops off its right paw as it shatters the bones in its forelimb. Applejack raises the brush ax up high as the diamond dog's blood drips from the blade. As she swings the heavy steel blade downwards, the diamond dog tries to lean away from the attack. Applejack gives a bellow as the hardened steel blade of the brush ax bites into the shoulder of the diamond dog and splits it down to its chest. A pregnant silence hangs in the air around Applejack for a second before she withdraws the blade of the brush ax from the freshly slain creature in a wet "schlick".

As the allied army begins bowling over the front ranks of the corrupted army, Harald wades through the ranks of the twisted creatures, slashing with his sword and smashing with his shield, leaving dead or dying creatures and viscera in his wake. The army parts before him as a massive twisted griffon lands with a shriek. Its talons and beak gleam like bronze, black tendrils writhe on its crown, its claws on it hind legs gleam like steel, sharp bony growths extend from its wing tips. The griffon spreads its massive wingspan and screeches a challenge. Harald slaps the flat of the sword on his shield and roars back a challenge as drool drips from his lips into his beard. The two circle each other as the griffon snarls and Harald begins biting his shield. The two charge each other and at the last minute the griffon does a spinning turn, sparks fly from Harald's shield as the sharp bony growths scrape across it. The griffon rakes its hind claws across Harald's shield as he swings his sword downwards, severing its tail. The griffon rolls across the ground roaring in pain as blood spurts from its severed tail, lunging forward it wraps it talons around Harald's shield then wrenches it off his arm, then tosses it away with a crooked smirk. Harald draws the axe from his belt as fleck of foam begin to form at the corners of his mouth. The two charge each other again. The griffon latches its talons on Harald's shoulders and the sword plunges into its chest. The griffon snaps his beak at Harald's face as the two struggle for dominance. Harald slams his helmet into the face of the griffon, causing a crack to spread across its beak. Staggering away, the griffon wipes a talon across its face before dragging the talon across the wound in its chest and licks the blood from it with a vicious smile. The two charge again and the griffon rears up grasping Harald's helmet in its talons as he thrusts the sword into its gut. As the griffon rips the helmet from Harald's head, he wrenches the sword, splitting the griffons stomach open. The griffon falls to the ground as its intestines spill out, it raises a talon in defense as Harald swings the his axe and it the blade bites deep, severing its forelimb. Harald stalks around the wounded and dying griffon, swinging the sword, he severed a wing from its back.The griffon tries to drag itself away, trailing its intestines behind it. Harald thrusts the point of the sword through the muscle of the griffon's shoulder. As the griffon screams in pain, the spike of the axe plunges into its skull. The griffon make gaging sounds as it body spasms, Harald swings his sword severing its head. He kicks the severed head from his axe and charges forward with a mad howl.

As the allied army pushed through the ranks of the corrupted army, hundreds of warped changeling swarm foward biting and gnashing. They swarm over ponies, yaks, buffalo and griffons, they rip chunks of flesh from the bodies consuming them. Allied changelings transform into bulls, goats and rams as the rush forward. The two armies stall as their ranks devolve into brawling.

Rarity slams her horn into a warped changeling. Charging up her magic, the changeling explodes. Greenish-black goo drips from her mane and coat as her eyes burn with fury. She rushes forward again looking for a fight.

Fluttershy thrusts her spear into the neck of a twisted griffon. Gobs of bright crimson blood fly out its mouth a split second before she twists the weapon. Wet popping sounds come from its neck as its head is nearly twisted off before she withdraws the weapon.

Marble Pie swings her sharpened shoved, splitting a warped changeling nearly in two. She swings the flat of the shovel around, shattering the skull of a twisted griffon. A pitted iron pick slams into skull and buries in deep. Her body goes stiff for a moment as her eyes roll into the back of head and blood oozes from her ears and nose.

In Ponyville, Pinkie opened the oven to put a cake in. As her heart skips a beat, the cake tin falls from her hoof, dumping the batter on the floor. She collapses to her haunches and puts a hoof to her mouth as she whimpers.

Maude was sitting in her house inspecting some interesting strata of a red sandstone sample when she felt her heart lurch. The rock drops from her hoof and she raises her head. He stoic expression is marred by a line of tear going down her cheeks and a quiver of her lips.

On the Pie family rock farm, Limestone was splitting stones with her pick when a shiver ran down her spine. The pick dropped from her mouth as tears glistened in her eyes.

Cloudy Quartz was putting a pot of rock soup on the stove when she felt her heart drop.

Ingneous walked over and said, "Cloudy, why did you spill a pot of rock soup?"

"Marble.", Cloudy whimpered as she began crying.

A diamond dog holding the pick embedded in Marbles skull have a twisted smile as it drew a jagged iron dagger. There was the flash of steel as a brush ax slammed into shoulder hard, splitting it down to its groin. Marble's lifeless body slumped to the ground as it gave a few twitches.

Applejack hefted the brush ax onto her shoulder. She slid Marbles shovel and pick nearby, the took up the grim duty of guarding Marble's body. "Pinkie's gonna to kill me,", she said under her breath.

The two surging rivers broke their banks, flooding the valley fetlock deep. Sea ponies sprung from the water and transformed into hippogriffs. They swooped into the flanks of the corrupted army, ripping the twisted creatures apart with their talons.

The storm suddenly stopped and the clouds dissipated. Gold and silver light radiated on the valley as the two sisters revealed their beautiful and terrible glory.
"STARE UPON THE MOON AND REPENT!", Luna shouted in the Royal Canterlot voice.

"GAZE UPON THE SUN AND BE CLEANSED!", Celestia shouted in the Royal Canterlot voice.

Thousands of pegasi in bright blue armor filled the sky. Three streaks descended upon the battlefield, one yellow, one grey, one rainbow, followed by crackling lightning. A second later the thousand of pegasi folded in their wings amd dove onto the battlefield.

Harald strode across the flooded battlefield striking down corrupted creatures with his axe or sword. His eyes burned like green flames.

Chrysalis strode through the water, striking down any pegasi or hippogriffs that got too close with her dark magic.

Cadance swooped across the battlefield, sending corrupted creatures flying with her hooves.

Twilight strode across the battlefield, her mane whipping in ethereal wind, her eyes glowed white. A cloud of steam surrounded her. Any corrupted creatures that got too close to her either turned to ash or turned to stone.

Celestia and Luna dove into the fray. Fire and ice erupted from where they landed. Celestia's coat became like the surface of the sun, her mane and tail became raging solar storms, her eyes shone like ray of the sun. Luna's coat became the bright silver of the moon, her mane and tail became black as stars twinkled in them forming constellations, her eyes shown in a cold silvery light. Corrupted creatures fled in a panic from the avatars of the sun and moon striding in their ranks.

Taking a deep breath, Luna blew out an icy wind, freezing scores of the panicking corrupted creatures solid in solid ice.

Celestia flapped her wings and a tornado of flame issued forth from her ripping through scores of the corrupted creatures, clouds of scalding steam erupted from the flooded battlefield as the smoldering bodies of corrupted creatures were flung through the air.

Harald and Chrysalis met on the battlefield.

"So this is it?", Chrysalis said in a grim tone, "Are you prepared to die Rimewalker?"

Harald raised his weapons. "I now fulfill my promise to you whore queen.", he snarled.

The two of the charged at each other.

Harald swung his sword and opened a gash in the carapace of Chrysalis's shoulder. Greenish-black blood dripped from the blade of his sword.

Placing a forelimb to the gash an her shoulder and licked the greenish-black blood from her chitinous hoof. An evil smile spread across her face. "One for you.", she said in cruel tone, "And..." She charged Harald who counter charged. As she lunged at Harald, dozens of barbed tentacles sprung forth from her limbs and lashed them out. As he ducked and weaved avoiding the tentacles as she closed on him, one of them lashed across his forehead, opening up a gash. As he slashed at her with both weapons, she leapt back recoiling the tentacles. "One for me!", she cackled as she licked the crimson blood from the tentacle.

Harald rushed forward in a zip-zag motion. He swung high with his axe forcing Chrysalis to duck. As he swung low with his sword, she struck the flat of the blade with a chitinous hoof, knocking it from his hand.

Chrysalis rose up on her hind limbs and Harald drove forward hard with his shoulder. She tumbled backwards, landing hard in the shallow water. Rising to her limbs, she saw the army was in full panicked rout. Summoning dark magic in her horn, she fired a blast of energy sending a wave of mud and water momentarily blinding Harald, then ran off.

Wiping the mud and water from his face, Harald squatted down retrieving his sword. "Flee while you can!", he shouted.

Many of the panicking corrupted creatures tried tried to take to the air or ford the rivers, only to be crushed by pegasi hooves or drowned by sea ponies. The few that did make it across the rivers we caught in an ambush when the very rocks and cacti sprung to life, revealing Thorax and his changelings.

Chrysalis ran fast and hard up the valley. Flitting her wings, she prepared to take to the air when dozens of blue armored pegasi descended to block her. Turning back, she froze in her steps as Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Twilight landed. Flopping to her haunches, she began laughing. Extending her forelimbs forward, she said, "I guess it's back to the Canterlot dungeons."

In a flash of multicolored light, Flurry Heart appeared. Her ethereal man flapped about on an unfelt wind, multicolred fourth-dimensional shapes ran through it, energy crackled across her coat and eyes. "Burn.", she said in a voice that sounded like thousands speaking at once.

Chrysalis' eyes melted in her sockets as her flesh liquefied in the immense heat and poured out in cracks in her carapace. She tried to scream, but all that came out was a short-lived gurgle before it was replaced by the sounds of crackling. A few wisps of smoke curled forth as her carapace crumbled into ash.
********************************************************************************************************

Sombra limped out of the tunnels into a cave fetid cave, covered with bites and gashes. Viscera clung to his hooves and fangs. As he approached a swirling pool of dark magic at the back of the cavers, he recoiled when a three dimensional shadow of an alicorn rose from the pool "L-lord Shadow!", he said shivering as he lowered himself to the ground.

Shadow said nothing and instead teleported them both to a dark temple. Sitting on a stone was a pink pegasus mare with a curly blue mane and tail, bleeding arcane runes were carved in her flesh, she held an onyx knife in her hoof, fresh blood dripped from the tip of the blade. Grogar and Nightmare flanked her as she chanted ancient esoteric words.

She turned her head and when her eyes locked with Sombra's, his blood ran cold. Her eyes were black orbs of pure malice. "Bring him.", she said in a voice that seemed to rob the very air of heat.

As shadow shoved Sombra forward, Grogar extended a skeletal hoof.

"No! No!", Sombra begged as the dark magic was leeched from his body in tendrils of red and black. When the last of the dark magic was pulled from his body, his withered husk collapsed to the floor slowly crumbling to dust.

Grogar gathered the dark magic into a red and black swirling ball, then passed it to the pegasus mare. Taking the ball of dark magic in her free hoof, she slowly shoved it into her chest. "Bring the egg.", she said in a crackling voice.

Grogar laid the changeling egg on the table.

Rubbing a hoof on the egg and letting a drop of blood fall on it, she said in a voice of malice, "Die and be reborn, Chrysalis."

The egg cracked and a black grub wriggled out. Over the next several seconds, the grub warped and writhed as Chrysalis grew to her full height. "So good to see you Cozy Glow.", she said.

The bleeding runes on Cozy's body closed over, becoming black pulsing runes. Rising to her hooves, she walked over to a stone throne and sat on it. As a black gnarled horn grew from her head, she summoned over a black iron crown and lowered it onto her head. "Cozy Glow is no more.", she said in a voice that came from everywhere and nowhere at once, "I am Empress Nihilus, heir of King Nihil."

Grogar, Nightmare, Shadow and Chrysalis bowed before Nihilus.

Nihulus's black eyes looked for as a malicious smile spread across her face. "Bring unto me a grand army so that we may lay low Clan Invictus."

Author's Note

Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out.
I plan on doing an epilogue before working on the sequel.
Thank you all for reading.
I hope you all enjoy.

I will try to take all criticisms as constructive.

Epilogue-The vanishing of Irontooth

It had been since the battle at Box Canyon, the princesses had called for a week of mourning so the surviving family members properly bury their dead. During that time, the allied armies of Equestria, Griffinstone in exile, Yakyakistan, Mount Aris/Seaquestria and Thorax's hive, delved into the caves, tunnels and warrens in hunt for the corrupted creatures. Though most of the places were deserted, the few places that weren't the allied armies drug out hundreds of prisoners and reported that they were defending pools of dark magic, many were put to death in summary executions. Mages were sent to disperse or seal off the pools of dark magic.

On the Pie family rock farm, Igneous, Cloudy Quartz, Maude, Mud Brier, Limestone, Cheese Sandwich, Lil Cheese and Pinkie lowered the casket containing Marble Pie into the ground. After they covered the grave, Igneous laid a slab of pure white marble on top of it, then picked up a nearby hammer and chisel and carved Marble Pie's cutie mark on it along with he birth date and the date of her death. Cloudy Quartz placed a picture frame with the last photograph of her youngest daughter on the corner of the slab. Limestone placed a small pouch of hoof carved marbles that Marble Pie had made as a filly at the head of the slab. Maude placed a hoof carved rose made of rose quartz on the slab. Taking the hammer and chisel from her father, Pinkie carved the emblems of the medal she had been rewarded posthumously for courage and valor. As they turned to go back to the house in solemn silence, Pinkie picked up a mallet and nailed a few nails in the front door, then hung the plaque Marble had been rewarded. In the morning Pinkie, Maude, Mud Brier, Cheese Sandwich and Lil Cheese boarded the train back to Ponyville in a somber silence.

Over the next few weeks things across Equestria began slowly going back to normal. One night back in Fluttershy's cottage, Harald sat up from a disturbed rest and sat on the edge of the bed in troubled thought. He winced as premonitions of death came upon him. Getting up from the bed, he slipped his pants on, went downstairs and stepped outside into the cool of the night to think.

Roused by Harald getting up from bed, Fluttershy followed him outside. Seeing him disturbed bu his thoughts, she approached him and gently laid a hoof on his leg. "Harald? Is something wrong?"

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out in a long sigh, Harald replied, "I've had a premonition. Death and doom are coming." He turned to face her and stooped down to kiss her. "I must go out and find what it is."

"Then I'l go with you."

Harald smiled before sighing, "I would not ask this of you beloved. It will be dangerous and-"

Fluttershy gently placed a hoof on Harald's lips to silence him. Reaching up with a hoof, she revealed the braid in her mane with some of his hair woven in with it and then brushed her hoof against the braid on his head with one of her feathers in it. "I fought with you at the Crystal Empire and at Box Canyon knowing it I could die. Where you go, I go."

Harald smiled. "Let us gather our things, then depart."

Several minutes later the two of them left the cottage wearing their armor, weapons on the sides, packs of supplies on their backs and four bunnies in tow. Harald closed his eyes as he took a deep breath summoning the weirding, a thick fog descended on the town.

Twilight was sitting in the castle library reading a book when she felt the weirding in her blood. She heard the castle door open and heard something cling in the map room. Walking in the map room, she saw a thick fog pouring in through the open door and two veiled figures walking towards the castle door. After the castle door closed causing the fog to disperse, she walked over to the map seeing an intricate ancient necklace depicting two alicorns. She picked up the necklace in a hoof giving a small sniffle.

Spike came out of the kitchen wanting to ask if the weather team had goofed up again, but paused when he saw Twilight holding the necklace in her hoof. "Uh, Twi? Isn't that the necklace that Harald was wearing?"

Twilight nodded.

A perplexed look came across his face. "Wadda ya think it means?"

Holding the necklace to her breast, Twilight closed her eyes for a moment before answering, "A promise."

Applejack was walking along the fence of Sweet Apple Acres on watch when she saw Harald and Fluttershy walking through the fog. She ran out to them to stop them. "Where are y'all going?"

Fluttershy hugged Applejack. "We must go to see something and we will return." She went through the actions of a Pinkie promise.

Harald smiled and took off the leather charm from around his neck with four braids hanging from it, lifted AJ's hoof and laid the charm in her hoof. Touching each braid, he said in heavily accented Equish, "My fehthar, muhthar, bruhthar un sistar."

The two of them turned and disappeared into the mist as Applejack wiped a few tears from her eyes.

Ranbow flew up seeing Applejack wipe tears from her eyes and Harald and Fluttershy fade into the fog. She took off after them following their tracks until they vanished. "Fluttershy! Harald! Don't go!", she shouted into the fog. She plopped onto her haunches. "I can't lose my oldest friend."

A dagger in its sheath sailed out of the gloom landing in front of Rainbow. A heavily accented voice called out. "Hwe hwill return!" Rainbow picked up the dagger nodding gently while sniffling.

The next morning as the buzz around town was about the freak fog, Zecora walked through the center of town with a pack strapped to her.

Applebloom walked up to Zecora. "G'mornin' Zecora!", she said in a chipper tone, "Ya goin' somewhere?"

Zecora took a string off her neck holding the key to her hut and passed it Applebloom. "I want you to look after my home Applebloom. I must return to Zebrobwe to find friend to protect this land from an ancient doom."

"Ah dun wancha tuh go, Harald and Fluttershy left last night without saying goodbye." Applebloom gave a few sniffles.

Zecora gently ran her hoof gently across Applebloom's cheek. "Shed not a tear, I shall return within one year." She wrapped a forelimb around Applebloom's neck in a hug. After they parted, she walked down the road singing a song in her native tongue.

As the sun went down and the moon came up, Celestia and Luna sat on one of the balcony quietly talking. A passing guard paused thinking he saw a spectral human sitting between the two sisters talking to them. He shook his head thinking he was just seeing things.

In Ponyville Gallus stepped out of the front door of the castle wearing his armor and took up his post guarding the door. His breath caught in his throat when he saw a female griffon walk by with blue feathers on the crown of her head, she paused and gave him a cute smirk before taking to the air. A goofy smile spread across his face before he collected himself and resumed a stoic expression.

Author's Note

Okay this story has come to an end.
I hope you all enjoyed it.
As always, thank you all for reading.

I will attempt to take all criticisms as constructive.

mmfmlpl

Disturbing visions/A strange creature

DISTURBING VISIONS

-The First Moon of Autumn-

Princess Luna stands watch over a dark and sleeping Equestria, periodically she peers into the dreams of sleeping ponies, smiling at the happy dreams of some and helping others with their nightmares. Suddenly a strange and disorienting sensation comes over her as her eyes goes white when a vision comes over her.

She finds herself standing in the throne room seeing laying on her side, deliriously moaning in pain, four parallel gashes marring her right cutie mark and flank. She sees a griffon warped and twisted by dark magics struggling with a two-legged creature wielding a large round shield on one forelimb and a long bladed sword in the other, on its back it wore a jacket made of metal rings, on its head it wore a large conical helmet that swooped low on the neck with a red, braided mane below the rear brim of the helmet, a large axe hung near it's haunches. Quickly the creature bashed the griffon in his face with its shield and slew the griffon with a vicious stab of its sword. Sheathing the sword, the creature ran over to Celestia, loosing the shield from from its forelimb and laid it on her body.

Groaning in pain and delirium she raised her head, "B-b-behind..." From her rear right Luna heard a nasty and evil snicker. Quickly the creature spun on its rear limbs while loosing the axe from its haunches and the sword from the scabbard holding them both in its forelimbs. Luna got a good look at the creature, it's forelimbs ended not in hooves, but ape-like paws and it's face, though it was partially concealed under the cheek and snout guards of the helmet was ape-like, but shorter with part of its red, braided mane hanging below its jaw. Luna observed its posture, crouched, like a predator ready to pounce, its mouth curled in a snarl of rage, its emerald eyes burning with fury. Luna slowly let her gaze drift over to where the creature was glaring.

She could not make out the figures as they were enshrouded in shadows. With an evil chortle a familiar came from the taller figure, "It's a shame Celestia, you weren't the intended target for our assassins poison but no matter, you will be dead before your sister can lower the moon."
Luna replied with shock

"It can't be! Chrysalis..." A wicked laugh interrupted her. "Sombra?!"

In a language Luna had not heard in five hundred years before she became Nightmare Moon, the creature said "Din snikmorder legger drept av min hånd!" Then the creature beat the flat of both weapons against its chest and pointed the sword at the figures in a clear challenge, "Jeg er vrede! Jeg ødelegger! Jeg er raseri! Jeg er din undergang! Før jeg dreper deg, selv om jeg skal vite at jeg er ditt mareritt laget kjøtt!" As quickly as it came on, the vision ended. Luna with her head swimming from the intensity of the vision overcoming her tried to steady herself, she felt herself falling as her sight faded and her eyes rolling up in her head, then nothingness.

After an unknown amount of time Luna felt consciousness drifting back to her. As she slowly opened her eyes, saw three concerned guards standing over her. Her hearing slowly faded back in, "...incess?! Princess?! Are you Okay?! Are you unwell?!"

As she rose to her feet, the three guards assisting her, shaking the cobwebs off, she replied "Yes Captain Bright Star, I believe I am well. How long was I out for?"

"Only for a couple of minutes.", gesturing towards another guard Bright Star continued, "Shimmering Ribbons heard a loud crash and investigated, finding you unconscious. Are you sure you're well? I can have a doctor here in less than 30 minutes."

"Thank you Captain, I believe I am well. If I have further problems, I will contact a physician. Now I must see Celestia!"

Luna hurried through the hallways of the palace, as she entered into the corridor leading to Celestia's bedchamber she heard her sister cry out "NOOOOOO!", followed by a loud crash.

Luna propelled herself as fast as she could, crashing into Celestias' door turning it to splinters. Without even thinking, she shouted in the royal voice, "SISTER...!"

Celestia tossed fitfully in her bedchamber trying to sleep, an uneasy feeling had come over her rousing her from her slumber. Rolling over a few more times and punching her pillow with one of her fore hooves in a vain attempt to make it more comfortable. Finally groaning in frustration, she sat up deciding to get herself a drink of water. "I guess I'll have to get Luna to cast a sleep spell on me so I can get some rest.", Celestia said to herself. As she stood to levitate her glass to the nearby sink, a strange and disorienting sensation washed over her as she entered into a vision, her eyes flaring white. An ape-like creature knelt on the balcony outside the throne room, as she approached a sharp pain was throbbing in her right flank. Looking at her flank, she saw four parallel wounds, days old marring her right flank and cutie mark.

"Somepony must have attacked me." she thought to herself. Before she could ask anything, she heard a strange chanting prayer coming from the ape-like creature in a language she had not heard in over 1500 years.

"Å forfedre, jeg ber dere bære min bønn til gudene slik at de kan svare med hastverk. Jeg ber bare om at når jeg går for å redde mesteren i Sky Queens at jeg seirer eller du kaster åpne de store dørene i hallen din, slik at jeg kan bli med deg i festen for krigere."

The creature stood and turned, upon seeing Celestia a surprised look came across it's face. "Sky Queen! Du burde hvile. Den dårlige giften som brukes av snikmorderen til de onde, har ikke helt forlatt systemet ditt og har bremset helbredelsen av sårene dine. For å gjengjelde livsgjelden skylder jeg deg for å ta de forgiftede klørne som er ment for meg, skal jeg redde mesteren din."

As Celestia looked towards the mountains beyond the ruins of the Everfree castle she saw forming in the clouds a familiar face, his mouth curled into a wicked sneer, his piercing red eyes glared at her, his crimson horn gathered red arcs of lightening wreathed in inky darkness. "Sombra..." As Celestia snapped out of the vision

The floor started coming towards her in slow motion and a voice she couldn't quite place shrieked "NOOOOOOO!" The last thing she heard before the world disappeared into nothingness was the sound of wood splintering and a familiar voice crying out "SISTER...!"

As the world faded back in Celestia became aware of a familiar presence near her and a hoof resting gently on her shoulder. Looking up she saw the concerned face of Luna. "Tia?! Are you okay?!"

"Yes Luna, I think I'm Okay. I just had the most bizarre and unsettling vision. I think I was overcome by how powerful it was."

"I too had a strange and distressing vision. Ow!", Luna put her hoof to her head, "I think when I fainted, I gave myself quite the bump on the head."

Celestia smiled to reassure her sister, a smile that quickly turned to a wince of pain as Celestia put her hoof to her chin, "I think I hit my jaw on the floor when I passed out."

A nervous cough came from the doorway. Luna rolled her eyes and said "Yes guard, you may send for a physician for my sister and myself."

As Celestia sat up from the floor, she looked at the remains of the door and asked, "Luna, what happened to my door?"

"Wwweeelll..."

Princess Cadence lay in her bedchamber unable to sleep, a combination of an uneasy feeling that had come over her and that she never slept well when Shining Armor worked the late patrol. She understood that it was part of the normal rotation as Shining Armor was not only co-ruler of the Crystal Empire, but also High Captain of the Guard and Supreme Commander of the army in the Crystal Empire, even though she knew it was part of his duties to help protect Crystal Empire, it didn't prevent her from being worried when he took the late patrol.

The handle on the door rattled slightly and swung open gently, Cadence perked up at the sound, Shining Armor spoke softly in the room, "Cadence? Are you awake? I managed to to trade off the last four hours of my patrol for a guard who couldn't sleep. I'll have to make it up to him tomorrow for four hours on his shift."

Cadence sat up with a broad smile on her face, "Shining Armor, I am gla..."

Cadence went stiff as a board as with a discombobulating rush the vision came upon her, her eyes shining white. Cadence found herself in the mountains beyond the ruins of the Everfree Castle running down a pass alongside a familiar yellow pegasi with a pink mane and tail, alongside her ran an ape-like creature wearing a conical helmet with snout and cheek guards, a red, braided mane flowing in the wind about its shoulders, a jacket of metal rings hanging on its body, a sword and axe hanging on its haunches.

Pointing towards the Everfree Forrest, it shouted in a tongue she never heard before, the creature shouted, "Fortsett å løpe mester i Sky Queens! Vi er nesten til skogen!" Suddenly several figures swooped down from above blocking the path ahead of them. The figures looked like griffons and changelings twisted and warped by dark magics. The pegasus and ape creature ran along a wide cliff that ran perpendicular to the pass. Suddenly several more twisted and warped creatures swooped down in front of them, turning back they saw more and more of the twisted creatures swarming along the cliff.

The ape creature shoved its helmet ill-fitting onto the pegasus' head, then shoving her roughly into a small cave, looses its shield from its forelimb and placing it at the entrance of the cave, before covering it the creature said "Jeg skal prøve å lede dem av! Ikke la før du hører kampene forlate dette området! Eller...", the creature gestures over his shoulder, "Sky Queens ankommer med hæren sin!" Cadence sees the pegasus quickly nod her head. The creature quickly shoves the shield flush with the cave and hastily piles someone stones at the base of the shield.

Cadence quickly darts her eyes up to the sky and sees what looks like four meteors, burning brighter than the sun, streaking across the sky, followed quickly by a rainbow streak leading a massive flying wedge that scatters the clouds before it. Cadence swore she heard two mighty earthquakes coming from the north and west. Quickly her attention is snapped back to the cliff by several hisses and snarls. The ape creature has both the sword and axe in its paws. Its face a stoic masque of grim resolve, its green eyes burn with rage.

Slowly it slowly stalks forward, muscles trembling like coiled springs, posture like a monster ready to rampage, trample and tear through the host. The creature takes a few more steps forward and then stops, several of the twisted and warped creatures in the front stagger back into their kith and kin, many are cut down by fangs, beaks and claws, others are shoved down by those who are trying to inch forward. The ape creature bellows a mocking laugh, "Du bringer verten mot meg, og det er deg som skjelver av frykt?! Er dette det beste de onde kan gjøre?! En hær av feiginger?!" Many creatures seem confused by its words, but are incensed by the mocking laughter and derisive tone and start clawing and stamping the ground and beating their wings in anger.

A wicked smile parts the face of the ape creature as it starts slapping its chest with the flat of the blades then extends its forelimbs out wide and shouts a challenge, "Se! Jeg er vrede! Jeg er din ruin! Jeg er raseri! Jeg er undergang! Jeg er ditt mareritt laget kjøtt og før jeg dreper deg, men skal vite det!" Then the ape creature is amongst them disappearing in a ball of fangs, beaks, claws, wings, metal and violence.

Shining Armor immediately senses something is wrong with Cadence and rushes to her, "Cadence?! What's wrong?!" He quickly wraps his forelimb and hoof around her feeling her to be stiff as a board.

He hears her muttering softly over and over in a strange tongue, "Fluttershy holder seg sterk! Hold deg stille! ikke gråt!" After a couple of minutes of Cadence being stiff as a board and muttering to herself in a language he's never heard before, she goes completely limp and Shining Armor wraps both forelimbs around her, bracing her body against his and gently cradling her head with his hooves, laid her gently on the bed. As he rose and looked down on her face to ask her what happened when horror struck him, her eyes were wide open but completely rolled up in her head, her body as limp as a boiled noodle.

Quickly Shining Armor ran to their bedchamber door and shouted, "Guards! Get a doctor, Princess Cadance has fallen ill!" He then rushed to the bathroom and levitated a washcloth off the nearby shelf, soaked it with cool water from the sink and wrung out the excess. Rushing back to Cadence's side, Shining Armor used his levitation to fold the washcloth and gently wipe across her forehead and face.

As the world faded back in for Cadence, she felt a familiar presence nearby and a cool pressure sliding across her face. Slowly she opened her eyes seeing the concerned face of Shining Armor staring down at her, placing a hoof on the cool pressure and finding the cool, damp washcloth. She gave a small, reassuring smile to her husband and started sitting up. Shining Armor placed his hoof on her shoulder firmly, yet gently, "Take it slowly Cadence. You had some kind of strange episode. Has someone attacked you? Are we under threat from enemies?"

"No, we're not under threat from our enemies...yet. Though...", she paused pondering for a brief moment, "Though if our enemies are moving against us in secret, I feel that a strange ally soon reveal themselves."

"How do you know for sure?" "I saw in my vision a strange creature fighting to defend a pony from an evil horde." Shining Armor had been married to Cadence long enough to recognize when she had a vision.

Flurry Heart walked into the bedchamber, "Mother?Father?"

"I'm okay Flurry, I'm just not feeling well."

"I've seen your vision,considering how powerful and unsettling it was, you shouldn't be feeling too well."

"W-w-whaaaaat?!", Cadance and Shining Armor exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes. Celestia, Luna and Aunt Twilly also had powerful and disturbing visions. While I was seeing all four visions, I heard three voices that sounded like alicorns call out from the north as one unified voice 'Fear not for equstria kindred sisters, we send our champion to fulfill his ancestral oath to thee!"

"Do you know when this champion will arrive?"

Flurry Heart closed her eyes and focused her powers, her aura shimmering in multiple colors, her mane and tail becomes ethereal, blowing in a breeze that isn't there, strange colors and patterns shifting across them, "It's difficult to see, the future is constantly shifting and trying to see it changes it.." Flurry Heart relaxed her powers, looking at her mane and tail, "Well I didn't foresee this."

Princess Twilight Sparkle lay in her bedchamber, sleep had fled her. Rolling over in her bed desperately trying to find a comfortable position, she tosses her pillow aside and groans, "Ugh! I guess I'll try and find me something to read until I can go to sleep." As she trotted down the hallway, she heard coming from the kitchen a clatter of barrels and muffled conversation between three familiar voices. "I guess Sweet Apple Acres had a really good harvest this year. I guess it won't hurt to get a mug of that fresh cider."

As Twilight entered the kitchen she heard the familiar country drawl of Applejack, "Ah tell yuh what Big Mac, Twilly will be heaps suurr-prised by this here delivery of Granny Smith's special aged stock of cider"

"Eyup!", Big Mac responded.

"I can't wait to try some of that special cider.", Spike said, the drool practically visible in his words.

"Not before I get the first taste, Spike!", Twilight responded with a playfully stern tone. She noted how Applejack had seemed to barely age compared to Big Mac, who had fine lines forming at the corners of his eyes. Her other four friends had also aged slower, Twilight and the other princesses had postulated that exposure to the elements of harmony had altered them, slowing their ageing. She had noted too how spike had grown, standing nearly as tall as Big Mac, his wings folded across his shoulders to give the impression of a cape.

"Big Mac, get the mugs out of the cabinet soes we can drink tuh our continued health!"

"Eyup!"

As Twilight held the mug with her telekinesis up to her mouth to drink the cider, a bewildering wave slammed into her as the vision began, her eyes shone white. Twilight found herself standing in the courtyard of the palace in the Crystal Empire, bodies of ponies and yaks lay bloody and broken amongst the remains of changelings twisted and warped by dark magics.

Twilight sees Shining Armor step out of the shadows flanked by his top officers, "Secure every corridor and exit in the castle. After doing so, link up with the pony and yak forces to help retake the city." A quiet anger filled his eyes.

Cadance alighted on the courtyard, "The pegasus scouts have confirmed that the last of the evacuation trains are safely away with most of the civilians in them. They also report that the yaks helped secure and defend the train station, but the griffons that Sombra managed to twist to him counter attacked and there would have been more wounded and dead if Gilda and Harald had not shown up and lead most of them away from the station."

"Cadance!? Shining Armor!? What's happen...", Twilight asked as she extended her hoof out to touch Cadance on her forelimb only to have it pass through as if she were made of mist, "I'm having a vision!"

"Catch up as soon as you can! I'm taking some of the pegasus scouts with me to find them! Those two won't last long without reinforcements!", Cadance shouted shouted as she flew up into the air. Twilight found herself floating in the vision alongside Cadance as she was flying as hard as she can.

"Hang on Gilda, I'll be there to help you out soon!", a familiar voice shouted.

"Rainbow!?", Twilight said as she looked over her should seeing the familiar blue pagasus wearing wonderbolt armor, leaving a rainbow streak behind her.

Twilight drifted through the vision alongside Cadance, Rainbow Dash and a dozen other pegasi. They flew over the train station, seeing the bodies of the twisted and warped griffons in a grizzly trail heading to the west, the host swings to follow it. Soon the trail leads to a small ravine, in the dim light Twilight sees what looks like an ape-like creature standing astride the body of a griffon, axe in one forelimb and a large shield strapped to the other. Cadance gestures one hoof upwards and her other hoof in a broad sweeping motion.

Twilight quickly glances over shoulder and sees Rainbow shoot up high into the air and the other pagasi spread out into a crescent formation. Then Twilight follows Cadance down in a steep dive as she slams into a warped griffon to her left of the ape creature, using her magic to blast several enemies away forming a perimeter, then quickly throws a shielding bubble over the three of them. A rainbow blur slams into the middle of the host, followed almost by a sonic rainboom. Bodies of twisted griffons are flung through the air in every direction as the rainboom bounces off the ravine walls several times. A split second later the rainboom dissipates, the rest of the pagasi descend on the disoriented enemies.

Cadance gives a quick nod to the ape creature and it lurches forward, slamming its axe into the skull of a large twisted griffon, showering the battlefield with blood and viscera, Cadance takes its place in vigil over the body of the griffon. Twilight glances down at the griffon that Cadance is now standing vigil over, "Gilda!" she gasps in horror. In her talon she holds a sword in a death grip.

Suddenly she snaps out of the vision. The countertop starts moving towards her in slow motion, a familiar voice shouting "Twilight!", then reality disappears into nothingness. Slowly reality begins to fade back in, Twilight feels a familiar presence and a cool pressure on her face. Slowly she opens her eyes, she sees the concerned face of Applejack staring down and the cool pressure covering her left eye.

"Easy now sugar cube, take it slow gettin' up. You had an odd episode, fainted and bashed your face on the counter top. Ah sent Big Mac to go get a doctor and Spike to send messages to the princesses."

"AJ I had a vision. I saw the Crystal Empire attacked by enemies warped and twisted by evil magics. I saw a friend killed and a strange creature fighting for Princess Cadance."

Applejack twisted her mouth in concern and thought, "Ah say let the doctor look at you first an' then when one of the princesses show up they can help to make some kind of sense of what you saw."

Twilight slowly rose to her feet, Applejack helping her up. Using her telekinesis, Twilight held the cool damp cloth to her eye. "I'll wait for the doctor in the map room." Twilight knew better than to argue with Applejack right now as she can be insistent.

*the next morning*

Celestia and Luna were sitting in the sculpture garden at a small table waiting for the other princesses. Soon a purple alicorn was descending towards the palace. Celestia chuckled slightly, "It seems Twilight is early as usual."

"Indeed she is sister. Your pupil has always had that annoying quality about her.", Luna replied giving a teasing smile to Celestia. Celestia and Luna shared a small chuckle with Celestia giving her sister a playful shove.

Two unicorn guards approached the princesses, the sisters cleared their throats and regained their regal composure. "Announcing from Ponyville, Princess Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship.", the first unicorn pronounced in a clear voice. Then the two unicorn guards stepped to their left and right respectively and bowed.

Twilight strode forward, her head held in a regal pose and bowed before the sisters, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle.", the sisters said simultaneously, standing and returning the bow. The three rose and Luna gave a quick nod to the two guards.

The unicorns rose, gave a quick salute, turned quickly and left. As Twilight walked to the table, the sisters crooked their mouths in concern, "Twilight, what happened to your eye?"

Twilight put her hoof to her bruised eye, "Oh this? Last night after I had a vision, I fainted and hit my face on the counter. The doctor checked me out and said other than this black eye, I'd be fine."

The sisters glanced at each other with concern, Celestia putting her hoof to her jaw and Luna a hoof to her head. Luna walked over to Twilight, "This won't do. We can't have a bruise marring your face. Hold still." Luna's horn glowed with magic and a small ball of light formed at its tip, she bent her head down and touched it to Twilight's eye, "There, other than a little soreness for the next couple of days, that bruise is gone." Twilight put her hoof to her face, though a little tender there was no sign the bruise had been there.

Celestia pointed her hoof upwards, "Come sit down, Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart will be joining us soon." Luna and Twilight looked where Celestia was pointing, a pagasi drawn chariot was approaching Canterlot with all three in the back. "They'll be here in the hour, let us be prepared to receive them." Celestia picked up a small bell in her mouth, gave it a jingle and placed it back on the table. A grey stallion pony wearing a black vest and bow tie approached the table, "Our guests will be here within the hour. Have the tea service ready for when they arrive."

"Yes your majesty.", The pony gave a quick bow, "By your leave princesses." All three gave him a quick nod, he gave a quick turn on his hooves and trotted back to the palace.

A small procession of six guards, two unicorns, two pagasi and two earth ponies entered the statue garden in a two-by-two column. "Announcing the Royal Family of the Crystal Empire, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Prince Shining Armor and Princess Flurry Heart", one of the lead ponies proclaimed in a clear voice. Then the two columns stepped to the left and right making a path for the rulers of the Crystal Empire.

The three approached the table, bowed and formally addressed the princesses. The three princesses rose from their seats, returning the bow and formal addresses. As the six rose, Shining Armor turned his head and saluted the twin columns of guards, the guards returned the salute, reformed ranks and marched out of the garden.

The six hugged and exchanged pleasantries, "We four have had disturbing visions concerning our enemies and the same creature.", Celestia and Luna using their magic projected the images from their visions, Cadance and Twilight followed suit.
Shining Armor looked on with visible concern on his face. "Who or what is this ape that seems to be fighting for us?"

"He is the decendant of an upright named Jorgen the Irontooth, who helped us defeat the Nameless King. We thought after we had slain him, we had completely nullified and scattered his his power."

"An upright? You mean a hoom-muhn? They're real!?"

"Yes Twilight, they're very real, they're called humans and they live far beyond the borders of Equestria. Only the dragons, hippogriffs and yaks have seen small tribes of them traveling over the past nine hundred years."

"I never believed the old stories, thinking they were old mares tales.", Shining Armor said flabbergasted.

Suddenly the six felt a familiar energy wash over them as Flurry Heart's horn started glowing. Shimmering images of the alicorns appeared, two mares and a stallion. "Hoar Frost, Bright Hearth, Fierce Heart?!", the two sisters exclaimed.

"HAIL SISTER KINDRED! WE HAVE RISKED CONTACTING THEE! A SERVANT OF EVIL HAS ATTACKED OUR LAND, A UNICORN WITH A RED HORN, WE REPULSED HIM AND HE FLED BACK TO YOUR LANDS! THE SON OF IRONTOOTH HAS DEPARTED TO FULFILL HIS ANCESTORS OATH TO THEE! HE SHALL ARRIVE IN A FORTNIGHT AND EIGHT!" The images quickly faded.

"It appears that Sombra has made his first move.", Celestia said.

"Indeed, we must send messengers to our allies and prepare for war. I'll double the guards in the dungeon."

"I'll send Rainbow Dash to the hippogriffs, Pinkie Pie to the yaks, Spike to the dragons, Starlight glimmer to the changelings, Fluttershy to Discord, Applejack to the buffalo and the CMCs to the griffons!" The six sat at the table discussing plans, they agreed that when the attack happened at least one alicorn and 12 unicorns would be sent into hiding so there would always be someone to raise the sun and moon.

Flurry Heart insisted it should be her as she was the youngest and could serve as a rallying beacon of hope if needed. The other four quietly discussed amongst each other and came to an agreement, "Very well Flurry Heart, when our enemies reveal themselves, you will be sent into hiding. Remember when it happens to keep moving and tell none where you're going. Over the next few weeks we'll gather up twelve of the most powerful and skilled unicorns and put them into hiding."

*two days later*

Chrysalis sitting in a tiny cell deep under the castle, the only food she received was the meager bowl of unflavored oats and a small cup of water shoved through the sliding hatch at the bottom of the heavy iron door every couple of days. Resentfully gnawing on a crude cake of oats made from some of the food she had hoarded and hidden in her bedding.

A pair of red eyes appeared before her, "Queen Chrysalis, my how the mighty have fallen."

"Okay, I have officially gone mad."

"I assure you I am very real. I offer you the chance to seek your revenge on the princesses and the hive that betrayed you. All you have to do is work with me and I assure you that we shall slay the princesses and their "friends.""

"Very well apparition I'll accept your help if you can assure that the princesses and that traitor Thorax will lay dead before me by my own horn." Chrysalis replied already planning on how she was going to betray him once her vengeance was complete, "By what name do you go by apparition?"

"My name is King Sombra. Now come along Queen, we have much to do and little time to do it." A red portal opens next to Chrysalis, with a nasty chuckle she steps through.

A unicorn guard walking down the dungeon hallway, he approaches the door of Chrysalis' cell door with her meager meal of oats and water. As he unlocked and opened the slot of the door to slide her meal in, he saw a red light, looking in he saw Chrysalis step through a red glowing portal. "GUARDS! Chrysalis has escaped! Put the palace on high alert and send a message to the princesses!", he shouted dropping the bowl of oats and cup of water.

**********

A STRANGE CREATURE

-Four Days Before the Second Moon of Autumn-

In the Crystal Empire there was an air of apprehension with the news of the escape of Queen Chrysalis and the taking of twelve unicorns by the royal guards. Guards were and soldiers were patrolling the streets and perimeter the Crystal Empire. A fierce snowstorm blew outside the northern border of the protective barrier, as the sun slowly dipped slowly behind the mountains casting the Crystal Empire into a dim twilight. Three earth ponies were apprehensively patrolling along along a section of the northern border of the protective barrier.

"I can't wait until we get back to the barracks so I can get some warm cider in me. Seeing all this snow is making me feel chilled to the bone." one of the soldiers said.

"That sounds good to me. Only three hours until we get off patrol.", the second soldier replied. In the deepening shadows of the twilight a tall creature approached the edge of the protective barrier, partially obscured by the blowing snow, started to crane its head around allowing its gaze to follow the three earth ponies, as one of the earth ponies turned its head looking in its direction, the creature took several steps backwards away from the barrier.

Blue Belle felt a strange shiver run up her spine, like somepony was staring at her. She quickly snapped her head back to the protective shield, she saw what looked like strange shadowy creature, it seemed to fade back into the snowstorm, "Huh?! Shaved Ice! Goal kick!", she shouted pointing her hoof towards the shield, "I think I just saw something over there! Just outside the barrier! I think it was starting at us!"

The three ponies ran over to where the creature was seen. "I don't see anything.", Goal Kick replied.

"Let's not take any chances.", Shaved Ice said calmly, "Let's get some backup just in case there is a dangerous creature out there." The three earth ponies quickly darted off towards the south as the shadows began to deepen. As the three ponies disappeared into the darkness, a shadowy figure sprinted through the magical barrier and ducked behind a crystal formation.

Looking around quickly, making sure he was alone, swung a pack off his back, knelt down brushing some snow off of it, opened it and pulled a helmet out, placing it on the ground. Quickly pulling off his face wrap and wooden snow goggles, hastily stuffed them into the pack, cinched it and slung it on his back. Picking up his helmet, he threw back the hood on his cloak, quickly shaking his braided hair and beard loose, slipping the helmet over his head. He quietly sprinted towards some small houses on his left, only some muffled jingles and clanks from under his cloak was the only sound that came from him.

As he slipped into the shadow of the wall, he could hear hoof-beats coming down the road. A dozen ponies ran past the corner where he was hiding into the open area, he gave a silent sigh, thankful he wasn't spotted. Among the ponies he heard a bell-like voice was shouting in a language he couldn't understand and pointing its hoof to where he had hidden in the snowstorm outside the barrier. Silently he cursed himself. "Forvirret! De så meg i stormen! Jeg har ikke noe annet valg enn å gå videre og ta kontakt med Sky Queens.", he thought to himself. Silently he slipped around the far corner of the houses and stole off into the night.

The twelve ponies ran into the open area, "Over there!", Blue Belle shouted pointing her hoof to the barrier, "That's where I saw that creature outside the barrier hiding in the snowstorm!"

Colonel Bright Hoof quickly assessment of the situation. "Quickly, get some safety lines secured!",he barked orders, "The last thing we need is ponies getting lost out in that storm! Especially since that creature may still be hiding out there!" As the ponies were spreading out across the open area, none of them noticed a shadowy figure slip around the far corner of a house or the insect-like creature flitting low over the roofs of the houses.

As he was watching several ponies pulling ropes out of their flank packs he heard Big Oak call to him in a thick Appleoosan accent, pointing his hoof to the base of a crystal formation, "Suh! Ah believe we found somethin' over he-ah!" He hurried over to the crystal formation and saw what Big Oak was pointing at, a clump of snow and a small patch of crushed grass.

Quickly he looked back to the other ponies, "Belay that order and form up!", he shouted. As the ponies began forming up he turned his gaze back to the clump of snow and the patch of grass. As Bright Hoof focused on the clump of snow and patch of grass he let his gaze drift first to the houses on his right, then left, finally towards the castle. "Hmm!", he said quietly, "Big Oak, I think we got a situation. I hope I'm worng, but..." "That thang is loose in the empire.", Big Oak finished his sentence.

"Alright, new orders!", Bright Hoof pointed his hoof to several ponies, "You eight, form sentries in case this thing doubles back or there are more like it hiding in the storm. Blue Belle! You are in charge here until myself, Big Oak or General Golden Baubles sends someone to relieve you. In the event you make contact with this creature, do not try to fight or capture it! Track it, contain it and send a runner so that the proper patrols can be diverted to assist you." Blue Belle saluted and started gesturing silent orders to the other seven, they began spreading out finding hidden locations to observe from. Bright Hoof started running back towards the castle with Big Oak, Goal Kick and Shaved Ice in tow, "Shaved Ice! Goal Kick! Head back to the barracks and put the eighth company's reserves on alert!" "Yes sir", the two ponies replied behind him.

Discord was in his home mulling over the letter Twilight had sent with Fluttershy three weeks ago, he was concerned about it talking about enemies gathering and a strange ally. He was even more concerned with the news of the escape of Chrysalis, "I'll need to have a meeting with the princesses, maybe have it coincide with my next tea party with Fluttershy.", he spoke to himself just before poofing a parchment, quill and ink in front of him. "'Dearest Fluttershy, at our next tea party might I request...', pausing from his writing, he noticed a strange ripple of magic he had not encountered in a long time. He reached up with his lion-pawed forelimb to gather some of the magical ripples around it, brought it up to his face to smell and taste them, "Hmm, this is some unusual magic that I haven't seen since I was a stripling. It feels almost...", his eyes widened in surprise, "...weird!"

He quickly crumpled up the letter he was writing and poofed another parchment into being. "My dearest Fluttershy, I must regretfully inform you that I will be unable to attend our weekly tea party as I have business in the Crystal Empire. I hope to make it up to you soon. XOXO, Discord. P.S. Give Twilight this message for me, 'From the north a champion which a tooth of iron decends and seeks to bring his grandfather's grandfather's labors to a close." He quickly rolled it up into a scroll and snapped his lion paw, sending it off to Fluttershy.

"Now off to meet our new friend, this should be...fun!", he then looked at the fourth wall, "Don't worry dear reader, I won't be a Deus Ex Machina...yet.", he then snapped his eagle talon and vanished in a puff of smoke with the word "POOF!" hanging in the air.

As Harald slunk from shadow to shadow, he heard the soft buzzing of insect-like wings. He quickly pressed himself flat against the nearest wall and turned his head slowly upwards. He saw a pony-sized and shaped creature with dark chitinous flesh that seemed to pulsate and twisted semi-transparent wings slowly flying to the south. "En ond tjener!", he hissed silently under his breath, "Er det jakt på meg... eller noe annet? Det ser ut til at spillet er på gang. Og jegeren skal bli jaktet."

He reached up to the hood of his cloak and undid the clasp around his neck. He slid his cloak and backpack off and silently placed them on the ground revealing his armor made of interlining rings hanging off his body, a large round shield, a broad bladed axe and long-bladed sword strapped to his back. Loosing the drawstring on his backpack, reaching in he fumbled around in it for a quick moment, withdrawing a dagger and length of cord, he then cinched the drawstring and hastily tied a knot in it. Quickly he slid the dagger into his boot, undoing one of the buckles across his chest, letting the sword and scabbard slide down, he moved it to his midsection, cinching the belt tight and re-buckling it. He turned it sideways, lashing the scabbard and pommel to his body so they wouldn't rattle around needlessly or slide out unexpectedly. He rolled up the cloak and tied it around his waist, then slid the backpack on.
Kneeling he reached into his armor pulling out a simple cord necklace with a leather talisman that had four braids attached to it, closing his eyes in reverence he held it up to his mouth and gingerly kissed it. "Far, mor, søster, bror. Gi meg din styrke når jeg jakter på denne onde skapningen.", he quietly prayed to the talisman. Taking a few breaths in and out calling on the ancient magic of his people called the weirding. After a few seconds he could smell, taste and see the magic of this place. "Takk.", he whispered to the talisman before returning it under his armor. He quickly picked up up the trail of dark magic the creature left in the air. Harald gathered shadows and silence about him and quickly scrambled up a nearby drainpipe and onto the roof, the weirding making him as silent as cats paws, the shadows clinging to him making him appear as little more than a shimmer in the night.

Harald had the strangest feeling that someone-thing was watching him, for a second he thought he saw a pair of yellow eyes looking at him from a nearby window. Blinking his eyes and giving his head a slight shake, thinking to himself, "Den merkelige magien på dette stedet er å spille triks på øynene mine."

He didn't notice the eagle's talon wave its finger in pattern behind his hip, nor did he notice the small cylinder drop from under his rolled up cloak and the lion's paw quietly catch it. The eagle's talon held up a small sign that said "SNAP!" before both hands disappeared in a wisp of smoke.

Harald continued tracking the vile creature for over an hour before seeing it flit up from an alleyway about a block away. He quickly made his way over to where the creature had flown from. Peering over the edge of the of the roof, he saw a body hastily buried in a pile of leaves, a soft gurgling coming from it, immediately knew what had happened. Letting himself down quietly off the roof, made his way over to the body and hastily uncovered the body.
Recognizing the tan stallion with dark mane and black and white checkered ball in a rectangular net as one of the ponies in the group that originally spotted him. His back had been broken and throat had been crushed. He let out a long, raspy, bloody gurgle as the light faded from his eyes. Harald crossed the stallion's hooves across his chest, gently lowered his snout to his hooves and closed his eyes, giving the stallion a small of dignity and the appearance of quiet repose. Extending a clenched fist over the body of the pony, he gave a quiet prayer over his body, "Hvil nå, dine forfedre kaller deg hjem, jeg skal se at du ikke døde forgjeves.", Harald then picked up a wedge of wood from a nearby firewood stack, smashed in a window of one house, then the window of another house and then threw it through the window of a third house before scrambling back up to the roof and bounding across a few rooftops. Harald glanced back for a moment seeing the lights on in several houses and the glint of several lanterns. Turning back to his grim matter at hand, giving a small thought that someone would find the body of that brave pony and ensure he received a proper burial.

Cadance was in the kitchen of the Crystal Palace making herself a small snack before bed. Shining Armor came up behind her and started nuzzling her neck, she shoved him away playfully with her wing. He then squeezed up close beside her and nuzzled her cheek."Nooo...don't!", she said playfully turning her face away with a small blush, "I'm a mess!"

Reaching up with his hoof and flicked one of her purple, pink and blonde curls, "Yes you are." placing his hoof under her chin and turning her face gently to his, "But you're my mess.", he gave her a coy smile pressing his lips to hers, kissing her gently. She pulled back slightly, her cheeks still flushed and rosy. She then leaned back in and returned his kiss passionately. Wrapping the hoof around each others neck and nuzzled each other, crossing their horns.

Flurry Heart walked in the kitchen, "Mother? Father? We are needed...*blech!*", she turned turned her face away squenched in over exaggerated disgust, "...needed in the throne room...whenever you're done with...", turning her face away farther and clenching her eyes shut, "...this. I've had a premonition.", she quickly turned and hurried out of the kitchen.

Shining Armor and Cadance gave a small sigh and turned to leave the kitchen. Shining Armor reached up with his hoof and flicked Cadances tail. "Keep it up mister and you'll be in big trouble!", she said playfully looking over her shoulder playfully.

"Oooo, I'm so scared!", he teased back.

"*blech!*", echoed out of the hallway.

All three members of the royal family entered into the throne room and made their way to the thrones. Shortly after they sat down they heard a small commotion in the castle. A few moments later three ponies came through the doors of the throne room, Captain of the Guard Moonlight Glint, General Golden Baubles and Commander of the Eighth Company Bright Hoof. All three approached the dais and bowed. The princesses and the prince slightly bowed their heads back. "Rise.", Shining Armor commanded in a calm tone.

"What brings the Captain of the Eighth Company and the General in this late hour?", Cadance said in a regal tone.

"Majesties...", Golden Baubles said her horn shimmering,using her telekinesis to remove her military hat, "I have received word from the Eighth company that a creature has infiltrated the empire." Cadance and Shining Armor each raised an eyebrow quizzically.

Bright Hoof cleared his throat, "One of the patrols in the north of the empire reported seeing a strange creature hiding in the snowstorm outside the barrier. After they went to get backup, Big Oak and myself went with a couple of patrols to investigate and that's when we found evidence that the creature had entered the empire. I posted several sentries near where the creature was sighted and sent a couple of ponies to reroute several patrols to assist in the search for it and I've put the reserves under my command in high alert."

"I've ordered elements of the first, fourth and ninth to assist the eighth in their search. I've also sent a request to Cloudsdale asking General Spitfire to lend us a couple of flights of the Wonderbolts to assist us in the search just in case this creature hasn't been found before the morning. I'm confident the creature won't elude us for long and we'll be able to contain and capture it."

"Be wary good general." , Flurry Heart said with an cryptic smile on her face, "This creature is cunning and won't be spotted unless it wants to be seen." The three ponies gaped her in disbelief for a few uncomfortably quiet moments, they had heard of the Princess's uncanny insights, but they never witnessed it before. Cadance and Shining Armor gave an uneasy sideways glance at Flushed Heart.

Cadance cleared her throat, rose and gave a small bow, "You are dismissed." The three ponies returned the bow, saluted, turned and quickly trotted out of the throne room.

"Captain hold a moment please,", Shining Armor called out, rose from his seat and approached the guard, "double the guards for the royal living quarters, the treasury and the throne room. Any guards you can spare, send them to assist the army in their search." The guard bowed and hurried out of the throne room. After the guard had left the room and secured the room, Shining Armor turned to Flurry Heart, "OK, now that meeting is over let's talk about your premonition. I feel you revealed a sliver of it to those three?"

"Yes father, I showed them what I felt they need to see. But to reveal to the rest of my vision, our ally has entered into the city and is currently tracking the agent of Sombra and Chrysalis, an evil and twisted changeling warped dark magic stolen from the grave of the Nameless King. As we speak our ally is stalking the enemies agent, waiting for his moment to strike and slay it. We must not reveal that we have foresight of our enemies actions or we risk losing too many lives. Discord has discovered that our ally can conceal himself in shadows and silence."

"Aww poo princess, your insufferable foresight takes the fun out of it for me.", Discord said snaking around the seat of Flurry Heart, "What would your Auntie Twilly say to you ruining all my fun?"

"She'd say hurry up and spit out what you have to say."

"Yes Discord, give my mother and father what you found. No dawdling!"

"Fine! Ruin all my fun!", Discord said puffing with faux offense, blowing a raspberry at Flurry. He produces a silk top hat, he reaches in muttering to himself "Nope!" as he tosses a racy magazine called Equestia's Big Rump Quarterly that lands open on the centerfold of Celestia with a pair of jeans rolled half way down her rump, he's pulls out a small photograph, his eyes pop out and then he laughs sheepishly tucking it back in the hat, he reached in pulling out other random things, balloons, singing teabags, Pinkie Pie's confetti cannon, "How did that get in there?" This bit was wearing thin on the royal family, he pulled out a laptop and tossed it in front of Cadance open. "Uh, don't check my history."

"Yech!", Cadence kicked the computer away in revulsion, anger flushing and twisting her face, "DIIIIIISSSCCCCCOOOORRRD! ENOUGH WITH THIS FOOLISHNESS! HAND OVER WHAT YOU FOUND NOW!", she shouted in the royal voice, panting in anger that had just boiled over.

Wiggling his fingers in his ears, "Okay! Geez, you could give lessons too sun butt and moon butt." He muttered doscontently while snapping his fingers, "No need to yell at me, I'm just along for the ride in this hackneyed story." After the small clutter disappeared in puffs of smoke Discord placed the palms of his hands together in front of him, slowly he parted them he revealing a small ivory tube covered in intricate scrimshaw. "Prrrrrincess.", Discord said presenting it to Cadance exaggerating the roll of his r.

Gently Cadance took the tube in her telekinesis and brought it close to her face. With eyes wide she slowly studied the intricate carvings that had been colored with a deep blue dye and coated in a hard substance. The scrimshaw depicted bipedal creatures holding spears hunting bears and walruses. Her eyes traced along the intricate scrimshaw depicting three alicorns pointing with heir hooves to a small valley, rolling over the tube she looked over the last carvings depicting the three alicorns each standing on a mountain peak pointing to a distant land which had two alicorns holding the sun and moon in their front hooves. Seeing a seam at one end that looked like a cap, using her magic she gently pulls it off, seeing a roll a roll of parchment yellowed with age sticking out of the end of the tube, pulling out the parchment, she put the cap back on the tube and unrolled the parchment.

It was a map, a very old map! Cadance followed the path from a land of forests and mountains in the far north across the tundra to the Crystal Empire, "It would take a pony no less than eight months traveling north across the tundra from sunrise to sunset to reach the borders of those lands.", Cadance thought to herself. Cadance continued to follow the path on the map with her eyes, noting that the Crystal Empire looked much smaller on the map than it does today, as she continued on the path laid out by the map, "Shining Armor, Flurry Heart! Come look at this!", she exclaimed. As Flurry Heart and Shining Armor walked over, Cadence showed showed them the map. Pointing out on the map the path and strange writing, "I can't be for certain, but I believe that this strange writing marks out distances and landmarks.", pointing with one of her pin feathers, "I know for certain that these two bridges, a few of these roads and this lake are no longer here. Plus the Everfree Forrest appears much smaller on this map."

"Won't our ally get lost because this map is hundreds of years out of date?"

"I think not father, though he may have a map hundreds of years out of date, he has memorized not only the route he will take, but also the distance markers on the map. Huh...?!", Flurry Heart quickly ran over to one of windows looking out over the city, she scanned across the the city until she saw lights come on in several houses and the glint of several lanterns and torches from the patrols, "There you are! Good hunting!", she whispered to herself.

"Father! Both our enemy and our ally have made their opening moves. The first blows will happen here and the first move to save Equestria happens tonight at the Crystal Heart, all before the moon reaches its zenith. Position yourself inside the door leading to the courtyard. When the sound of initial struggle dies out, quietly make your way out the door and you will see our enemy and catch a glimpse of our ally. You shall be eye witness to our first small victory."

Harald had followed the changeling for nearly two hours, unable to get close enough to attack it or even confidently throw his dagger at. Over time the castle loomed higher and higher above the city, it didn't take him long to figure out that whatever it was hunting was at the castle. A few blocks away from the changeling flits down between some houses. Quickly he makes his way to where it had disappeared from his sight.

Slowly crawling towards the edge of the house, Harald peeked over the edge. He didn't initially see it he thought to himself, "Vet denne onde skapningen at jeg jakter på den? Eller gjemmer det seg for noe?" Harald used his weirding enhanced senses to track the trail of dark magic it left behind and saw it disguised as a bush. He eased himself off the roof and retrieved the dagger from his boot, gently removing it from the sheath. Quietly he stalked towards the disguised changeling with the dagger raised prepared to strike. When he was a few steps out the changeling transformed back in a flash of red and black energy and began to quickly flit away. Harald was stunned by the transformation for a split second, he lunged forward, his left hand narrowly missed the changeling's rear leg by the narrowest margin.

"Jævla! Jeg må skape en distraksjon hvis jeg vil komme nær nok til å drepe den.", he hissed under his breath. Quickly he returned the dagger to its sheath and slipped it back to his boot. He tracked the changeling until it landed in an alley a few houses from the castle. Harald saw the changeling crouching in the alleyway across from his hiding place in the shadows. "Lykken smiler!", as he quickly assessed the situation, three ponies huddled around a small fire, a water barrel at the corner of the house near him, the changeling crouching in the alleyway, he'd have to be quick but a better chance for a distraction wouldn't show itself. Harald eased up to the edge of the shadows, untied the cloak around his waist, waiting for the changeling to make the first move, he moved his stance ready to sprint darting his eyes quickly between the ponies and the changeling. The changeling backed away deeper into the shadows, Harald reached out with his right hand tipping over the water barrel, water gushed out in a torrent over the fire extinguishing it in a hiss and cloud of steam. Immediately Harald sprinted out from his hiding place, throwing his cloak in the face of one pony, kicking a clump of muddy dirt into the face of the second and did a flying tackle into the third. The human and pony sprawled on the ground struggling with each other, Harald quickly gained the upper hand in the struggle, throwing a big punch into the face of the pony, using his strength he lifted the pony over his head and threw it into the first pony knocking them out, he then sprung at the last pony.

The pony caught out of the corner of her eye as she the dirt out of one of her eyes and quickly bucked out with her hind legs, connecting with something she heard the sound of the wind rushing out of something, her victory would be short-lived as a sharp pain blossomed in the side of head, then nothingness. Harald felt a sharp pain in his midsection as the pony bucked its hooves into him and he felt all the air rush out of him, without thinking he threw his helmet at the pony, with a clank it connected with the side of its head and it went limp. Quickly he recovered his helmet, moved all three unconscious ponies off to the side and then set out back on his hunt.

In the courtyard where the Crystal Heart was, two guard ponies were making their rounds, they saw a tan pony come running towards them. As he approached, one of the guards held up a hoof signaling him to stop."Goal Kick?! Is something the matter? What's happening", the first guard asked.

"This!", the disguised changeling said quickly bucking one guard in the face. It then leapt at the other guard transforming into a snake and wrapping around its neck, crushing it with a sickening wet crunch. Transforming into its true form, the changeling walks over to guard on the ground trying to recover, stomps sharply on its throat killing it. As the changeling reached for the Crystal Heart it didn't notice the shadowy figure quickly coming up behind it, until too late.

Seeing the two dead guard ponies laying on the ground and the changeling reaching for the Crystal Heart. Harald undid the cord securing his sword, quickly drew it, sprinted to it, slashed across its back in a downward angle, severing one of its wings and splashing thick green blood on the pavement. The changeling quickly turned hissing, Harald grabbed it with his left hand while thrusting forward with his sword, the blade easily pierced its body turning the hiss into a sputtering gurgle. In the doorway across from where he slew the changeling Harald saw a white unicorn staring in his direction. Thoughts raced through his head. How long had it been there? Could it see him? Is he friend or foe? Harald quickly shoved the body off his sword and took off towards the houses, scrambling up an awning. He decided to make a hard run to the west and follow the path on the map he had devoted to memory.

Stopping for a moment, he placed his hand to his hip, noticing his map case was gone, cursing himself, "Dammit! Jeg må ha mistet den! Ingen tid til å lete etter det! Jeg må dra vestover og finne veien som fører til Sky Queens slott.", he hissed through his teeth.

Shining Armor hid just inside the door to the courtyard like Flurry had said, almost on cue he heard some hooves running up, a quick conversation and a struggle. Slowly he opened the door, seeing a twisted and warped changeling reaching for the Crystal Heart, a blur of shadows came up behind it, thick green blood erupted from its back, it spun around hissing and the blade of a sword exploded its body. For a couple of seconds his eyes locked with a pair of blazing green eyes in the shadows. Quickly the shadowy form darted off to some nearby houses and scaled up an awning.

Author's Note

Okay this is the first chapter of the first story. I apologize if it is a bit long as I wanted to get any exposition out of the way. Please excuse my hackneyed writing style as I'm not a very good writer. I'll try to take any criticism as constructive.
The basic idea I've got for this story is what if humans live in the same word as the characters and creatures of mlpfim, but they live in distant lands. The parts where the human is talking I used an English to Norwegian translator site, if anyone speaks Norwegian conversationally or as their mother language, I apologize if the syntax of those parts are wrong.

Proper introductions and preparations for the grim business

As the group made their way to the front entrance of the hospital they saw that a small crowd of curious ponies and reporters had gathered.

"Oh bother!", Celestia sighed in frustration, "I guess it was inevitable that curious ponies and those looking for answers would show up. I just wish they wouldn't block the entrance."

"I'll handle this.", Twilight said.

The lavender alicorn pushed the front doors to the hospital open. The guards pushed the crowd back. "Is it true that a hoom-muhn is in this hospital?", one reporter shouted. "Are there more like it?", another reporter shouted. "Where did it come from?", a third shouted. "Can we get a quote from it?", another shouted. "Are we being invaded?", shouted another voice. "What does it eat?", a sixth shouted.

Twilight put a hoof to her chest, breathed in deep, breathed out and extended her hoof, letting calm wash over her like rain. "Yes an upright did enter into this hospital badly injured. He has gone through a great ordeal and is currently in no condition to answer questions at this time. We the rulers of Equestria will field questions at a later time when our guest has had time when our guest has had time to heal. Now I must as that you to please disperse so that other ponies who needs to gain access to the hospital can get in."

"We have a right to know! The public has a right to know! What are the rulers of Equestria hiding!", a voice shouted amongst the crowd. Several ponies murmured their discontent.

Twilight raised a hoof to silence the voices of discontent. "If you will please go back about your business and disperse, other ponies need access to the hospital. As I said bef-"

"No!", a voice shouted, "We have a right to know!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow in silent command to the guard. The guard captain loudly stomped his fore hooves. The guards started pushing the crowd back, a second later several members of the Ponyville constables joined in helping move the crowd. A few voices in the crowd started started chanting, "What are the princesses hiding?!", the crowd became a loud, raucous, angry mob. A yellow pagasus with pink mane and tail flew up from behind the crowd trying to yell over it to get their attention. A pony threw a rock that harmlessly skipped off the guard captain's helmet.

A long a loud and loud whistle shrilled away to the right of the mob. Everypony stopped and turned seeing Rarity with the edge of a hoof in her mouth, Pinkie Pie stood next to her lowering a large confetti cannon at the crowd, a demented smile crossing her face. "We can all go back about our business.", the white unicorn with the perfectly coiffed mane and tail said in her very formal manner of speaking, " And behave like civilised ponies. Because my friend here has a confetti cannon and she's not afraid to use it!"

Pinkie cackled like a mare possessed.

The ponies decided to go back to their daily lives rather than seek the wrath of Pinkie. A few of them rationalized that if Pinkie was here with one of the biggest party cannons they had ever seen then her husband, Cheese Sandwich, was getting ready to reroute an orbital confetti laser and their son, 'Lil Cheese, was probably preparing the silos that held the intercontinental ballistic party missiles and nopony was prepared to dig out from under hundreds of megatons of weapons grade confetti.

Fluttershy swooped down in front of the journalist who had whipped the crowd up. The normally demure and reserved pagasus was incensed, nearly frothing with anger. "YOU!", she shouted in anger, "Who do you think you are whipping up a crowd of ponies who are concerned and a little scared into a riot?!"

I-I-I was just", the pony stammered, "t-t-trying to get-"

"No!", she snapped, " Be quiet! I know who you are! You're that horrible pony on his trodcast said that Twilight and Shining had-had! Oh you disgust me so much! Doing Armor has been a loyal husband, father and brother, he would never think of doing like that, especially with his sister! GAH!"

"But the public has to know the truth, even if nopony else has seen it!", the pony retorted.

Fluttershy's face twisted up in anger and rage.

"Stare incoming!", Twilight shouted before throwing her wings over eyes.

Any ponies still milling around shrieked and ran for cover. The guards all the guards and constables ducked to the ground, covering their eyes. The ponies in the hospital all ducked for cover. Harald looked around confused. Then in the corner of his eye he caught it. The stare made him feel like we was suddenly turned to stone.

Outside the reporter went completely stiff. He fell over weeping and babbling.

Twilight peeked between her pin feathers and saw the reporter laying in a babbling, weeping heap. "Okay everypony, I think it's over!", Twilight called out.

Rainbow flew up next to Harald's face and poked him with her hoof.

Blinking, he snapped out of his stupor. "What...was...that?", he asked, his voice shaking.

"Caught a piece of it, didja?, Dash said, "Just breathe, you'll get your feeling back in your everything. Be glad you didn't catch that straight on or you'd be like him." She pointed a hoof to the reporter that the constables were dragging off.

Outside Fluttershy was still panting angrily when Rarity walked up to her. "Dahling, are you okay? That was a powerful stare."

"Oh Rarity! Ponies like that make me so darned mad. I could just scream.", Fluttershy said demurely. She breathed in loudly and squinched her eyes shut, "eeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Feel better?"

"Mhm.", Fluttershy nodded. She was back to her demure and slightly smiling self. "Now let's head to Twilight's castle. Oh! I see her over there." She waved to Twilight.

Twilight waved back and smiled. She said through the gritted teeth of the smile, "It's gonna take a week of hot showers before I can wash that stare off me."

The others filtered out of the hospital. Harald looked visibly shaken.

Fluttershy flew up and looked concerned at Harald. "Oh my. I didn't catch you in the stare did I?"

"I caught it in the corner of my eye when I was trying to figure out why everyone everyone else was covering their eyes."

"Oh my. You aren't hurt are you?"

"I am unharmed. It only hurts when I...exist.", Harald replied.

Applejack chuckled, "Eyup! It was the same for me the first Ah got caught in the Fluttershy stare.", her expression turned dejected, "And every other time Ah've got caught in it."

Pinkie came bouncing up beside Harald. "Woo! I'd say that was a doozy of a stare. If I had to rate it I'd it was a....", she began muttering numbers and equations, "...carry the five, divide by...", she continued muttering, "I'd say that was a category three stare.", Pinky went from bouncing to a trot, "Anyway, as the official welcoming pony for Ponyville allow me to officially invite you to Ponyville. My name is Pinkie Pie!" She extended a hoof to him.

Harald gripped her forelimb firmly, "My name is Harald Irontoothson. Pleased to meet you Madam Pie."

"Madam Pie is my fortune teller name silly. Just call me Pinkie.", Pinkie said said before taking his hand in both her hooves, "Oooo! What are these knobbly things on your hoof?"

"You mean my fingers?", Harald asked. "They allow me to do things with my hands. Make things, hold things, touch things."

"I bet that's real neato!", Pinkie said. As she looked down at his hand, the Pinkie sense came on, "Whoa that's weird. Crazy eyes, tingly teeth, clammy hooves, twitchy tummy!"

The ponies began looking around nervously. Any time any parts of Pinkie went twitching, they had learned to be cautious.

Pinkie closed Harald's hand, gently pushing it to his side. A sad look came across her face. "I'm so sorry Harald.", she whispered, "I-I need need a moment." She stepped away from the group and small whimpering sniffles could be heard.

Applejack walked over to Pinkie. "What's the matter Pinkie? We all saw you go all-", she gestured with her hoof, "Well we all saw you go, well, we saw your Pinkie sense go twitchy and now you're not yer usual bouncy self."

"I saw it AJ. My Pinkie sense showed me and I wish it didn't.", Pinkie said wiping tears from the corner of over of her eyes with a hoof, "I saw his loss, I saw his pain. So much sorrow, so much anger. He lost those dearest to him and with his coming here, he might not go home."

"I don't rightly see how he would not wanna go home.", Applejack said, "Every creature has a place that they rightfully call home."

"No AJ.", Pinkie said laying here ears back sadly, "His coming here, to Equestria, he's going to die here."

"An' yer Pinkie sense showed all that when you looked at his, uh knobbly bits?", AJ asked flapping her hoof for effect.

Pinkie nodded sadly. "Don't worry AJ, this sad feeling will pass soon." Pinkie returned to her happy, bouncy self almost immediately. She began waving her hoof enthusiastically as a big grin spread across her face, "Hi Derpy!"

Derpy Hooves, her bright misaligned eyes glinting at her friend's waving, enthusiastically returned the wave, an equally big grin on her face.

"Derpy! Watch out for that...", Pinkie winced as Derpy headlong into the sign, "...ooo, sign."

Derpy rose from the ground groaning. "I'm okay, I'm okay!", she said as several concerned ponies came to help her up.

Fluttershy floated up in front Harald. "Um hi...Harald is it?", she said demurely, "I'm uh...I'm...I mean...oh my." She swallowed hard before taking in a deep breath. "My name is Fluttershy.", she said before extending a hoof, trembling slightly.

Harald gripped her forelimb, "A pleasure to meet you lady...*ahem*...I mean Fluttershy."

Fluttershy squeaked slightly at the firmness of the grip on her forelimb. It didn't hurt, it just felt odd. After several seconds the grip released.

Fluttershy became enamoured with the intricate blue-black markings forming complex geometric shapes, swirls, stylized animal forms and strange writing comprised of triangles, lines meeting at forty-five degree angles and circles with slashes through them. "If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you about your markings. Are they your cutie mark or are they for camouflage, like on a zebra?"

The rest of the group grew interested in Fluttershy's question, minus the two sisters. They quietly gathered around taking in the indicate marking on his upper arms, shoulders, lower abdomen, sides and lower back.

Harald looked at the nine curious ponies gathered around him, as his gaze looked across the faces of the nine ponies before his gaze met Celestia and Luna, they had knowing smiles on their faces. He smiled warmly at them. "Of course I take no offense at questions offered with no malice.", he said with a warm tone. He ran his fingers along several of his tattoos. "These are sacred tattoos. My people mark their skin with ink made from the indigo plant. In my clan nearly every man and woman, the term you may be most familiar with are adult males and females, are weirding warriors."

Rainbow Dash flew up next to Harald's shoulder, rubbing at one of the swirls with her hoof noting that the ink didn't smear. "How do you keep the ink from rubbing off?"

"It is applied using a sharp tron or bronze needle attached to a piece of wood. The ink is imbedded deep in the skin with rapid tapping." Harald pantomimed with hands holding something and tapping.

"That must have hurt something terrible.", Fluttershy said softly.

"It hurt greatly. But during the ritual you're not required to cry out in pain or the ritual ends and you bring shame upon yourself.", Harald said.

Twilight stepped up a quill, ink and parchment, "You mentioned being a weirding warrior and ascension. What is the weirding? What is ascension? Does it involve transformation? What rituals do you go through? What about your mane? We're you born with it or did you acquire it in your ascension?", Twilight pranced in place, "Oooooooo! I have so many questions!"

Cadance walked up and gently placed a hoof on Twilight's forelimb. "Now Twilight, don't overwhelm him with too many questions."

Harald bowed his head, "I will answer any question I am able that a Sky Queen asks."

"You don't have to call me Sky Queen. You can call me Twilight or Princess Twilight."

"I'm sorry, but I cannot Sky Queen."

"Why not?"

"Because Twilight,", Celestia interjected, "being an alicorn puts us on the same level as the gods and elder dragons. His people are raised to venerate their ancestors, the gods, elder dragons and alicorns. Being in the presence of one of them, much less five, is practically a religious experience."

"Oh.", Twilight said almost stunned. The thought of being held in religious veneration felt alien to her. She had heard of ponies in isolated parts of Equestria had made shrines to Celestia, Luna, Cadance, her and Flurry Heart. They would pray at these shrines and even leave offerings for a good harvest, happy marriage or even for healthy, strong foals. She shook the thought from her mind. "I will limit my questions to two. If you choose to do so, you may offer more information. What is this weirding? What do your...tattoos have to do with it?"

"The weirding is power that comes from our ancestors. We ask our ancestors for the power and then we can bend it to enhance ourselves. We can use the weirding to enhance our strength, endurance, speed, agility, increase our senses, make ourselves move nearly unseen and unheard by gathering shadows and silence about us. Weirding warriors who have completed the final rite of ascension, honoured elders and shamans can perform truly wonderful feats like make their skin harder than steel, leap incredible heights or distances, heal grievous injuries, make entire armies route with a glare or call the spirits of the recently deceased back and try and convince them to return to their bodies. The tattoos allow us to better channel this power. Normally we have our tattoos covered and I'm feeling a little exposed without my tunic. I was told some...um...pony named Rarity has it."

"That would be me dah-ling!", said the white unicorn with deep purple, perfectly coiffed mane and tail, "I managed to patch the hole in your chemise and cleaned most of the grime out of it, though I couldn't get all the blood stains out." Magic shimmered around her horn as she levitated the tunic and a jewelers monocle in front of her. She closely inspected the tunic with the monocle. "For the life of me I can't figure out how you made this. I can't find a single stitch except for the seams and the decorations along the color and sleeve cuffs. How did you get the threads so ti-" The polite clearing of a throat brought her attention to Harald with his hand extended. "Oh, quite right! I'm so sorry, I got caught up with how your chemise was made that I nearly forgot what I was doing." She levitated the tunic over to him.

Taking the tunic in both his and unfolded it, letting it hang in front of him for moment, inspecting Rarity's work. Other than a difference in material and small stitches, the patch nearly perfectly matched cream-colored tunic. He turned the tunic around and slid it over his head. He adjusted the tunic before smoothing out a few wrinkles, "You are truly a craftswoman...I mean pony...I don't think I'll ever get used to saying that." Harald bowed to Rarity, " Thank you Madam Rarity. In a few days I shall show how we make our clothes."

"Let us hurry to the castle.", Luna said with a yawn, "I need some coffee or a place to lay down."

After several minutes they made their way to the castle. They made way through the castle and to a small dining room. As they entered, Starlight Glimmer and Spike were sitting at the table eating brunch and having a jovial conversation. "...and it was about that time that when I walked in on them and they were completely covered in sticky white goo", Starlight said chuckling.

"What a time to walk on that conversation!", Rainbow said loudly, teasing Starlight.

Starlight had a surprised look on her face and she nearly spit out the mimosa she was drinking. Levitating a napkin, she wiped her mouth. "Girls! I heard somepony important was at the hospital and didn't expect you all to back so soon." As the rest of the group entered the dining room Starlight bowed. "Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Flurry Heart and Prince Shining Armor." As she rose, she noted Harald standing in the group.

She studied his short, flat ape-like face that ended in a small, narrow, pointed nose. She took in his wide body, wider than any other pony she had seen, except for Bulk Biceps. She took account that though his garments his garments covered nearly his whole body, he was as heavily muscled as Big Mac in his prime. His long forelimbs extended just below his torso and ended in paws with five digits each for gripping and grasping. He stood as tall as Celestia, minus her horn. His two long legs ended in long, narrow feet. The coverings on his feet perplexed her, she was familiar with shirts and pants, but the coverings on his feet covered not only the tops, sides and backs of of his feet, but also the bottoms too. She levitated her spectacles from the table to her face to vet a better look as to ensure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.

"Who is this creature? Was he, she, it the one Celestia and Cadance the one they brought in to Ponyville Medical early this morning?", Starlight asked.

"Yes he is, Glimmy.", Twilight replied, "His name is-"

"Before we begin let's get some strong coffee, many of us are tired and it wouldn't do to have introductions if we are yawning.", Celestia interrupted, glancing Luna fighting a yawn, "Then we can get our proper regalia and have proper introductions."

Spike picked up a bell from where he was still seated at the table and gave it a jingle. A sea green earth pony servant with a dark grey vest and freshly waxed mustache entered from a door on the left of the room. "Bring the coffee service and a light breakfast for our guests."

"Yes sir Spike.", the pony said, tipping his head polity.

"Also send for Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.", Twilight chimed in before the servant left.

"Yes princess.", said the servant bowing.

Several minutes passed as the ponies, dragon and human all stood around around in small groups sharing quiet conversation. The doors to the chamber opened, several servants brought in extra chairs and set them up around the table. A silver platter with crystal carafe, filled with dark thick coffee and several china cups was laid in the center of the table. The ponies sat at the table.

When Harald sat down, he found the chair was uncomfortably low. He shifted his weight and tucked one of his legs under himself, though still a bit uncomfortable, he was able to sit more upright.

Twilight levitated the cups in front of each individual then lifted the carafe in her magic. Harald watched as Pinkie reached into her mane, pull out a small envelope, reach into it and pulled out a small square of chocolate and a small of disc of peppermint, then drop them into her cup before returning the envelope to her mane.

Twilight began pouring coffee in each cup. "Just a half a cup right, Pinkie?", Twilight asked.

Pinkie nodded her head. "Mhm. I've already had a cup this morning. If I drink too much coffee me and Cheese won't get too many parties planned as I'll literally be bouncing off the walls." Pinkie looked at Harald and gasped loudly for several minutes, "Me and Cheese are gonna have to plan your welcome to Ponyville party! What kind do you usually have?"

"If party is your word for feast. We hold them for holidays, weddings, births or when someone new comes to the village." Harald said as Twilight filled his cup, "We lay out great tables in the communal longhouse covered in meats, dried fruits, sweet rolls and casks of mead. There is much eating, drinking, boasting and raucous singing. Then there is challenges who can eat the most, who can drink the most, tests of strength, tests of endurance, tests of speed and friendly fights to see who is toughest. The feast ends when everyone staggers home, passes out or can't move because they ate and drank too much."

"What's mead?", Pinkie asks scratching her chin.

"Spiced honey wine.", Harald replied blowing on his coffee.

"Y'all won't find much mead here, 'spose we can break out a few barrels of aged cider an' buy a few from Diamond Tiara's store.", Applejack said, "If'n you put in a good weeks work. 'Specially if Pinkie and Cheese throw you anywhere near as big of a hootenanny as Ah guess they are. If it's anything close to what yer used to, Ah'm guessin' it'll be a humdinger of a time."

A servant walked up to Harald pushing a small cart. "Sugar or cream sir?"

"Just a pinch of salt please.", he replied.

The servant raised an eyebrow slightly before passing him a salt shaker. "Your...salt sir."

Harald took the shaker from the servant and shook out a small amount into his palm, then passed it back. "Thank you.", he said tipping his head slightly. Licking a finger, he touched it to the salt before bringing up to his mouth, tasting it gauging the saltiness of it. Using his thumb, he pinched it between his thumb and forefinger, grinding it into a fine powder as he sprinkled it into his coffee. He clutched the remaining small bit of salt in fist, brought it up to his face, whispered a small prayer a tossed it over his left shoulder. He stirred his coffee with a spoon, then placed it on a small dish. He sipped the coffee, feeling the warm liquid trickle down his throat and felt the caffeine enervate him.

Spike and the ponies stared at him, minus the sisters, as he quietly sipped the coffee.

"What the hay, if no one is gonna say it, I will.", Rainbow Dash said, "Do uprights drink salt water?"

"Manners, Rainbow Dash.", Luna scolded. "But no, they don't drink salt water. In fact his tribe rarely drinks coffee, they usually drink a hot beverage made from chicory and they put a tiny bit of salt in it. I tried it once, it actually cuts the acidity a little bit and makes black coffee more palatable."

"Oh.", Rainbow said feeling a bit deflated.

"More coffee?", Twilight said seeing Harald put his empty cup down and dab his mouth dry with a napkin.

"Just a half cup, please.", he replied.

Soon they had finished the coffee. The carafe, silver platter and china were taken up. Plates, forks and knives were placed at each dining spot. Small platters of eggs, cheese, tiny sandwiches, various fruits, oatcakes, daisies and roses were laid out.

Harald put a few eggs, some cheese and fruit on his plate. He proceeded to cut up his eggs with his fork and knife. Resting the fork between his first two fingers and thumb, he picked up some eggs and cheese with it before slipping the food in his mouth. After he swallowed he said, "I was always told ponies that lived in the south only ate plants."

"Actually we're omnivores.", Starlight said, "We may not eat much meat, but we do eat plenty of animal products like eggs, milk and cheese."

"Hmm.", Harald said before popping a piece of fruit in his mouth.

"What about the uprights?", Twilight said around a mouthful of roses, "The old stories said you all only eat meat, but you're eating fruit."

"In my land we mostly do as there isn't much good land for farming. Though I can't speak for the other tribes as we haven't had much contact with them.", Harald said swallowing the fruit, "I'm most familiar with the Rimewalkers, but one time as a boy a caravan of people from the far west, they all had dark brown skin, wavy black hair and brown eyes with gold rings around the outside. We called them Sandstriders as it was said they lived in a land of burning heat and dry sands. We have had some dealings and border skirmishes with a tribe called the Steppesrunners. They are a secretive and wary people who move around a lot. It's said that they only venerate steel and two sacred mountains.

He popped another piece of fruit in his mouth before continuing, "The old sagas say that there is a tribe that lives far to the south whose skin and eyes are dark as midnight and their black hair is as curly as a cloud before a thunderstorm. Our merchants and raiders have told stories about two fierce tribes living far to the east in brilliant green lands amongst mountains. They were described as having skin as yellow as the sun, straight black hair and eyes like narrow slits."

He continued as he chewed on another piece of fruit, "The old sagas say that there are also said there are lion-eagles and eagle-ponies that can turn into fish at will.", Harald popped another piece of fruit in his mouth, "The old sagas also say when the servants of the nameless evil rear their heads and threaten the lives of Mankind and Ponykind alike, a champion of the Rimewalkers will be the first to hear the silent call and to be the first to stand. Then the Sky Queens of this land ignite the skies to call the champions from the other tribes." Harald casual put a piece of cheese in his mouth. "Maybe they are just sagas and old stories that old men tell children.", he placed his fork on his plate and sat back with a cocky smirk on his face, "But here I sit eating with five Sky Queens and their fellow rulers of this land." Harald went back to eating quietly.

Celestia and Luna continued munching quietly, their eyes closed and smiles on their faces while the rest stared on with flabbergasted looks on their faces.

"Aunties?", Cadance asked, "Is everything thing just said true?" The world suddenly felt topsy-turvy to her.

"Oh yes Mi Amore.", Luna replied, "We remember the six champions very well. Especially Jorgen. He spent the most time with us. He loved us both equally."

Celestia propped her chin on her hoof and sighed wistfully, "That old Irontooth. He loved us so.", she looked at Harald, "Harald looks just like him, except for all that red hair. He used to dance under my sun so carefree and sang under your moon in such a deep gravelly voice. He would dance for us and sing to us. We both tried to convince him to stay, but he said he had to leave and ensure that he had an heir to ensure that when the great evil returned. He said he would not rest until he was with us again." Celestia sighed again.

Luna put the rose she was eating down. "I remember the first time I saw sadness in him." Luna sighed. "Cadance, when he saw your ancestor Bright Topaz as a newborn filly his eyes filled with joy and sadness and he wept. He kissed her on her head saying how much love he felt for her." A tear rolled down her cheek. "He stayed until a year after Daystar Sparkle was born. He used to sing such a silly song to them, it went "Sunshine awaken the ladybugs so they can dance and shake. Let the sunshine awaken the future rulers." I used to think it was a silly song until I heard you and Twilight say that silly rhyme to each other."

Cadance and Twilight looked at each other with stunned looks on their faces. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!", they said softly.

Twilight turned to Celestia and Luna, "How could he have known this? Our ancestors died well over a thousand years ago."

"The weirding can do strange things.", Harald replied, "Those who feel it strongly can see into the future or the past, sometimes it can even let those who aren't born yet or long dead talk to them or through them."

"The day before he left he begged us both to keep Topaz safe as her family would face terrible tragedy and if we didn't keep her close we would lose a ruler for all time.", Celestia said sadly. Her eyes were a million miles away.

"That night he laid with us both for the first and only time.", Luna said a sigh, "It was like the warmth of the sun and serenity of the moon at the same time."

Both sisters sighed.

"The day he left we made Bright Topaz our sacred bonded niece.", Celestia said her eyes misty with tears, "Every member of your family that was born we sacred bonded them as nieces and nephews. When Sombra rose up and overthrew the Crystal Empire banishing it to oblivion, her great-great grandson died in combat and his wife died of a broken heart leaving their infant son orphaned, it crushed me, but we knew that because of Jorgen we had secured the rightful ruler. When you ascended to an alicorn at such a young age my heart sang with joy. When you were the princess of love, I saw the love Jorgen had for my sister and I come to fruition. I don't think he foresaw Twilight ascending or Flurry being born."

"If he foresaw me becoming an alicorn and ruler of the Crystal Empire,", Cadance said, "Why didn't he foresee Twilight or Flurry?"

"The weirding can give glimpses into the past, present or future, Sky Queen.", Harald said, "It can be like looking upon the world through a crack. You can get an idea of what has happened, is happening or will happen, but it is only a narrow glimpse. Mortals can never get full vision, only those whom time never touches can get a look at the whole."

"So this weird thingy works kinda like my Pinkie sense. I know something is going to happen, though I know where it is most likely going to happen, but until it happens I'm not fully sure what it is."

All the ponies gaped at Pinkie for a moment.

"What?!", Pinkie said, "I can't always be the the comedic relief, sometimes I wanna be an info dump." Pinkie tapped her chin with her hoof, "Sometimes I can be a, what was it that Discord said in the first chapter? Oh yes, a Deus Ex Machina!"

All the ponies, Spike and Harald blinked in confusion at Pinkie.

"Best to not let this yummy food go to waste.", Pinkie said before plopping a couple of oat cakes on her plate. She pulled a bottle of syrup out of her mane, drizzled it on the oat cakes and started eating again. "Mmmm, boysenberry!", she said with a mouthful.

The rest of the group continued eating in uncomfortable silence.

After several minutes they finished eating. The servants cleared the tables. As the group went to rise from their seats, the far door to the dining room opened and three bickering mares walked in.

"Aww ponyfeathers! I told you to put the paperwork off 'til later Bloomy.", Scootaloo said, "Now we're late. And on top of that we missed brunch too!"

"An' as Ah told you before, Ah caint jus' blow off paperwork because it inconveniences me.", Applebloom said, "Bein' Chief Constable ain't an easy job an' after that riot that that detestable Lex J. Pones tried to rile up. Ah woulda thought you would understand the heap of paperwork an' stress Ah'm under, with you bein' th' High Warden of the Everfree. An' on top o' that Ah still gotta help get the fall harvest in, cider season is on us. An' I also gotta help take care of my nephew. None of it is easy with this." She waved her left foreleg shaking the brace and prosthetic hoof.

"Girls, my job is as hard as yours!", Sweetie Belle stated sharply, "I'll be lucky if I ever crawl out from under this mountain of paperwork that this near-riot at the hospital. I've also got to calm bunch of scared and concerned ponies about some mythical hoom-muhn." She placed her hoof between her eyes and sighed. "On top of all that, I've got to plan my wedding."

Harald was studying the three mares, they argued like old friends. He first looked to the orange pegasus with bright pink mane and lights purple eyes that burned with strength. He then looked to the white unicorn who had had a pink and purple mane, whose brilliant green eyes sparkled like emeralds. Finally he looked at the golden earth pony, her name was red with a brilliant pink bow, her eyes glittered a bright orange. Her left foreleg had a brace, the scaring visible under the brace said something had mangled her leg, her left hoof was replaced by a well worn wooden prosthetic. She limped showing she never fully regained her strength in her leg. Several knotted scars on her neck was where some great beast had tried to kill her. Her right ear, though covered by her bangs and bow, was nearly completely gone, ripped away by something.

"Such a strong warrior!", Harald whispered under his breath still studying Applebloom.

Applebloom feeling something looking at her brought her face up locking eyes with Harald. "Holy!", she exclaimed, taking two quick steps backwards.

The other two looked up, looks of shock of on their faces.

"I-I-I b-b-b h-h-h w-w-w!", was all Sweetie Belle could stammer.

Scootaloo tried to back up, but tripped over her own hooves and hit the floor with a loud smack. She lay in a slumped heap.

Harald jumped to his feet and sprinted to Scoot. He placed his head on her ribcage, listened for a minute, then began running his hands along her neck. "Breathing and heart strong. No injury to the neck."

Applebloom seeing what was going on started to approach Harald and Scoot.

Harald held his hand up. "Hold shield maiden!" He pointed to Sweetie. "Calm your friend or get her out of here. Her babbling is distracting me." He felt along her head, then opened her eye, waving a hand over noting how it constricted and dilated. "No brainpan injury."

Applebloom walked over to Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie Belle? You okay?"

"I-I-I...", she continued to babble.

Apple bloom reared up and slapped Sweetie with her right hoof. "Snap out of it.

Sweetie Belle snapped out of it. "What?! Where?!"

"Go sit down and get something to drink! Scoot knocked herself out.", Applebloom said sharply.

Sweetie went to a chair and sat down. Seeing Harald tend to Scootaloo made her go to gasp. A napkin in a light blue field was stuffed in her mouth. Spitting it out, she glared at Rarity. Rarity signaled for her to be quiet. Celestia floated a glass of water to her.

Harald felt along Scoot's spine. "No back injury." He felt all four legs. "No broken legs." Harald held up two fingers. "Two bowls of water and two cloths please." A deep blue flash teleported the two bowls and cloths in. He soaked the cloth, wrung out the excess water until it was damp, then gently wiped her forehead and cheek. He periodically repeated the process. After began to stir as her eyes fluttered. Harald folded the cloth and placed it on her forehead, then he placed a hand on her side.

Touch, hearing and sight slowly faded back in for Scootaloo. "Wh-what-"

Harald leaned down and quietly shushed her. "You fell and hit your head. Just keep your head down, I'll get you something to drink.", he spoke softly in her ear. He grabbed the second cloth, soaked it and wrung it so it wasn't dripping. He brought the cloth to her mouth and squeezed a few drops in it.

The cool drops of water was like sweet nectar to Scoot as the drops made her parched throat feel better.

He resoaks the cloth as Scoot tries to raise her head. He moves his to her head. "Not yet. Just let it pass. If you try get up too fast, you'll faint. Just lie here quietly and I'll get more to drink."

She nods slowly.

Let the cloth stay more soaked as he squeezed rivulets of water in her mouth. He looked on pleased as she greedily lapped the water and the blackness left her eye.

"Ah! So good!", she said between swallows of water. "I'm feeling better. You can let me up now."

Harald shifted to one knee, quietly grabbing one of the bowls, "When I move my hand, try not to get up too fast." He quickly moved his hand as he splashed the water on the side of her face.

Scootaloo was on her hooves like a house of fire. Her anger burned, she wanted to smash him in the face. "What the buck was-" The second bowl of water splashed in her face. She spluttered, wiping the the water from her eyes with her hoof. Anger still burned in her mind. Looking up, she saw Harald had risen to his full height and he was nearly twice her height. She backed away a couple of steps feeling afraid of this creature, who not only two minutes ago was gently attending to her, was now radiating an aura of danger.

Spike and the others were laughing, partially at the ridiculousness of Scootaloo getting splashed twice, but also in relief that their friend was unharmed. The laughter wounded Scoot's pride and indignation rose up inside her.

She flew up into Harald's face. Her face was a mask of faux anger, hiding her embarrassment poorly. "Hey?! Why did you splash me...twice?", she said leaning her face close to Harald's. Her eyes tried to bore hot daggers into him.

"The first splash was to fully wake you up, the second one was to cool your anger.", he said with a calm smile on his face, "I take it from the fact you haven't taken a swipe at me means it worked." Harald gave a crooked smirk.

"Hmph!", she said crossing her forelimbs and turning away, flying away a few paces. "I should still kick you in the face for that!"

Harald quickly coiled the wet cloth he was still holding in both of his hands and quickly snapped it into Scoot's rump.

Scootaloo yelped and lurched forward slightly. Anger burning in her eyes, she turned to face Harald.

"You'd only wind up injuring yourself.", Harald taunted. He was twisting the cloth again.

With a growl she started to lunge at Harald again. A blue blur stopped her dead in her flaps.

Rainbow Dash was holding a hoof to her chest. "Okay Scoot! You're not hurt and we've all had a laugh. Just take a breath.", Rainbow said, "Harald, apologize."

Harald bowed, extending his hands out to his sides. "I apologize for striking you on your hindquarters. I humbly beg for your forgiveness."

Scoot turned her head and grumbled, "Forgiven." Now that things were calming down she was seeing how things were a little funny. She tried to stifle a snicker.

"Okay then!", Celestia said tapping a hoof on the table, "If that is over, let's get down to the business at hand."

As they entered into into the map room Harald asked, "Where are my things?"

Twilight summoned a key with her magic and levitated it to to a closet, unlocking it. "I had your things put in here for safe keeping after they were brought here.", she said, "Of course I did take some notes, drawings and rubbings of your weapons and armor." Twilight opened the closet with her magic.

Harald gathered his things out of the closet. Looking at his ruined helmet, he scowled. It would have to be set aside for this ceremony. He inspected his chainmail tabard, he took note of the few rings that had been destroyed by the changeling's bolt dark magic of energy. Harald placed his hand to where the bolt had punctured his lung. The stitches still held the wound closed and though the tincture he drank had greatly increased his healing, he knew he wasn't at full strength yet though you'd never have him admit it aloud. Then he inspected his shield. He ran his fingers along the hole and along the slowly spreading crack that had moved towards the boss.

Harald untied the cinch on his backpack and opened it. He fumbled around in it for a minute before producing two object wrapped in leather, a simple brush, a small pouch and a small crystal vial of oil. He untangled the braids in his hair, beard and mustache, then started brushing them out until his long red hair stood out like a shimmering ruby waterfall. He pulled the stopper out of the vial and the room filled with the scent of roses. He spread some of the oil on his hands and began rubbing it into his hair. He repeated the process until he had applied the oil to his hair, mustache and beard. Replacing the stopper, he dropped the vial in his backpack. He opened the pouch, dumping out several intricate charms made of ivory, bone, gold and gems. He began braiding the charms into his hair, mustache and beard. After twenty minutes he had finished, he shook head his around several times making the charms clack against each other and settle.

"I say dah-ling, you must tell me what was that you used on your coiffure. It simply smells divine.", Rarity said.

"Rose oil. I smells nice and makes the hair soft when you haven't had a chance to clean it properly.", Harald replied.

He pulled on his chainmail tabard, cinched the belts the weapon and shield belts around his waist and chest. He stood to his full height and took a few deep breaths. He turned seeing the group had put on their full regalia. Harald bowed deeply to the rulers of Equestria. They returned the deep bow.

Celestia gave the unspoken signal to start by clicking her hooves as she assumed her full height. The who group took up regal postures that denoted their office as rulers of this land or heirs apparent. their heads were fully upright, ears in the upright forward position, wings were fully spread and flared, horns tipped forward slightly. This was much more than regal posturing, this was also a show of dominance.

Harald gathered the two objects wrapped in leather in front of his feet. Kneeling, he bowed his head in reverence and placed his right fist over his heart. He cleared his throat before proclaiming in a clear voice, "I am Harald Irontoothson, last surviving member of the clan of my honored ancestor Jorgen the Irontooth. By my life or by my death I come to swear my service and my vengeance to the enemies of this land." He removed his shield from his arm, laid it on the floor the slid to the group. "I swear my shield to the defense of the defenseless." He drew his axe and slid it to the group. "My axe to cleave thine enemies in twain." Drawing his sword he slid it across the floor. "My sword to slay thine enemies." He reached into his boot drawing his dagger, laid the blade across his left palm and drew it across opening a wound, then returned the blade to its sheath. Clenching his fist tight, blood trickled onto the floor. "By my life's blood I bind myself to thee. Thy enemies shall be my enemies, thy allies shall be my allies." He extended both arms, palms open facing upwards. "My hands are thine to command."

Twilight stepped forward to Harald. She raised her left forelimb to her mouth and bit down hard, drawing blood. Extending her forelimb, she let her blood dribble onto the floor, mixing with Harald's before placing her bleeding forelimb into his bleeding palm. "As our blood blood mingles with thine, our ancestors become thine and thy ancestors become ours. Arise Harald Irontoothson as a sacred blood bonded brother into the clan of Sparkle."

Harald rose to his feet as Twilight placed her forelimb around him embracing the newly bonded brother. "Behold fellow rulers of Equestria!", Twilight proclaimed, "The newest member of our family and any whom shalt speak ill of him shalt speak ill of us." After they broke the embrace, Twilight gestured to the group, "Harald, meet your new family."

As Harald approached the group, Shining Armor was the first to embrace him with tear glittering in his eyes. As the rest of the group Embraced him, Pinkie felt a muscle twitch in her belly. "We're going to have some unusual visitors tonight.", she thought.

After the embrace ended, Harald walked over to the two leather wrapped objects. First he unwrapped the bronze urn intricately covered with ancient runes, adorned a golden sun and mother of pearl moon. He held it gingerly in both hands. "Upon the request from many generations ago, the remains of Jorgen have been returned to his rightful home."

Celestia's breath quavered while Luna felt like she had a massive boulder lodged in her throat. Tears trickled down their cheeks as they took it in their magic. They each kissed it softly before placing it on the map table.

Harald unwrapped the second object, a small gold and silver box. He lifted the box up, walking over to the sisters, flipped the lid of the box open. Inside it contained an iron tooth preserved in amber, two simple rings, one made of ivory and the other made of onyx. "The last objects made by Jorgen. Delivered by his request to the ones he truly loved."

Celestia and Luna levitated the the rings to their chests, weeping bitterly. After several minutes they slid the rings on their horns. They closed the lid with their magic and levitated it next to the urn.

After the business at the castle had ended, the group began to split up and head to their jobs. Twilight had directed Luna to a bedroom so she could lie down. Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart had accompanied Pinkie into town to do a little shopping.

Harald, Applebloom, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were making their way to Sweet Apple Acres. "We've lost a good chunk 'o the mornin's chores an' Ah guess Big Mac'll be a bit cross.", Applejack said, "But he'll be glad to have another set of hooves tuh help out on th' farm. Err...yuh know what I mean."

"Eyup!", Applebloom chimed in, "'Sides we'll have 'nuther set of hooves tuh help Granny an' Red Delicious out in the garden."

Rainbow Dash landed next to Applejack. "Ugh! I hate doing chores!", she said loudly. She playfully bumped her hips into AJ's. "Besides I can think of something more fun to do, then maybe a nap afterwards."

AJ nuzzled Dash's cheek. "As Ah told yuh before, t'night. Consider it a reward fer a good day's work. 'Sides if yuh put in an hard day's work Ah jus' might...", she whispered something quietly in her ear.

Rainbow sprung in the air slightly and clicked all four hooves together.

Harald grinned slightly.

Applebloom rolled her eyes.

Author's Note

Okay I managed to finish this chapter, though a little later than I intended. Not entirely my fault, a weird browser crash and a couple of internet issues caused me to lose almost a half chapter that too me almost three days to rewrite from memory.

Hope you all enjoy.

I will try and take all criticisms as constructive.