Chapter 39

“Ugh, how did this happen?” Draco groaned into his hand which was covering his face. The wind swept at his face as he stood on the deck of the ship.

Draco, along with Alpha Squad and the mane six, were now on a course for Sanctuary that Phill was in charge of.

“How did I let this happen?” Draco looked up to the sky as if someone would answer him back.

“Would ya quit your bawlin’?” Phill said as he fed Merida with a bottle. She wore a cute pink wool onesie and a furry white hat to keep her head warm. “I wanted you lot to come visit and see what I’ve built, and you said you’d do it. Are ya sayin’ ya ain’t a man of your word?”

Draco glared at Phill with a look that even he flinched at. “I’m talking about the sudden date with Rarity, you son of a-” He stopped himself when he heard Merida giggling as her hands grabbed into Phill's. “Female dog.” He growled.

“Nice save,” Phill smirked and handed his daughter to Draco with her bottle. “Here, the wee lass’ll make ya feel better. Try feedin’ her.”

“Aw, I wanna hold the little cutie after Draco,” Shadow cooed.

Draco’s rage did not dwindle as he glared daggers at Phill. “I should mention that this is all your fault.” However, despite his glaring, his arms carefully cradled the foal in his arms while making sure she is fed.

“Draco, darling, why are you still so upset?” Rarity frowned. She was dressed in a fancy winter coat. “Is it because you do not wish to take me out on a date?”

Draco’s attention quickly shifted to Rarity, his look of anger vanished. “N-no it’s not that. It’s just…ugh.” His cheeks flushed a bit as he tried to think of what to say. When it came to speeches he was like a poet at their finest. But place a beautiful mare before him and he is tripping over his own words. “I just wasn’t planning on making a move on anypony, and because of Phill here.” He gestured to the Saint with his head. “I ended up taking your first kiss. I’m sure that was something you were saving for somepony special.”

“Oh Draco.” Rarity stepped forward and placed her hands on his shoulders. “While I will admit, I did not expect my first to be with you, I am honestly not as disappointed as you may presume.”

Draco’s cheeks burned bright red for a moment as he slowly turned his head away, trying to hide his embarrassments. “I-I’m a little relieved at least.”

“Draco, look at me.” Draco slowly looked back at Rarity as she stared at him with a serious expression. “Am I throwing a pout right now?”

“Umm…no?” He asked nervously.

“Is my voice sounding upset or aggressive?”

“Not really, no.”

“And do you honestly believe I would hold it against you, and hate you for the rest of my days, all for something so trivial as a kiss?” Rarity arched a brow.

Draco’s eyes barely could focus on her as they tried to look at anything but her. “N-no, I guess that’s not something you would do.”

“Exactly.” She smiled at him. “You are every bit as honorable as Dimitri, wherever he may be, so please do not be upset anymore. Besides, I am looking forward to our date. It has been a few moons since my last one.”

Draco gulped nervously and looked to his marefriend. “And this doesn’t bother you, Shadow? I would imagine that you would have liked a heads up, before something like this would happen.”

“Meh, what’s done is done,” Shadow shrugged. “The circumstances were a little unexpected, but I’m not the uptight type.”

“But you better treat her right, or else!” Rainbow warned.

“That goes double for me, partner,” Applejack said, crossing her arms.

Draco suddenly found himself being glared at by both Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “O-of course I’ll treat her right! I always believe that women should be treated as queens.”

“City, dead ahead!” Soarin called out.

“Ah, here we be!” Phill grinned. The ship was passing over the Appaloosan Mountains and they soon saw what looked like a city. It was surrounded by other mountains and looked like it was built on the side of the peak. Snow covered the whole area and Phill looked back at the others with his arm held out towards the city. “Welcome to me humble abode, Sanctuary!”

Draco stared out to look at the see and marveled at it. “Wow, would you look at that.”

“It’s so pretty!” Fluttershy said.

“You built this city?” Ace asked.

“Well, yes and no,” Phill said. “I discovered the place and it was in ruins. Turns out it was once a city of the olden times of this world. So I took the liberty of sprucin’ it up, a little holy power there, some nails and wood here, and voilà!”

“Damn, this is pretty cool,” Zephyr said.

“It’s still pretty damn cold though,” Berry said as he tried to keep himself covered with his cloak.

“I like the cold,” Maud said.

Draco used his powers to grow fur on his arms as he did his best to keep the foal that was resting there, nice and warm. “Alright, everypony go grab some winter coats and bundle up, I don’t want none of you dropping from frostbite.”

“Dwaco!” Merida chirped as she held out her little arms.

“Bless you.” Draco along with the rest of the ponies made their way into the ship to grab some clothing to keep them warm, before entering the Sanctuary.

Phill guided the ship towards the docking area at the base of the city where his own ship, the Icarus, was docked along with a few other ships. The gangplank was lowered and the group walked down all bundled up to keep warm. Awaiting them were a group of armed soldiers with their swords and shields in hand.

“Blessed Saint of the Angels, we welcome you back!” The stallions all said as they bowed to Phill.

“At ease, lads,” Phill nodded.

Draco stared at the knights for a moment before nodding his head to them, before they continued forward. “Alright Phill, give us the grand tour.”

“But of course.” He turned to the knights. “Alright lads, we have guests but that don’t mean ya get to slack off. Back to your posts with ya.”

“Yes, Saint Phillip!” They all saluted and marched back into the city with the group following slowly behind.

“What’s up with those stallions?” Cloud asked.

“Those be me Paladins of Sanctuary,” Phill said. “I kinda figured that if I was gonna set up shop somewhere, I’d need a proper group of lads to watch the place while I’m out and about. So as I began bringin’ ponies here, I decided to give them a wee bit of me holy power and train them to become me own personal army.”

“Wow, that’s pretty cool,” Flash said.

“I hope you have only been giving such powers to ponies only…right?” Draco asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

“You’d be right to be concerned, but rest assured, I only gave the power to select ponies whom I deemed worthy,” Phill said.

The tour went on as Phill showed the group the rest of the city. There were ponies all living in Sanctuary as normally as any other city. They all greeted the group with waves and friendly hellos, but they all bowed to Phill when they saw him. Draco noticed that not only were there ponies living here, but some griffins and even some zebra here and there. They passed by the marketplace and the shops were selling produce, clothing, and other miscellaneous items. The atmosphere was more peaceful than Draco would have thought.

“So where are the ones you are reforming at?” Draco made no effort to hide his attitude about the caribou and traitor stallions.

“Hold that thought,” Phill held up his hand. “What time be it?”

“I think it’s mid-morning.” Draco said as he looked up at the sky.

“Perfect, follow me.” Phill led the group and soon arrived at a building that seemed to stand out from the others. It had windows that looked like murals and a few statues engraved in the walls. On top of the building was a cross, which meant this was some kind of church.

“This be Saint Phillip Church, they named the place after me,” Phill smiled. “And it’s almost time.”

“Time for what?” Maud asked.

Phill gestured them to follow inside as he opened the large double doors for them. The inside was all beautifully crafted and was spacious enough to fit a large crowd of people. The murals all showed different images that looked like what he remembered from the churches back on earth. In the center of the church was a zebra mare wearing white robes with her arms held out wide. Surrounding her were other ponies as they all knelt together beside her with their hands clasped together. Sitting in front of the zebra mare were five stallions, all dressed in the same robes, and they were crying their eyes out like newborn foals.

“Who’re they?” Shadow whispered.

“Traitors,” Phill responded. “They’re about to be blessed.”

The zebra mare took a breath and began to sing a beautiful song.

The song echoed throughout the room and seemed to resonate with everyone in the group. A wave of emotions soon hit them out of nowhere that made their breath hitch. The zebra mare stepped towards the crying stallions and opened her eyes. She smiled as she sang and brushed her hand on their heads, which only made them cry harder. Phill just stood there with a smile as the group all continued to listen. The mares had some tears dripping from their eyes and couldn’t seem to stop themselves from crying. The stallions tried their best to stay strong, but couldn’t help but feel their eyes moisten. The zebra mare continued to walk in circles around the five stallions who cried and bowed to the mare. The zebra knelt down and gently wrapped her arms around two of the stallions for a brief hug before she stood back up and resumed her singing and walking around them.

“S-Such beauty…” Rarity whimpered as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

“That mare can sing…” Flash said as he whipped his eyes.

Draco seemed to have been the only one unaffected by the song. He felt like the song was lovely, but he maintained a stoic attitude as he looked to Phill. “Now what?”

“Can’t ya hear it?” Phill asked. “Let the words reach ya, Draco.”

Draco sighed and gave it some thought. “I guess it does somehow bring up good memories, I’m just not sure why?”

“What are the memories you’re thinking about, lad?” Phill wondered.

Draco looked around as he saw all eyes were on him now, as they waited with baited breath. His cheeks flushed as he looked up to the sky. “It was about the day I found my first ever fossils. It was a raptor claw I found on a dig. Raptors were my favorite amongst all the dinosaurs, and for my first ever fossils to belong to one made me really happy.”

“I’m guessing it was a proud moment for ya? Maybe also for your folks too?” Phill asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah, it was what made me really want to keep on learning about Paleontology.”

Phill smiled at Draco. “You’re a good man, Draco, never forget that. They’d be proud of the man you are now.”

Draco smiled and nodded. “Well, shall we continue on then?” He asked a little less on edge now.

The singing ended and the zebra mare looked down at the stallions.

“Rise,” she said, and they did. “The light has shined down on you young souls, your sins are absolved and you are now free. Blessed be the light.”

“Blessed be the light…” the stallions said back.

“Now go, share your reclaimed light with the others,” the zebra mare said.

The stallions nodded and left her side. As they exited the church, they kept their heads down as they walked past the group.

“Wow, they’re traitors?” Fluttershy asked. “But they don’t look like they are.”

“That be the point,” Phill said. “They were shown the light, and now they walk a brighter path.”

Draco looked around and noticed something. “And where be the caribou?”

“They’re around, in a separate part of the city,” Phill said.

“Saint Phillip, you old so and so,” the zebra mare said as she bowed to Phill. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Just showin’ these folks around, is all,” Phill said. “Lads, this be Euva. I picked her up during one of me first liberations back in Seaddle. She’s been the church’s Head Sister ever since.”

“A pleasure, dears,” Euva said with a kind smile.

“Nice to meet you as well, ma’am.” Draco bowed his head.

“You have a lovely singing voice,” Twilight said.

“Thank you, sweetie, I honestly didn’t think I would sing again if not for Saint Phillip. Those nasty Caribou had me muzzled for most of my enslavement. Here, Saint Phillip shows me how I can keep singing and help show others the light as he did for me.”

“And you even help the traitors?” Swift asked.

“They were led down a dark path, but now they see the light again,” Euva said. “Although, I cannot say the same for the stags that also reside in Sanctuary.”

“And there is the first red flag,” Draco sighed as he looked at Phill. “I think it’s about time you showed us how they are doing.”

“I suppose it’s time,” Phill nodded. He took Merida from Draco’s arms and handed her to Euva. “Make sure the lassie gets home safe.”

“Of course, come along, baby, daddy has some business to take care of,” Euva said and walked away.

“Bye bye dada! Bye bye Dwaco!” Merida called out to the two men.

Draco smiled and waved to the foal, smiling, before turning to look over at Phill. “Lead the way.”

Phill led the group out of the church and towards a more secluded part of the mountain, just outside the city limits. It took a while to walk, but the group managed to arrive at a group of buildings that stood on their own.

“Keep the mares close, don’t let them get in an arm’s reach,” Phill warned the group. “There’s a barrier around this part so they don’t wander out, but they’re still a right loony bunch of stags.”

“I’m only going to say this once, Phill.” Draco said darkly. “If I so much as see any of them take a step near the mares or my crew, I will not hesitate to end them.”

“Don’t worry none, they won’t do nothin’ as long I’m around,” Phill reassured Draco.

The group entered the area where the buildings stood. Draco wrapped an arm around Shadow as the rest of the stallions huddled close to the mares. The inhabitants of the area consisted of both stags and stallions. A stag’s eyes perked up as he was leaning against a wall when he saw the group.

“Holy shit…are those?”

“MARES!” A stallion shouted and charged at the group. Phill was quick to act and reeled back his fist and slammed it straight into the stallion’s jaw, sending him flying.

“Any more o’ you slags wanna try somethin’ like that, I’ll bash your brains in! Now get back inside, the lot of ya!” Phill warned as he cracked his knuckles. The stags and stallions all cowered away from the Saint as they retreated back inside the buildings.

“So much for that power of yours, seems to me like they aren’t any different then when they were the enemy.” Draco snarled, his hands were in the form of claws without anyone noticing.

“Sorry about that,” Phill said. “They never bothered me none are paid any attention since it was just me or one of me paladins who come to deliver food.”

“Saint Phillip?” All turned to see a lone stallion approach them. Draco recognized this stallion as none other than Filthy Rich.

“How’s it going, Rich? You attending them therapy sessions like I asked?” Phill said.

“Yes, it’s a work in progress,” Filthy said. “And…what about my request?”

“Rich, we talked about this,” Phill crossed his arms.

“I know, but you said you found them and brought them here,” Rich said.

“Aye, your wife and wee lass are here, but ya ain’t ready to see them yet. Not after the stunt ya pulled in Seaddle.”

“And what would that be?” Draco asked, his tone less than kind as he glanced at the pony.

“I…I was in charge of a slave ring,” Rich confessed, making some of the ponies gasp. “My job was to force mares to…mate with beasts and rape plants for entertainment for the masses.”

“You bastard!” Flash growled. “You deserve to rot!”

Draco’s eyes were fixed on the stallion, his eyes were now vertical slits as he began to growl.

“Easy, Draco,” Phill waved at the angered Knight of Chaos. “Rich has been here for a long time, going through therapy and mental health sessions and the like. He was much more defiant when I first brought him here.”

“Still doesn’t excuse what he did!” Zephyr said.

“Draco, can I crush this asshole?” Maud asked, using her power to levitate two large boulders towards Filthy.

There was a long pause as Draco considered the idea. He was almost about to allow Maud to have her way, when an image flashed in his mind of Diamond Tiara. That brief flash kept him from doing anything rash.

His body slowly reverted back to normal as he calmed down. “No…Phill will deal with him for now.”

“I’m sorry, I-” Filthy Rich tried to say.

“I think it best you return to your quarters, Rich,” Phill advised.

Filthy frowned and nodded as he departed and entered one of the buildings.

“Prick, never like that guy,” Rainbow said.

“Indeed, although I do feel bad for his wife and daughter,” Rarity said.

“Is this really what you wanted to show us, Phill?” Twilight asked.

“Naw, follow me.” The group made their way towards a two story building in the center of the area. Once inside, they were met with more stallions and they all wore white robes. “Mornin’, lads.”

“Saint Phillip!” A stallion said as he and the other stallions bowed to him. “An honor, Saint Phillip, to what do we owe your visit?”

“I came to check on a few of our special blokes. How are they, Holy Vow?”

“Just about ready, Saint Phillip,“ Vow said.

“Good, bring them here,” Phill said.

Vow and his attendants nodded and bowed and left to go upstairs.

“Who is he talking about?” Ace asked.

“Remember when I said there are stallions who have been reformed? Well most of the stallions you saw in town, including the bunch we saw back at the church, were all reformed stallions. But me rehabilitation efforts doesn’t just end with stallions.”

“I take it that you believe that you managed to change some of the caribou from their wicked ways?” Draco said sarcastically.

“Aye, you’d be right about that,” Phill grinned.

“You just had to ask,” Shadow muttered to Draco.

“Shut it,” Draco said, annoyed and glanced at her. “You and the girls stay close to me, okay?”

Rarity wasted no time and clung to Draco’s other arm and held it close as the mares stood beside the stallions, excluding Maud.

“You’ll protect me, won’t you Draco?” Rarity asked, batting her eyelashes.

Draco’s cheeks flushed a bit as he gulped and tried to maintain a stoic attitude. “Of course. I’d give my life to protect you all if I had to.”

Rarity giggled as they heard footsteps comping from the stairs. First came the ponies, then came three caribou stags. Each stag wore casual-looking attire and were all looking downwards with frowns. Draco noticed how nervous the mares already were and the stallions all glared at the Caribou.

“These be them?” Phill asked.

“Indeed,” Vow nodded. “This is Boe, Gils, and Njal.” The stags all bowed to Phill and he nodded.

“Charmed, so what have you lot learned since coming here?” Phill asked.

“We learned…that we were wrong,” Gils said. “No one deserves a fate like enslavement.”

“And what are your thoughts on mares?”

“Females are not objects built for pleasure, they are living beings,” Boe said.

“So does that mean you’re ready to accept the light?” Phill asked.

“We are not worthy of the light,” Njal said. “But all we ask is redemption for our sins.”

Draco stared at the caribou for a few moments. He stepped forward gently slipping out of the mares’ grasp. His body shape shifted into a large Carnatoris, nearly the size of the room. He snarled as he took three slowly menacing steps towards the caribou.

The three stags looked up at the large beast, a hint of fear flashed in their eyes.

“I suppose our fate is sealed, brothers,” Boe said.

“Indeed, the Beast of Chaos has chosen death instead of mercy,” Njal said.

“Then we shall meet our fate with dignity,” Gils said as they closed their eyes.

Draco’s jaws were mere inches away from the caribou before he unleashed a loud terrifying roar.

“RRRAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

The stags all flinched at the sudden roar while Vow and his attendants yelped in surprise. Instead of devouring them, Draco took a step back and slowly returned to normal.

“You…spare us?” Gils asked.

“I’ve seen how your kind acts when death is close at hand. I’m not sure how, but I can tell you three are different.” Draco turned and rejoined the group.

“Sir, if I may,” Boe called out to Draco. “During your travels, have you heard of the name Warborn?”

“Can’t say that I have.” Draco looked to the others seeing them shake their heads as well. “Care to explain?”

The stags looked at each other and with sad frowns until Boe spoke again.

“It happened during our preparations for invasion. Back in our homeland, which lies half a world away, we caribou once consisted of five clans. Two of the clans were said to be the greatest: the Warborn Clan and the Stonehoof Clan. However, the two clans had always resented one another, and the other clans favored the Warborns since they preferred peace while also remaining strong and prideful. The Stonehoofs were always violent and cruel, but had some sense of justice when it came to keeping our homeland safe.”

“But then came the generation when Dainn Stonehoof was born. They say he has lived through many other generations since he made a pact with the Seven Sins of Hell,” Gils said. “For countless years, Dainn had been accumulating power from the shadows, adding to his ranks and creating weaponry not of this world.” Gils frowned and covered his face. “The other clans never saw it coming…the Stonehoofs overwhelmed the three other clans. He had convinced a great many of them to join his régime and killed the rest who wouldn’t follow. He took the doe’s away for re-education so they could be molded into breeding doe’s for stags and beasts.”

“That mother bucker…” Berry growled.

“He attacked his own homeland?!” Flash said.

“Yes, and only the Warborns managed to remain in tact before Dainn set off to conquer Equestria and the rest of this world,” Njal said.

“So what’s your guys’ deal?” Draco cut in. “You had no choice but to follow and get corrupted, and did what they wanted you to do?”

“We three are each former members of separate clans,” Gils said. “Shameful as it is to admit it, we joined Dainn’s ranks voluntarily.”

Draco sneered at them. “So you can’t say you aren’t guilty of your own sins?”

“We are more than aware that we are guilty,” Boe sighed. “And nothing will ever wash the blood stained on both our hands and honor. The only thing we can do now, thanks to Saint Phillip, is try to move forward with what little honor we have left.”

For the longest time all Draco could do was glare at the stags, unmoving his anger bubbling in his chest. He let out a long deep sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I sure hope I come to regret sparing you three.”

“If only the Warborns were here…” Gils said under his breath.

“How exactly did they fall?” Draco asked, now a bit curious.

“As we said, the Warborn Clan were more favorable since they desired peace while maintaining proper authority,” Gils said. “If you could believe it, before Dainn took control, there was talk that the chieftains of the clans wished to visit Equestria for a treaty between our kingdoms. A treaty that would benefit us both.”

“And Dainn mucked it all up,” Phill said.

“Yes,” Njal said. “When Dainn took over, the young Chieftain of the Warnorn Clan rallied what remained of the four clans who resisted Dainn. They sailed across the northern sea in pursuit of Dainn and faced him on the northern shores of Equestria’s borders.”

“The Chieftain was young, but his heart was in the right place,” Boe said. “All he wanted was to help Equestria, stop Dainn from bringing the world to its knees, and avenge his father whom Dainn slayed right in front of him.”

“Woah, there were actually Caribou like that?” Shadow said.

“Sounds too good to be true,” Rainbow said. “So what happened to these oh so good-natured Caribou?”

“They were all slaughtered at the northern shores, just beyond the borders of the Crystal Empire,” Boe said, shushing Rainbow. “They never stood a chance, and Dainn struck the final blow by executing the young Chieftain. I’d imagine that their bodies still litter the sands and their blood has reddened the waters.”

“Besides you three, are there any others who may secretly wish things had turned out different?” Draco asked. Though he sounded calm, anyone who looked could see his eyes were slits, as his rage had changed then without him even knowing.

“If there were, then they are either following out of fear, abandoned the young chieftain’s ideals, or are being kept prisoner as to set an example of,” Njal responded.

“I would like to free any, if that were a thing, but right now I can’t do much without information.” Draco began to pace around in the room as he was deep in thought. “If I knew where I should strike next? Somewhere that will not only allow us to liberate innocent creatures, but also put a dent in the enemy’s ranks.”

“If I may?” Boe said again. “I advise you to make haste for the Northern Mountains.“

Draco turned his attention to stag with a neutral look. “Any particular reason why?”

The stag fidgeted in place for a moment, almost as though what he was going to say was forbidden. “Well…there in the mountains, near the border of the pony country, is the kingdom of the Diamond Dogs.”

Draco now seemed more interested in what the stag had to say. “I’m well aware where the Diamond Dogs live, but why would I need to make haste there first?”

He gulped nervously before continuing. “Because the Diamond Dogs are being used to forge a large portion of the weapons we caribou have been using.” Draco said nothing but turned his body showing his full attention. “I was stationed there for a while, and I learned that most of the army’s weapons supply came from the Diamond Dogs.”

“The Diamond Dogs…really?” Draco asked, confused.

“Yes Draco.” Twilight now spoke up. “We don’t know much about them, but what we do know is that Diamond Dogs are masters of the forge in their kingdom. Though they never created anything complicated or dangerous before the invasion.”

“Wait a sec, Lock mentioned something before he…went on his special mission,” Flash said. “He mentioned an overlord’s name, uh, what was he called?”

“You mean Gluttony?” Draco asked.

“Gluttony the Voracious,” Boe gulped. “He’s known to be quite the monster.”

“I can imagine. Still, we can’t afford to stand by while Lock is gathering information.” Draco looked at Phill. “You got a map around here?”

“Aye,” Phill nodded and pulled out a rolled up map from his coat pocket.

“Sir Draco.” Draco glanced over his shoulder at the stags. All three of them deeply bowed their heads at him and the group. “If it’s any sort of consolation…we are sorry for all we caribou have wrought.”

Draco stared for a moment and nodded. “Well, if you want to start making up for your mistakes, you can start by showing me where the forge is.”

Boe stood back up and nodded as Phill unrolled the map on a table. He approached the map and examined it.

“Here,” Boe said, pointing at the center of the Northern Mountains. “The forge is said to be deep beneath the mountain. They use the lava that flows from deep within the crust.”

“Then that's where our next move will take place.” Draco turned to Alpha Squad. “Now it’s our turn to be the ones who invade.”

“So soon?” Flash asked.

“Shouldn’t we do some recon first? Lock always had us do that before moving in to attack,” Swift said.

“We will, I don’t mean right at this moment you guys.” Draco corrected.

“Oh,” they all said.

“This all sounds so scary…” Fluttershy said.

“Don’t worry, flutter butter, this’ll be a cinch,” Zephyr smirked.

“Don’t jinx it, dude,” Berry said.

“For now let’s head back to Canterlot and prepare.” Draco turned his attention to Phill. “Keep up the work here, I’m hoping you’ll reach out to the rest.”

“Oh, ya didn’t think you were in this on your own, did ya?” Phill smirked. “It’s high time I put in more than me two pence in this fight. So I’ll be joinin’ the front lines along with ya.”

Draco smiled and shrugged. “Alright, I’ll let you know when we are ready for you, man.” Draco turned his attention now on Rarity. “But first, I promised a lovely mare a date, and I intend to keep that promise.”

Rarity giggled and blushed as she walked up to Draco and hugged his arm. “And I look forward to it, darling.” She leaned in and surprised Draco with a peck on his cheek.

“Ha! Smooth,” Shadow chuckled as Draco blushed.

“Oh! That reminds me,” Phill said as he led the group out of the building. “There be a couple of lassies who’ve been meaning to meet the lot of you.”

“Oh? And who might that be?” Draco wondered.

“Follow me,” Phill said.

The Saint led the group back into town. They arrived at a large two story building. It looked like some sort of hospital since there was a blue cross on the front with Phill’s Saint sigil on it. Inside were other ponies either bandaged up or they were talking to some of the staff members. The group walked through the halls and arrived in the east wing where Draco noticed there were foals walking around. They arrived at a set of double doors and inside were a large group of foals all sitting in the center. Two female griffins were reading them a story as they all listened intently. Draco recognized them as Gilda and Gabby.

“Then, Saint Phillip rushed into the castle, and saved the princess!” Gabby said. “And the kingdom was saved thanks to the brave efforts of Saint Phillip!”

The foals cheered as GIlda acted out the story.

“They like to entertain the little ones every other day,” Phill whispered to Draco.

“Yeah, with stories about you saving a princess?” Draco looked at him with a smirk. “I wonder who wrote that story?”

“Oi! Gilda! Gabby! Got some visitors!” Phill called out.

“Saint Phillip!” The foals cheered and all rushed his side.

“G’day, lads and lassies,” Phill smiled.

“Dash?!” Gilda gasped.

“Gilda!” The rainbow maned pegasus flew over to her friend and hugged her close. “I’m so happy you’re okay, G!”

“L-Likewise, Dash, you had me worried they got you!” Gilda said, hugging her back.

“Hi Princess Twilight!” Gabby chirped as the group approached the two female griffins.

“Gabby, so good to see you again,” Twilight smiled.

“Who’s your tall friend?” Gabby wondered as she looked up at Draco then gasped. “Are you Mr. Lockdrom who Saint Phillip always talks about?!” Gabby grabbed Draco’s hand and shook it wildly. “It’s so nice to meet you! I’m Gabby!”

“Uhh….no, my-name-is-Draco Saurian,” Draco stuttered as Gabby was practically shaking his whole body.

“Draco?” Gabby paused from her hand shake.

“Aye, lass, Lock be out and about,” Phill explained. “This be his right hand man.”

“Ooooh, I get it!” Gabby chirped again. “Well it’s still nice to meet you, Mr. Saurian! Hey! Have you seen Spike? I haven’t seen or heard from him in a while. Is he back in Ponyville?” Draco noticed Twilight flinch at the mention of Spike’s name.

“He’s…um, out on a secret mission, very top secret.” Draco lied, hoping to redirect the conversation. “So, um, what do you girls do here besides telling stories?”

“Kick caribou ass,” Gilda smirked. “Sometimes those stags in the rehab area get a little rowdy. So I sometimes go over there to rough them up and set them straight whenever Phill here is absent. And sometimes I get to tag along whenever the Icarus sets sail.”

“And I mostly tend to the little ones here!” Gabby said. “Saint Phillip sometimes asks me to keep things in order on his ship, but I prefer to stay behind.”

Draco leaned to one side to see the little foals all watching them curiously. “So are these the orphans who you guys take in?”

“Yeah, each has a story. Some either have both parents killed, their dads are missing or a traitor, or all their moms are probably enslaved or on the run,” Gabby sighed. She then gestured to the corner of the room as a lone colt sat on his bed, facing away from the group. Even though his back was turned, Draco recognized him as little Pipsqueak. “That little colt is probably the worst off of them all.”

Draco slowly made his way over to the lone colt until he was standing a few feet behind him. “Hey there, bud.”

Pipsqueak merely looked over his shoulder. It was as if Draco could feel all of his sadness in his eyes, but Pipsqueak looked away.

Draco sat down on the edge of the colts bed and moved a hand to gently rub his back. “I’m sorry for what has happened to you Pipsqueak, truly I am. But please don’t think for a second you’re all alone.”

“Where’s my mum?” Pipsqueak whimpered. “Where’s my dad? I…I miss them.”

“I heard the poor lad watched his folks die in front of him when we took back Trottingham,” Phill sadly said as he walked up beside the bed as the others visited the other foals. “They were killed as a sort of last resort by the Caribou rather than give us the satisfaction that we’d save everyone.”

Draco’s fist clenched with anger and hatred, but did his best to remain calm for Pipsqueak. “I…I’m sorry Pip, they’re in a better place now.”

“I want my mum…” Pipsqueak started to cry as tears dripped from his face. “I want my dad! Please bring my mummy and daddy back!”

Draco said nothing as he moved his arms to hold the colt in a caring hug. “I’m sorry, Pip, I wish I could. I know how you feel.”

All Pip could do was continue to cry as Draco sat with him. The poor colt continued to cry for a few minutes until he fell asleep in Draco’s arms.

“Didn’t wanna say it while he was awake, but I’ve been thinking of taking him in as me own. Same way as I did Merida,” Phill said.

Draco gently stroked the colt’s back as he carefully set him down onto the bed, and covered him with a blanket. “It wouldn’t be the same, Phill. Merida is but a baby, and probably doesn’t remember her mother well enough. But Pip isn’t so young. You can take him in under you, but you will never be able to fill the void in his heart. I should know.”

“Aye, I’m aware of that,” Phill nodded. “But the boy doesn’t deserve to be alone after what he’s been through.”

“He’ll never be alone, not when there are others who share his pain,” Draco added as he left the room.

The others saw Draco leave and followed after them as Rainbow and Gilda said their goodbyes along with Twilight and Gabby. Phill caught up to Draco and noticed he had sadness in his eyes.

“Wanna talk about it?” Draco glanced at Phill. “About your folks, I mean. It’s okay if ya don’t, if it’s too painful.”

“…” Draco stopped walking and turned to look at everyone as he considered the idea. He leaned up against a wall and sighed. “When I was young, my parents went down to a bank to deposit some money to buy a ticket to take us to the badlands in Montana. While they were at the bank, a guy with a gun came in to rob it.” Some tears began to flow down his cheeks as he stared up at the ceiling.

“When the cops got there, the robber freaked out and started to threaten to kill the hostages.” His hands changed to black claws that dug into the wall he was leaning against. “He panicked and fired his gun off. My parents along with 2 others were shot and killed.”

“Oh stars!” Rarity gasped.

“How awful…” Fluttershy said.

“Draco…I had no idea,” Shadow said.

“That’s heavy, man, I’m so sorry that happened,” Zephyr said.

Draco’s claws finally pulled out of the wall and he moved a hand over his eyes. “They wanted to go to Montana because of the dinosaur dig site there. They knew I wanted to go there because I loved dinosaurs.”

“What’re their names?” Phill wondered.

“Arthur and Gwen.” Draco sighed.

“If ya want, I can pop by Heaven and check in on them?” Phill offered. “Let them know how you’re holding up.”

Draco turned his head to Phill in surprise. “Y-you can do that?”

“Aye, as the Angel’s Saint, I have the right to travel to and fro from Heaven and this realm,” Phill explained. “One of the perks of being the Saint, I suppose, the Court sometimes calls me in from time to time.”

Draco was absolutely surprised, but his look of hope quickly vanished. “N-no, I don’t think you should.”

“But how come, Draco?” Swift asked.

“Don’t ya want yer parents to know how you’re doin’?” Applejack asked.

Draco stared back up at the ceiling again and allowed a few more tears to roll down his cheeks. “I’m scared to know what they think of me.” He said in a shaken voice. “You’ve all seen what I’ve done to the enemy. If they can see me from up there…what would they think of me?”

“They would understand,” Zephyr said. “I mean, look at me. I ate a fruit from the literal Devil himself, we all did.” Zephyr gestured to Flash and Maud.

“When I brought Spitfire to meet my parents in Cloudsdale when it was liberated, they freaked when they saw my arms. But then after I explained, they understood why I did what I did to stand by Lock’s side.”

“My mom sisters are worried about me since I’ve taken many lives since I ate my fruit,” Maud said. “But I always reassure them it’s for avenging my dad.”

“And we’re still proud of you, Maud!” Pinkie chirped as she hugged Maud.

“Ya may be singing a different tune these days, Draco, but I’d like to think that you’re still the good natured lad they knew as their son,” Phill said. “I doubt anything would change that.”

“And you’re still the same stallion I fell in love with,” Shadow said as she reached up to wipe his tears.

Draco had remained silent before breathing shallowly. “Maybe you guys are right.”

“O’ course we are,” Phill said. “So how’s about that message?”

“I’m still not sure. I mean, I’ve done some messed up things to the caribou. What makes you guys so sure that I’m so good natured that my parents won’t think otherwise?”

Before anyone could answer, the sounds of a child’s giggling was heard out a nearby window. The giggling was getting louder and louder until a familiar-looking pegasus filly came flying in. Her eyes spotted Draco and she squealed in delight as she zipped up to him and latched onto his face.

“Merida McHaggard! What in blazes are ya doing out of your crib?!” Phill snapped.

“Iss ishis gowng tuo ee ah fwing?” Draco’s muffled voice came from underneath the filly’s belly, making her giggle. Draco slowly and carefully pulled the little mare off his face, gasping for air.

“Dwaco!” Merida cheered, holding her little arms up at him.

Draco couldn’t help but smile as he slowly brought his nose down to nuzzle it against Meruda’s nose.

“Saint Phillip!” From down the hall, Euva came running in, dressed in winter clothing, and she looked quite frazzled. “I’m so sorry, Saint Phillip, the dear just up and flew out the window! I’ve been chasing her all the way here to the medical center.”

“It be alright, Euva, the lassie just wanted to see her uncle,” Phill waved it off.

Draco had cradled the little filly in one arm, gently rocking her, while he allowed her to hold his free hand.

“Wow, she’s so calm now,” Euva said. “You handle her better than me, and I’m her nanny for goodness sake.”

Draco’s cheeks flushed a bit as he made sure to keep up his rocking motion. “I honestly don’t know why. For some odd reason I’m good with kids, I used to babysit back on earth for friends.”

“Well I can see she loves you just as much she does her daddy,” Euva said.

Merida then yawned a cute yawn, making all the mares coo at the filly as her eyes slowly closed and she fell asleep in his arms.

“So tell me something, Draco,” Phill said as he walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Still think you ain’t good natured no more?”

Draco smiled a bit and carefully passed the little filly over to Euva, who carefully cradled her in her own arms. “I guess you guys have a point.”

“Hey, you know? Maybe this is good practice when you and Shadow have foals?” Berry said, making Shadow blush beet red.

“Berry! That’s too far!” Swift snapped.

Draco, who spotted Shadow’s blush, grinned. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Draco walked next to his marefriend and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “I’ve always wanted a family. Hey Shadow, how do you feel about twelve kids?”

“T-TWELVE?!” Shadow yelped. “I’m only 23, mister! I ain’t ready for foals just yet!”

He smiled and looked over at Rarity. “How about you Rares? Think you can help split the difference, you have six, Shadow has six?”

Rarity’s response was her placing her hand on her forehead and falling backwards with a bright red blush. Luckily, Applejack was there to catch her just in time.

“Smooth, Draco,” Twilight facepalmed.

“I didn’t hear a no.” Draco grinned playfully. “Besides, Lock told me he wanted twenty kids.”

“HE WHAT?!” Twilight shrieked, then also fell to the floor and passed out with a beet red blush.

“Quite the charmer, aren’t ya?” Phill sighed.

“Heh, sorry, but I couldn't resist,” Draco shrugged.

After about an hour, both Rarity and Twilight had awoken from their little naps, only to start slapping Draco for his teasing.

“I’m sorry, but you two were too easy to tease.” He laughed while covering his head with his arms, as the two mares slapped him.

“You mustn’t tease a lady like that!” Rarity shrieked as she slapped his arm.

“Lock and I have a stable relationship! Moon too! I know he’s too busy to start a family!” Twilight snapped.

“Okay okay, I get it, I get it!” Draco laughed as the mares stopped slapping him. Though he did jolt up when he felt a last slap on his ass and saw Rarit’'s cheeks flushed as she turned away.

“Treat me right, and we’ll see what happens,” she said under her breath. For a moment, Draco could swear her voice sounded different than usual but brushed it off as his imagination as he turned to Twilight.

“Hey Twi, real talk. When we get back to the castle, there’s something I need you for. You’re the only mare who can help me.” He heard someone clearing their throat and looked back to see Rarity giving him a look. “Er, after my date with Rarity, that is.”

“Really? What for?” Twilight wondered. Draco excused himself from the group and pulled Twilight aside to speak with her in private.

The Next Day

Draco stood in front of the Carousel Boutique. He held a bouquet of roses in his hand and reached up to knock on the door.

“Be right with you~!” A singsong voice called out.

Draco wore black jean pants, and a red button long sleeved shirt, with a black jacket over it. He checked his hair in the reflection in the glass before straightening up when he heard the doorknob jiggling. The door opened to reveal not the fashionista he was expecting, but he looked down to see the little sister of the two, Sweetie Belle.

“Hiya, Mr. Draco!” Sweetie chirped.

“Oh…hey Sweetie Belle.” He knelt down, careful not to ruin the flowers. “How are you doing today?”

“I’m doing great!” Sweetie smiled. “I’m just about to head out to meet my friends! We’re gonna get our snow pony making cutie marks!”

Draco smiled and then had an idea. Given that the timeline isn’t what he knew it to be, he figured he could lend a gentle nudge for the Crusaders. “You know, I had a question for you, Sweetie. Have you and the other Crusaders ever helped somepony figure out their cutie mark?”

Sweetie Belle tilted her head at his question and tapped her chin in thought. “Well sure we have. I can name a lot of ponies who we either helped see the value in their cutie marks or helped find what their special talent is. Why?”

Draco pretended to think about his words as he rubbed his chin with one finger. “Well, maybe you and the others should try and see about helping somepony learn about their own cutie mark. Who knows? Maybe you three will be good at it?”

“Good at helping others with their cutie marks?” Sweetie questioned. “But what about our cutie marks?”

“Well, isn’t it better to help others than yourselves? I know I feel better when I do.” Draco hinted, doing his best not to tell them exactly what he knows.

“Well…I don’t know. Doesn’t really sound like a special talent,” Sweetie said. “Are you sure it might lead to something?”

“Who can say? But I bet helping others find out their cutie marks’ purpose isn’t on your list, now is it?”

“I guess you’re right,” Sweetie shrugged. “Then I better go ask the girls what they think.” She walked past Draco and waved him goodbye. “Thanks for the advice, Mr. Draco!”

“No problem. Be safe out there!” Draco called out as he waved back.

“Yoo-hoo! Oh Draco!”

Draco turned around and went wide-eyed at the beautiful sight before him. Rarity wore a beautifully made white winter coat with black fur trimmings and snowflake patterns sewn on the side. She wore black leggings that went from her ankles all the way up, under her coat was a black turtleneck and wrapped around her neck was a red wool scarf. Finishing her outfit was a grey beret on top of her head. Draco noticed she had makeup, consisting of red lipstick, blue eyeliner, and she even had rosey pink shading on her cheeks.

“I better call Phill.” Draco smirked at Rarity as she moved closer. “Because I think heaven is missing one of its angels.”

“What, this old thing?” Rarity giggled as she spun around in a circle. “I just threw these on. You, darling, look fabulously handsome.”

“Well I needed to impress this gorgeous mare, so I thought I’d go all out.” Draco said casually as he presented the roses to Rarity. “These may pale in comparison to your beauty, but I hope you like them?”

“Oh my, they’re wonderful!” Rarity squealed as she took the roses. “You didn’t have to get me these, darling.”

“Well of course I do. I need to make sure I pull out all the stops for our date. If I didn’t give it my best, that wouldn’t be fair for you.” He gave her a little bow before offering his arm. “Shall we? I have the location for our date picked out.”

Rarity nodded and quickly used her magic to place the roses in a vase and hooked her arms around Draco’s. Draco could feel her chest pressing into him as she smiled giddily at him.

“Make sure you show me a grand time, handsome,” Rarity winked.

Cheeks turning slightly red, Draco gulped nervously and led Rarity out of her shop, and down to the port where a small airship would take them to Canterlot.

“Sir, your airship is ready to take you to Canterlot,” the driver pony said, holding his arm out to the gangplank.

“We’re going to Canterlot?” Rarity asked with glee.

“But of course, I know that you are a mare of fine taste, and it seems only fit to take you somewhere that you will enjoy.” Draco carefully led Rarity onto the ship.

Draco and Rarity sat in the cabin of the ship as it prepared to take off. The ship slowly rose to the air with the hum of the engine and took off towards Canterlot. The journey to the capital didn’t last long, thanks to the efficiency of the airship’s speed, and they arrived at the Canterlot ports without any issues. The ship then landed at one of the ports and the driver pony escorted the two off of the ship.

“I’ll wait for you two here until you’re ready to return,” the stallion said with a salute.

“Thank you, but feel free to go about your business in the meantime, we’ll be out late tonight.” Draco smiled as he led his date into the big city.

“I’ll never get tired of coming here,” Rarity said as she took in the sights. “You know, I’m looking to open a boutique in Canterlot soon.”

“Oh trust me, I know, and you will succeed, I can tell you that.” Draco smirked as they continued down the marble streets. “I know you'll go far, Rarity.”

“That’s so sweet of you to say, Draco.” She leaned up and pecked Draco on his cheek, leaving a small kiss mark.

His cheeks nearly turning a red as the lipstick mark on his cheek, Draco cleared his throat and smiled when he saw the shopping district. “Care to do a little window shopping?”

“Yes please!” Rarity beamed.

A Few Hours Later

After some time spent shopping, the two found themselves in Restaurant Row. They were sitting at an open seating café and had a few bags sitting beside them from their shopping run.

“So you mean to tell me, a strapping stallion like you, never wooed any human female in your world? That’s preposterous! You’re so charming and forward, any mare would love to have you,” Rarity said before she sipped her water.

Draco nervously scratched the back of his head as he was complemented. “Well, I mean, I was really busy with my studies. I wanted to make the dream I had set out for a reality.”

“I suppose, and now you have a wonderful mare like Shadow,” Rarity said. “I wish my love life was as successful as yours and Dimitri’s. But I seem to have some sort of bad luck in that department.”

“Oh come on now, I know you’re fishing for compliments.” Draco smirked as he leaned back in his seat. “You’re like one of Equestria’s most beautiful mares. There must be a line of stallions waiting to ask you out.”

Rarity blushed as she looked away bashfully and pulled a strand of her mane behind her ear.

“Thank you, Draco, but aren’t you just saying that to make me feel better because you accidentally kissed me?” Rarity wondered.

“No, not at all.” Draco said truthfully. “You are so beautiful. I’m not just saying that because I accidentally kissed you. Heck, if you had asked me before the kiss, I’d be telling you the same thing as I am now.”

“Really?” Rarity looked back at Draco with sparkles in her eyes. “Oh my…no pony has ever told me that before.”

Draco raised a brow. “Now who’s being a little dishonest? You seriously going to tell me no stallion has said what I’ve just said to you, ever?”

“They have, yes.” She placed her drink down and boldly moved her hand on top of Draco’s. “But their words weren’t as genuine as yours. You speak from the heart and soul, not with your mouth. They call me beautiful because they wish to get on my good side, but you tell me I am because it’s genuine. I truly appreciate your words, Draco, thank you.”

Deciding to be just as bold, Draco turned his hand gently and held her own hand. “Of course Rarity, anytime.”

Rarity smiled and scooted her seat closer to Draco’s and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Thank you for taking me out on this marvelous date, Draco, I truly needed this,” Rarity sighed with a smile.

Draco moved his arm around her shoulders and moved his seat closer to her own. “Thank you too Rarity. I honestly really needed to take a break from this war, and I can’t imagine anything better than spending it on a date with a beautiful mare.”

Nothing more was said as the two enjoyed each other’s company. After all that Draco had been through, this was an experience the young warrior needed that he hadn’t realized he did. Regardless of what happens next, Draco will be ready for anything.

Author's Note

We have seen the Saint’s efforts in reforming those who most would say aren’t worth it. But is it worth it?

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…