Author's note: This part of one large chapter will show the missing piece of the unicorn stallion's Heart Path sleep. Only this will be described from the point of view of Celestia, right after Luna plunged her into a magical dream.

After about five minutes of Celestia's wanderings in the realm of dreams, a magical passageway into her own memories appeared in front of her. She stood in full determination, and a faceless spirit appeared before her. And that, of course, scared Celestia a little, but when he spoke, she was able to recognize this voice. A voice that spoke to her not for the first time in her dreams and often showed what was about to happen in the future. Of course, it was the voice of one of the Keeper of the World.

This spirit bent down to her face and spoke in a kind but commanding tone that sounded like an echo. “Oh, I see that Princess of Equestria and the Lord of the Sun want to plunge into the memories that connect her with one creature! Well, you will survive the period of time you are interested in. Just talk to this being reincarnated into a human soul, you can when I let you do it! And then under certain conditions!"

Celestia gazed into that faceless, hazy face with full determination in her heart. "And what is this condition?"

The spirit flew around Celestia's body several times and again came to rest in front of her face. "Do you love Heart Path?"

Celestia hesitated for a moment and answered. "Yes! I love him! As then, so now! Even if he appeared in our world many centuries later in the form of a man!"

"Do you love him so much that you are ready to give up your immortality, which we have given to many rulers of this planet?"

Celestia sadly closed her eyes and immediately after a short reflection realized that there was no way back! But, having gathered determination in her voice, she spoke with love, while her memories of this man gave warm feelings in her chest. "Yes! I am ready to give up immortality in order to be with him!"

Immediately after these words, this spirit began to take on a bodily form and became almost five times larger than Celestia herself. And all this magic ended with the fact that in front of Celestia stood a two-legged giant with huge white wings, from which an almost blinding light emanated. Celestia's heart began to squeeze with fear of the immense greatness of the guardian of this world.

Keeper World, whose face was hardly human, pressed his hand to his chin and looked thoughtfully into the eyes of the frightened Celestia. “I love your dedication. You are willing to sacrifice for love, like Heart Path 700 years ago. I accepted his sacrifice, but what happened to him then? This is what you will know when the time is up. ... He came back too at our call to this world. But you, your sister and Discord have made it more workable. Well, I think you deserve to meet this soul. Besides, I will not take away your immortality! In any case, until your time has come...” Said the guardian of the world and, spreading his wings, flew into the air, and then turned the light, turning this spirit into a star of the night sky.

Celestia took a deep breath in her mind thanks to this mysterious great spirit. The magic door to that memory opened and pulled Celestia inside.

Celestia POV. Memories in a dream. 700 years ago.

I opened my eyes after a strong flash of my magic and saw myself again in my royal chambers in front of the mirror. This kind of magic is really difficult to apply! I had to enter into a stubborn argument with my charges (the Sun and the Moon)! I literally begged them to let me stop the time. And after we agreed, I hastened to respond to the prayer call of a familiar stallion. A stallion with whom I was fortunate enough to spend a cheerful and comforting time for my heart. And this event happened four years ago, when I decided to secretly leave the palace. Naturally, there were some tricks. For example, an enchanted amulet of change in appearance. The same amulet that reduces my height to the average height of a young mare. Hides my horn and wings, transforming me into an earth pony. But at the same time it does not change my voice, color of eyes and fur. Not bad for the ability to enchant items! Gift from Star Swirl Bearded.

In my mind were the episodes of what I saw a few minutes ago, when I was able to teleport to this cute and very brave stallion named Heart Path. He was happy to see me! And the main thing is that our feelings and emotions were mutual. But I should be very ashamed in front of him! After all, I left him for four years. My Minister of War brought me the lists of the newly formed fleet, assembled from small groups of ships from different ports of our kingdom. I decided it would be a great idea to create 1 Marine Legion.

In these lists of sailors, marines and officers, I was able to find the name of this stallion. Of course, this news did not surprise me much, during this turbulent time there were many volunteers among my subjects to leave their homes and go to the service of our kingdom, as sea legionaries. But I was still worried about this.

Even now. I am ashamed that I did not find time for him, but this good, affectionate stallion probably remembered me more than once. I often felt it in my heart. I heard a small voice in my head. His prayers. His requests for help and salvation. His glorification of my name. And no matter how impudent it may sound on his part ... even promises of sex with me, on my own throne! Hmm ... What an interesting thought. I like! I also want to be watched by all these arrogant pony politicians, whom I have always denied an occasional affair or a possible date.

I love all my ponies, but do not respect, and do not show interest in those stallions who would like this favor from me, as well as a higher position in society, due to the connection with me! With me! Princess-Ruler of Equestria!

"Ahr!" I grumbled under my breath, while continuing to sit in front of the mirror and direct my beauty.

But when I finished and looked in the mirror, I liked my transformation. Then I went to my secret chest of drawers and opened it. It contained a single item. The same amulet.

"Hmm ... I think I have a plan to help you, Heart Path! Besides, I promised that I would visit you tomorrow. What do I think I better not give out my secret yet and change my appearance. But in case of an emergency, I will take off this amulet and use magic." I said to myself and held out my hoof to this amulet, but did not put it on, but put it aside.

I left my chambers and I was met by the palace guards, who took a stance. "Officer Onyx, please escort me to my military adviser." I said, and without waiting for his answer, I headed down the corridor towards the offices.

"Yes, your majesty!" The officer answered and made me an escort of four praetorians.

Five minutes later.

The Minister of War and Counselor bowed before me and spoke in an honorable tone. "Your Majesty! Do you want to send Equestria Vengeance to this area?" But I didn't let him finish!

I looked at this old stallion with my natural commanding gaze. "Yes! Immediately! Order, assign one hundred of my best warriors to Retribution Equestria! In fact, I want to change my disguise and go on my ship disguised as Admiral Sweet Sunshine. For a while, this will avoid the indignation of politicians. But if I need to, I will remove my disguise and protect my subjects."

A gray-haired beige stallion named William bowed to me as befits etiquette, and after his horn caught fire with magic and he began to write a personal order on my behalf.

“Let me remind you that the griffin fleet can simultaneously threaten to attack this colony and block our Royal naval hospital!“ The adviser said when he finished writing the order on my behalf. "And besides, many politicians will be outraged that you leave the palace and put yourself in danger! Although I undoubtedly respect your desire and will try to reassure the politicians."

“In that case, I ask you to keep me informed! And write an order for the urgent evacuation of the southern colony. When we have collected all the ponies, we will return with the fleet of the First Marine Legion to the Royal Naval Hospital. We will land the refugees there and replenish my warriors. I intend to send our fleet to the shores of the Griffin Kingdom. I want to personally ask King Grover to meet. If he refuses the peace agreement, I will order a large-scale amphibious assault. With weapons and words, you can achieve more than just words!" I answered, looked my advisor in the eyes seriously.

The adviser did not dare to argue with me, but continued to write orders on my behalf. After that, I left his office and returned to my room.

An hour has passed.

My advisor came to my apartment and saw me in combat uniform, which was a very rare and impressive sight for all ponies. “Your Majesty, the ship and the crew are ready, I also sent two hundred praetorians to accompany you. Princess Celestia, you look impressive in this armor!"

“Thank you, William. Keep me posted through Pegasus. Now I must run!" I said seriously and put on my camouflage amulet, which also adjusted the armor to the new size.

“Good luck, your majesty! I believe in you and your decision." My advisor said and teleported out of my room.

I looked in the mirror again in my form of an earthly admiral's mare and whispered to myself with a slight grin. “I will try to have time to come with help. Please Heart Path, don't leave your prayers to me!"

In the next morning. Our ship raced in full sail, thanks to the constant shiftable sailors Pegasus. For this reason alone, we were able to reach this colony in less than a day. The captain of our ship turned to me and offered to start the disembarkation of my soldiers to the coast, where the camp of the first sea legion had already been organized.

So, fifteen minutes later I was already standing in the tent of the commander of this legion and listening to a report on the situation in this colony. It turns out that I arrived on time. A tense atmosphere reigned in the camp. One could see how the legionnaires began to gradually fold their tents and prepare to receive refugees in order to begin the evacuation by ships. So my order arrived before me. And that's really good news.

A gray mare with a long yellow mane ran into Primus Pilus tent. She wore light aerial reconnaissance armor. She bowed respectfully to all the officers.

Primus Pilus looked at her anxiously and decided to ask his question. "Sandy Glow! Please hurry up to report, as you see that the admiral herself came to us with help on the flagship of our kingdom. So Princess Celestia didn't leave us in trouble!"

“Yes, commander! I managed to warn the nearest settlements in time about the speedy evacuation! The last village is already under artillery fire! Decanus Heart Path, requests for reinforcements, I've seen everything ... it was Tartarus! We urgently need to send a party to meet him to help escort the running ponies! And maybe, I think so, Heart Path will take some crazy step to stop the pursuers! I know him, it was written on his face! Please hurry up Commander, he urgently needs help!" The scout mare spoke almost in one breath. I saw fear in her eyes.

But when I heard the name of the stallion I hugged and kissed yesterday morning, my heart skipped a beat. “Primus Pilus! I will take on this task for myself and my praetorians, and you will continue the evacuation! Follow order!"

Primus Pilus looked at me seriously, but nodded approvingly. “As you command, Admiral! New civilian ponies are already arriving at the camp, I'm afraid we just won't make it in time. And retreating, we may be in the minority."

I thought about this stallion again, Heart Path. And anxiety began to grow in my soul. When I was leaving the headquarters tent, another mare of aerial reconnaissance ran up to me, she was in such a hurry, out of breath in all this armor, that she accidentally pushed me. I fell with her, and my amulet almost flew off me at that moment.

This mare got up, rubbed her forehead, looked at me fearfully and bowed. “Please forgive me, Admiral Sweet Sunshine! I am terribly sorry that I did not notice you..."

But before I could answer, while rubbing my bruised jaw at the same time, Primus Pilus ran out of the command tent upon hearing the noise. "What a panic in the name of Celestia!?" He pointed with his hoof at this poor shaking mare. "Can you explain the reason for your haste?"

The mare took a deep breath and took a fighting stance. "Yes! In the direction of the evacuated ponies from the nearest village, large concentrations of an army of griffins have been seen! They fly through the air, hold formation, but they are in no hurry! I cannot tell you the exact information. But there are a lot of them!"

Primus Pilus rubbed his chin with his hoof and looked at me seriously. "Admiral Sweet Sunshine, I think you better send the vanguard along the path of this forest!" He pointed to the side with his hoof, and I began to look closely. “Witnesses, there is a suspicion that there may be changeling scouts among the refugees! And your elite guard has magic specialists who can scan and identify changelings. I don't have such guys. Let them meet the retreating ponies, and we will organize the defense of the camp! It looks like we can't escape the fight, and every legionnaire is on my account!" This old stallion finished his commanding tirade and looked at me expectantly.

Time has gone not in our favor. I understood that perfectly. “Well, I'll send fifty of my guards to temporarily block the road on this road. But as soon as all the ponies arrive at the camp, you will begin the evacuation. Give me one of your centuries at my disposal. Together with my praetorians, I will form an emergency reserve. We must save as many lives as possible! Ideally everyone!“ I said and, pulling my helmet over my head, I ran to my soldiers, who were calmly waiting for my order, being at the entrance to the camp.

When I ran up to them, accompanied by two of my officers, I immediately noticed one unicorn centurion. The most loyal and fearless warrior among all officers.

"Centurion's Magic Spear!" I gave him a hoof and he hurried to come up to me.

"I am listening to you, Admiral Sweet Sunshine!" The centurion responded and took a fighting stance, hoof pressed to his helmet.

“Take fifty soldiers and ambush in this direction along the road. Your task is to scan the refugees in order to identify the changeling scouts! But please act like a guard and don't scare the ponies. I will arrange security with the help of the rest of the Praetorians, and help evacuate the civilian ponies. Please note that there is a real threat of air attack, so be careful!“ I finished giving the order and one of the soldiers noticed the road.

“Look towards the forest! The ponies are running! What orders will there be?"

Indeed, a column of ponies, accompanied by two dozen legionnaires, rushed along the country road in carts. I looked at my centurion and decided to get his attention. “Start fulfilling orders immediately! I need to do something.“ And without waiting for an answer, I returned to camp to check on the preparations for the defense and evacuation of the peaceful ponies. In general, there were a lot of things to do.

Actually, at the moment, I was going to meet these ponies running from the village, and find Heart Path among them. I really hope that he managed to escape, and does not do stupid things!

When all the ponies were able to pass the scan and passed me, I heard some of the ponies expressing their dissatisfaction with Princess Celestia and her methods. Of course they had no idea that it was me, and I hear everything! But I held no grudge against them.

The last cart drove into the camp next to which two mares and two legionnaires of the escort were running, and an old stallion was sitting in the cart itself. When they drove beside me and looked suspiciously in my direction, I accidentally overheard their conversation.

"I hope they can return alive! Oh Celestia, please help them! Poor Heart Path, I won't survive if something happens to him!" The blue mare said to another red mare and hugged her by the neck, after which she began to cry on her shoulder.

I think I was able to recognize these ponies! I saw them yesterday in the tavern, while my magic stopped time. I ran up to these ponies, and they looked at me with alarm and fear. On a mare in admiral's armor.

"Forgive me for distracting you a little. And I am very sorry for your grief! My name is Admiral Sweet Sunshine. I accidentally overheard what you just said." I approached the dark blue mare, which made her scared, but I put a soothing hoof on her neck and stroked it a little. "You mentioned the name of a stallion named Heart Path! Tell me he couldn't escape with you!?"

Both mares looked at me in bewilderment, but nevertheless the blue mare decided to give an answer. "My name is Night Flicker. And yes! I know Heart Path stallion!" At these words, she lowered her eyes a little sadly. "He and his friends, nine ponies, stayed to close the retreat! He is crazy! He had to run with..." But she didn’t have time to finish as I put my hoof to her mouth.

I bent down and began to whisper in her ear. "Don't worry Flicker. I'm sure Princess Celestia won't leave him in trouble!" I said, without waiting for an answer, turned around to run to my praetorian.

But when I was running, I heard the red mare talking to her friend. "Don't you find that strange? This mare has a very similar voice to Princess Celestia." But having run away enough I could no longer hear what they were talking about.

There was a real whirlwind in my mind! I urgently need to flee to this forest and, if possible, meet the detachment of Heart Path! When I ran up to two hundred of my praetorians, who all this time stood expectantly in the marching formations, and helped the legionnaires to organize the defense, they turned their attention to me.

I stood in front of them and decided that the time may be far from in our favor, but I need to cheer up my soldiers. We may have to fight an unequal battle! Am I doing the right thing? Is it worth risking the lives of two hundred of my loyal Pony Guardsmen for nine lagging ponies!? But the nine ponies made a much crazier decision. However, from their side, this is a bold part! And such ponies also have the right to life! So my heart tells me. That's what a stallion Heart Path would say! Everything I took was the final decision. Let's enter the battle! And if need be, I'll take off my disguise and use my magic. They will be burned by the fury of the sun!

“LISTEN ALL PONY! THE FAITHFUL PRAETORIAN GUARDS OF HER MAJESTY PRINCESS Celestia! We must run into this forest and join the battle! We must rescue several legionnaires who may have been in trouble! They gave the peaceful ponies a chance to escape!" I finished my speech and noticed the smiles, as well as the proudly raised heads of my elite unit.

“GLORY TO PRINCESS CELESTIA!” The Praetorian stallions sang with one voice. And it definitely made me smile.

"Faster, follow me!" I shouted the order and quickly ran towards the forest. The clanging of armor and shields of two hundred Guards ponies rang out from behind me.

After ten minutes of our gallop, in the distance on a country road, I noticed my vanguard, which, on my order, set up an ambush in this forest. They surrounded several ponies, which formed a small ring, and pressed their sides against each other. My eyes widened from the horror of what I saw! I heard the cry of the Centurion Magic Spear. He ordered these ponies to surrender, but for some reason they refused.

I ran as fast as I could! I saw familiar faces! Heart Path stood with a bared blade against my centurion. My heart was beating even faster than the sound of my hooves!

They noticed our approach, and began to make way to let me and the rest of the guard pass. "Enough!" I shouted in an imperious voice. The whole detachment, including the centurion, bowed to me with respect. "Remove your weapons immediately and leave these ponies alone! We don't have time! Everyone will get ready and take up defensive positions!" I gave the orders and looked into the eyes of Heart Path.

I noticed how tears began to appear in his eyes. He removed his sword and ran in my direction, and then I heard the alert movement and conversations of my soldiers. Heart Path completely lost his head at the sight of me. When he ran up, he began to unceremoniously hug me! But warm feelings for this stallion arose in my heart. So I took off my helmet and tossed it aside too, almost lovingly embraced Heart Path.

Heart Path brought its face closer to my ear and began to whisper to me in a gentle, grateful voice, from which I myself could barely hold back my tears. He's alive! He succeeded!

"I ... I am your eternal debtor! Forgive me, Celestia, that I cannot behave more professionally in front of almost two hundred ponies! But ... I lived a short life, but now I am happy that you are here, as if it were will be my only dream! Oh ... Celestia ... I hope you..."

I could feel tired breathing and a rapid heartbeat in this stallion's chest. But at some point, everyone was so surprised at such an attitude of a simple legionnaire and an admiral that they were simply distracted!

In the distance, I heard the familiar whistle of several dozen flying arrows in our direction! My eyes widened in horror!

"AAAH!" Heart Path screamed in the my embrace and over his shoulder I saw an arrow sticking out in his back, which went below my hoof!

What a fool I am! The stallion in the my embrace began to go limp and gradually fall out of my hoofs. "Oh no, no! Heart Path! We are under attack, everypony into battle!" I hastened to give the order.

At that moment, my guards rushed to take over the defensive formations. The silhouettes of several dozen griffins appeared in the sky and in the forest. And again a cloud of flying arrows! Miraculously, they didn't hit me. I heard the screams of the wounded and the dead, both from the side of the griffins and from the side of my guards! A bitter feeling filled my heart.

I tightened my hoofs around Heart Path, which was already beginning to have fog in its eyes, but his friends hurried to help us. I raised head sharply to look them as if I were trying to protect my child. Which, as a mother, I could not save! "Stop! Better defend yourself from the attack! Go to battle! I will help this stallion!"

I looked again into the eyes Heart Path, and tears began to flow. I decided to take this desperate step, and raised my hoof to my chest to take off this amulet. It's my time! Princess Celestia embarks on the warpath and defends her subjects!

"You will live! I give you my word!" I whispered in the face Heart Path and pulled off this masking amulet.

There was a short magical flash, and I heard surprised exclamations and sighs. But I did not pay attention to these ponies, as I tried to use my concentration on magic as soon as possible. I needed to keep this wounded stallion alive! So I put him in a magical coma. But he continues to lose blood, although this process has already slowed down, and I am sure that we can now treat his wound with healing potions.

All the guards who were not involved in an active battle were quickly able to come to their senses and surround me with shields. Centurion Magic Spear ran up to me and looked at me and this stallion in my hoofs with wide eyes in surprise.

"Your Majesty! Of course, I already guessed a little that it was you, but did not emphasize it! Tell me, how can I help?" But without waiting for an answer, he turned to all the guards. "Attention to all praetorians! Princess Celestia herself is with us! Protect her at all costs!"

“Please take this stallion and take him to camp! Ask the doctors to help him! I'll deal with these griffins myself! And don't look at me like that!" I spoke with growing fury in my voice.

My faithful centurion did not doubt me, and with the help of magic he put Heart Path on his back, then nodded to me, took a dozen soldiers with him and rode towards the camp.

All this time, unicorn mages have been creating active domes of shields around our soldiers, thereby helping to avoid large losses. I ordered to gradually retreat and take the wounded and killed ponies with me. Now it's my turn to show these evil aggressors, the griffins, what they can achieve if I find myself on the battlefield!

I flew into the sky on my wings, and a hundred more pegasus flew after me.

Time stopped.

I was floating in the air with my pegasus, and about three hundred meters in front of us were griffins. There were many griffins! I am afraid that we cannot do without sacrifices on our part. I am very worried about my ponies ... My eyes moved in surprise, but I could not control the passage of time, as if someone much stronger than me decided that he could challenge time itself.

But what's going on? Why has time stopped?

It seems that my mind began to understand what is really going on. I didn't notice how I plunged my essence into a state of desperate rage! And all this was caused by the pain of loss. This is what I saw with my own eyes! That is why politicians and other learned ponies did not give me the opportunity to know much of the truth. But the bitter truth is better!

Daybreaker. My second personality appeared before my eyes and hung in the air in front of my face.

"Hmm ... I see that sometimes you still understand that you may just need me! If you want, I can help. You will save your subjects, and I will have a little fun. After all, I am a necessary evil! Evil is for good! I appear then, when your heart longs for fire! I will cleanse this dirt!" Daybreaker said and pointed her hoof in the direction of the griffins. "You know that without me you have... little chance, and losses..." Daybreaker flew around the formation of my Praetorian Pegasus and returned to me. "And you can't avoid losses! Ohh and don't worry. It's just a little gift from me. If anyone up there..." Daybreaker pointed her hoof at the sky and looked at me. However, there was no evil or grin in her voice, it was simple indifference. "Someone from the guardians will please, this world can be destroyed in many ways. So, you can assume that your time has not come yet. Just ... Take my word for it. Your sister can see us perfectly now. I have in view of your sister from the future." Daybreaker turned her head to the side and I followed her gaze. There, on a cloud, lay my beloved sister! Which I have not seen for over three hundred years!

My sister didn't say anything, she just watched. But after a few seconds, her appearance evaporated, leaving an empty cloud.

I turned my head to Daybreaker and decided to take this step. "No! You will deceive me, and I can extinguish my rage." I said and sighed calmly, closing my eyes.

But when I opened my eyes, Daybreaker was gone and time was back on track. My mane started fluttering in the wind again even though I was wearing my helmet. I tried to calm down and concentrate.

And again I noticed how we were flying in a dense formation to approach the enemy, one of the officers, pegasus, flew up to me.

"Your Majesty! What will be the orders? We are at least three times smaller." My officer said loudly but calmly.

But I did not have time to answer, when suddenly a familiar pegasus flew up from below and hovered in front of our eyes. Exactly! I recognized him! This is one of the former praetorians who was transferred to this legion, for a minor offense in a dispute with the authorities. He's also a member of the Heart Path reconnaissance team! I saw him yesterday at the tavern! An unexpected meeting, but for some reason my heart tells me that his appearance is a sign of fate.

Quick Strike flew closer to us, and my officer wanted to be indignant at this daring trick. They recognized each other, and this foreshadowed an unnecessary argument. It was to this officer that Quick Strike broke his nose. Heh. Honestly, I later laughed a little at this moment when I read the report from my guards.

"I beg your pardon, your majesty! But I beg you! Give me a chance, as a former praetorian, to be with you until the end!" Quick Strike said in a desperate state, but his face showed no fear. And he was ready to give his life for me and Equestria. But he is not an ordinary warrior. I know it.

I looked with a smile at Quick Strike, and then at the griffins flying slowly in our direction. They stopped floating in the air and two griffins detached from their group, one of which carried a white flag. It seems they have already realized that Princess Celestia will oppose them, and this may entail a lot ... bad for them!

I quickly realized the complaint and something appeared in my thoughts and plans. I looked seriously at this pegasus, who looked expectantly into my face. "Quick Strike! You will fly with me!" I turned to my unit of praetorians. "Give Quick Strike a white flag! Make it faster!"

A soldier flew out from the middle of the group and flew up to Quick Strike, then pulled a white rag from his armor. "I never thought that she would be of use to us! But I believe in you, Your Majesty! Your decision is the law for us!" The Pegasus Praetorian said and bowed back to the ranks.

Quick Strike turned his gaze to the griffins and then to me. He looked at me with a serious look. "Thank you, Your Majesty! It is an honor for me to be your companion!" Quick Strike said and flew up so that he would be next to me and face the opponents. Then he lifted the white cloth with his hoof.

I turned to the commander and gave my most desperate and daring order. "Commander! I order: all the pegasus to return to the legion camp! Urgently! And start helping with the evacuation to the ships! Command the captain of the ship to lead the squadron and go to the Royal Naval Hospital! And DO NOT argue with me! Trust me."

All the pegasus looked at each other, someone even had a tear in their eyes. They can be understood. They are the most loyal and elite squad of pegasus in my kingdom. That is why I do not want to lose any of them in this unequal battle!

"Your Majesty! I understand that your orders are law for us! But let me at least ..." The commander of the Pegasus spoke, but I interrupted him in a loud, imperious voice.

"Follow the ORDER!" I shouted in the voice of Canterlot. And it seems to me that even the griffins have their ears blocked.

However, the griffins behaved in a completely noble manner. They patiently waited for the envoys. And they have clearly already made their decision. Avoid the battle. They clearly understood that even if they had a numerical advantage, they could not win. They will cause damage, but they will die, and that’s all!

When all a hundred Praetorian Pegasus flew away towards the camp, I exchanged glances with Quick Strike. "I am glad that it is you who will be next to me, at this moment. And now we probably have to go. If something goes wrong ..."

"I will be with you until the end, Your Majesty!" Quick Strike answered without letting me finish. However, he is truly brave and daring, with his commanders. But I feel that his future will touch me more than once.

I smiled at him and we flew to the meeting with the griffins to carry out negotiations.

When we flew up to two griffins, who were dressed as officers, they both bowed to us respectfully. We answered them in the same manner. But I decided to be more humble and let them speak first. Of course they expected the opposite, it was evident in their eyes.

But when they both looked at each other, one of them spoke up: "My compliments, Princess Celestia! I am Commoder Harp. I am in command of the air forces in this offensive operation. And to be honest, it was a big surprise for me to learn that Your Majesty is personally present in fight for this colony." Commoder Harp said and politely waited for my answer.

Author's note: Commodore- rank equal to colonel.

I looked with an unreadable look at this griffin. "I have a demand!" I decided to get down to business right away.

The griffin looked at me with a raised eyebrow, but kept the respectful tone of his speech. "Yes. I already understood. However, I see you are a very brave and powerful princess. You let go of your elite guard before flying to talk with us. Let me do the same." But without waiting for an answer, this griffin turned around and showed a swing with both front paws. And after that, all the griffins on command rushed in the direction of their camp. And then he looked into my face with a smile on his face. "I think it's better that way. Am I right?"

"You would be absolutely right Commoder Harp. And since I know your intentions regarding this colony, as well as regarding our kingdom, I would like to know: are you ready to conclude a temporary truce and let our ponies leave this colony?" I pointed my hoof down. "But not blood and murder! Otherwise, I can give you a guarantee that this land will be destroyed, and no one will get it!" I spoke the last words in a serious, threatening manner.

However, the griffin remained calm on his face. "I am ready to accept such conditions, but you know that if this land is destroyed, then your ponies will suffer! But I have a proposal that will help solve our problem with little blood."

I was a little embarrassed by the impudence in the tone of this griffin, but he was right in his own way. I don't want to lose my ponies. "What's your suggestion?"

The griffin grinned and then looked at his companion, who was, however, larger than him, and then turned his gaze to Quick Strike. "I'll give you a solo duel! Mortal Kombat in the air! Your pegasus against my officer! Well what do you say to Princess Celestia?"

But I didn't have time to give my answer! Quick Strike dropped the white flag and flew forward, then pulled out his gladius.

"Princess Celestia agrees to your terms!" Quick Strike shouted and gripped his sword tighter with his hoof.

I was a little shocked by this behavior, and I think... "Yes, I agree! Let there be Mortal Kombat! The outcome of which will be decided by our conditions!" Well, I personally then either give a strong bashing to this pegasus, or I will cry for a long time over his corpse. Well, or I will be very grateful for his heroism and upholding my honor. But I believe in him, he is really an unusual warrior. His ancestors always had this trait of a character! And I am sure that his descendants will be the same!

The griffin looked at me and at Quick Strike with great respect. "So it will be!" Shouted Commoder Harp and slapped his paw on the back of his officer and flew to the side.

I couldn't look my pegasus in the eye, but I heard him speak through clenched teeth. "Please, Princess Celestia, trust me and fly!"

"Good luck, Quick Strike! I won't forget you ..." I said in a whisper and flew away.

The law of a Mortal Kombat duel is to decide the outcome with little blood.

I sat down on a cloud away from the future aerial arena, and a few meters, to my right, sat down on a cloud, Commoder Harp.

I know that Quick Strike is smaller than the griffin he will fight. But I am confident for my warrior!

Quick Strike hovered confidently in the air and looked at me out of the corner of his eye, and then winked. It was a truly breathtaking sight. And to be honest ... I was a little sexually aroused. Well, no one at this moment knows that this is so. So I focused all my attention.

When the countdown ended, both fighters flew at each other!

Quick Strike put his sword forward, but I know that he is most likely doing a deceptive maneuver. His opponent pulled out from his belt some kind of long chain with a hook at the end, and with the other paw he was holding a short sword! It wasn't entirely fair.

Looks like Quick Strike noticed it too, but kept his direction. Their speed was average. And when they got close, the griffin released its chain into him to wrap Quick Strike. But at that moment Quick Strike simply fell headlong in the air to gain speed more, and a griffin chain flew over his feet.

The griffin concentrated just as quickly and flew after Quick Strike, a stone down.

Quick Strike at that moment, gaining sufficient speed, turned his head to the left and began ... to create a VORTEX! Its speed to the ground, and the flight itself was spiraled!

The griffin who late noticed this maneuver hit the very epicenter and began to circle through the air! It was unexpected even for me!

Quick Strike, with his last strength, continued to circle this griffin in the already swirling tornado, and it was clear that he himself was trying to get out of this airy, destructive element!

They were both shouting something, but I could not hear it sitting on my cloud. I was just excited to watch this whole phenomenon, and what one pegasus is capable of. Pegasus, who was suspended for violation, but not expelled from military service. And I began to think that, most likely, I jumped to conclusions. This pegasus ...

Before I could finish my thoughts, I saw that Quick Strike escaped from the created tornado and flew off to the side at fast speed, losing his concentration for a while. I even saw a sword fly out of his hooves! He lost his weapon ...

The griffin, however, was also able to fly out of this vortex, and in doing so he also lost his weapon! So now the chances have been leveled.

They both took off to a height to catch up with us, but kept their distance. And again they soared opposite each other at a distance of about fifty meters.

Quick Strike began to knead his hooves, and the griffin stuck out its claws! It took about ten seconds, and they flew at each other again. The griffin began to smile maliciously, foreshadowing the victory of his claws, but Quick Strike abruptly pulled his hooves under the belly. Thus, he created himself a greater acceleration, while at the same time he tilted his head in the helmet forward. Thus, he decided to transfer all his blow to the helmet. And all this was a fraction of a second before the collision.

Not one of them backed down! And it was scary. I had a desire to close my eyes, but I resisted this moment. Because now fate is being decided. And I believe in my pegasus.

Time has slowed down.

Both fighters received a strong blow, and flew down to the ground, only at the griffin ... the head was not arched at the right angle! Commoder Harp and I exchanged glances and both rushed to catch up with the bodies of our fighters.

I flew as fast as I could, and I saw that Quick Strike was still not working its wings! I was afraid of the worst, so gritting my teeth, I picked up the highest speed of the fall, and flying up to the falling unconscious Quick Strike, I grabbed him with my hooves. Commoder Harp, however, also managed to grab his officer, but already almost at the very ground. Therefore, I watched as they both collided with the ground under the weight of their weight, both lay dead.

I gathered all my strength and directed my flight towards our ships. I heard Quick Strike's weak breathing and was naturally happy at that moment. I flew to the ground, in the direction of our camp. I wanted to kiss this pegasus, but ... I think I will have time for this.

"I think ... it could be considered a victory." I told myself and decided to teleport both of us to the Legion camp without further ado.

When I found myself in the center of the legion camp with a pegasus in his hooves and squatting, everyone who was in a hurry to carry out the order at that moment stopped abruptly to look at their princess. And, of course, rumors have already spread that I am in this part of the colony. I'm sure this is true. Because the surprise among the ponies is gone. There was respect. Several legionary ponies ran up to me and bowed.

I used my magic and levitated and brought the Quick Strike body to the medical ponies, who also decided to run up to me. "Please provide this warrior with medical assistance and send to my flagship Retribution Equestria." I said and hurried to find the commander of the legion to check the evacuation. I hope they are not delayed and everything is in order.

Soon the griffins will realize that their commander has not returned, and then they will be able to continue the attack again. But then Daybreaker can have the fun she wanted half an hour ago. Here I can no longer contain my emotions! So it is better for them to abandon their plans.

"Glory to Princess Celestia!" All the ponies chanted as I walked past them to the commander's tent.

In five minutes in tent Primus Pilus.

There were several officers in this tent, including some from my personal guard. And Primus Pilus looked at me as if I was the best gift for the fate of his legion.

Primus Pilus cleared his throat and looked at me with respect. "You, however, pleasantly surprised us all, Your Majesty ... But this is certainly great news! And I can tell you, just when the legion found out that among us Princess Celestia herself, who did not leave us in trouble, the spirit of the warriors immediately increased! We were ready to rush into battle even now, but we have your order to evacuate, and I have no doubt that you made the right decision. I also know that you were able to save my reconnaissance group, which I was sending to the village. Heart Path, Valiant Romantic, Quick Strike, everyone has a different severity of injury, but Heart Path got the worst. Valiant Romantic was slightly injured, but they helped him, now he is already on his hooves and helps other ponies to board the ships. He is now temporarily leading a reconnaissance group of several unicorn archers under my command. Quick Strike ... received a small concussion. But what happened?"

When Primus Pilus finished his report, I remembered everything that had happened during the time when I arrived at the camp. "They all fought heroically for my honor, and the glory of Equestria. Therefore, I order them all to be transported to my ship. Including the mare who also arrived with Valiant the Romantic. Her name is Azura."

"Oh ... indeed, one of my medical officers reported that there was one mare among the reconnaissance group that remained to close pony's retreat. Oddly enough, she had a personal battle bow Heart Path. From her words we learned that she is a friend Heart Path, Valiant Romantic, and Quick Strike. She also insisted that we enlist her as a volunteer in our legion. I did not refuse, especially since Valiant Romantic confirmed her great, personal contribution to the fight against the enemy. She has good combat experience, so..." But he didn't have time to finish because I interrupted him.

"I need to see her. Obey the order, and urgently deliver the indicated ponies to my flagship!" I said in a serious voice, and my heart was beating in alarm. After all, the so-called Azura is a changeling princess. It is necessary to ensure its secrecy and safety. It will be good for all of us.

"Yes, of course the princess! Boarding the ships will take about two more hours, I will immediately order that the specified ponies be delivered to your ship." Primus Pilus answered.

I left the tent and, accompanied by two guards pegasus, went to the hospital tent to check those who, in a short time, proved what is dear to my heart.

When I entered the tent of the temporary hospital of the Legion camp, many wounded ponies were carried past me on a stretcher and immediately sent them to the boats to take them to the ships. Many who saw me quietly greeted me with forced smiles. But I urged them to preserve their strength and not pay much attention to me. I did not come here to conduct a ceremony, but to help everyone I can do.

When I found the one I was looking for, this mare looked at me in surprise. She was sitting near the bunk where Heart Path. But next to his bunk was another familiar mare. The same Flicker. Nearby was a bunk where pegasus Quick Strike was already lying clutching his head, and at that moment another red mare was gently stroking his hooves. She was with Night Flicker today. It looks like these stallions have an interesting company. Well ... this is their private life, and I respect it.

I quietly approached these ponies and they turned their attention to me, only smiled slightly. All except Night Flicker. At that moment she turned away and cried, her noses resting on the back of the Heart Path. An arrow was already pulled out Heart Path and armor was removed, and prompt medical assistance was provided. Flicker gently stroked the neck Heart Path with her hoof and I realized at that moment that this mare had warm, loving feelings. I would like to say something, but only looked with sadness at all these ponies.

The ginger mare spoke first. "Sorry Princess Celestia. My name is Sunny Kiss and I beg you. Please, let me and my friend Night Flicker volunteer for your fleet and be with our friends. Our stallions, with whom we have feelings, for that short the time we know each other." Sunny Kiss spoke in a timid voice, but looked confidently into my eyes.

But I had already made a decision, so coming closer to this mare, I gently put my wing on her back. "Yes, of course. You will all go to my ship. Your stallion ... Quick Strike, behaved bravely enough, take my word for it. It was thanks to him that we were able to gain time in order to have time to carry out a complete evacuation. Avoid many victims." Then I looked warmly at Azura, who was still a little afraid to look me in the eye. "And you Azura, you also deserve the honor. I've already heard about your participation in the scout team. You certainly deserve to ask me the same. And I will allow you to be with your friends on my ship."

Azura could not bear the emotions calmly approached me and hugged my hoof, which embarrassed me a little. "I ... I really want this! After all, I no longer have loved ones." Then she turned her gaze to Heart Path and quietly walked over to his bed and took his hooves in hers. She turned her head to me. "Heart Path is not just my friend. He is a part of my destiny! Just like Valiant Romantic. So also Quick Strike. Also Sunny Kiss and Night Flicker, I worked with them in a tavern and we also became friends."

After these words, Night Flicker and Sunny Kiss came up and hugged Azura. From which tears began to appear in her eyes. And this phenomenon touched me. It was the warmth of feelings.

But then a voice was given by Quick Strike who quietly got up from the bed and sat on the edge of it, and then made a faint smile looking at us all. "Well, who will hug me?"

I turned my attention to Quick Strike and could not stand it. Tears of happiness flowed from my eyes. I walked closer to him and, without a word, surprised him and the other ponies. "Perhaps it will be I." I hugged him affectionately and pressed him to my chest, which made him whine slightly, but his hoof slowly rose and he began to stroke my hoof.

This scene surprised everyone a little, including the passing medical staff who watched us with their mouths open. But I was all right. This pegasus deserves not only my hug, but something more.

"Oh, Princess Celestia, if only I knew that for your embrace, I was ready to die today! And I have no doubt that I would have done the right thing." Quick Strike said in a weak and trembling voice.

I put my chin on his head and stroked his back with my hoof. "Don't joke like that, my faithful warrior. You will also serve on my ship."

But at that moment we were all distracted by the cough Heart Path. When we hurried to look at him, Quick Strike jumped out of bed and went to the bunk Heart Path and put his hoof on his side. “I still don’t understand ... How did it happen that Heart Path found itself in such a position? After all, he could have time to finish legion camp!” Quick Strike spoke, raising his voice, but Night Flicker hurried to calm him down.

"Please, Quick Strike, be a little quieter." Flicker said and slowly raised her gaze to me, from whose eyes again a tear began to flow. "I think Princess Celestia can give you an answer. Or Azura. Since they were in that forest at that moment and came under fire from the vanguard of the griffins." Flicker said and lowered her head sadly.

I just sighed sadly and lowered my eyes. "I ... I apologize to everyone, my little ponies. For not being able to arrive earlier to help you. It's ... my fault." I said a little stuttering, because from the memory of today, a lump in my throat began to roll up in my throat.

Quick Strike, seeing my condition, quietly approached and embraced me with his wing. "Please, princess. Don't cry. I'm sure Heart Path can survive."

"He can!" Flicker said in a serious voice. And when she noticed that they paid attention to her, she continued. "I already gave him part of my blood, as soon as I learned about this misfortune. The unicorns-doctors, for a long time could not find a donor. But we were lucky. We have the same blood type with Heart Path." Flicker said and smiled for the first time and then stroked the hoof Heart Path. "Now we are with him, same blood."

I looked at Flicker with motherly love. “This is a very commendable dedication on your part, Night Flicker. This way, you personally take care Heart Path while sailing."

Flicker smiled gratefully and bowed. "It is very generous of you, Princess Celestia!"

At that moment one of my praetorian officers ran into the hospital tent. “Your Majesty! Legion is finishing loading the ships. Please follow the entire crew and the ponies of your choice to the boats." The officer finished his report and looked at the wounded Heart Path. “We know your order, Your Majesty, do not worry, all the ponies will be delivered to your ship. We also sent refugees to other ships. Everyone will be assisted in accordance with your order." Said the officer and looked at me expectantly.

I sighed and nodded to my officer. "Yes of course. I'll go to the ship." Then I turned my head towards these ponies, who were looking at me expectantly. "I have to go, but I'll see you on my flagship." And when they nodded in the affirmative, and then hugged each other again for joy. I left the hospital tent.

Approximately twelve hours passed.

It was already dark and our fleet was able to sail safely. And now we are heading for the Royal Marine Hospital, as it was planned by our route. The captain of the ship Retribution Equestria was quite puzzled when he learned that I had been pretending to be a mare admiral all this time! Heh ... he can be understood. But I hastened to explain everything. Moreover, I did it publicly, when I gathered the whole crew of the ship.

My friends ... can I call them that? I mean Heart Path, Valiant Romantic, Quick Strike, Azura. Eeh I would really like it to be so. Therefore, from the first hours of our closer acquaintance, I showed them a lot of my mercy and allowed them to communicate with me more freely if there were no officers of my team present.

As discussed earlier, Night Flicker, Sunny Kiss, and of course Azura, were appointed orderlies on my ship. They really work hard all this time helping the sick and the wounded.

I still worry a lot about all ponies. And for the fact that all these ponies had a difficult fate. I wanted ... I wanted to go and be around the Heart Path bed for a while, but I know Flicker is already caring for him. What can she think? What can everyone think? I am Princess Celestia and I am almost affectionate and care for one wounded stallion!

Let me think what they want! Everything is really smooth for me, I am free in my decisions. And there is nothing I can’t help with, and I don’t want to! But I am drawn to this stallion. And then there's Quick Strike...

I was distracted from all these thoughts by a knock on the door.

I lifted my sad head from my hooves, sitting at the table. "Come in." I said in a calm voice. Whoever he is ... I don't want to see anyone but one ...

One of my guards entered the door and bowed. "Your Majesty, your supper is ready. Would you mind? Your Majesty, forgive my persistence." Said my guardsman pony and taking off his helmet put it to his chest. "Please! Your Majesty, you have not eaten all day! This is not possible. After all, now our situation is more stable and the ships are on the right course, the sky is calm. Please, for the sake of all ponies, stop worrying and eat at least a little, ship cook tried very!" This guardsman said and went on to a conspiratorial whisper. "He even made some brownies for you, I have no idea where he could get the ingredients."

When I heard the words of my guard, I immediately smiled. "Well, you were able to convince me. Please bring in dinner and close the door. Warn all the guards and officers to call me only on an emergency basis. I want to be a little ... alone. Understand me."

My guardsman looked at me anxiously, with concern on his face. "All right, Your Majesty. As you please." Said the Guardsman and then leaving the door gave some orders, after which two ponies entered my cabin and put dinner on my table.

"Thank our ship cook for me." I said and put a smile on my face. Although I was not hungry at all. But I have an idea.

When I was alone again, I rubbed my hooves in anticipation of a delicious dinner for two. If only he was not busy, for example, on duty!

I changed my magic and teleported to the lower deck, where the Marine Corps cabins were located. At that moment, one of the legionnaires noticed me and, with wide eyes, looked at me.

"Your ..."

I put my hoof to this legionnaire's mouth, which made him a little scared. "Quiet. Don't make much noise. Where is Quick Strike's cabin?" I asked in a whisper.

“Oh, I'm sorry, princess. Come after me, I will show you. ”The Legionnaire spoke in the same whisper and beckoned me with his hoof.

When we got to the right door, I made it clear to the legionnaire that he was free and that this should be kept secret. I knocked lightly on the door of this cabin, after which I heard the clatter of hooves. And when the door opened, Quick Strike looked out of it with a little surprised eyes, and I immediately rushed to bring the wing to his mouth so that he didn't talk too much. After that, I pushed him into the cabin with my hoof, from which he did not resist, on the contrary, he hurried to let me through. I was lucky that at that moment he was alone.

I closed the door behind me and turned my head to the puzzled Quick Strike. "I apologize for such a sudden invasion, Quick Strike." I whispered and looked expectantly at my faithful warrior.

Quick Strike cleared his throat and looked a little embarrassed. "No. You don't have to apologize for this princess ..."

“Just Celestia. If we are alone, please do not use this title. I'm tired of him. Actually, I have a small suggestion."

Quick Strike's ear twitched slightly and he assumed a calm expression. "How can I serve you, Celestia?"

I furrowed my brows slightly. “Let's talk about how I am a simple mare, stallion! And I want to invite you to dinner at my hut. And so as not to embarrass you too much, I give you my word that this will only be between us. And it will be just lunch and a warm conversation. After all, I am immensely grateful for your heroism. And I would like to thank you somehow."

At that moment, Quick Strike's stomach made a familiar hungry sound, but doubt appeared on his face. “Listen, Celestia ... I, of course, understand everything, but soon my friend Valiant will come and suspect that I have disappeared somewhere! And besides ... shouldn't you worry more about Heart Path now than about me?" Quick Strike asked, tilting his head slightly to one side.

I sighed sadly and dropped my eyes. “You're right, Quick Strike, but ... now his mare, Night Flicker, is courting him and I didn't want to waste time caring for her stallion. And now I... I feel a little lonely and in need of someone to just and informally stay with me. After all, I..." But I didn't have time to finish.

Quick Strike quietly walked over to me and lifted my chin with his hoof. "Collect the spirit of Celestia! You are not alone! But I understand you. Okay. I do not want to refuse such a gift. When Equestria's prettiest mare calls me out for dinner. "

I looked this stallion in the eyes, and something in his words and actions became familiar to me. I hugged him with my hooves and rubbed my cheek against his left ear. It was pleasant for me, but it was and unexpected at the same time. “You speak and do like Heart Path. How long have you known him?"

Quick Strike put his hoof around my chest and smiled slightly. “I think I'll give you the answers, but let's have dinner with you. I'm glad you came to visit me, Celestia. Simple mare at times, you don't belong to me. This is what my heart says."

I looked this pegasus in the eye and noticed sparks, and there was a lot of sympathy and friendliness in his voice. "If you're ready, I can move us to my cabin right now."

"I must leave a note Valiant, so that he doesn't worry or panic." Whispered Quick Strike and, I released him from my hooves, after which he went to the chest and took out writing materials.

I nodded and waited patiently for Quick Strike to finish its business.

In five minutes in my cabin.

This is how I imagine Princess Celestia's private cabin. But this is just a similarity that I could find on the Internet. In fact, her cabin is slightly larger. After all, this ship is a large Caravel. In general, as a reader, you just need to imagine this. And my job is to write for you further.

I and Quick Strike sat at the same table opposite each other and it was clear how this stallion ... is a little nervous and embarrassed about such a private environment with me. Hmm I can understand him. I bet the Heart Path at this very moment would have already shook all this food off the table, and put me on my back doing something ... that I really want. And I want it for a long time! Please forgive the princess, who, hmm ... I don't like to remember my age. It is a little upsetting, although I am not getting old, and now my body is about thirty years old!

I tilted my head towards Quick Strike and stared into his eyes. "Maybe now that we have agreed that you will not be so afraid of me! Relax Quick Strike. Just imagine that you are not on duty now. You have an easy date with a simple mare!" I said and smiled broadly. Hope it works. I want this pegasus to see me as a friend, not a princess.

Quick Strike's eye twitched and he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Celestia, but you have to understand me! I ... I'm on a date with a simple mare? What are you talking about? You are the most difficult mare I have ever seen!" Said Quick Strike and then pressed his ears to his head, regretting that he began to speak louder.

I rolled my eyes at his behavior. And almost in defeat, lowered her chin on the table, although this is a clear violation of royal etiquette. Everything was smooth to me. I looked into Quick Strike's eyes and blinked my eyelashes slightly, then wiggled my eyebrows.

“So you consider me a beautiful mare? So why are you wasting yourself and not taking advantage of the moment to relax a little in my company, especially when I ask you about it personally? And this is not an order! Please remember, this is a simple date, with a simple mare!" I said in a kind voice and at the end smiled. But this pegasus was stubborn, although a few minutes ago he was a little bolder. Maybe I should be a little seductive so that he understands that he should like my company.

Quick Strike chuckled slightly and raised an eyebrow, hooves crossed over his chest. “Hehe. Are you trying to flirt with me, Celestia?"

Oops, I'm really going a little far.

I took a deep breath and decided to calm this situation down a bit until things get out of hand, causing me to crawl under this table to prove to Quick Strike that I am just a mare! Who needs ATTENTION from the stallion! But ... I will not do this, because I may have all kinds of crazy fantasies, but I am still a princess. And I'm not going to put pressure on the stallion.

“Sorry Quick Strike if my little games made you feel uncomfortable. It's just...” I said, and then grumbled slightly, outraged by my pathetic attempts. “Ahr ... Let's have dinner already. By the way, please be a good stallion for a while and pour wine for both of us. You are as hungry as I am! But I had no appetite, and I thought that in the company of a friend, my state of mind would return to normal."

Quick Strike smiled slightly and reached with his hooves for the jug, and then when he took it with his hooves ... he stopped in place. “Wait, you said ... with a friend? Does it mean that ..."

"Why not? Or are you against our friendship?" I said, tilting my head slightly in the direction from which my mane covered one eye. I don't like it when it happens, but over the years I seem to get used to it.

Quick Strike, unexpectedly for me, was finally able to relax a little and hastened to pour the wine into glasses. "Sorry Celestia! Sometimes I'm an idiot like one of my friends! Of course, I'm not against friendship with you! This is even more than I expected!" Quick Strike raised a glass of wine. “Well, I want to propose a little toast: to my friendship with the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria!"

I decided not to use telekinesis to raise a glass of wine, but I did it with my hoof. Thus, I decided to prove that I can still be equal to this pegasus, but not higher than it, in the position and capabilities of my magical anatomy.

“Well, then I will also say my words: For friendship with the most devoted, brave warrior, with a strong head! Who today by his act not only helped to save many lives, but ... thereby ... knocked on the door of my heart! And, of course, I, like a mare, opened this door for you. But it's up to you to enter or not!" I said in an even but loving voice, and then, without waiting for an answer, drank my glass of wine, but at this time I continued to observe the reaction of Quick Strike, looking at him with one eye.

Quick Strike at that moment hung with his mouth open and a glass of wine near his face. And it seems to me that now, despite the sound of the sea that is given outside the windows of my cabin, I could hear how loudly his heart was pounding.

But after a few seconds, he still plucked up courage and drank his glass of wine. And when he put his empty glass on the table, he decided to pretend that he did not hear my words and began to eat. I, too, did not put pressure on this stallion, because just in fact ... I made an offer to this stallion to be close friends. Although I fully comprehend my words, my heart began to skip a beat ...

I turned my head sadly and a light tear rolled from my eye. Of course, Quick Strike noticed this and, leaving the table, came closer to me to look into my eyes.

"I know what you are thinking about him now. This is very perceptible. Therefore, perhaps I am behaving more restrained towards you. Although you literally hinted at a more detailed closeness to me several times!" Said Quick Strike. And when I slightly smiled and lowered my eyes, because I was ashamed to look at him.

Quick Strike continued to torment my conscience! And I know what he is doing right. "What !? Do not be surprised so much! I am not quite a fool. Spending time with me, you still do not forget about Heart Path, just like me! And for some reason I am sure that if you kissed me, you would close your eyes and represented him in my place. I do not want to offend you with these words. But I am your faithful warrior, and your friend! I want your soul to be in order. And you know what?" Quick Strike asked and lifted my chin lightly with his hoof.

But I closed my eyes and tears flowed from them. I was very ashamed to look him in the eye. He got it right ... I haven't forgotten about Heart Path. And I even had vulgar thoughts! I wanted to receive love and possibly affection from another stallion, but at the same time my heart was beating for the one ... who is now in a magical coma. Or maybe it's my fault. I felt very ashamed and, opening my eyes, I abruptly hugged Quick Strike with my hooves, which he was not surprised, but still whined. I laid my head on his shoulder and wet his back with tears.

"Oh, Celestia ... Well, well ... I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings." Said Quick Strike and started hugging me back. But he did it in a friendly way, lightly patting me on the shoulder with his hoof. “But why don't we finish lunch and visit Heart Path together in the infirmary!? I'm sure there is nothing wrong with that. We'll take Valiant and Azura, and I invite Sunny Kiss. Heh, yes. I kind of like her, and we have something with her."

I let go of Quick Strike and looked into his eyes, smiling. “You know, you're right, Quick Strike! We'll finish dinner and go see Heart Path. I just want to see how the other wounded warriors are doing. They were also in that forest, and there were those who died ... but many survived.” I said the last words with undisguised sadness.

“That's right, Celestia.” Quick Strike said, and returned to the table.

And so it happened. We ate quietly, joked a little with each other to cheer up. And when we had dinner, we went to the infirmary. At the same time, when we were leaving my cabin, my personal praetorians, who were on duty on deck, looked at us with a raised eyebrow. But when I looked into their eyes again and smiled, they just shook their heads and continued their ministry.

And so the time flew by unnoticed, but it was full of various events for me. But the most important thing is that Heart Path woke up on the third day. We were able to host the awards ceremony. And then I received a message that the Royal Maritime Hospital was under siege by a fleet of griffins. Of course, this was a very expected move on their part, but I'm not a fool either! Therefore, now we are heading at full sail to rescue the besieged port. And then Heart Path and his friends showed themselves again, thereby saving two dozen ponies of Saddle Arabia who could drown. Moreover, among them was Princess Amira, who seemed to me a very funny mare. She flirted almost openly with Heart Path and Quick Strike. She passionately kissed Princess Emerald lying on the floor in my cabin! However, I was not angry with them. In such a company, I felt good. Until I asked them to leave me alone with Heart Path! At least for a while. I feel ... that if I don't do it now, I won't have that chance anymore. I have a crazy idea and I think Heart Path will appreciate my efforts. I know that there is one small island in our itinerary. Almost invisible, but special in that there is a small waterfall with a warm spring. I decided to teleport both of us there. So now I will pleasantly surprise him. And I hope he likes it. I will show him my love. And give him your closeness in full availability. After all, he promised to kiss me wherever I let him! Well, I will give him unlimited freedom of choice, and I myself will be a hot mare!

Heart Path blinked several times and then rubbed his hooves into his eyes to reopen them to inspect our location. He has such a funny expression now! It is immediately clear that this unicorn stallion almost did not participate in teleportation. "I... of course, in shock! It's beautiful here, but ... was it necessary to do it? What if our urgent presence was required on the ship?" Heart Path asked me and blinked his eyes, but nevertheless began to smile, and at that moment a light breeze blew over his long, black mane.

I smiled and, without saying a word, turned my back to him, and then hit him in the face with my magic tail, and slowly walked towards the warm spring, all the while looking seductively at the stallion. “We have little time, Heart Path! So I suggest you take a moment. Kiss me wherever I let you! But I'm not going to limit you." I said and jumped into the water, which was so deep that it tickled my stomach a little.

Heart Path shook his head and ran towards me. And then he jumped next to me and from this water splashed and flooded my head, mane, wings, tail. I got wet. And in the full sense of the word. I was sexually aroused. So I decided to play a little with this stallion. I was completely submerged in the water, and when I got completely wet, I pushed this stallion into the water.

"Ahh!" Heart Path came out of the water with a mane stuck to his face. “Brr! So do you wanna play? Oh, you wet mare! Well, now I will punish you!" Said Heart Path in a passionate voice and dived to swim closer to me.

All the time I backed away from him, trying to understand his plans. His intentions. I backed away until my ass rested on a natural stone curb. And then rolled her eyes at the stallion's antics, sat up and caught him with her hooves. He forced himself to come out and pressed his chest against me, so that our wet noses began to rub against each other.

"Oh ... remember, we don't have much time ... mmm." I spoke in a low, loving voice and hugged Heart Path with my hooves, and as always, not letting me finish, he began to kiss me. Then his tongue entered my mouth and my heart beat even faster. We hugged each other with our hooves and rubbed our belly. I broke the kiss, gasping with excitement. "Wait." I spoke quietly and decided to jump to this bank, and then lay on my back, spreading my wings at my sides.

I quietly spread my legs in a teasing manner. My tail drooped down and a stunning view of my udder was revealed in front Heart Path. And in front of his chest was my wet pussy. And I couldn't control myself. At that moment, this part of my body lived on its own and demanded attention. So, I heard the familiar squelching sound as my labia desperately began to part and show the clitoris outward. I was on the edge, and I really wanted this stallion to start his natural duties!

“Maybe I’ve already died and went to heaven?” Heart Path asked me, but without waiting for an answer, he stretched his hooves to my sun marks to begin massaging them in a circular motion. And then he pressed his chest against my pussy, and his fur began to tickle me slightly. But he was in no hurry with me either. His mouth began to press against my swollen nipples on my udder. He stuck out his tongue and began to lightly rub my nipples. "Are you already starting to look me in the eye while I try to please you?"

I lifted myself up, placing my front hooves on the ground, and looked into his eyes, and at that moment my tongue began to fall out from this little pleasure that I was getting at that moment. “Oh ... I don't know what you found in my nipples, but I am pleased! And no one else did this to me! Who are you, Heart Path? Oо-oh..." I groaned as this stallion bit one of my nipples lightly and sucked it gently as his breasts rubbed against my pussy. Naturally my clitoris reacted to this. And I could hardly restrain myself from hugging him tightly by the neck between my legs! It was a very pleasant feeling, and I have been waiting for such attention from a stallion for a long time.

Heart Path also started to get aroused as its pace began to accelerate and it began to attack my nipples even more. But he did not leave me unanswered. He slowly pulled his head away from one of my nipples and pulled it with his lips, so that I felt like my milk might be in his mouth.

He looked me in the eyes and caught his breath a little. “You may not believe me, Celestia! But I myself do not understand ... why is this happening to me? And where did I get this experience?! As if someone in my body tells me all these movements. And I became the one who is now in front of you. As if someone writes my image in this fate exactly the way you see and feel it. I'm getting inspiration!” Said Heart Path and grabbed my legs firmly with his hooves and then began to lick again with his tongue just below my udder.

At that moment, I could only see his crafty eyes. "Oooh ... Yes! Exactly here, please!" I moaned as he began to gently lick me with his tongue, paving the way for my already attention-hungry pussy. "Aaaaa!" My eyes began to roll slowly, and my chest and all limbs tensed as I felt his tongue slid to my labia, which he hurried to part.

I lowered my head to the ground again and began to pick at the sides with my front hooves. The tension in my body was still present, and I could be understood. This stallion caresses my innermost places with his tongue. He even went lower and several times ran his tongue around my anus and the base of the tail, and then returned again to my swollen pussy. And I didn’t notice how my body began to tremble from the upcoming climax.

Heart Path, unexpectedly for me, broke away and looked at me. "Sellie. Look into my eyes." I raised my head again and did as he asked. I looked into his eyes and began to be a little indignant that he stopped. I will take revenge on him! A little bit later.

"Well, why did you decide to stop when I was already on the brink!?" I said breathlessly.

"Celestia. I want you to relax and enjoy yourself. I want to see your beautiful eyes at this moment." And without waiting for an answer, without taking his eyes off me, he sank lower again to press his lips against my pussy.

"It's easy for you to say! Ooohh. If you were in my place, you would understand me!" I said in a moaning voice and then my tongue fell out when this stallion began to suck my clitoris!

It was then that he crossed the line of this whole sexual moment. I tried to wrap my legs tightly around. But he held them back with his hooves.

My sighs quickened, and after a few seconds I screamed with orgasm and my eyes rolled back. “VII! Ltd! Yes, Heart Path...” There was a lull in my thoughts, and I happily bit my lower lip when I realized that he was eagerly swallowing my juices. My sweet gift. My reward for his efforts.

My chest heaved and my breathing quickened. I was able to focus my gaze again on the face Heart Path, which already with a satisfied smile pressed its chin against my udder. His face was covered with my gift, and his eyes shone with love for me. I felt it in him. I felt like I loved him too! But it's time for me to show what a princess with centuries of experience is capable of!

Heart Path grinned and, without taking his loving eyes off me, ran his tongue again along the crotch of my udder. "Heh. It seems that one beautiful princess has not had such an orgasm for a long time?"

I shook my head from which my long wet mane flew to the sides and finally stuck to my nose, but I smiled slyly at the comment Heart Path. "You know what? Lie down in my place!" And without waiting for his answer, I got up and jumped into the water.

Heart Path did as I asked him.

“Now roll over onto your back! And I'm sure that a stallion like you has never had such happiness that Princess Celestia herself gave him a blowjob!" I spoke in a seductive voice and stuck out my tongue to slowly run over my lips, watching the reaction of this stallion.

"Damn! You are really right!" Said Heart Path and spread his legs, still looking me in the face and looking from my eyes to my tongue.

I noticed that he was already very horny. But with such a complaint, his penis was already standing in full growth, waiting for my actions. My attention.

"Well? Relax and have fun! Now let's see how you do it when I show you the royal experience!" I said in a hot voice and, not taking my eyes off him, began to lower my mouth to the tip of his penis.

"Please don't eat me! I ... oooh!" Said Heart Path stammering with unexpected pleasure on his flesh. And finally he lifted one of his hooves to bite him. But there was complete pleasure on his face.

I began to slowly lick it from above to the very testicles, and then slowly rose again. I really wanted to tease him and see his reaction. But when I reached the tip again, I began to lick it even more intensely. I listened to his groans and whinnying, but now I will take revenge on him! I began to wrap my lips around his tip, and my tongue pressed against his flesh and began to rotate in a circle.

“Ooo, Celestia!!! You are a vengeful mare! But very sexy and desirable for my ... oh ... HEART!" Heart Path groaned and bit the hoof again.

At that moment, I stopped rolling my tongue and began to slowly lower my head inch by inch, swallowing his flesh, suppressing the gag reflex. I was able to convince myself that this is a necessary part of my body. And so smoothly I sank to his base until my chin touched his testicles.

All this time, my nose was breathing heavily, trying to breathe in air, and my eyes began to slide from such tension in my mouth and throat. I felt my hooves and wings tremble. The same shiver went down my stomach and back.

Heart Path had already rolled his eyes and it was clear that he was now arriving in another world. The world of complete bliss that I give him at this moment. His breathing was rapid.

I still held it deep in my throat and I feel like I can't take it anymore. So, I started doing the swallowing and sucking reflexes! And after three seconds of my diligence, the legs Heart Path tried to squeeze my neck. But I am a very experienced mare! And I will prove it to him!

"Aaaaa!" Heart Path groaned in pleasure, and then his eyes slowly came to rest on me! Then his pupils caught the glow of my horn, and he turned his gaze to his legs ... which I held with my magic so that he would not accidentally strangle me with his legs while he had this magnificent orgasm. And then he rolled his eyes and enjoyed it to the fullest!

And at that moment, I felt my body tremble, and his thick semen flowed into my stomach. However, I still squeeze his cock with my throat and mouth painfully as I fondle his balls with my tongue. My eyes gazed ominously at the twitching of this stallion's body, which is now cumming profusely down my throat. And I still suck it! And I assure you, I will not let this stallion walk away in such defeat! Not! I will give him a great opportunity to experience my love to the fullest. But now I will regret him a little, otherwise he may lose consciousness, but I did not want that.

I began to slowly raise my head while continuing to caress his penis with my tongue, and experience his salty and rich taste on myself. Mmm ... I've wanted this for a long time. So at this moment I have a holiday!

When I completely freed him, a trickle of my saliva from his semen connected to his tip. I tried to thoroughly lick and swallow everything, but at this very moment my stallion ... my love! He fell on his back and began to breathe rapidly, and was unable to say anything.

"Hehe!" I jumped out of the water and crawled through Heart Path so that our eyes would meet. His hooves, however, were still able to hug me. I smiled seductively and slowly brought my lip to his to kiss him gently.

Heart Path, however, surprised me. He pulled me tighter with his hooves and turned me gently on my back to be on top of me! But I didn't mind, I was just a little surprised that after this he still has strength. He began kissing me, penetrating my tongue into my mouth and I wrapped all my hooves around him, surrendering to this wonderful moment. And at that very moment my horn touched his horn and I applied an old, but very useful spell on him, which not so many unicorns know.

Heart Path abruptly tore its head away from me, as if spurred on by an electric current. His eyes widened and he looked at me with drooping eyebrows. "What are you putting on the magic of endurance on me?"

"Heh!" I smiled and laughed lovingly. "Yes. My love! I want you to work a little more! I feel that I really want you, and I am afraid that ... this is my only chance! Please..." I made belittling eyes, but Heart Path, this is the kind of stallion that does not need to be persuaded for a long time.

Heart Path wrapped its hooves around my sides. At that moment I rubbed my pussy on his swollen penis again! And after a few seconds, my stallion, with a loving expression on his face, began to push the walls of my juicy love bud.

I began to breathe heavily. "Aaahh!" I moaned in the face of my stallion. "Yes. This is exactly what I have been waiting for for many years, since we met! Fuck me like your mare! I beg you .... ooohhh."

Heart Path slowly pounded into my pussy, and I felt how it fills me and caresses all my erogenous points. And when he touched the cervix of my uterus, I could not stand it and hugged him tighter and pulled him for another kiss on the lips. Heart Path also groaned into my mouth.

"Aah!" I froze with wide eyes, and my body began to tremble violently from such a surprise. "Ay!" Heart Path at this moment, was able to push his penis into the cervix of my uterus, from which I squeezed it tighter with my vagina.

"Ooohhh .. You're so tight at the end! Did I just get into your womb?" Said Heart Path in a moaning voice and slowly began to try to free his cock from my grasp of my tender channel. But he did not succeed, because i instinctively began to punish the violator of my border. I milked him!

"It looks like you're trapped! You are a stallion in my power! So you can't get away from me! You will only have to cum in my uterus, only then can I let you go! Come on, don't hesitate to sow your seed into your mare!" I moaned back and then my tongue fell out on its side.

Heart Path does not have much scope for its movement, and is in my strong embrace, hooves and my cervix. He began to quickly push into me, thereby causing me a huge surge of pleasure, as well as lustful squeals and moans. It's good that no one hears us at this very moment! Well, except maybe a few parrots flying over us. The slapping of his testicles against my anus also gave me pleasure.

I don't want to lose this stallion! I do not want to lose this loving soul! And after these words in my thoughts, which echoed like an echo, everything was clouded with fog in front of my eyes.

Time stopped.

My spirit suddenly flew out of my body, the same Celestia that I was seven hundred years ago. And I began to look with amazement at these two bodies, which froze in time, making love! What's happening? I turned my head in a circle and didn't find anyone! The whole world around me has stopped in time! I discreetly approached this couple in love to look at them with surprise!

Gradually, I was seized by panic. "What's happening? Did the magic of Luna cease to work at such a decisive moment?"

I tried to touch the body of this stallion, but at that moment a fog began to form under me. And then someone abruptly closed my eyes ... hands ... HANDS!

"Can you guess who I am in one go?"

I cried! And at the same time very strongly, a grimace began to form on my face, and my heart began to beat faster! And thus my tears wet these human palms!

My hoof slowly rose to stroke this hand, and then I sharply turned around and saw him! "Heart Path! My love!" I shouted with joy and jumped on the same happy Heart Path. He was glad to see me too! I pressed my chest against him and began to hug him.

"Celestia. If you only knew! I am just as glad to see you in this cursed, but sometimes wonderful dream, from which I cannot get out. I am a hostage of higher powers. Luna has already hinted at me about it. I must go this way to the end! And I'm afraid that you and I don't have much time at this moment. It was the same with Luna when I met her." Said Heart Path and kissed me firmly, with love. To which I answered him in the same way, only this time my love for him was immeasurable...

We both stood up and pressed our sides to each other, I hugged him with my wing. We looked at this couple who stopped in their time and made love.

Heart Path stroked my neck with his left hand and chuckled. “Let me introduce you to me from the past! More precisely, my reincarnation from the past! To be honest, I never thought it was possible until I saw it with my own eyes. And it seems to me ... I'm starting to understand something. I love this world as it is. With his magic. With beauties like you!" Said Heart Path, and after that he kissed me on the lips again.

And I put a hoof on his neck. I don't want to let him go ... but I have no power in this dream.

"I love you! And I will search! Or wait! But I cannot fall asleep normally, knowing that you and Discord, also Chrysalis, somewhere..." But Heart Path did not let me speak with my fingers on my mouth.

"We can't talk about it." He said Heart Path and grinned again at the couple in love. “It's time for us to say goodbye! So why don't we let these loving ponies finish their love affairs?!" But after these words, his spirit began to dissipate in a fog.

“Wait, please, Heart! Stay... with me...” But I did not have time to finish these words and my whole world, as my eyes began to be covered with fog.

And here I am again squatting in the starry sky, on a cloud, and in front of me was a magic door. This door slammed shut, and magical runes glowed on it. In a few seconds, I heard a powerful voice in my head.

"Are you satisfied Princess Celestia? I already took pity on you when I could read the sincere love in your heart! You were ready to sacrifice your immortality, just for one date with this soul that you love ... But I can surely tell you. Your feelings are high and mutual. And I just still can not reveal many secrets. This soul is able to divide his heart, into many. And also sacrifice himself for love. That is why he was again called into this world. But I can't tell you more. Oh yeah ... say hello to Cadence! Now your time has passed and it's time to return to the real world. You need to help your sister, she loves you so much that she sacrificed her last magical powers just to calm your soul and arrange a meeting for you with Heart Path. You will hear my call many times. And when the time comes, I will come for you!"

Real time. Canterlot Palace. Princess Luna's private chambers.

I abruptly opened my eyes and saw myself lying in the same position in which I fell asleep! The window was bright, daylight. But how much time has passed? Then my gaze met my sister's blue horn! I jumped abruptly on my hooves and saw Luna! lying unconscious! The color of the mane and tail has faded! The stars have ceased to shine! Panic seized me, my heart began to beat again. I hastened to pick up my telekinesis sister. And when I put her on my back, at that moment there was a knock on our door.

But, without waiting, I hastened to open this door myself and run out ... only to bury my nose in ...

“Aunt Celestia! What's happening!? Why do you look so terrible? Stop ... Is that Luna on your back?! "My niece Princess Cadance asked me with panic on her face.

My eyes widened in horror and surprise, as there were many guards in this corridor, and among them was Shining Armor!

It seems at this moment, I began to lose consciousness.

Author's Note

The plot moves on, and gradually there is a lot of passion and even more love!

This chapter was not easy for me. Since for 16 thousand words I had to live the role of Princess Celestia. And writing Celestia's point of view is very difficult. After all, it is difficult to really imagine the life of a centuries-old alicorn. But I tried very hard. And I hope this chapter will be appreciated.

Now that I went on vacation, I had more time to work for this story, which means that the next day I will already continue working on the next chapter. I can only say that Chapter 20 will be a jubilee one, and this can bring a lot of plot surprises, in addition to the fact that I'm going to write a big one again.

See you in the next chapter. And love Princess Celestia! She deserves it.