Fall of Equestria: For Honor (revamp)

Chapters

The Scarred Knight
Landfall
The Enemy of My Enemy
The Warden
Get Outta Dodge
Redford Keep
A Night to Remember
Uneasy Alliances
Sir Tibbles
The Crystal Empire
First Encounter
Breaking The Silence
Eve of Battle
The Great Raid
SKAL!
Counterattack
Lost Sentry
Respite
Demons In The Mist
Loyalty
Journey To The East
Homecoming
Element of Generosity
Party Crashers
The Myre
Slaughter Swamp
Warborn
A Bitter Spring

The Scarred Knight

Half a year ago

The air was still in one of the forests that went along the southern border where The Stonehooves made landfall in Equestria, thick mists surrounded the trees and no critters dared to make this place it's home but not all was silent for you see deep within the trees was a presence the forest had never been granted the presence of royalty one of the two celestial sisters that had originally ruled over Equestria. Princess Luna she was currently on the ground in pain before she looked at the source of said pain an arrow going straight through her wing Princess Luna had been flying over the forest when suddenly an arrow shot out from the trees and pierced her wing causing her to plummet into the trees yet however much to her luck she had not suffered any broken bones.

Despite the warning from the mysterious crow, the sisters were not prepared for the onslaught of Dainn and his followers nor were they prepared for his ability to corrupt the minds of their guards with his strange magic.

When they began to overrun the castle, Celestia showed her a secret escape route built many moons ago after her banishment. Luna begged her sister to follow but Celestia could not risk both of them being captured and stayed behind to buy her sister time to find help.

Luna banished the memories to the back of her mind after all she had more important things to worry about as she heard the rustling of the shrubbery getting louder as something approached.

"Most likely the owner of this blasted arrow." She thought to herself.

The princess looked around for a weapon and found a fallen branch to defend herself as she heard the footsteps grow closer.

"You fiends...I will not be taken so easily..." she grunted through the pain when a caribou appeared from the shadows.

"Well, well lookey here boys." The caribou said before four more caribou showed up.

"Aww the poor little birdie. I didn't hurt you too bad did I?" The second one teased while showing one of his arrows.

"She's almost as good looking as her sister~." The third grinned while looking at her figure.

"Stay away from me you foul perverted fuckers!" Luna seethed.

"Ohh I like em FIERY!!" The leader said as he wrenched the branch away from Luna before pinning her to the ground as she began to kick and scream.

"Oh she's a fighter~!"

"Unhand me!" Luna roared before she used her enhanced strength to knock one of the buck's off her.

Now if Luna were at full strength she would have sent him flying and used her magic to finish off the rest but the princess was tired and has only managed to scrape herself up enough food to get by which has left her quite diminished.

“That tears it!” One stag barked.

He smacked Luna across her face, sending her back a few steps before she fell down. Before she could collect herself, the stag kicked her in the gut and pinned her arms down.

“For a cunt, you sure are bucking annoyingly stubborn! But we’ll be sure to fix that!” The stag hissed. He grabbed a handful of her dress and tore it apart, exposing her panties and bra. “Lord Dainn told us not to hurt you too much, but he didn’t say anything about not having a round with you!”

Luna’s eyes widened in horror as he ripped off the only fabric that covered her precious area while reaching in his trousers to pull out his hardening member.

“Let’s see how loud you can scream once you’re all hot and bothered~!” The stag grinned.

“N-NO! NO PLEASE! SOMEPONY HELP!” Luna screamed.

Suddenly one of the caribou felt a chill run down his spine as he heard the sound of approaching footsteps and when he looked he saw a figure walking towards them through the mists this buck was quick to grab the attention of his fellow caribou before gesturing to the new arrival who had stopped before them.

Luna also looked at this stranger and was unsure of what to make of it. The figure wore armour that covered every inch of it's body which was made of leather and chainmail with plate mail covering the forearms and shins even the figure's head was covered with a chain mail hood made of white iron that looked more like cloth from a distance and over the hood was a silver helm with a crown of thorns going around it but the figure's face was obscured by a silver mask that had a face elegantly molded upon it which had a calm expression and in the figure's hands was a one handed longsword and a kite shield in the other.

The figure was like stone and barely moved in fact at first glace one may mistake this figure as a statue the only reason why Luna knew this being was alive and not some golem or decoration was thanks to the vapors of breath that came from the mouth of the mask which were visible in the cold air.

"Who the fuck are you?" The caribou who was about to ravage Luna barked as he fixed his pants as the figure spoke in a low and growly voice.

"Release her...now."

"I don't think so." The second one scoffed as he marched up to him in hopes of provoking a fight.

"You want her, show us what you got you masked-"

SCHWING!!

Before anyone knew what had happened, there was a flash of silver and the strangers sword tip was covered in blood as the second caribou's head slowly fell off and his neck began spraying blood everywhere.

At this the caribou were now completely on guard as one of the bucks grabbed his sword and charged at the figure while screaming like a madman but the figure remained calm and when the caribou made to swing the figure simply moved it's massive shield as if to jab at the arm and when the shield connected the caribou arm fell from the buck causing said buck to scream as he clutched the bleeding stump and when Luna wondered how such a thing was done she saw that the edge of the figure's shield had blades on the edge but the figure wasn't done for he kicked the buck onto his back and used it's leg to pin him in place before using it's sword to pin the buck's other arm the figure then raised it's shield above it's head and brought it down resulting in crushing the buck's ribcage and piercing his chest causing the buck to let out gargled screams.

Another buck charged and attack but this time the figure did use the shield to block the buck's attack before it delivered a blow to the buck's leg leaving a deep wound and forcing the buck to collapse to his knees while screaming in pain which was silenced when the figure ran it's sword through the buck's neck before the blade was bashed out of the buck's neck by the figure's shield.

The next attacker the archer who shot Luna decided on a more cowardly tactic and attacked the figure from behind but the figure spun around and ducked below the buck's attack and then used it's shield to flip the buck over his head and toss the buck to the ground before the figure used it's blade to slash across the buck's chest.

"You bastard! The fourth shouted as he made his own charge but only to wind up running into the figure's sword the figure then tilted the sword forcing the buck to lean back before the figure planed the sword into the ground with the buck still skewered on it.

Meanwhile the archer buck had got up and grabbed it's bow but as the buck knocked an arrow into place the figure threw it's shield at the buck causing said shield pierce and run through the figure's neck the figure then retrieved it's shield and Luna saw that the shield had decapitated the archer the figure then made it's way over to the impaled buck who was still clinging to life before it flexed it's fingers and punched the buck in the face causing him to slide off the sword before the figure retrieved it and turned to the last one.

The last caribou was trembling in fear and why shouldn't he he just watched this...thing appear from the mists like a vengeful spirit and then kill his entire squad with a brutality he had never seen before.

"W-what are you?" The buck asked fearfully.

The figure then began to approach the buck causing the buck to drop his weapon.

"Wait I surrender I give up I-I'm sorry!" The buck shouted as he held his hands out before him as if to prove the fact he was unarmed.

However this did not dissuade the figure's approach before it raised it's shield up and brought it down with the point piercing the dirt allowing the shield to stand upright and the buck could only watch as the shield was but an inch from his own hoof suddenly the hand holding the shield had found it's way to the buck's neck and was squeezing it forcing the buck to reach for the figure's hand with both of his in an attempt to pry himself loose but the grip was too strong but it wasn't enough to kill him but powerful enough to force the buck to look the figure into the dark soulless eyes of the mask.

"Your time to repent is over." The figure spoke as it poised it's blade towards the buck's chest.

The figure then slowly pushed the blade forward and the buck could feel the cold steel push into his chest creeping closer to his rapidly beating heart and yet the buck could not look away from the figure's face.

As the blade kept up it's pace the buck could not imagine what was worse the iron grip around his throat, the blade currently piercing his heart but still going through him or the cold merciless gaze of the figure before him staring silently at him in judgement this was the last thing that entered the buck's mind as his eyelids grew heavy and death claimed him before the stranger withdrew his blade and released the body.

Luna trembled if fear after seeing the slaughter when the mysterious stranger approached.

"S-stay back!" She yelled before spotting the crest of the royal guard on his armor.

"Forgive me my princess." He spoke in a more soft voice as he knelt before Luna.

"Y-you are one of the Equestrian guards?" Luna asked.

"Yes although my armor is not the same as the one you may recognize I am a member of the Border Guard." The figure spoke.

"The Border Guard but I thought you were all decimated when the stone hooves arrived." Luna said.

"We were." The figure spoke after a moment of silence.

Luna's heart sank at this as she thought about all the lives lost who fought to defend their home.

"Your Highness if I may it would be best if we get to secure ground." The figure suggested.

"Yes you're right, there will be more coming." Luna agreed while using her magic to redress herself.

"I am Sir Bulwark and I swear to protect you with my life."

"Lead the way then Sir Bulwark."

Luna followed Bulwark through the misty forest and in that time neither of them said a word and once they reached the end of the forest Luna stood stupefied as a Harbor fortress stood before her battered and broken with areas collapsing in on itself.

"Welcome milady to Storm Wall fortress or rather what remains of it." Bulwark said.

Bulwark and Luna entered through the main gates and Luna looked around and noticed that most of her surroundings where charred black from fire and then she spotted figures emerging from out of the shadows and Luna noticed each one was dressed head to hoof in leather and chainmail and each person wore a mask of some kind.

"Why do you all wear masks?" Luna asked as Bulwark revealed a part of his arm that was badly burned.

"It was the day the stone hooves took the fort we had been holding our position for ten days." Bulwark began

Earlier in the year

Bulwark had grabbed his longsword and helmet as he rushed through the hallways of the fortress which were being shook from catapults the air was hot and it felt difficult for Bulwark to breath.

Upon exiting the hallway Bulwark was met with a inferno the damn caribou had included jars of oil in their catapult fire and have now set the oil ablaze much of the fortress was lost suddenly one of Bulwark's fellow soldiers came running out of the blaze engulfed in fire before collapsing from being burned alive Bulwark could only grit his teeth in anger at their situation.

"Bulwark!"

Looking up to the top of the fortress walls Bulwark spied the fortress commander a Warden.

"Our eastern wall is about to be overrun!"

Bulwark merely nodded before he proceeded to take the shortest route that would get him to the eastern wall.

"Keep them off the wall!"

"More water over here!!"

The fort was in complete chaos as the enemy swarmed into the fortress and were cutting down any who stood in their way while the guards fought desperately to hold them off as Pegasi were shot out of the sky and the unicorn guards were weakened by the overuse of their magic.

And yet despite all that was happening the troops never surrendered and each one of his allies that went down the ponies would take five others down.

"The commander has fallen!"

Seeing what the commotion was Bulwark saw that his commander had fallen to large caribou wielding a claymore.

"This is it we're done for." one of the soldiers commented.

"Hey stow that talk!" Bulwark shouted gaining the attention of his fellow soldiers.

"We're not done yet, we are all that stands between our home and these bastards you realize this!" Bulwark barked causing the men to look at him in worry. "Listen to me I can't promise we will win this fight I can't even guarantee our survival but if we are to die this day then we are gonna take as many of these bastards down as we can we so that when we look our ancestors and predicessors in the eye we will say 'We did not faulter, we did not waver, we died with fire in our hearts and our enemies blood upon our blades!"

With newfound courage the defenders of the fortress who were within earshot of Bulwark's words let out a battle cry that spread to the rest of the fortress causing them to join the choris creating a sound that could shake the foundations of their fortress before they jumped back into the fray.

The held out well cutting down caribou like wheat but still their enemy kept coming Bulwark was upon a catwalk above a burning ship and he just kicked another buck off the side when suddenly he felt a new presence approaching and when he looked he saw it was a caribou wielding a large claymore.

"....That one is mine." The brute bellowed while stomping towards Bulwark.

"Celestia...give me strength..." Bulwark huffed before blocking the first swing that sent him staggering back as his opponent pressed forward.

"Damn!" Bulwark muttered as he tried to raise his shield to defend himself but his stamina was drained he had been fighting for a good portion of the night and he has been near restless since the attacks had begun ten days ago Bulwark was so exhausted he didn't realize how close his opponent had gotten when he nearly had his head split in two from the behemoth before him.

"Hold still whelp!" The caribou bellowed as he swung the massive blade around.

However Bulwark just barely managed to dodge the attack but it did knock the helmet from his face but this didn't detour him, so with a lunge Bulwark made to run his opponent through but his waning strength and the foe moving to avoid the attack Bulwark was only able to leave a deep gash in the caribou's thigh.

"Argh!" The brute yelled as Bulwark collapsed.

The caribou then kicked Bulwark's sword and shield over the side of the cat walk and then proceeded to pick Bulwark up by the front of his armor before holding him above the burning ship.

"Any last words?" The caribou grinned.

"HOLD!!" Another voice yelled and the stonehooves suddenly ceased their attack as a stag with elaborate antlers and armor marched through. His attire was that of royalty and he seemed to have an intimidating appearance as Bulwark stared into his cold, amber eyes.

"Lord Dainn."

"My lord."

The traitors and stags all bowed in respect and Bulwark instantly knew it was none other than Dainn Stonehoof himself.

"Olaf, bring him to me." He commanded as Bulwark was brought before the king and forced to kneel.

"I take it you are in command here?" Diann but Bulwark glared defiantly at him as he struggled to break free from the grip of the one known as Olaf. "No but you are high enough on the ladder."

Diann then nodded to Olaf who once again held Bulwark over the flames.

"Defenders of Storm Wall!" Diann shouted gaining the attention of everyone in the fort. "Surrender your arms...and I'll release this one."

Bulwark looked and saw every one of the troops gazing up at him but if Bulwark was gonna have any say in this he would rather be bathed in fire so he went to hit the arm that was holding him but suddenly his fellow defenders began to lay down their arms before Diann's forces took them into custody causing Diann to smile.

"Olaf...release him." Diann said as his gaze found Bulwark.

"Yes my king." Olaf replied with a smile that matched Diann's.

It took but a split second for Bulwark to realize the trick before Olaf let go of him, sending him plummeting into the fires beneath him and all Bulwark could do was scream in rage as the fire consumed him.

Sometime Later

Bulwark awoke with a start to the feeling of cold and pain he was and screamed bloody murder as he came to his senses he realized he was on the shallow part of the ship building dock drenched in what water could get through the sea gates Bulwark struggled to make heads and tails on what was going on till he remembered the moments before he was dropped into before looking at the ship he fell upon and saw the fires upon it had extinguished themselves Bulwark then remembered the awful sensation that covered not just his head but it felt as if his entire body was on fire so he scrambled into the water to submerge himself in the water he found it did little to help him and when Bulwark looked at his body he saw that what wasn't metal had been burned away leaving third degree burns behind and as for what was made of metal it had melted along with his fur and skin and in knowing this Bulwark dared not look at his face.

Suddenly the sound of screams echoed about so Bulwark armed himself with a sword and made his way to what made the sound and when he made it outside the fortress Bulwark saw what looked like a giant made of wood and straw and the structure was on fire but what truly horrified Bulwark was that his fellow defenders had been stuffed into the wickerman and left to burn so Bulwark looked around for something to help and saw that there were lines of rope to hold up the aweful structure so Bulwark cut the lines that held up the wickerman in the front causing the giant thing to topple onto it's back before Bulwark moved to cut open the areas that held his fellow soldiers captures before directing them towards the sea to extinguish the flames.

"It was later I learned Diann had taken the mares and left the stallions to burn as I did many of them plead forgiveness for surrendering before burning their own faces as penance which I called them out on but others said that if I was to suffer for their actions then I would not suffer alone, and after that was done they named me their commander." Bulwark said as his fellow defenders stepped forward and revealed their burnt flesh to their princess.

Luna gasped at how disfigured the soldiers had become and could not help but weep.

"if my magic was at full strength I could heal you all..." She said before placing her hand on Bulwarks mask and seeing two silver eyes.

"My princess, what is your command?" One of the soldiers asked.

"My command?"

"With Princess Celestia captured, we all look to you now."

"I-I..." Luna began.

"Wait." Bulwark spoke. "We forget ourselves first thing's first is your injuries princess then we shall do our best to make you comfortable you have obviously been through a lot and require rest."

Luna was momentarily stunned by the words but accepted the suggestion with a nod to which the ruminants of the border guard got to work in healing Luna, feeding her and then giving her a room to sleep.

"It is plain and small your highness but it's warm and comfortable." One of the soldiers said as he opened the door and allow the princess to enter a small room.

"It will do just fine thank you." Luna said as she entered and looked around.

"If there is anything else please don't hesitate to ask." The soldier said before he closed the door and departed.

Luna then changed into a simple evening gown before she slid into the bed and was thankful that the bed was indeed comfortable but for some reason she was unable to get to sleep suddenly the sound of rain could be heard outside her window and at first Luna thought nothing of it when suddenly the rain pelting metal could be herd so Luna got up and moved to the window to see the remnants of the Border Guard standing in the rain.

End.

Landfall

Ponyville

In the months following the Stonehoof invasion, much of Ponyville had been changed. The market that once sold everyday goods was now filled with new slaves both willing and unwilling to serve new masters while other stalls sold tools to keep them in line and the mayor was now reduced to a personal servant of none other than Ragnar who ordered a great hall built in the center of town for his soldiers to feast and ravage their new mare slaves. Two of whom he had taken a personal interest in.

In the great hall, the sound of a rattling table and grunting could be heard as two mares moaned and grunted as they endured their torture. The mares being none other than Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

"Ahh ahh...ohh fuck this farm bitch has quite an ass~!" The stag raping Applejack groaned as he spanked her on the cutie mark.

"This blue bitch doesn't have much in the tit department, but her cunt is top-notch," The stag, raping Rainbow Dash said before both stags grabbed the mares by their mane and forced them into a sloppy kiss.

Unbeknownst to the two idiots, two figures dressed in cloaks came up behind them. Soon, they each drew a seax knife and plunged them into the windpipe before placing their hand over their mouth.

Both mares were about to scream when a third figure covered their mouths and gently asked them to be quiet.

"Don't be afraid, we're here to help you." Sigrid said before they removed their hoods.

"I'll take care of these two, see if there are any more."

"Well done my love, be careful." Arminius said before they shared a quick kiss.

"Wait!" Applejack said.

"Who are you?"

"Your rescuers." Wulfric replied before they got to work on heading to the basement of the hall.

As the two Vikings went for the basement, they hid with their cloaks on and held their knives close. Luckily for them, everyone was too drunk or distracted with the female population to notice them.

As they moved through the hall, they picked off stags and traitors over by the corner and nearby rooms. As the numbers dwindled to a reasonable amount, they stood by the fire. "Ready, Wulfric?" Arminius asked, getting his ax ready.

"Let's make it loud." Wulfric grinned.

They both nodded before throwing their cloaks to the side and brandishing their weapons. Those that were coherent enough to witness this scrambled to their feet and looked for their weapon.

"Face us scum and make war!!!" Arminius shouted before cleaving his ax into a sword-wielding stag, splitting him from his shoulder to his stomach.

"Warborn and Ghost clan?!? How did they get here?!?"

"Who gives a damn?! CUT EM DOWN!!"

Sigrid took Applejack and Rainbow to a corner of the room with a few others as the rest of their raiding party stormed in and began the slaughter.

While the warriors with shields secured and freed the slaves, Wulfric and Arminius slaughtered the enemy. Arminius chopped enemies left and right, and even grabbed one earth pony stallion by the throat and slammed him into the fire pit.

"Mmm, that's it, my love. Show those traitors what a real warrior looks like~." Sigrid said while watching her husband cut down the enemy while Wulfric headed for Ragnar's quarters.

"Who are these guys?" Rainbow whispered while watching Wulfric throw several hatchets at the door before Ragnar finally came out.

"What's going on out here?!?" He roared before seeing Wulfric standing in front of him.

"You..."

"Face me."

"Those two are Wulfric Warborn, and my husband, Arminius Bearskin. We've come to help liberate your land and destroy the bastard who nearly wiped us out with a blizzard," Sigrid informed Applejack and Dash as Ragnar threw a cup of mead at Wulfric's face before making a break for the exit.

"Oh LIKE HELL!!" Wulfric roared as he and Arminius gave chase while the rest of Ragnars men resumed the fight.

The three ran through town as Ragnar used every means he could to slow Wulfric down when out of nowhere he tripped on a rope and tumbled into the dirt.

"Gotcha!" Wiglaf said after popping his head out of an alleyway.

"That's my boy." Arminius smirked.

As Ragnar began to recover he suddenly felt a boot hit him straight in the face as he staggered back to see the young chieftain glaring at him.

"I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!" Wulfric roared while grabbing Ragnar by throat and holding him up for all to see.

"You ponies should know, we northlanders have a thing called "Blood Payments" it means I get a piece of this fucker for what he did to my clan!"

In an incredible display of strength, Ragnar was tossed through several market stalls before Wulfric tossed his axe at his feet.

"That was for my father! Now...COME AT ME!!"

Ragnar looked for a way out, only to see the Ghost and Warborn clans surround him. He knew he wasn't coming out alive, but with ragged breath, he took the ax, thinking he could at least finish off the chieftain's brat before being swarmed. "Join your father in Hel!"

"AARGH!!" In a burst of rage, Wulfric impaled Ragnar on his antlers and threw him across the street once more as both clans cheered as the chieftain began to beat his rival to a pulp.

"What you've done is wrong..." Wulfric growled as he began bashing Ragnar with the blunt end of his axe.

"You feast while your own women and children starve!!"

Ragnar was sliced across his chest and booted to the ground as he tried to crawl away.

"You and your warriors will learn to live like the rest of us!!" Wulfric bellowed before raising his axe and broke Ragnars weapon in half.

"Or you will become food for crows."

"Grr idiot child..." Ragnar spat as he crawled for what was left of his axe.

"Might as well ask me to pick up...FARMING!!" He shouted before being disarmed.

"We're vikings..."

"So that's a no?"

"Heh...Valhalla!"

"We'll see about that, bastard!" Arminius grabbed Ragnar by his antler and took him to the nearest tree. He roped his wrists to the branch and tore his shirt. "Wulfric," He offers his friend a knife and ax. "BloodEagle this bastard."

Wulfric took the ax and knife as he walked up to Ragnar with a cold stare in his eyes.

"You are no warrior Ragnar, you are a thief and a criminal and so..." He slowly raised the dagger.

"You shall die like one."

Wulfric didn't even heat the blade as he sliced down the fucker's back, earning a girlish scream from Ragnar. Yeah, he wasn't going to Valhalla. After the skin and muscle were exposed, Wulfric chopped away at the ribs. Soon, all the ribs were chopped, and Wulfric went and pulled out the bastard's lungs and folded them over his shoulders.

When the gruesome task was done, the raiders strung up Ragnars body in the main square before taking what loot they could carry to their ships along with the freed slaves.

As Rainbow and Applejack were taken to the ships, they were surprised to see much of the raiding party were does and even young bucks.

"That everything?" Wulfric asked after washing himself clean of blood.

"Everything we can carry chieftain."

"Good."

As Wulfric turned around he failed to notice one of Ragnars men creeping up on him with a knife until Rainbow spotted him.

"LOOK OUT!!" She shouted just as the assassin charged in but was struck by an arrow.

When Arminius and Sigrid saw where the shot came from, they spotted little Wiglaf on a rooftop playing lookout with a bow he made himself.

"Arminius..." Sigrid said while holding her husband.

"I know...our little boy is growing up." Arminius smiled as his son ran to them.

"Dad! did you see That?!" The little buck shouted with excitement.

“That’s my boy!” Arminius said.

“Hey!” The sudden voice caught the attention of the Vikings as Rainbow stood in front of Applejack. Her glare was so intense, she looked as though she was about to burst with rage.

“What’s the big bucking idea?! Who the buck are you freaks?! Why did you free us?!” Rainbow demanded. “Are you just gonna use us like the Stonehooves?!” Rainbow quickly snatched the dagger from the dead assassin and held it up to them. “I won’t let you take us! I’ll die before any of you sick bucking perverts take me and my friend!”

It was at that moment when Sigrid stepped in and got Rainbow to put down the knife.

"I told you, we are here to help." She said while showing them her hands.

"Look at me, do I look enslaved? Am I wearing chains of any kind?"

Rainbow would say nothing as more of the raiders walked up to them.

"We came to this land with what's left of our families, our home is in ruins. We came here seeking justice, not conquest."

“As if we’d believe the words of a caribou!” Applejack snapped. “You monsters took everything from us! What makes y’all so different?!"

"BECAUSE WE'VE LOST EVERYTHING!!" Wulfric snapped back as he got in her face.

"We were trapped in a blizzard for a year by that bastard Dainn! We were forced to bury our wives, children and elders in the cold ground! I WATCHED AS MY FATHER DIED RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES!!"

Applejack was stunned as tears began to fall from his face, tears of sadness. Something she did not expect to see from a caribou.

"You wanna stay, stay but we're leaving." He said before they resumed loading the ships.

As they kept loading the ships, Arminius came over to whisper in Wulfric's ear. "You really know how to talk with the ladies."

"Not now Arminius, I'm not in the mood." Wulfric sighed while Sigrid carried Wiglaf onto the ship.

Later at the Warborn camp

Rainbow and Applejack watched as the other ponies were given fresh clothes and had their restraints removed while some had their wings and horns tended to by the females of the raiding party.

The warband held a great feast as a huge bonfire was lit and music began filling the night air.

"Hey lads! Look at this!" One raider shouted as he showed off a portrait of Ragnar forcing the mayor to suck him off.

"What did you bring that for?" Wulfric asked while sipping some mead.

"Thought it'd be good for the fire!" The raider shouted as they all bursted into laughter, shocking the ponies once more.

"Well what're you waiting for? Chuck it in!"

The raider flung the portrait onto the fire, picture up, and watched as it started to burn. "Whoa!" The war party cheered before they started to go into a victory song.

As the warriors began to dance around the fire, the ponies were given a hot meal and some drink by Sigrid and her shield maids.

"You ladies doing alright?" She asked Applejack who still seemed suspicious of them.

"What? It's not drugged, I promise." Sigrid smirked before taking a spoonful of Applejacks food to show her she was being truthful.

After seeing that the food wasn't spiked, the girls started to eat and even drink the offered water and mead. After filling their bellies with something other than rapist cum, Applejack talked to Sigrid. "Listen, I'm sorry for accusing you for being like the Stonehooves. It's just... we've been through a lot in a short amount of time."

"We know. We suffered just as much." Sigrid said while seating herself.

"Before we came to these shores, Wulfrics father and my husband were approached by Dainn to join in his conquest but both refused so instead, Chief Hjalmarr proposed that we sail to your lands before Dainn to establish trade and possibly form an alliance...but we did not expect Dainn to be so cruel towards his own people..."

"What happened?" Rainbow asked while takin a bite.

"Dainn ordered his shamans to cast an ancient spell that covered our land in a perpetual winter in hopes that we'd die off slowly...we were forced to bury so many of our loved ones but I think Wulfric was the one who suffered most of all." Sigrid said while looking at her husband drinking and laughing with his friend.

"His father died just before the spell had run its course and our land was left devastated by the storm."

"Sweet Celestia... That's horrible. I need to apologize as soon as I can," Applejack said before Wiglaf came up to Sigrid.

"Mom. Since I tripped Uncle Wulfric's enemy and shot that guy, can I please have some mead?" The little stag begged.

"Hmm better ask your father first. Oh but before that." She smiled while letting her little one sit on her lap.

"Girls, this is my son Wiglaf. Say hello."

"Hi." the little stag waved to the two mares.

"Hey there, little feller," Applejack said to Wiglaf, who shook her hand.

"That was a pretty nice shot you did." Rainbow complimented. "So, your dad's the one with the bearskin on?"

"Yeah. He told me he fought the real one with his bare hands," Wiglaf said while his dad let out a bear-like growl and hugged his wife.

"EE!"

"And what's all this?" Arminius asked while squeezing both his wife and son in a bear hug.

"Well Wiglaf here was saying hello to our new guests and he was going to ask if he can finally have some mead."

"Please dad? Please?" Wiglaf begged.

"Well, let's think about it. You stopped a traitor from escaping, killed an assassin before he could kill uncle Wulfric, and most importantly, you surrounded yourself with three beautiful women." Arminius' comment earned him a nervous smile from Dash and AJ, and a playful slap from Sigrid. "Alright. One mug, but no more after that."

"YEAH!!" Wiglaf then ran over to the bonfire to get a cup for himself as the parents laughed.

"You really are different from those stonehoof creeps." Rainbow said while watching Wulfric give little Wiglaf a cup of mead.

"So what now?"

"Tomorrow, we move further inland, away from the town. We don't have a fighting force big enough to match Dainns army." Arminius answered while his wife snuggled up to him.

"But for tonight...how's about we get cozy~?" Sigrid asked while wiggling her eyebrows at her husband.

"Leave Wulfric to watch Wiglaf and head for our tent?" Arminius asked even though he knew the answer.

"Hop to it~." They both smiled before sharing a kiss and getting up. "Girls, it was nice to meet you, but now I have a bear to poke~." They laughed before heading for their tent.

"Umm bye." Applejack said while watching Wulfric show Wiglaf how to down a cup of mead.

The girls watched the feast from afar and saw both clans laughing and mingling with some of the townsfolk while their children played with the foals and even saw the men of the clan were more affectionate to their kin than the Stonehooves.

Over by the chieftain's tent for the Ghost clan, Arminius and Sigrid were lying on the polar bear rug, making out and disrobing. "One bastard down, two more to go, including my brother," Arminius said while massaging his wife's leg and kissing her neck.

"Mmm~, and then we can pick up where we started," Sigrid said before removing her top. "You know, it is Spring." She leaned up to whisper in his ear. "And I'm in heat~," She said before nibbling his ear.

"Mmm I was wondering why you were so frisky." Arminius said while kissing her neck again.

"Eee! Mmm think we'll get lucky this time?" She asked as he got on top of her.

"Only one way to find out~," They both started making out again while removing their pants. Sigrid spread her legs, revealing her wet pussy while Arminius had his cock poking at her entrance. "Here we go~." He plunged his cock into his wife's pussy.

"Aaaah~!" Sigrid moaned as she wrapped her legs around her husbands' waist as they kept fucking like animals.

By morning, the fire was burned out and the clans began to hastily load the ships as they prepared to sail downstream with their plunder and the freed slaves.

"Move your asses! We don't got all day!" Surt barked orders to the crew as they began dismantling the tents.

"Arminius?" Wulfric peeked into the tent to see his friend cozied up with his wife with content smiles on their faces.

"Let's go, while the wind is on our side."

The two woke up from their slumber and looked into each other's eyes before kissing. Arminius rubbed at Sigrid's toned stomach with a smile. "Boy or a girl?" He asked.

"Definitely a girl," Sigrid smirked before getting up and showing off her glorious body.

"I guess we're having a girl," Arminius said while also getting ready.

"Well we can celebrate on the trip down river." Wulfric said before spanking Sigrid.

"Get moving."

As Wulfric made his way to the ship, Applejack stood in front of him with an apologetic look on her face while rubbing her arm.

"Listen...about what I said earlier, If I had known-"

"You don't need to apologize miss. Not for that." Wulfric said before leading her to the ship.

"The name's Applejack."

"Wulfric Hjalmarrson."

By the time the ships were out of sight, Dainn and a few of his personal guards came to find Ponyville ransacked and completely deserted with the body of Ragnar hanging between two banners he had never hoped to see again.

"So. They survived," Dainn said while looking at the banners. "Guess I'll have to take care of them after all."

End.

The Enemy of My Enemy

The two samurai were surprised to see a pony actually showing concern for one that was supposed to be their enemy as they were taken through the gates and marched through the city. As expected, many of the citizens were surprised to see an actual northlander being carried on a stretcher while being protected by the elements of Honesty and Loyalty.

"Wait here." Pharynx said before marching through the main doors of the palace.

Ryu waited outside with the others as he walked over to Arminius

"I apologize for our actions, we had heard rumors of Stonehooves and after witnessing slavers on our lands we feared the worst. I promise you, I will make sure your friend is taken care. I am deeply sorry." Ryu bowed to them

"I should lop off your head right now for attacking us but we are tired and have been traveling for days so I will refrain." Arminius grumbled while his warriors guarded the refugees and their families closely.

Just then, Sigrid came over and slapped Arminius in the back of the head. "Forgive my husband. He means well, but he's also brash and doesn't let things go easily." She turns to her husband. "Honey?"

There was a long pause from Arminius before Sigrid lightly punched his gut. "Hrmph! Alright, alright. Thank you for your hospitality, and welcoming us in your village."

"Good job, dear." Sigrid said to her husband.

Ryu could not help but smile after seeing such a display. Despite being similar to the invaders, he could sense the love between the two of them and even more so when their son came running up to be picked up in his fathers arms.

"I did not know you had a child."

"Our son Wiglaf." Sigurd smiled while Wiglaf snuggled against his fathers chest.

Meanwhile

Wulfric was in a daze until he smelled something strange in the air and looked to to his side to see what looked to be some kind of stick in a little bowl before he felt his arm being wrapped by a changeling in an elegant robe.

"Oh good, you're awake." The nurse said with a warm smile while she finished the bandages.

"W-where am I?" Wulfric groaned as he tried to sit up but was still too weak from the blood loss.

"You are a guest in my home." A voice said when he saw the empress standing at the door to his room.

"Oh! Your majesty, I didn't realize you were coming for a visit."

"It's quite alright. Tell me, how is our patient doing."

"Surprisingly well. Most would've died from Ryu's cuts yet he somehow survived."

"I see." The empress smiled while going over the wounded chieftains physique.

"Where...are my friends..." Wulfric said in a dry voice before being given some water by the nurse.

"They are safe, we brought your clan in as well and they have told us much." Chrysalis answered as she signaled for the nurse to leave and sat by his bedside.

"When we first heard of your arrival to these shores, I could hardly believe it. A warband of northlanders fighting their own?"

"You know of us?" Wulfric asked while the empress ran her hand along his chest.

"Indeed but I never expected their leader to be so...handsome~."

Even injured, Wulfric could feel his heart was about to explode out of his chest as his caretaker leaned forward ever so slightly to let her robe reveal her impressive bust as she held his left hand.

"Such rough hands...farmers hands."

"I...worked with my father in the fields last spring." Wulfric said as the beating in his heart suddenly slowed and the empress began to sense the sadness within him.

Chrysalis leaned back while still holding Wulfric's hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pryed."

"It's fine..." Wulfric said when another servant appeared with a food tray.

"Pardon the interruption empress."

"Oh no trouble at all. I do hope you're hungry." Chrysalis said to her guest as the food was laid out.

"I can barely move." Wulfric grunted while trying to get up again.

"Then allow me~."

The refugees and warband were invited into the royal palace for food and rest. Needless to say their table manners were atrocious even compared to the equestrians as the changelings watched them scarf down every bit of food on their plates.

"Mmm fabulous!" Surt exclaimed with one of his cheeks full as he kept stuffing his face.

"So good!" Wiglaf said with a mouthful of noodles.

"Son, don't speak with your mouth full. you don't see your father-" Sigrid lectured her son when she turned to her husband, only to see him scarf down multiple bowls of food at once. "Ugh. You're both pigs."

"Uhh my your boy certainly has a healthy appetite." A servant said while collecting the empty plates.

"He's still growing." Sigrid sighed while wiping the food from her sons mouth.

"Mmm mm. That's good eatin." Applejack said while savoring her meal.

"Mmm yeah! I can't remember the last time we had a meal this good!" Dash complimented before giving off a loud belch.

"So...how's Wulfric doing?" Applejack asked another servant who was serving the third course of their meal.

"He is being tended to by our best physicians. In fact, the Empress herself decided to visit him.

At that moment, Applejack froze as a chill crawled up her spine and she felt an unusual sense of anger.

Back with Wulfric, Chrysalis was busy feeding him with a pair of chopsticks. "Care for a little more~?" She asked while daintily picking a piece of sushi for him to eat.

"I gotta say, I never though eating fish raw was a good idea." Wulfric smirked as he took a bite.

"Well true, most would get sick from parasites but we make sure each fish is properly cleaned and prepared. Oh, you got some rice on your chin." The empress then plucked the grain from his face and popped it into her mouth with a satisfied moan that made the injured chieftain gulp a bit.

"Now let's get you some soup." The empress said as she made his head rest on her lap with her breasts hanging overhead.

"Comfy?" She asked with an innocent smile but could sense his lust.

"V-very." Wulfric said nervously.

When the soup arrived, Chrysalis started to spoon-feed her guest while letting her dress part a bit.

"If you wish, I can offer other services~." She purred while gently stroking his head before letting her breast press against his cheek with a lustful gaze in her eyes.

"Um...thank you, your majesty but I'll have to decline." Wulfric surprised her with his answer.

"With these injuries of mine, It will be difficult to accept your...services."

The empress seemed impressed when the door suddenly slid open and Applejack stood at the entrance completely flustered.

"What in tarnation are y'all doing in here?!?"

Before Wulfric could answer, Chrysalis got up and nodded her way. "Healing this warrior, and making sure our guests are truly who they say they are." She smiled down at Wulfric before looking back at Applejack. "And I'm happy to say you passed."

"What?" Wulfric asked as the queen fixed her robe.

"Had you given in to your lust and tried to come at me, my most trusted bodyguard would've cut you down in an instant." Chrysalis then gestured to the wall just opposite of his bed as it opened to reveal a hidden passage with a samurai standing at its entrance.

"Meet Crafty Dodger, my personal guard and husband."

"My empress," Crafty said before going into a low bow.

"Darling don't be so formal." Chrysalis giggled while gently laying Wulfrics head on the mattress.

"But I am surprised that you showed up dear Applejack, I didn't think you'd be worried over such trivial matters."

Applejack's cheeks became red at the implication. "Um... well, you see."

Chrysalis smirked at what was happening. "I see."

"Dear please stop making jokes out of our guests." Dodger sighed before joining his wife.

"Stay as our guest until you have fully healed and I will see to my sons about this."

"Your sons?" Wulfric asked when he realized he was talking about Ryu and Pharynx.

"Again, I apologize for what they did to you," Chrysalis offered her apology to Wulfric.

"Applejack, why don't you stay and keep him company."

"Me?" Applejack pointed to herself while stepping aside for the royal couple.

"I don't see why not. You're already here." As Chrysalis and Dodger left the room, Applejack looked over at Wulfric with a bit of a blush.

"Forgive me if I worried you." Wulfric smiled as she sat beside him.

Applejack said nothing and looked away. Wulfric could still sense her nervousness around him and could only sigh.

“You hate me, don’t you?” Wulfric said.

"What? No I-"

"It's alright, I understand. My people have done terrible things to yours, you've all suffered so much." he took a deep breath and got comfortable in his bed.

"I don't know if we can ever make up for that bastards mistakes but I promise that when we win this war, we will depart these shores."

“Um…can I ask you something?” Applejack asked while getting comfortable.

“Of course,” Wulfric said.

“Why does Dainn hate us?”

"He doesn't hate you, he hates what you stand for." Wulfric replied with his eyes closed.

"He and his clan are firm believers of the strong ruling the weak and cannot stand the idea of equality and freedom, it's why his clan was hated even amongst us."

Applejack was surprised upon hearing this.

"I'm sure you heard this before but before the invasion, my father had made plans to establish trade with your land in hopes of forging a new alliance but Dainn could not allow such a thing to happen and so his shamans placed a spell on our land, trapping us in a blizzard for a whole year." Wulfric suddenly went into a coughing fit before Applejack gave him some water.

“That’s terrible,” Applejack said with a frown. “Did he and your father always hate each other?”

“The Warborns and Stonehoofs have been at each other’s throats since my own grandfather’s time,” Wulfric said. “However, it most likely has something to do with an old Warborn legend about Tyr.”

“Legend?” Applejack asked, now curious. “And who’s Tyr?”

"The God of Justice. It is said that he came down from the heavens after falling in love with a mortal and together they had many children and taught them the values of honor and justice. From that day on, the Warborn have been the guardians of the northlands and as you can guess we opposed Dainns plan to invade your land and challenged him."

Wulfric took another breath as he began to drift off and felt tired.

"Forgive me, I don't think I can keep talking."

Applejack heard all he said and went over to sit by his side. "I'm sorry that bastard did that to you and your clans." She lay a hand on his arm and started gently rubbing it. "Fer the record, I would've liked to have met ya under better circumstances."

“As would I, miss.” Wulfric said as he eyes began to close. “As would…I.”

The stag’s eyes soon closed as slumber took him to the dream realm. The farm mare stayed by his side for a few more minutes and eventually stood up to take her leave. She stopped at the doorway and looked back at Wulfric once more before finally leaving him alone. She felt a strange twinge within her, but brushed it off as her imagination.

Wulfric opened his eyes and was met with what looked like some sort of starry void. He couldn’t make heads or tails where he was and noticed he was floating in midair.

“Hmm…strange,” Wulfric said aloud. “Is this a dream? Or…”

Suddenly, a light shined down on him and he looked up. He saw the full moon in the sky of the starry void as it illuminated the area around him. The stag arched a brow until he saw something quickly come out of the moon. To his surprise, it looked like a pony mare with dark blue fur with a pair of wings and a horn on her head. Wulfric was so entranced by the mysterious mare but barely managed to duck out of the way before she swiped at him with something.

“What in Thor’s beard?!” Wulfric snapped as he looked at the mystery mare.

The mare in question looked back at the stag with eyes of burning hatred. She had dawned silvery armor and held a lance with the blade looking like the crescent moon.

“Foul beast! How dare you trespass in the realm of dreams!” The mare shouted, readying her lance. “I will kill you here so that you may be rendered moot in the realm of reality!”

"Wait! I'm not your enemy!" Wulfric pleaded with his attacker before she suddenly lifted him into the air with magic.

"SILENCE!! I, Princess Luna Nocturne will not suffer you Stonehooves in my home a moment longer!"

“Princess Luna?!” Wulfric gasped just Luna forced Wulfric to come flying towards her while she readied to pierce his heart. “Wait! I know of you! We saved a few mares named Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie!” Wulfric closed his eyes and readied for his end. He waited and waited until he perked his eye open to see the tip of Luna’s lance mere inches from his chest.

"You dare speak the names of my friends in my presence? death is too much a mercy I should curse you to a never ending sleep plagued by your worst nightmares." Luna growled.

“I swear!” Wulfric begged the enraged princess. “In the name of my forefathers and honor of my very clan’s name, I speak the truth! Furthermore, I am no Stonehoof! I am Wulfric Warborn!”

"Warborn?" Luna said before her lance was lowered but just slightly.

“Your majesty, your rage is justified, that much I understand,” Wulfric said. “But we have come to your shores for the single purpose of driving out the Stonehoofs.“

Luna raised an eyebrow at Wulfric before her gaze turned to the distance before her horn lit up.

Suddenly panels showing events appeared events that Wulfric was familiar with because they were his memories.

"Truly, the alicorns are powerful." Wulfric muttered.

“Hmm, it appears your words ring true,” Luna said, eyeing back at Wulfric. “But why should trust you? What makes you so different than that accursed Dainn?”

"You can see into my memories yes perhaps actions speak louder then words." Wulfric suggested.

“Perhaps they can,” Luna said, finally releasing Wulfric from her magical grasp. “If you wish for me to trust you, you must earn it. I know not where you are, but there is a Stonehoof loyalist who I want dealt with. I would do it myself, but I am still recovering.”

“Who is this loyalist?” Wulfric asked.

“He goes by the name of Throft, and he has taken over the town of Dodge Junction,” Luna said. “Kill Throft, and I just might begin to trust you.”

Hearing this made Wulfric grin, much to Luna's surprise.

"And If I do this, will you meet with us?"

"We shall see."

The moment Luna released him, a bright flash woke him from his sleep along with the joyous screams of Pinkie Pie who had just bumped into her friends at the main hall.

"EEE!! I thought we'd never see you two again!" Pinkie sobbed happily while squeezing Applejack while Fluttershy hugged Rainbow Dash.

"I'm glad you girls are safe but how did you escape?" Applejack asked after Pinkie settled down.

"We were being transported to a slave market when the caravan was suddenly attacked by a band of knights."

"Knights?" Rainbow asked after hearing that there were others rebelling against Dainns regime.

"Yeah, they were these soldiers wearing a golden sun on their armor and it kinda reminded me of Celestia!" Pinkie said before sitting down.

"But enough about that, who are these guys?" She asked while pointing at the Warborn and Ghost clans.

"Believe it or not, these guys saved us." Rainbow answered, surprising both her friends.

“Saved you?” Fluttershy said. “Um…but they’re…caribou.”

“I know how it looks but we’re telling the truth, sugarcubes,” Applejack said. “They literally risked their lives for us. Otherwise I’d still be used like a toy and probably knocked up with a bastard or two.”

“Or worse, knocked up with War Beasts,” Rainbow shuddered.

"Gultoppr's." Arminius corrected Dash as he finished his meal.

"The most feared beasts in the north."

"So that's what they're called. I've seen my fair share of creatures in Equestria but nothing like them..." Applejack said while Fluttershy and Pinkie sat beside them.

"So Dainn found a way to breed them after all. Sick bastard."

"We first found them in the swamps that bordered our land. They were sick and depraved beasts that needed killing. Didn't know Diann was stupid enough to tame them, let alone breed them," Arminius said while taking another draught. "What is this wonderful liquid? It's clear like water but kicks like ale."

"It is called Sake or Rice Wine."

"Wine made from rice? Now I've seen everything." Sigrid laughed as she took a swig before suddenly feeling a sharp pain in her stomach.

"AH!!"

"Sigrid!" Arminius yelled before going to his wife. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"No, no." She lifted her cup before rubbing her stomach. "I think the baby just disagrees with my drinking."

"So you really are pregnant?" Arminius asked before Sigrid nodded. "Odin be praised! I'm going to have another child!" He shouted before hugging his wife and spinning her around.

"Ahh ha ha!" Sigrid laughed as the entire room began to erupt with applause.

"Wiglaf, come here." She called to their son as he leapt into her arms.

"You're going to be a big brother soon."

"Alright! I can't wait to teach him how to play Orlog and shoot a bow!" Wiglaf said while in his parent's arms.

"Hold on, little stag. You may end up having a sister, you know," Arminius said while ruffling his hair.

"Whatever, I'll love her all the same," Wiglaf said before hugging his mother's stomach.

Sigrid sighed as she stroked her sons head.

"My little drengr." She smiled.

"Well this certainly calls for a celebration. Eat and drink as much as you want tonight, you are guests in my home." Chrysalis smiled while raising a glass of sake.

"What about Wulfric?"

"His wounds will be mended by morning." Crafty Dodger said before retiring with the empress for the evening.

The next morning

Wulfric arose at the crack of dawn when the first glimpse of sunlight pierced the blinds on his window, as he got up he had noticed the fatigue had completely left him and his body did not ache. When he removed the bandages, he found the cuts inflicted on his body had completely healed as if they were never their.

"Healing arts." Ryu startled the chieftain as he stood in the doorway.

"How did... Nevermind." Wulfric shook his head as Ryu would probably just say something along the lines of "It's a ninja thing" or something

"Wait, healing arts?"

"Yes. Despite our unique magic to transform into others, we also mastered a different type of "magic" as you may call it. It's called Chakra." Ryu told him

"Chakra? How is that different from magic?"

"Magic is found around us, in the air, the ground, and while yes all ponies have access to it one form or another, chakra is different. It is something inside us and, if mastered correctly, allows us to do far more than what you normally may do. For example."

Ryu took out his wakasashi and cut his hand, he then closed his hands and took a deep breath as a blue flame covered his hand and the cut started to heal "Chakra allows us to use the energy inside us to perform ninja arts, or Ninjutsu as we call it." Ryu explained.

"Is that how you beat me in our fight?" Wulfric asked.

"No. You were just too slow." The orochi said with a smug grin as his guest grumbled in annoyance.

"If you are feeling better, my empress wishes to see you."

"Bathroom? like an actual bathroom?"

Wulfric was then lead to a large tub of hot water with a strange assortment of phials filled with powders an oil as two maids suddenly began pulling him towards the tub.

"This way sir."

"We'll have you squeaky clean in no time."

"Um thank you ladies but I can bathe myself!" Wulfric said before suddenly feeling their grip turn into a vice as they both gave innocent smiles.

"I see you are going to be stubborn about this so you leave us no choice."

Before he knew what happened, the chieftain was suddenly stripped naked and thrown into the tub like a rock before popping his head out of the water for air.

"Now please hold still."

Wulfric soon found himself at the mercy of the queens servants as they scrubbed him down and lathered him up like an infant taking their first bath.

"H-hey! I can scrub myself!!" He protested when one of them began scrubbing his buttocks.

"WOO! Hey watch it down there!"

The maids were having the time of their lives as they practically felt him up while scrubbing him down and drying him off before giving him a set of silk robes to wear while giving his hair a much needed combing and braiding. By the time he was finished, one could swear that Wulfric was a nobleman of the east.

"You look good." The head maid smirked while showing him his reflection in the mirror.

"I feel violated..." Wulfric grumbled.

“Oh come now,” the maid said while walking behind Wulfric to tie his hair up. “You know, you strike me more as a gentleman than any caribou I’ve encountered. You mother must be so proud of you.”

"I believe she would be," Wulfric said.

“Please, sit,” Chrysalis said as she sat in her knees.

Wulfric did so and sat down with his legs crossed.

“Tea?” Chrysalis offered and Wulfric nodded. “I must confess, this is an unexpected situation I find myself in.” She gently picked up the pot and poured into Wulfric’s cup. “Caribou are seen as the destroyers of our land, no offense, yet here I am having tea with one.” She then poured herself some tea and set the pot down. “Tell me, Wulfric Warborn, what makes you such a polar opposite of the Stonehoofs?”

Wulfric would say nothing at first as he took a sip of his tea.

"For generations, The Warborn and Stonehooves have been at war even during my great grandfathers time. Their clan still clings to the old ways when we used to raid and pillage other lands just to survive while we learned to adapt to a more peaceful life. Taking what we need from the land and sea and giving thanks to our gods."

"Then why would your enemy come to our shores if your land is so plentiful?" Chrysalis asked while taking a rice cake for herself.

"I fear...we are to blame and not just for the invasion." Wulfric said as he placed his cup down.

"Fifty years ago, the Stonehoof Clan ignited a civil war to conquer all the northlands, they subjugated all their enemies and bribed those who were willing to betray their own kin but then came my great grandfather who united the now fractured tribes and fought back, defeating the stonehoof clan and restoring peace. It should have ended with the death of their chieftain at the time but my great grandfather simply banished them to the swamplands of the north, a truly harsh and savage place to live in."

"A story of greed, pride, and vengeance. An endless cycle of blood." Chrysalis said as she took a sip of her tea.

"Indeed," Wulfric said. "We thought banishing them would end their obsession for domination, but it only fueled their hatred and animosity. So much so, that they resorted to the dishonorable act of trapping my clan and any who allied with us on our land within a snow storm. Had we come sooner, Equestria would not have suffered as much as it has now."

"You should not blame yourself." Chrysalis said before handing him a rice cake.

"So what will you do now?"

Wulfric thought back to his visit from Princess Luna but knew he couldn't divulge too much to the changeling queen as he was still suspicious of her motives.

"We need to get this rebellion going. I don't suppose you know of any places we can strike away from Canterlot?"

"As a matter of fact..." The queen opened her fan to hide her devilish smirk.

"I hope you understand, Sir Wulfric, that I still don't trust you," Chrysalis reminded the young chieftain. "I only offered you sanctuary because you would bleed for even us. But that is not enough."

"Then how many remedy that?" Wulfric asked.

"A test," Chrysalis said. "Recently, my scouts have reported the presence of Kirin in the area. Do you know what they are?"

"Yes. They're half-pony half-dragons, or so they say," Wulfric answered.

"Indeed." Chrysalis clapped her hands and the sliding door opened to reveal a Kirin sitting on his knees. He was covered in the green coating that was used to subdue her captives and the Kirin was dressed in black robes. The Kirin looked pretty banged up and bloody as he glared at the two. "This Kirin has some very valuable information that just might tip the war in our favor. However, despite my best efforts, this one refuses to talk."

"Shall I try my hand?" Wulfric asked, cracking his knuckles.

"Much as I would love to see your methods of interrogation, I'm afraid it would be a wasted effort," Chrysalis said. "Kirins have some kind of countermeasure to literally mute themselves. Even as I saw to his interrogation myself, he didn't even make a sound. I often heard tales of the Kirin having some kind of potion, of sorts, but never really looked into it."

"Then what makes this Kirin so special than the rest?" Wulfric asked.

Chrysalis silent until she looked directly at Wulfric. "He knows of a secret entrance into the Crystal Empire."

"I know of that place, from the rumors around the refugees, Dainn still hasn't been able to conquer it." Wulfric said before looking at the prisoner.

"So tell me friend, what's got your tongue tied in knots?"

PTOO!

The kirin spat in Wulfrics face but was met with a quick backhand that sent him tumbling to the ground.

"I'll see if there are any among our clan who can break this spell."

"In the meantime, I will give you the location of the fortress as well as the name of the one in charge but in exchange, I request that Ryu and his troops be allowed to join you so that they may report any future developments.

"Keep your friends close and enemies closer." Wulfric smirked as he grabbed a rice cake.

"Is that not how the saying goes?"

End.

The Warden

I am Marshall of The Knights of The Golden Sun. Two thousand years ago, during the war against King Sombra our order was formed by Princess Celestia herself.

This is how I joined the order. I was in my newly appointed office after being promoted by my employer and while it did have a few...perks. I couldn't help but feel a bit awkward around my new secretary Raven Inkwell.

“Marshall?” Raven said. I glanced at the mare who was wearing a very revealing maid outfit. It barely covered her chest and did little to hide her buttocks and she wore a red collar. Usually, mares wearing these red collars were obedient slaves, but Raven wasn’t like that. It took some convincing, but i somehow managed to clear her mind of the mental and physical abuse these stags subjected her to before she was given to me. Now she only puts up the obedient act when in the presence of others.

“You look troubled, more so than usual,” Raven said, making me sigh heavily.

"Sorry." I said with a blush. "It's just...I can't really focus with you dressed like that."

“Much as I would love to wear decent clothing, you know that’s not possible anymore,” Raven sighed. “How long has it been since they took over?”

"A whole year..." I said while giving her the last of my paperwork.

"If the money wasn't so good I'd ditch this place."

"Oh!" Raven yelped as I pulled her into my chair.

"And I'd take you with me."

"They'd hunt us down," Raven said, wrapping her arms around my neck. "These stags don't take kindly to deserters. And...they might take me away from you..."

"Mmm they can try." I said with a confident grin as we began to kiss but before we could go any further, the fortress suddenly shook after we heard a loud explosion followed by the sound of war trumpets.

"What in tartarus?!?"

Dashing over to the window Marshal was greeted by the earth shattering sound of war cries as the fortress walls were bombarded by a series of burning projectiles fired from catapults and as Marshal's eyes scanned the attacking force he spied banners decrypting a golden sun cresting over a lush green horizon.

"Raven lock this door and don't open it no matter what!" He said while scrambling for his sword as one of his men came rushing down the hall.

"Sir we're under attack!"

"How many!?"

"A thousand troops, maybe more."

"And Blueblood?"

"Locked in his chambers sir."

"Of course he is. To the battlements! NOW!!"

Marshal moved to the battlements with the rest of the soldiers and saw ladders being hoisted into position so that the enemy forces could climb the battlements.

"Keep them off the walls!"

"Yes sir!"

"Archers to the towers now!"

Marshall's men scrambled to their positions before Blueblood finally marched out in gawdy armor, trying to look like a battle hardened general before flinching at the sight of a trebuchet hitting the wall next to him.

"Prince Blueblood, you should get back inside." Marshall instructed as a stray arrow from the enemy whizzed passed his helmet.

"I will not cower while the enemy attacks our very doorstep!" Blueblood argued before he heard a familiar voice.

"Blueblood! Come out!"

The prince went pale for a second as he climbed up the wall to see none other than Shining Armor leading the assault.

"It doesn't have to be like this." The crystal prince said with his halberd resting on his shoulders.

"KEEP THEM OUT AT ALL COST!!" Blueblood screamed before running to hide in the nearest tower.

"I don't get paid enough for this crap." Marshall said before seeing a knight give Shining Armor his helmet.

"My lord?" The soldier inquired as Shining readied his weapon and sighed.

"Break it down..."

"BREAK IT DOWN!!"

Suddenly a volley of arrows decended on the walls forcing Marshall and the forces to get behind cover while the troops outside moved their ladders in place before Marshall noticed enemy soldiers overwhelming troops on the western wall.

To make matters worse, Shining Armor had brought a battering ram to smash down the forts main gate and with each passing second it drew closer.

"Dammit, hold them as long as you can." He ordered his men before rushing to the eastern wall to provide support, however it wasn't long before the resounding thump of the ram could be heard beating against the doors.

As the fighting raged on, the catapult nest on the northern tower had been taken out along with the archers providing support as Shining Armors men climbed over and began picking off the defenders with their archers.

"FIND COVER!!" Marshall shouted as the arrows fell on them like rain.

"Move men! move!!"

"Someone get after those archers!!" Blueblood whined while hiding behind the door to the keep.

With his quick thinking, Marshall maneuvered around the enemy using the forts interior and was able to sneak up on the archers.

"The catapults still ready to fire." he said before taking a few breaths and rushed out to cut the rope and send the enemy flying off the walls.

"THE GATE'S COMING DOWN!!" One soldier shouted just as the ram prepared to deliver its final strike.

"Form a wall! now!!" Marshall ordered before feeling the impact of the ram smash open the gates.

"THROUGH THE BREACH!!" Shining cheered as his men swarmed in and a ferocious battle erupted in the courtyard but despite being vastly outnumbered, Marshall's men held their own and made them fight for every inch of ground until only a handful were left.

Soon Shining Armor himself came onto the scene and saw the massacre before dispatching three soldiers trying to ambush him.

"STOP!!" He shouted just as his men were about to move in for the kill.

"Blueblood!? BLUEBLOOD! Show yourself!"

Blueblood then stormed out of the keep to meet with him face to face, trying to look confident but all his men could see him shaking in his boots.

"These warriors don't have to die. Trial by combat! Right now!"

"What?!? fight you? That's not a trial, that's an execution!" Blueblood shot back before Shining ordered one of his knights to step forward.

"Then fight my second..."

Blueblood bit his thumb before quickly turning to Marshall.

"YOU! You will be my second!"

"...Alright." Marshall reluctantly agreed knowing they would've been slaughtered if he had refused.

As Marshall stepped forward he took note that his opponent was A Warden like himself before the two squared off against each other.

As the match began Shining Armour's second struck first with an overhead strike with great speed to which Marshall narrowly blocked.

"He's good..." Marshall said under his breath as he staggered back before countering with a shoulder charge and kicked his opponent into the mud as he tried to finish the duel quickly but the opposing Warden was quick to get up and return to the fight.

The knights fought on equal footing with neither side giving ground until Marshall was cut on his left arm and staggered back once more.

"Dammit! If you lose this fight I'll feed your mare to the beasts!!" Blueblood threatened while the warden bled out.

Exhausted and running out of breath, Marshall threw off his helmet and prepared to fight once more when he noticed Raven looking at him from the window of his office.

"Raven..." He spoke softly before returning his attention to his opponent.

"Now we end this..." The other warden said before charging in to finish him off.

The knight clashed with Marshall and the two held up against one another. They pushed with all their might as to try and break their momentum, but Shining could tell something was off. Unlike the rest of the stags and traitors he faced and slew, Marshall seemed to be fighting for a different reason.

“Why do you fight, warden?” Shining asked out of the blue. “You don’t seem like the kind of stallion who’d be okay with all this!”

Marshall would say nothing as it became harder to focus on the duel with Raven watching from afar.

"Where is your honor? What has become of your oaths?!"

"ENOUGH!!" Marshall roared before he managed to finally push his opponent back and cleaved his head off with one swing, winning himself the duel but his men were still at their mercy.

As Shining marched up to Blueblood to take his sword, the coward prince leaned in to whisper.

"It will not do for a knight of The Golden Sun to be defeated by a common mercenary..."

Shining glared at his rival before wrenching the blade from his hands and marched up to the injured warden.

"Kneel." He commanded as Marshall obeyed without hesitation while Raven rushed out the door, fearing he may be executed. In a shocking twist, Shining Armor tapped the blades on his shoulders for all to see.

"For valor in battle, for honor in service, I Shining Armor raise you. Stand brother and Knight of The Golden Sun."

"W-what is the meaning of this?!?" Blueblood shouted when Shining tossed him Marshall's broken blade at his feet and gave the warden his sword as a gift.

"We're finished here but we are taking every female you have enslaved be thankful we do not take your lives." Shining Armor decreed.

"Marshall!" Raven cheered as she ran into his arms and kissed him while he threw off her collar, much to everyone's surprise.

Without a second thought, Marshall and his men left leaving Blueblood completely dumbfounded as he watched them leave with their slaves and what loot they could carry.

As a final insult, Raven turned around, lifted her dress to reveal her pussy, and gave everyone they were leaving the bird.

End.

Get Outta Dodge

With his injuries now healed, Wulfric and the rest of the raiding party prepared to set sail for another raid but despite the earlier agreement, the northlanders were setting off in the opposite direction of the fortress the queen showed to them.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!?" Pharynx shouted as he watched them load supplies for the journey.

"You're sailing in the wrong direction! The fortress is east of here!"

"I have other business to attend to." Wulfric said while sharpening his axe.

“Business?! What kind of business?!” Pharynx demanded.

“Business from Princess Luna herself,” Wulfric replied. “We met in my dream last night.”

To this, Arminius laughed and played it off as a joke while helping his wife into the longboat.

"Was she naked and on a bed of rose petals?"

"I'm serious Arminius, she agreed to help us if we do her this one simple task."

"Raiding Dodge Junction. That's a long ways off from here sugarcube." Applejack said knowing they would be far from any help.

"She's also after this loyalist named Throft, anyone know of him?" Wulfric looked to see if anyone knew of this individuals name.

“I do!” One stag said. “From the Short-Horn clan!”

"Ah the smugglers."

"You know them Arminius?" Rainbow asked while leaning on the ships mast.

"By reputation. They're a clan of dishonorable thieves and smugglers who earned their name by keeping their antlers trimmed down."

"Yet for some reason they take pride in that." Wulfric said as they loaded the last of their cargo.

"Set sail!!"

As the longboats sailed downriver, Applejacks thoughts drifted towards Dodge Junction and the family that she had there.

"Something on your mind?" Wulfric asked as they enjoyed the wind brushing against them.

"I got some family down in Dodge Junction, my cousin Braeburn lived in a town close by and if those monsters have spread this far..."

"We'll stop them before they can spread any further. And as for Throft," Arminius banged the handle of his ax on the deck. "He'll be a head shorter after we raid Dodge."

"Just remember we gotta present that head to the princess when we're done."

"So a princess really asked you to do this?" Thora asked while helping row the boat.

"After nearly killing me in my sleep, yes. There is magic here more powerful than any of us have ever dreamed, it's no wonder Dainn wanted this land."

"Do you fellers not have magic where you're from?" Applejack asked while adjusting the sail.

"Not magic like yours, we rely on runes."

"Runes?"

"Magic letters if you will." Wulfric would then reach into his shirt to pull out a totem necklace.

"Like this for example, it is the rune of Tyr. It is meant to bring good fortune to its wearer in battle."

"I bet if Twilight was here, she'd be begging you to let her study that."

"Who is this Twilight you speak of?"

"Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and Celestia's number one student." Applejack said as they rounded a bend in the river.

"Princess eh? You have friends in high places." Arminius complimented before giving the signal to withdraw the oars.

"Do you know where she is?"

"Last I heard, she was safely smuggled out to Yak Yakkistan. One of the few places those thugs haven't reached, thank Celestia."

"Yaks eh? must be distant cousins of one of our neighbors." Wulfric said, surprising his friends.

"You got Yaks up north?"

"Minotaurs to be precise. They were close friends of our clans...I wonder if they survived the blizzard."

Wulfrics thoughts drifted towards his homeland, he wondered if any of their old friends survived or if they were here in Equestria themselves. For the entire ride downriver, he was quiet and didn't even bother to take in the scenery around them even as Wiglaf leaved over the side to dip his hand in the river to feel the cold waters against his hand.

"Alright son, I think it's time we tested your sailing skills." Arminius smiled as he joined his son on the edge of the boat.

"Now do that trick I taught you."

Wiglaf then took a handful of water and began swishing it in his mouth almost like a wine connoisseur before spitting the water back out.

"Blech! It was fine at first but then I began to taste dirt!" The other sailors laughed as they noticed the land was beginning to change.

"This is it, The Badlands." Applejack said while adjusting her hat like a cowboy getting ready for a gunfight.

"Chieftain, there's something up ahead." One of the lookouts on the other boat pointed to a building on the rivers edge. Wulfric took out his spyglass and saw it was a depot station for trading goods, a perfect place to gather information and steal supplies for their journey.

"Alright girls, like we practiced." He smirked as the females in their group began to put shackles on themselves while Rainbow and AJ hid their faces under cloaks.

“I still don’t like doing this,” one of the stags said to his comrade. “No mare should have to be in chains just for a disguise.”

"Hey our chieftain knows what he's doing. He's lead us this far." Another replied as they donned their disguises and boarded the docks.

"Welcome my friends! you must be new. What brings you this far south?" The tradesman asked, rubbing his hands eagerly as he eyed the does in chains.

“We seek to trade slaves,” Wulfric said, pulling AJ and Dash forward. “I’ve grown tired of these bitches.”

"Watch it pal." Dash whispered angrily before stomping on his foot.

"OW!! See what I mean? no discipline!" Wulfric gritted his teeth at the smug mare.

"Ah we got a special place for her but first let's check the rest of your stock." The tradesman then began inspecting the girls bodies one by one looking for any scars or signs of sickness.

"Hmm nice frame, well built but let's check the ass sets!" He joked before placing his hands on Thora's butt and began massaging it slowly.

"Hmm not too firm but just the right amount of softness~." He complimented before smacking her ass. It was taking every ounce of her willpower not to strangle the perv then and there as they were lead into the trading depot where they heard animal cries and snarling beasts.

"We also deal in exotic animals for the kings army." He said before pointing out a large bear riddled with arrows in a cage.

"This one gave us trouble but you're not so tough now eh ya stupid beast!"

ROAARGH!!

The bear lashed out and nearly took the tradesmans head off as he shrieked and fell back in fear.

Wulfric sprung into action by reeling his fist back and slugging the bear right across his muzzle. "Down boy!" he barked and shot the beast a death glance that was returned in kind yet even as the bear snarled and frothed at him, Wulfric could sense the poor creature was scared and in pain before the tradesmans goons began jabbing at him with spears.

"GET BACK THERE! Damn beast!"

"Ahem. Where were we gentlemen?"

Wulfric was silent as he stared at the bear being handled by the goons. He remembered the fear in its eyes and that it was just acting out pure survival.

“I want him,” Wulfric said, pointing at the bear.

"Th-That beast? Oh I'm sorry sir but he is to be put down and skinned. The king wants a new cloak."

"Fine then...I'll take him." Wulfric said with a menacing glare as he brandished his axe and the shackles binding the shield maids suddenly fell to the ground with a unified clang.

"Thora, this prick is yours. We'll handle the goons." Arminius smirked as they closed in on the thugs.

Thora grinned and charged at the dealer with a murderous glare.

“Touch MY ass, will you?!” Thora yelled as he jabbed two daggers in his eyes. “The only ones allowed to even lay a finger on this ass are my chiefs! No other!”

The dealer screamed in agony as his men were cut down and the entire depot was turned into a slaughterhouse. When the fighting was done, the raiders got to work on freeing the slaves imprisoned there along with any animals save for one.

"Poor fella. What can we do?" One of Wulfrics men asked as they looked at the injured bear now huddled in the corner.

"We can't just leave him here, he'll die."

"He won't let anyone near him."

Wulfric stepped towards the cage until he was in reach of the bears claws and just like before, he sensed a kindred spirit in this beast and refused to let it suffer any longer.

"Let him out." He said while tossing aside his weapons.

"Wulfric are you nuts?!?" Dash protested.

"Let him out! now!!" He shouted more sternly as two of his men proceeded to unlock the cage.

"All of you stay back." The bear wasted no time in rushing out and staring down the chieftain, looking like he was ready to rip him to shreds yet Wulfric showed no fear as he knelt down and slowly approached him.

"Shhh it's alright, you're safe now." He said as the bear shrunk back and swiped at him.

“I am not your enemy,” Wulfric said, staring deep into the bear’s eyes. “No one will hurt you any more.”

The bears roar turned into a quivering growl as it slowly fell to the ground in pain allowing Wulfric to draw close enough to embrace the poor beast and allowed its head to rest on his lap.

"Easy fella, you're gonna be okay now." He said before ripping the first arrow out gently.

"Help me, quick."

"You heard him! that critter needs help." Applejack was the first to leap into action and got to work on the collar wrapped around the bears neck.

"Poor fella, this thing was digging into his skin."

“We can’t stay, milord, they’ll be on us for the commotion we caused,” one stag warned.

"Wer'e not leaving him!" Wulfric said sternly as the last of the arrows were removed.

"There you go. Can you stand?" He asked while looking at the bear in the eye.

At first, the beast struggled to get its footing but after some time it stood up slowly and let out a triumphant roar that shook the windows of the room before it followed the others out the door.

"Good, that should be it then."

"Wulfric wait!" Fluttershy called out and called for the others to join them.

"Look!" She pointed to another cage with a surprising sight. A female dire wolf with two pups.

“By Odin’s beard!” A stag yelped. “Is that a bloody Dire Wolf?! Here?! I thought they were endangered!”

"She said they killed her mate for his skin and wanted to do the same to her and her pups." Fluttershy said as Wulfric broke off the locks to the cage.

"Not on my watch. Hey girl." He spoke in the same manner as he did to the bear while the mother wolf let out a low growl and shielded her pups.

“She said to leave her be,” Fluttershy said. “Oh my…that’s a very bad word she called you.”

"Hey it's okay, you're safe now." Wulfric then noticed some slabs of meat sticking out from one of the crates and saw that the mother wolfs rib cage was showing, they were starving her and keeping her weak for when they skinned here.

"Wait here." He said before busting open the crate to bring her some meat.

"Here, I bet you're hungry."

The wolf was hesitant to accept Wulfric’s offer but the scent of the meat made her pups come to him from their mother’s grasp. They happily ate the meat out of his hand and Wulfric boldly reached up and gently pet one of the pup’s heads.

"Hey there." He smiled as the pup wagged its tail and gave a happy bark before leaping into his arms and began licking his face.

"Aww he's saying thank you." Fluttershy beamed before the mother finally began taking her share of the meat and was full enough to leave the cage.

"Fluttershy, take them back with you to the Changelings. See that they're taken care of."

Fluttershy nodded and led the wolves away. The female wolf looked back at Wulfric and nodded at him before following after the mare.

Taking what supplies they could carry, the raiders set fire to the depot knowing it would draw the attention of any nearby patrols and make their journey a little easier as they continued towards dodge junction with an additional passenger accompanying them.

"Look dad, he likes me!" Wiglaf laughed as the large bear nuzzled and licked him as if it were a cub while the young stag scratched him behind his ears.

"A moment ago he wanted to kill us and now he's my sons new playmate." Arminius chuckled.

"He's just grateful is all. Never seen anyone tame an animal like that besides Fluttershy though." Applejack said as the bear went to rest his head on Wulfrics lap.

"He'll need a name." Sigrid suggested while giving the big guy a gentle pat to the head.

"Hmm...Urag. How's that for a name?"

The bear seemed to approve as he let out a cheerful growl while getting his chin scratched.

"Wulfric, we're here." Applejack said as she pointed to a large sign in the distance that read Dodge Junction and as before, the mares assumed their disguises and prepared to strike the town on their chieftains orders.

"I swear if one more stag puts his hands on my ass I'll break him-WOO!" Thora yelped when she felt Wulfrics hand squeeze her ass with a smug grin on his face.

"I'm waiting?" He smirked before being playfully bumped back by her rump.

“You’re so getting dominated later, my lord~,” Thora said.

"Oh I don't think so." Wulfric said as he gave her another smack. While Dash was watching this, she began to feel a strange sensation in her chest while watching them flirt and for a few seconds she didn't realize it until it hit her. She was jealous!

"Eeew!" Wiglaf protested and stuck his tongue out as his father ruffled his hair a bit.

"Oh don't be like that son! Soon you'll be going nuts over girls left and right. It's how I met your mother."

“Never! Girls are icky!” Wiglaf huffed.

"Sugarcube, that's what they ALL say." Applejack said with a roll of her eyes while the crew laughed before spotting smokestacks in the distance.

"See that?" Wulfric asked as Arminius smelled the air.

"I can smell it from here. Metalwork."

"But...Dodge Junction is farming country, why would there be-GASP!" Applejacks mouth fell wide open when she saw what had become of the town. The buildings had been turned to factories and the females made into slave workers forced the haul mine carts out of tunnels dug deep into the earth. When the boats were docked at a safe distance, Wulfric pulled out his spyglass to get a better look at their operation.

"They're strip mining the place." He said when he noticed one particular cart filled with raw gems being inspected by a stag with his antlers trimmed down to the stub and wearing lavish clothing and jewelry on his person.

"That's him, that's our guy."

"Let me see." Dash snatched the spyglass to see for herself and noticed who was pulling the cart.

"That's Little Strongheart!!"

"Friend of yours?" Arminius asked while inspecting the shoreline.

"She's part of a buffalo tribe that lives in these parts, we gotta get her out."

"Caution, we don't know how many we're up against." Wulfric said as he pondered their next move.

"Change of plans. We wait for night and scout out the place. Rainbow Dash, Applejack since you both know the town, you'll be leading. Arminius, Thora and myself will go with you."

"In that case, I'll ready the camouflage for tonight," Arminius said before he started gathering soot and ash from the fire braziers.

As night fell, the group made a fire just on the outskirts of town behind a hill where Arminius presented them some kind of paint and began decorating himself with it.

"What is this?"

"Woad. We use it to prepare ourselves for battle." Wulfric said as he painted a few symbols on his arm.

"Looks cool, gimme some of that!" Dash said as she drew stripes on her cheeks making her look like a football player.

"One last touch." Arminius smirked as he took some ash from the fire and began painting it around his eyes.

He then covers his body, clothes, even the blade of his ax in the ash and soot. His tribe followed suit and started walking away from the fire and toward the town. As they moved a few feet away, the raid party lost sight of them.

"Woah! Where the heck did they go?" Dash asked while looking for Arminius and his tribe.

"It's like they just disappeared," Applejack noted as Wulfric came up to her side.

"They're called the Ghost tribe for a reason," Wulfric chuckled before moving forward.

"Wulfric wait!" Thora held his arm while wiggling her eyebrows at him.

"Forgetting something~?"

"Hm. Come here~!" Wulfric growled as he pulled her in for a kiss and squeezed her tail to make her squeal. Once more Dash found herself infuriated with this display and almost lost her train of thought wheh Applejack doused the campfire and followed them across the desert.

Luck was on their side as there was no moon tonight and the stars barely lit up the sky with only the street lamps keeping the town alight with guards patroling almost every street.

"For a clan of smugglers they seem to be making an honest living...somewhat." Wulfric said while peeking from around the corner.

"Alright Applejack, we follow your lead."

"Alright, we need to take out the lamps first there's too much light for us to hide."

"Done. Thora?"

"I'll be on the roofs." Thora displayed her acrobatic skills by jumping off several crates before disappearing on the rooftops and took out the first three lanterns with only one shot, allowing the first group to infiltrate the nearest building.

"Remember: No screams, quick and quiet." Arminius whispered to his men as they came up on some guards in their sleeping quarters.

Before they could even react, the guards suddenly felt their throats being slit or stabbed while others had their mouths covered as they were stabbed through the back or chests before being gently laid back down in their beds.

In another part of the town, Wulfric and Dash snuck into a large warehouse where they saw the slaves being kept but there was only one way in.

"Hmm...I've never really did like sneaking around." He said while gripping his axe but as he did so, Dash noticed a change in him. His eyes were narrowed and his fur stood on end and soon his axe began to shake from the force of his grip.

"We go in fast and take them all out. You in?" He turned to Rainbow Dash, his eyes still holding their gaze.

“Just make sure you save my friend, that’s all I care about,” Dash said. “I’m still on the fence with you, after all.”

"Understood. Follow my lead!" Without warning, Wulfric charged ahead with his axe raised high and he barreled down on the enemy and sent the first one flying with a shield bash before impaling another on his antlers and threw him to the ground in agony.

"COME FORTH IF YOU WISH TO DIE!!" He roared just as Dash flew in from above to deliver a chop to one of her opponents heads and the two slowly began to fight in sync as if they had done this before until the last of the guards were slain and the doors to the warehouse were forced open.

"Strongheart? Are you in here?!" Dash yelled out, hoping for a response.

Dash heard nothing until she heard the familiar heavy grunts belonging to a War Beast, followed by loud moans. Her heart dropped when she flew around the corner to see a War Beast in the middle of raping the poor young buffalo girl.

"HEY!! Get off her!!" Wulfric bellowed to the beast as it suddenly let her flop to the ground before it could finish the job and stomped out of its cage.

"Get your friend, this beast is mine." Wulfric then began to remove his armor piece by piece as the rest of their raiding party came in.

"Shit! a gulltoppr! and it's an alpha!" Thora gasped after seeing the huge chimera tower over her chieftain.

The beast roared violently at the group for interrupting it’s time with Little Strongheart and charged with its horns aimed at Wulfric.

"GET OUT OF THERE!!" Applejack screamed when to her shock, Wulfric stopped the beast dead in its tracks by grabbing its horns.

"That your best shot? Let me show you mine!" He said with a manic grin before using every ounce of his strength on the monsters horns. In a matter of seconds, everyone began to hear a loud cracking sound before noticing the chimeras horns were starting to crack until with a sickening snap, they were broken off at the roots and were driven through its eye sockets as it roared in pain and fell dead to the ground.

"Fucker." Wulfric spat before he noticed someone watching from the second level. It was Throft.

"YOU!!" Wulfric chased after the frightened smuggler into his office where he tried to barricade himself in but to no avail as the door was ripped off its hinges.

"W-WAIT!! It doesn't have to be like this, we can make a deal!!" Throft quivered behind his desk as Wulfric stomped into the room.

"Start talking smuggler."

"Listen I can get you anything you want! Weapons, armor, food, drink, women! you name it it's yours!!"

Wulfric pondered the smugglers offer as he leaned over the desk.

"Anything?"

"Anything! Just name it!!"

"Alright then...can you give me my father back?" Wulfrics voice was cold and murderous as Throft stared at him in complete terror.

"My uncles, my aunts, my cousins! Can you give me them back? CAN YOU?!?"

Throft was suddenly thrown out of his office and onto the floor of the second level as everyone began to hear the sound of his face being pummeled in. Thora, Luta and Arminius rushed up to stop him as he kept beating him to the point where his fists were drenched in blood.

"You and your king took everything from us!"

WHAP!

"AND I!"

WHAP!!

"AM GOING TO MAKE YOU!!"

WHAM!!

"PAY!!"

CRUNCH!!

“Wulfric, stop!” Thora and Luta barely managed to pull Wulfric back from him continuously beating Throft.

The former smuggler’s face was completely caved in and his hand twitched a few times. Wulfric glared down at Throft’s corpse and spat a loogie on his dead foe as a final form of disrespect.

Arminius checked for a pulse but shook his head grimly. There was no satisfaction in this victory even as the workers were freed and the warehouse set ablaze with every warbeast in it and the trek back to camp was silent.

"I've never seen him so angry..." Applejack said in a hushed tone as Wulfric cleaned the blood off his hands.

"When a stag loses everything, all he really has left is hate towards the ones who did them wrong," Arminius said as he grabbed Throft's lifeless body by his foot and dragged him out to be put on the pile.

"Take his robe, that'll suffice for the princess." Wulfric said while bandaging his knuckles, his expression now more calm but some could still see the rage burning in his eyes. The robe was removed from Throfts body before it was thrown onto the pile and the raiders vanished before the border guards came to see the carnage and destruction left behind.

Later

The group made camp by the river but there was no singing or feasting and all sat quietly around the fire sharing their rations save for their chieftain who chose to isolate himself.

Wulfric sat alone by the riverbed and decided to skip a few stones before he heard the sound of footsteps approaching and smelled a feint whiff of perfume he recognized easily.

"Thora." he spoke calmly while throwing another stone.

"it's not wise to be in my company right now."

“I just thought you could use a little comfort,” Thora said shyly as she kept a distance. “You wanna talk about it?"

"What's there to talk about? I beat a stag to death with my bare hands. What more is there to say?" Wulfric asked before throwing the rest of the stones into the water before dipping his hands in.

"I know you better than that. We've been together for a while." Thora said as she got close enough to stand next to him and held his hand.

"If you're hurting, let me help."

“Thora…” Wulfric said and looked at her with sad eyes. “What am I doing?”

“I don’t understand,” Thora said.

“I mean, why are we here?” Wulfric asked. “As soon as that blizzard let up, we all hopped on our ships and set sail without a second’s notice. All this time, all this fighting, and I had not even considered the ones we left behind. That includes the other neighboring clans. Should we have stayed and ensured they survived before setting off to battle? Because…I feel as though we abandoned them.”

"You know that's not true." Thora said after he settled down.

"You made the best decision possible, that's all any leader can do and your clan trusts your judgment. Whatever you decide, we will support you no matter what."

Hearing these words eased his burden a little as he took her hand and held it against his cheek with a warm smile.

"You know, you act more like a wife than an attendant." he teased before pulling her in for a kiss.

"And how would you know how a wife is supposed to act?" Thora smirked before kissing along his chest.

"Well she...comforts, cooks and my favorite~." Wulfric smirked as he grabbed her tail and made her squeal.

"She cuddles with her man~."

To answer his challenge, Thora gripped her chieftains balls hard enough to earn an instant reaction as he hardened up instantly and the two began to tear each others clothes off as they rolled on the ground, kissing and feeling each other up like animals as Wulfric nuzzled her neck and gently held her hand.

"Master Wulfric~." Thora hummed while she let him take control.

"Come on Thora, no need to be formal~." Wulfric said before biting down on her right tit.

"Ahn~! Mmm Wulfy~." She called out to him with a nickname that seemed to rouse something in him as he got more rough with her.

"Want me to be gentle?" He asked before switching to her left tit and pulled on it with his teeth.

“I’d prefer if you didn’t~,” Thora cooed as Wulfric continued to suckle. “And…I have a request, my lord.”

"Mmm what is it my Valkyrie?" he asked as they laid down on the grass.

I…want a child…” Thora boldly requested. “I want to be a mother.”

"But Thora-"

"Wulfric, as one of your duties as chieftain you must have an heir and...I would be more than happy to help you." Thora smiled while holding his hand.

"I know but...perhaps we should wait until the war is done." He smiled and held her face gently.

"If I were to have children, I'd want them to grow up in a world without war, violence or conflict and I'd love nothing more than to have a fawn with you."

"My sister as well?" She giggled while letting him fondle her breasts.

"Of course."

“Then I’ll hold you to that oath,” Thora whispered as she held out her arms. “Now take me, my beloved chieftain~.”

Meanwhile, a certain Pegasus was watching from a distance and her hands had snaked down her shorts while she hid behind a boulder.

"What's wrong with me?" Dash asked herself as she watched Thora get mounted by her chieftain.

"Stuff like this shouldn't be turning me on..."

Dash watched as Thora was taken in every position possible, positions she herself was in before she was freed. She should have been disgusted by how Thora was being taken but instead she felt envious.

"Say you're my bitch Thora~!" Wulfric commanded as he smacked her rear repeatedly and made her scream.

"Say it~!!"

“I’m your little bitch!” Throa bleated as Wulfric pounded her. “Forever yours, and yours alone!”

“That’s right, my lovely shield maid~!” Wulfric said as he groped her ass.

Dash then slipped another hand up her shirt and pinched her nipple while she rubbed her pussy.

"Now what does my little bitch want~?" He growled while forcing her head down onto the grass.

"Mnnng~!! I want it in my ass!" Thora declared as her pussy was pounded.

"I actually missed having you in there, I want you to rough me up as much as you want~!"

“So be it~.” Wulfric pulled out his cock and aimed it for her puckered hole.

“He’s not really gonna, is he?” Dash muttered to herself.

"Here I-COME!!"

"AAAHNGGG~!! Mmm fuck yes~!!" Thora moaned as her ass was plundered by his hard rod and she found herself being slammed mercilessly.

Dash gasped as the shield maid willingly allowed herself to be ravaged like a beast but could not bring herself to look away as he watched Thora get her horns and hair pulled while Wulfric kept breeding her like the savage he was.

"Ahh Thora, I promise when this is over, I'm going to give you and Luta a whole herd of fawns~!!" he declared while letting her have it.

“Yes! Please! I want all the fawns I can birth!” Thora cried out.

“A-All the fawns?” Dash said as she jammed two fingers in her snatch.

The two warriors kissed under the moonlight as Wulfric withdrew from her ass and put himself right back into her hot pussy as she gasped and was turned on her back.

"I know today's your safe day." He smirked as her breasts bounced with each thrust.

“Fill me to the brim as if trying to give me triplets~,” Thora moaned.

With a feral bellow and one final thrust, Wulfric filled her womb with his seed while she gripped the soil beneath her and Dash let out a short squeal as she climaxed from watching the two.

"My sweet Thora...I love you." Wulfric said before nuzzling himself between her breasts.

Dash had to catch her breath as she frantically fixed her clothes and scurried away. She gripped her chest as she tried forgetting about what she just witnessed but she knew she would never be able to forget what she witnessed. What those two had was real and she wanted it but at the same time, she wasn't sure and it made her mind rattle.

When the lovers returned to camp, Wulfric was in a better mood and started to share a drink with the others before noticing Dash looked flushed as she sat next to Applejack.

"You alright Rainbow? You look exhausted." Luta asked her friend while giving her a water flask to drink.

"Y-yeah just had to get some air." Dash said while taking a few swigs.

"So when are we meeting this princess anyway?" One of the raiders asked when the fire suddenly began to die out and clouds covered the night sky.

"She's here..." Wulfric said while grabbing his axe.

From the clouds, a deep blue glow pierced through and illuminated the camp. Most of the raiders were on edge from the sudden spectacle until a being flew down from the clouds. She was a mare with midnight blue fur, teal blue eyes, and a mane and tail thay looked like a piece of the night sky which billowed in a nonexistent breeze. On her head was a long horn and on her back was a pair of large wings. She wore a regal-looking dress that signified her authority as a few thestral ponies flew behind her. When she landed, Dash and Applejack immediately bowed down to the mare as she slowly approached Wulfric.

"Princess Luna." Wulfric smirked as they bowed their heads to one another.

"Lord Wulfric." She replied in the same tone.

"Has it been done?"

"Throft is dead. Here's his robe." Wulfric tossed the bloodied robe at her feet yet the Princess Seemed disappointed and explained she wanted his body until Wulfric told her what had transpired during the raid.

"I see."

"My temper got the better of me." He admitted.

“I suppose I can understand why,” Luna said.

“So what happens now?” Wulfric asked.

“I see now you are a stag of your word,” Luna said. “And I am a mare of mine.” She raises her hand for a shake. “From this day forth, Wulfric Warborn, we are allies in this war.”

"I welcome it." Wulfric said as he returned the handshake.

"Forgive me for asking princess but why did you want this scum dead anyway?"

Luna paused before setting the robe on fire with a hateful glare in her eyes.

"My nephew Blueblood brought this silver tongued devil into our court with promises of trade but instead we were met with betrayal and my sister paid the price for it."

"Hmph. Almost sorry I didn't bring you his head then." Wulfric smirked as they departed for their longboats.

"Where will you go now?" The princess asked as the clouds began to disperse.

"The Kirin Lands. We have businiess there." Wulfric said without turning back as they parted ways.

End.

Redford Keep

After explaining his actions to the queen, Wulfric had returned once more to the changeling kingdom to resupply his troops and to get to know his knew animal companions now under the care of Fluttershy who seemed more than happy to look after them, especially the female dire wolf and her pups. The queen however was very displeased at this sudden development and secret alliance he made with Princess Luna and warned that any such actions in the future would result in their partnership being terminated, this spectacle amused his new comrade Ryu as they left the chambers together.

"Trust me when I say: you really don't wish to be on my mother's bad side." Ryu warned his new comrade as they departed the throne room.

As Wulfric and Ryu came down, Arminius greeted them. "Wulfric! Come, have a drink with us. Sigrid confirmed we're having another child!"

"You gotta be shitting me." Wulfric chuckled as he was handed a drink.

"No joke, Fluttershy even helped me confirm it!" Sigrid said when showing him a strange device with two pink lines on it.

"What is this?"

"It's called a pregnancy test, it let's you know if your significant other is expecting a baby or not." Fluttershy explained while Wulfric seemed unconvinced.

"And you got all that from this little device?"

"Yes but you might wanna wash your hands, I had to pee on that." Sigrid said making her friend drop the test and frantically wipe his hands on his clothes.

"Ingenious. Yet, disgusting," Arminius said before hugging his wife.

"Well celebrate while you can, tomorrow we strike at our enemy." Wulfrics expression became serious as he placed his drink down.

"Tomorrow, Ryu and his men will escort us to an enemy fortress just on the borders of the swamp and from the intel they've gathered it's full of slave as well as supplies we'll need for this war to truly begin."

Arminius grew serious as well before setting aside his drink. "Excuse me. I have an ax to sharpen." Arminius and his family walked past the others to get ready for tomorrow. Soon, all the members of the Ghost tribe went to their rooms and prepared for the upcoming war.

"And afterwards you can grind..." Sigrid paused to adjust her top and winked at Wulfric.

"Something else~."

"Uh...hold on, you two are married!" Applejack protested.

"And you're pregnant!" Rainbow said while watching the shield maid take Wulfric away.

"I don't know how you ponies do things but up north, we don't mind sharing~." Sigrid said before kissing Wulfric and her husband in front of everyone.

"Besides, I feel like celebrating~."

"It's always a celebration with you, dear," Arminius lightened up before picking her up. "The weapon can wait. You need my attention more~."

The ponies gawked as they watched the three head towards the room with Sigrid giggling from her husbands antics.

"Oh wait." She said before getting down and taking Wiglaf in her arms.

"First we need to get this one to bed."

"But I'm not sleepy." Wiglaf said before yawning.

"What have I told you about a tired warrior?" Arminius asked his son.

"They die foolishly," Wiglaf said before rubbing his eyes. "I guess I am a little tired."

"Come on then, mama will tuck you in," Sigrid rubbed her nose against Wiglaf's nose. "March."

Wiglaf giggled as he walked towards the bedroom and was tucked in by his parents.

"Sleep well my little drengr." Arminius smiled while kissing his sons forehead as Sigrid draped the blanket over him.

"Night papa, night mama."

"Sweet dreams my little one." Sigrid said before they quietly left the room and headed to their bedchambers, unaware that Rainbow and Applejack were following.

"Are we really doing this?" Applejack whispered as they hid in the corner of the hall.

"We need to be sure we can actually trust these guys or do you wanna be enslaved again?" Rainbow whispered back before seeing a silhouette of Sigrid disrobing while both men started to feel her up.

"Mmm you boys are so needy~."

"Not our fault." Arminius went and locked lips with his wife before continuing. "You were the one who was eager to celebrate~." He said before taking her breast in his mouth.

"Nnnn~...I'm not lactating yet my love~."

SPANK!

Sigrid yelped as she felt Wulfric spank her before he turned her head and locked her in a passionate kiss.

"Mmm~." he hummed as their tongues wrestled while she reached into his pants to feel his hard rod.

"Mmm husband, get me wet~." She moaned while gently pushing Arminius down further.

"Yes, dear wife~," Arminius licked his lips before diving in and eating out his wife's pussy.

"Mmm~." Sigrid hummed while getting Wulfrics hands to squeeze her left breast and butt as all three began to move down to the floor mats while Rainbow and Applejack continued to watch.

"Rainbow we should stop." Applejack said before seeing Sigrid get on all fours and shook her rear at the two stags.

"Hold on!" Rainbow hissed before watching Arminius mount her.

"And I love your plump juicy ass~." Arminius smirked while giving her a squeeze.

"Nnng~! I can't wait for our baby to be born~." She moaned as Wulfric got into position.

"Not to be rude but I think we can put that mouth to better use~."

"So you say," Sigrid smirked before gripping Wulfric's cock and giving it a couple of strokes. "Mmm, but I do love the feeling of a cock in my mouth~." She then licks under his shaft before taking the whole thing down her throat.

"Aaah! Damn she's aggressive." Wulfric growled as she got to work on his cock and began pushing against both stags in rhythm.

"Mmm...mmm...mm~." She looked up at Wulfric with bedroom eyes before he grabbed her by the antlers and started to force his way down her throat harder.

"MM~!! Mmmm."

Outside the room, both mares were shocked at how well Sigrid was in control of both men despite her position and gasped when they saw her reach for her husbands sack and gave it a hard squeeze, signaling she wanted him now.

"Whoa...and ponies say I'm intense." Rainbow said before watching Arminius ram her like a beast.

Arminius let out a large huff of hot air and started to really fuck his wife like a beast. Letting out a few snorts, he grabbed Sigrid's waist and unloaded everything he had in her. "Hah! Hah! Hah! If you weren't already pregnant! Hah! You are now~!"

"MMMM~!!" Sigrids eyes rolled back as her womb was once again filled with her husbands seed but she was far from satisfied as she dislodged from Wulfric and proceeded to bend over for him.

"Now Wulfy~." She called him by a pet name while spreading her ample cheeks apart.

"Take me here~."

"Feel honored, my friend. Took me nearly two years before my dear wife allowed me access to that hole," Arminius said before lifting Sigrid's chin. "You must be very horny today."

"Mmm, I'm always horny when we have an audience," Sigrid moaned before looking over at the corner. "Ladies. Do you intend to stay and watch, or perhaps join and see how a real male should treat their female?" Sigrid then kissed Arminius' cheek. "Especially their mate~."

Both Applejack and Rainbow were about to make a break for it when two shield maids appeared behind them with devilish grins and escorted them into the room just as Wulfric rammed his way into Sigrids rear and made her moan with lust.

"Nnnng~!" Wulfric grunted as they were taken in.

"I see you girls met Thora and Luta, my bodyguards."

Sigrid moaned as he began humping her at a modest pace while giving her cheeks a few spanks.

Both Applejack and Rainbow tried to speak, but the scent of sex hung heavily in the room. Much as they tried to resist, they couldn’t help feel their knees getting weak.

“Are…are you…not being forced?” Rainbow managed to ask Sigrid.

"Darling, does it look like I'm being forced?" Sigrid asked the two ponies before flipping Wulfric to the ground and she sat on his pelvis, giving the girls a good show of her body being pleasured.

“Holy horseapples…” Applejack muttered.

“Would you believe us if we told you those two have had their way with us too?” Thora whispered in Applejack’s ear.

“It’s true,” Luta said. “And before you ask, no, they didn’t force us either. We’re just privileged to sometimes join in on the fun. However, when it’s just those three, we’re happy to just watch.”

"Well, hold on," Arminius said as his shaft became hard again. "There's no need to simply watch." He smirked at the two shieldmaidens as they smirked back while taking off their gear. Thora sat on Wulfric's face while Luta sat on Arminius' cock. "Hello again, Luta~."

"My lord~." Luta giggled before riding his cock.

"Mmm see girls, men from the north like women who take charge~." Thora giggled before feeling her chieftain bite her on the right cheek.

"EEP! If you wanna join, feel free~."

"Uhh I think we'll pass..." Applejack said while watching them get frisky and left but oddly as she rushed out the room with Rainbow she felt strangely jealous before turning back to see all five of them all over each other as their moans began to fill the hall.

"Mmm darn, she had a cute ass~." Thora said before letting out a moan.

"And that Pegasus had some decent abs," Luta said before being bounced harder. "Oh, fuck~!"

"Nnng less talking girls, more fucking~!" Sigrid growled before Wulfric managed to get Thora off him and pin her head to the ground.

"Ohhh yes Wulfy, buck me like you own me~!"

"Grr damn I'm starting to wish you were my wife~!" Wulfric grinned while Arminius humped Luta against the wall.

"You like that Luta~?" he asked as she yelped with her eyes rolling back.

"Oooh~! Yes~!" Luta screamed as her cheek was pressed against the wall. "I love it when you take charge of my pussy~!"

"What about me?" Thora whined until hearing her friends give one last moan as they were filled to the brim.

"Mmm~!" Sigrids eyes rolled back as she bit her lip whole Luta panted with her legs trembling.

"Gods hah...hah...that was amazing-MM!" Luta's eyes went wide as Arminius kissed her.

"Thora~?" Wulfric gestured for his bodyguard to turn around.

"It's going to be a long night, hope you can satisfy us both~." He grinned before getting a firm grip on her hips.

The Next Morning

Sigrid, Thora and Luta awoke completely nude but were satisfied after their little romp last night and smiled at their two sleeping studs as the sun peeked through the windows.

"My lords, it's time to get up." Thora said before playfully nibbling Wulfrics ear.

"Mmm stag tired, sleep now." Wulfric grumbled before Luta pulled him into her chest for cuddles.

"No can do my lord, you gave the queen your word~."

"Mmm fine."

Sigrid enjoyed the feeling of her husband snoring away as his head nestled against her crotch before patting his cheeks. "My chief. It is time to wake.

"Mmm, been awake. Just wanted to be closer to my wife's sweet flower." Arminius' comment earned him a conk on the head from his wife. "I deserved that."

"Now let's get ready and prepare for today's mission." She smiled as they freshened up and went to get their son who was being dressed by the queens handmaids.

"Oh good morning my lord and lady, isn't today beautiful?" One of them asked while fixing Wiglaf's shirt.

"I believe so. Son, get ready to go. We have work today," Arminius told his son.

"Can I come too?"

"Not this time sweetie. It'll be too dangerous even for you." Sigrid said as Wiglaf began to pout.

"Aww no fair!"

"You'll thank your mother and me when you have all your limbs," Arminius told his son. "Tell you what. You can keep watch of the camp. Use your bow if you'd like."

"Really?"

"Yes but only guard the camp, understood?" Sigrid asked while booping her sons nose.

"Yes ma'am!"

As Wiglaf went to prepare, the two of them noticed that all the servants of the palace seemed more chipper than before even as they were doing their daily cleaning.

"Is it me or are they more cheerful than usual?" Arminius asked before spotting Ryu.

"Ah, there you are Ryu. Did the castle receive some good news or did we miss something?"

"If you're referring to the sudden change of mood then we have you five to thank for that. You...weren't exactly quiet." Ryu smirked while Sigrid blushed.

"Well not my fault my husband is a beast in the sheets~."

"You're no slouch in that department either my dear," Arminius said before kissing his wife's neck. "I hope you all had a good feast," He told Ryu.

“That’s an understatement,” Ryu said and rolled up his sleeve. The holes that were on his arm were much smaller than before. “It’s been some time since we changelings felt love like yours. You could even say you managed to revitalize the whole hive with your love. It just goes to show just how different you are compared to the Stonehoofs.”

"You haven't been feeding since they invaded?" Wulfric asked in surprise.

"My friend, there is a fine line between true love and uncontrollable lust." Ryu said before gesturing them to follow.

"We will use your longships to navigate the swamp, We know these waters better than any creature in Equestria."

"We're coming too." Applejack called out as she marched towards the group with Rainbow and the others.

"We've been itching to get some payback on them bastards."

"Can you fight?" Wulfric asked while looking her over.

"Wulfric, remember the last time you asked a female that," Arminius whispered in Wulfric's ear just as Applejack cracked her knuckles.

WHAM!!

Before he knew what happened, a solid punch hit him straight in the jaw as he fell to the ground and he began seeing stars.

"That answer yer question?" Applejack said while walking off as Rainbow tried to contain her laughter.

"You should see your face right now!"

The chieftain sat up completely dumbfounded as he watched the farm mare leave and could swear she looked back to smile at him.

"What a woman..." He said while still in a daze.

"Now I really like her," Thora said as she watched the mares walk away.

"Luta...get them outfitted..."

"With pleasure. Oh girls?"

The group met at the abandoned village where the raiders had begun prepping their gear as they sharpened their swords and loaded their quivers when Ryu noticed some of them drinking a strange brew in the middle of the camp.

"What's that they're drinking?"

"Berserker brew." Arminius said as they watched.

"Dulls the pain, makes them act more like beasts then men and thanks to our elders we made some improvements."

"Improvements? Like what?" Ryu asked before he heard the men starting to shout like real savages.

"Well for starters, we don't have to drink each others piss anymore. Just toss it in some mead and it's ready to drink."

"You...drank piss..." Ryu said with disgust before noticing their womenfolk were donning warpaint and sharpening their blades.

"You bring your women into battle?"

"That a problem?" Wulfric asked after taking his own portion of the berserker brew.

"Well to be honest, the battlefield is no place for a woman." Ryu said as he watched them board one of the longboats.

"Hmph. Clearly you don't know our women." Wulfric smirked as he boarded the lead ship.

"SET SAIL!!"

As the longships sailed downriver, Ryu guided the raiders through the maze of the swamp until they spotted the outpost mentioned but made sure to stay out of sight.

"If we continue down this waterway, we should come up behind the outpost before low tide."

"What happens at low tide?" Arminius asked when he noticed a large cragadile cruising towards they outposts main gate as the soldiers were seen dumping scraps of food over the side.

"It's when they start looking for scraps..."

"They're about to get a few more scraps once we get in," Arminius said before bringing out a few pieces of armor that belonged to the Stonehooves. "Alright, the plan is that a few of us sneak in disguised as the enemy. When night falls, we kill the guard and open the gate for the rest."

"I will be joining as well." Ryu said as he removed the heavier parts of his armor to don a more light outfit.

"My troops and I will take out the archers along the wall and secure the main gate."

"What can I do?" Wiglaf asked his father who smiled and ruffled his hair.

"You will keep a lookout for any signs of trouble. You see anything, fire an arrow into the air. Can you do that?"

"Yes papa."

"That's my boy."

"First women and now a child...you northlanders are a reckless bunch."

"We live each day like it's gonna be our last, without fear or regret." Wulfric smirked as continued through the maze of trees before finally coming up on the rear of the fortress.

"Ugh it stinks, must be where they dump their waste." Arminius covered his nose as a foul smell permeated the air.

"I've smelled worse in your laundry basket," Sigrid teased her husband as they moved through the sewer pipe.

Above, the group could hear the sound of slaves being raped and broken by the soldiers while crawling through the raw sewage until finally coming up to a drain inside the fortress. Wulfric was the first to peek out and saw they were in some kind of butcher shop after noticing the various meats hanging on the hooks and the bloodied knives left on a wooden table.

"This must be were they prep food for the beasts. Come on." He whispered while slowly getting out.

As they came out of the drain, they took on the guise of Stonehoof soldiers. As Sigrid put on the gauntlet for her husband, she let out a disgusted grunt. "Ugh, you look terrible in this."

"I know. I feel like a pile of shit with this on," Arminius said while pulling his hood over his head. "Stay here with the girls until we give the signal."

"Already ordering me around are you?" She asked with a smirk. The two then bring their foreheads together. "Be safe, my love."

"Always." They share a kiss before separating.

The two then stepped out into the main hall of the fort where a large feast was held for the troops and at the head of the table was their commander.

"I know him, that's Olaf. One of Dainn's captains." Wulfric said as the large stag forced a kiss on his female slave before forcing her down on his rod in front of his men.

"Suck it bitch!"

"YEAAAH!!"

Wulfric was ready to charge in until Arminius grabbed his shoulder and shook his head as they continued to blend in with the crowd.

As they walked around the main hall, they noticed a few females that Arminius recognized as his tribe members. He and Wulfric went over to them, making them cower until Arminius stooped down and had them look at his face. "Chief?" One of the cows asked in disbelief.

"Hello, Hilda," The two shared a hug before backing away so as not to cause suspicion. "Wulfric and his tribe are here to free you and take the fortress."

"How?" one of the others whispered before Wulfric carefully handed her a dagger.

"When the fighting starts, you know what to do." He whispered before hearing the slave give a loud moan as Olaf took her on the table.

"You'll find the rest of our tribe in the dungeons below but you have to hurry." Hilda whispered as the men gave a quick nod and made their way to the forts prison area.

"I'll go through the back, you take the front." Arminius said as the two split up to avoid suspicion. Just as Wulfric rounded the corner of the hall, he suddenly bumped into Applejack who had snuck away from the others.

"What're you doing here?!?" He whispered furiously while making sure they weren't noticed.

"You boys looked like you could use some help." Applejack said while pulling him towards the side.

"Besides, I am not gonna sit on the sidelines like a helpless filly."

"Mmm...fine but stay close."

"Who goes there?" A guard called out as he rounded the next corner.

Without even thinking, Wulfric hoisted Applejack off the ground and pinned her to the wall like he was about to take her and made it look like they were kissing when the guard shined his lantern on them.

"Ahh found some company brother?" The guard asked as Wulfric grinded himself against AJ who let out a little yelp.

"I'll leave ya to it then."

After making sure the guard was gone, Wulfric stopped to look at Applejack who was completely flustered as her cheeks had become hot pink and her breathing was a little rapid.

"Sorry about that." He said while letting her down.

"W-wait..." Applejack huffed while making him look at her.

"Uhh... Apple-Mmmph!" Wulfric was interrupted when Applejack brought him in a kiss while dragging the two away to a quieter place.

The lovers found an empty spot behind some crates as Wulfric proceeded to lift Applejacks top open while she unbuckled his pants before being pinned to the wall again. Applejack had found herself in this position many times before but this was the first time she was willingly allowing herself to be ravaged by a northlander.

"Ah~!" She gasped after feeling his cock push into her before she was gently humped against the wall. Despite his strength and size, Wulfric was very gentle with her and even held her hand as she let out a few whimpers from being ploughed by his large member.

"Want me to stop?" Wulfric whispered while keeping a gentle pace.

Applejack shook her head while still crying but with a smile on her face. "Keep going," She told him before wrapping her legs around his waist. "This is the first time in a long time I've felt good doing this."

She kissed him once more as his thrusts became harder and rested her head on his shoulder while listening to him grunt with a smile on her face, for a while the two continued this unaware that Rainbow Dash was peeking in from around the corner and was listening to every sound and word they were making.

"Mmm we really should get back to the mission." Wulfric grunted while listening to Applejack quietly moan and pant as she gave him bedroom eyes.

"Your friend has this. Keep going~," Applejack said while twisting her nipple.

Rainbow watched from the shadows as the two continued and could not help but feel aroused as she watched her friend get pounded by Wulfric.

"Dammit...what's wrong with me?" She panted as she began to play with herself and watched as Wulfric humped her friend harder.

"Applejack, I'm gonna!" Wulfric grunted as the farm mare did her best not to scream from the intense pleasure.

"Go ahead, I'm gettin' real close~!" Applejack moaned before wrapping her arms around Wulfric as well as her legs.

Without thinking, Wulfric kissed her and flooded her insides with his seed as her eyes rolled back and she smiled through their kiss.

"MMM!! mmmm~..."

After a few more thrusts, Applejack was gently let down and the two redressed themselves while Rainbow was able to quietly finished without them noticing.

"Applejack I-" Wulfric was about to apologize when she pressed a finger to his lips and smiled.

"No need, Sugarcube," Applejack leaned forward and kissed his cheek before whispering. "When we take the fort, let's see if Dash wants in on this."

Applejack then pointed to a tuft of rainbow hair sticking out from behind a barrel before leading the way towards the dungeons where they found Arminius dispatching the last of the guards.

"About damn time, where in Hels teeth were you?" He asked while dragging the dead body into a broom closet.

"I was...occupied." Wulfric smirked to Applejack.

"Oh come on now." Arminius shook his head before breaking another set of chains.

Once the last of the prisoners were freed, Arminius made his way to the rear gate to find Ryu's men waiting and flashed his dagger in the moonlight twice, signaling them to cut the chains holding the gate shut before signaling the army with a warhorn.

"CHAAARGE!!" Surt shouted as he lead the charge into the fort.

The raiders flooded into the fort and began setting everything on fire while Sigrid helped the escaped slaves flee to the longships as the fighting escalated and the entire area was turned into a battleground.

"This way, stay close!" Sigrid said before an arrow narrowly missed her head.

"You're not going anywhere girly!" An enemy archer grinned before being shot in the back by Wiglaf.

"Keep going!" Sigrid shouted before turning to see Olaf fleeing into the swamp while his men were left to die.

While the battle raged on, a spy baring the mark of a red moon with a wolfs head watched the battle from atop a nearby tree as the fort was looted and the feasting hall was set ablaze by the raiders and when there was nothing more to see he vanished into the night like a ghost as if he was never there.

The soldier journeyed through the night his mount carrying him as fast as it could go till he came to a war camp where he was stopped at the entrance the scout simply removed a part of his armour that showed scorched flesh and the guards admitted entrance.

The scout ran directly to a large war tent in the centre of the camp where he was met by another pair of guards.

"I am to bring a report on the state of the fortress in the swamp." The scout said.

One of the guards silently held up their hands before he stepped into the tent and a moment later the guard stepped out and gestured for the scout to enter where he saw a large war table with a map of equestria upon it and on the map were several items descripting many positions such as Caribou strongholds and standing at the table was the scouts commander Bulwark and standing on the opposite side of the table was his princess the bringer of the night Princess Luna who was a damn sight more impressive now since she first arrived at their fortress dressed in armour as black as the abyss with white crescent moons decorating her pauldrons.

"Report." Princess Luna said not as an order or as a polite request.

"The fortress in the south has fallen the attackers were of ponies and caribou milady who bore a red banner with two crows and a sword and another banner that consisted of a screaming skull." The scout replied.

"Well I'll be damned so there are caribou who are opposing Diann and his Stonehoofs." Bulwark said.

"There is more sir...The one called Olaf...he was there but the coward fled." The scout said before he heard the leather of Bulwark's gloves creak as his fingers tensed in fury.

"Good, I'll see him soon enough."

"What of Rainbow Dash and Applejack?" Luna inquired.

"They were in the battle as well milady, fighting alongside the rebels and there's more..." The scout paused as he cleared his throat.

"Before the battle, Lady Applejack and the one known as Wulfric were seen well..."

"Out with it soldier." Bulwark demanded an answer.

"They were seen copulating just before the battle. Lady Applejack apparently gave herself over to him."

Silence for a time it was if all time inside the tent had simply stopped as usual the expression on Bulwark's face was unreadable thanks to the cold iron mask but Luna seemed thoughtful on this.

"Curious." Luna said.

"Was there anything else soldier?" Bulwark asked his voice showing no hint of rage or shock but was emotionless as his mask.

"Yes. They freed the female slaves at the fort and escorted them to safety. By now they should have returned to the changeling city which unfortunately I have still not been able to infiltrate." The scout bowed his head humbly before being dismissed by Luna.

"Bulwark, send a messenger to this Wulfric. I think it's time we spoke properly about our alliance."

"Milady?" Bulwark asked.

"He has proven himself trustworthy and we need as many allies as we can find until we reach The Crystal Empire. In the meantime, I'm sending you and your men to liberate Hollow Shades." Luna said as she and Bulwark walked over to the map.

"The city is too far for the enemy to launch a counteroffensive so you will have more than enough time to find new recruits and secure any supplies available. Once I have negotiated with the northern rebels, I will send for you."

"I understand your will be done." Bulwark responded as he placed a fist over his heart and an arm behind his back before he bowed before departing.

Bulwark seeked out his best rider and informed him of his task before he reported to the princess who handed him a scroll with the message.

The messager departed and rode towards the swamp and the home of the changelings the swamp was quiet as it was eerie but the messenger was unnerved by this and calmy rode through the murky surroundings before he gently pulled on the reigns bringing his mount to a stop.

"I come bearing a message for the one called Wulfric of The Warborn!" The messenger shouted as he pulled out the scroll and held it high over his head while gazing deep into the foggy swamp.

Like ghosts, the changelings emerged from the swamp in bursts of ghostly green flames as they approached Luna's messenger. Pharynx emerged from the mist with his hand gripping his sword as he seized the scroll and saw the wax seal baring Luna's mark.

"What is the purpose of this message?" He asked with a look of skepticism.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss my only orders was to deliver this message to Wulfric personally and no more." The messenger said.

"Hmm Lord Wulfric is currently at the fort on the other end of the swamp, my men will escort you their but you must leave your beast behind." Pharynx said as the messenger dismounted and handed his ride over to the changelings.

"A giant rock lizard, very difficult to tame one of these." One of the changelings said while petting the creature.

The messenger was brought to the fort via rowboat and saw the raiders were still busy clearing out the dead as corpses were tossed over the wall and into the float of cragadiles that had gathered below to feast.

"Luna's light, must've been quite the battle..." the messenger said as he watched another corpse get thrown over the wall.

"We'll go to the rear entrance, it's safer." Pharynx said as he steered clear of the feeding frenzy.

The group moved to the mentioned entrance and upon entry the messenger saw the raiders looting whatever they could find the sight made his stomach churn as memories surfaced of Stonehooves doing the same thing when Storm Wall fell.

But then he saw something unexpected. The slaves the rescued from the fort were being treated fairly, some were even being tended to by healers from the ghost clan and were given warm food and something to drink.

"Load up what you can and take it back to the city, we'll come back for the rest." Wulfric shouted to a longboat that was preparing to leave when he saw Pharynx come ashore.

"Pharynx, you missed the raid! Who's this?" he asked with a friendly smile.

The messenger said nothing and simply held out the scroll for Wulfric and as soon as Wulfric took the scroll the messenger turned to Pharynx.

"I'll be taking my mount now." the messenger said.

"Understood, my men will escort you safely to the swamps edge and you can make your way from there." Pharynx then called for one of Ryu's men to take the messenger back while Wulfric looked over the scroll.

"It's a message from Princess Luna."

"The princess? She's alright?" Applejack said while he continued to read the message.

"She wants to meet at the ruins of an old castle."

"We know where that is." Rainbow said while looking over his shoulder but the moment she got closer, she felt her heart beginning to race and her mind flashed back to what she saw him and Applejack were doing.

"One question...didn't that fella seem a little...off to you guys?" Applejack asked.

"You referring to his attire right?" Wulfric said as he rolled up the message.

"That man was burned alive and barely lived through it."

"How can you tell?" Pharynx asked.

"I could smell it on him." Wulfric said before going back to loading the longships.

"By the way, has anyone seen Arminius?"

"He said he was gonna wash up by the river, wanted to get that sewer smell off him." Rainbow said while pointing in the direction of the river.

At the river, Arminius had finished washing off when he saw his son talking with his favorite aunt. "You taking care of your aunt?" He asked his boy.

"Yes, sir!" Wiglaf said as he gave Hilda a hug.

"It's good to see you're doing so well, my cute little buck," She teased before picking him up. The three of them walked back to the fort while Hilda leaned toward her chief with her re-grown antlers. "Thank you for saving me, my chief."

"You're welcome, Hilda. Besides, I needed someone to look after this little warrior," Arminius said while poking his son's side.

"Always happy to look after this one," Hilda said while nuzzling Wiglaf's cheek. "Is Sigrid alright?"

"Yes. She's with us and has been fighting the Stonehooves with Wulfric and Me." Arminius leaned into her ear and gave it a little nibble before whispering. "She's also expecting~."

"Hmph, I go away for one year and you have all the fun without me." Hilda smirked while Wiglaf cuddled with her.

"I bet Wulfrics old man is pestering him nonstop to find a girl now." She laughed but noticed Arminius wasn't smiling.

"What?"

"Hilda, there's something you should know..."

As the three walked back to the fort, Arminius filled her in on their situation, why they were there, and why they couldn't stop the Stonehooves sooner.

"So Chief Hjalmarr is really..."

"Afraid so and nobody was hit harder than Wulfric. He was the only family he had left."

Hilda then saw Wulfric loading the last of the plunder onto the longboat before Applejack clung to him from behind.

"Who's the mare?" She asked while watching them flirt.

"Applejack. The Element of Honesty. We freed her and the rest of the town of Ponyville as our first raid." Arminius then smirks at her. "And not but two minutes ago they made love in the middle of our battle."

"That so?" Hilda smirked as she gave Wiglaf back and walked over to the couple.

"Hey stranger."

"Uh H-Hilda!" Wulfric stammered as she got close.

"Care to introduce us hon?" Applejack said.

"I'm his...was his lover." Hilda smiled while Wulfric gave a nervous gulp.

"Oh really?" Applejack questioned before turning to Wulfric. "Something you want to tell me?"

"Uhh well this was a while back, way before I even met you." Wulfric said as he began to back away while AJ scowled at him.

"Go on..."

"We um dated for a while."

"How long's a while?"

"Oh about two years and I don't mean to sound lewd but WOO this man knows how to pound the pillow!" Hilda said as she fanned herself with a smug grin.

"Is that right?" Applejack said while still scowling at Wulfric. Her scowl soon turned into a smirk before slapping his ass. "Nice to know I got something to look forward to."

"Uhh...thanks?" Wulfric said as AJ leaned on him with a smile while his men continued to taunt him with kissy faces.

"Hon, I won't tell you on how to live your life but just promise you'll be honest with me?"

"O-of course."

"Good and since we're on the terms of being honest..." AJ suddenly began to squeeze her lovers arm to the point where it felt like it was about to break.

"There any other gals I should know of besides the three you have already?"

"I feel sorry for Uncle Wulfric," Wiglaf said.

Arminius bent down and shoved his son forward. "Then go save him," He told him with a wink.

Wiglaf went over to Applejack and gave her a gentle tug on the arm.

"Auntie Applejack?" He called to her with an innocent look.

"I'm hungry."

Hearing that, Applejack's heart melted and she took Wiglaf by the hand. "Let's see what we can rustle up," She told him before leading the boy back into the fort.

Hilda chuckled while lightly elbowing Arminius in the gut. "Cheap move, using your secret weapon."

"I did what I had to," Arminius said before looking down at the doe. "Come on, I'm sure Sigrid is dying to see you again."

"Don't think this talk is over mister!" Applejack shouted back as she left with Wiglaf.

End.

A Night to Remember

"AAAAAH!!!!"

"EEEEE!!!"

As expected, Sigrid was overjoyed to see her friend again and the two hugged like sisters. "Ooooh! Hilda, it's so good to see you again," Sigrid cheered while tears streamed down her face.

"I've missed you so much, my oldest friend." Hilda said while comforting her friend. "When did you find out?" She asked while placing a hand on Sigrid's belly.

"A few days ago." Sigrid started to dry her tears before looking at her friend. "I'm sorry to have broken our promise."

Hilda smirked before kissing her cheek. "Perhaps tonight, we can remedy that~."

"Promise? What promise?" Rainbow asked while munching on some bread.

"Oh well you see, the night my husband and I were married we kinda got a little tipsy and things got a little...heated between the three of us~." Sigrid said as she hugged Hilda close and even nuzzled her in front of Dash.

"I practically became the chiefs second wife that night and they even promised that I could join in the next time they try to conceive~." Hilda said before they kissed.

"Uhh are you sure you guys aren't Stonehooves?" Dash asked as they shared a quick laugh.

"Please, next to Arminius and Wulfric those guys wouldn't even be good at breeding pigs."

"Think I even saw one of them do just that," Arminius joked, getting them to laugh even harder.

Hilda then gave the married couple a loving gaze before getting up and heading for a private room. "We have time now~. What do you say, lovebirds~?"

Sigrid was the first to get up and accompany her friend and cup her breast. "Let's give our big guy a show~."

As the two doe's swayed their hips to the room, Arminius gulped and stood up straight as an arrow. "If you'll excuse me, I'm needed elsewhere."

"I'm starting to regret this..." Dash grumbled as Applejack came back with Wiglaf.

"Hey there dash, what's got you all bummed out?" She asked her friend while seating the little buck on her lap.

".....Nothing," Dash said in a sad tone.

Applejack didn't need to be the element of Honesty to know that was a lie. She sat down next to her and gave her arm a shrug. "C'mon now Dash. You can tell me."

"Mmm...are you sure we can trust these guys?" Dash asked while Applejack gently ruffled Wiglafs head.

"I know they helped us and all but how do we know this ain't a trick?"

"Hon. I doubt very highly it's a trick. If it were, they wouldn't have their women fighting alongside them, they wouldn't free us or give you your wings back. And for damn sure they wouldn't kill any of their own if it was a trick." Applejack's words seemed to do little to convince Dash. She then brought her in for a hug. "I know you're scared, and that you mask it with paranoia. But you don't have to anymore." She then surprises Dash by kissing her forehead. "You're safe with us."

Dash could only hug her friend in return while AJ stroked her head and took a deep breath before confessing to her friend.

"I saw you two..."

Applejack smiled warmly while she kept stroking Dash's back. "I know." She felt Dash stiffen a bit. "Your hair color ain't exactly the most subtle."

Dash then blushed as Applejack continued to smile.

"Wiglaf, sugarcube? how's about you go play? Auntie Dash and I need to talk."

"Okay." Wiglaf then went to the waters edge to skip stones as the two mares talked face to face.

"Now I know you're worried Dash but he didn't force me."

"Kinda looked that way when the guard showed up." Dash smirked, reminding AJ of how she got into that situation.

"But seriously, why did you just throw yourself at him like that?"

"Well, I don't know if 'throw' is the right word," Applejack said while blushing. "Back at the Changeling Kingdom, I saw a side of him that I didn't expect to see. A kind, loving fella who had a love for family; for his kinfolk. When we faked making love to fool the guard, all those feelings just came forward. I didn't know if I would ever get another chance, so I took it."

"Whoa. So...love at first sight huh~?" Dash teased before being given a playful shove.

"Well if you're okay with it then I guess I am as well." Dash sighed before AJ whispered something into her ear.

"You can join us if ya want, I heard Sigrid say it's pretty normal~."

Dash had to pause to process the offer. After a minute to think it over, she smirked at her friend. "Think he can handle me~?"

"Only one way to find out hon." Applejack winked just before they saw the last of the loot being loaded.

"Alright, that's it for the supplies. Surt and some of the men will stay here to repair and fortify the stronghold while we head back to Queen Chrysalis to divide the spoils. All that's left is to wait for Arminius." Wulfric sighed.

"And that's gonna be a while."

Back over at Arminius, he had followed his wife and their lover, Hilda, up to a bedroom where he saw his girls making out and undressing themselves.

"Mmm my my Hilda you're so needy~." Sigrid said as her friend removed her top.

"What's gotten into you?"

"One too many stonehoof dicks." Hilda grumbled as Sigrid bit her right nipple.

"Mmm I need a seriously good bucking from a real man after all that~."

"Mmm, I happen to have a real man with me~." Sigrid licked Hilda's nipple before removing her pants. "I'll lend him to you for a bit, on one condition~."

"And what condition would that be~?" Hilda asked as Arminius came up behind Sigrid and took off her pants.

"You eat my pussy while he fucks you silly~," Sigrid told Hilda before brushing her fingertips along her friend's pussy lips.

"Mmm you mean like on your wedding night~?"

"Exactly~."

The two does began to kiss as they fell onto the bed with Hilda's cute tail pointed straight up as the white patch on her rump made a little heart for Arminius to gawk at as he watched it sway side to side.

Smirking at the invite, Arminius lay on the bed behind the two before taking hold of Hilda's firm ass and getting a taste of the Doe's pussy. "Mmmm~!" Hilda moaned into Sigrid's lips before turning around to look at the horny stag with a raised brow. "Missed my taste that much, have you?"

Arminius pulled away while licking his lips. "Second best pussy I've ever tasted. Yours is the best, my love~," He directed at Sigrid.

"Mmm, a charmer even while eating my best friend's pussy." Sigrid sat up in the bed and cupped Hilda's cheek. "Speaking of eating pussy~." She hinted while spreading her legs for her friend.

"Mmm don't mind if I-DOOO!!" Hilda yelped as she felt Arminius poke at her entrance with a hungry grin.

"Sorry, Hildy. Just couldn't wait to hear you scream again~," Arminius said to the Doe before pushing in further to make love to her.

"NNNG...MMF!" Hilda was ambushed again as she was shoved into Sigrids now soaking cunt before feeling her stag begin to hump her like a piston.

"Mmm....mmm~."

"Ohhh keep doing that love, I think she likes it~." Sigrid shuddered as Hilda began to eat her out.

"With pleasure my love," Arminius answered before grabbing hold of Hilda's hips and ramming her harder.

"Mmm! Mmm! Mmm~." Hilda moaned in Sigrid's pussy. As she kept licking and thrusting her tongue, her antlers were being held by her friend.

"Mmm, that's it you lovely slut~. Tongue fuck your pregnant friend's pussy while my husband rams your tight slut hole~!" Sigrid moaned before pulling Hilda's head even deeper.

To say Hilda was in a world of bliss would be an understatement as she like so many others before her had been in this position many times and violated against her will but with each thrust given to her, the memories soon began to fade and all she could think about was Arminius breeding her while her friend watched.

"Mmmmm~...."

"Aaaah damn Hilda, I forgot how tight you are~."

SPANK!

"MM!"

"Mmm, how's her pussy, dear? Is it as wet and tight as mine~?" Sigrid asked her husband while playing with her breasts.

"Not as tight as yours, but you should feel how wet she is," Arminius told his wife before leaning down to get a better grip and watch his wife get eaten out.

"Mmmm....mmmah oooh buck I needed this~." Hilda sighed before crawling up to kiss Sigrid as she squeezed her breasts.

"Mmm pull my hair~."

"Like THIS?" Arminius grunted as he forcefully grabbed her hair and hilted himself inside her with a hard thrust.

"AAAH~! Ohhh yes buck me like they did~!!" Hilda moaned before being shoved back into Sigrids snatch.

"I'll do better. I'll buck you like you were my wife~," Arminius whispered in her ear before picking Hilda up and having her bounce on his cock.

"Aaaahh~! Oh, if this is what Sigrid gets all the time, then I wouldn't mind being your wife~," Hilda teased while reaching back to feel the back of Arminius' head.

Sigrid grinned before crawling over and getting a taste of her friend's pussy. "I'm starting to like that idea~," She said before standing on her knees and bringing Hilda into a french kiss.

"Mmm a second bride huh? That means more siblings for little Wiglaf~." Arminius smiled while sliding his hands up to her breasts and began kneading them like dough.

"Of course you know I may share you with Wulfric to improve clan relations right~?"

"Mmm, then all my fantasies will come true~," Hilda told the two of them with a genuine smile.

What may have started as a joke between the three, started to become a real idea as the loving kept going. Sigrid cupped Hilda's cheek and smiled at her friend. "I'd love to call you mine and my husband's wife. And I think Wiglaf could use another mom to watch him."

"I'd like that~." Hilda smiled as they shared another kiss before Arminius flipped her on her back and got her into a mating press as his groin began to strain from the building pressure?

"Rrrrg marry me Hilda! Marry me!" He groaned while pounding her into the mattress.

"Yes~! For the love of the gods, make me your wife and give me a child~!" Hilda begged Arminius as she kept her arms around his back.

Sigrid chuckled before placing a hand on both of their shoulders. "As the chiefs wife, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss and impregnate your wife."

"With pleasure~!" Arminius said before bringing his new wife into a kiss and flooding her womb with his seed.

Later

In a rather unorthodox and sudden way, Hilda laid sprawled on the bed in a blissful daze with a ring taken from the plunder placed on her finger while Arminius pounded her a few more times before collapsing on top of her.

"Mmm this is the first time I'm glad to have a sweaty man on top of me~." She moaned before the bed suddenly collapsed from their combined weight.

"Seems Freya approves." Sigrid laughed.

"Well congrats Hilda, you are now officially my second wife~." As the three of them laughed, a knock came at the door. "Hey, you alright in there?" They heard Wulfric say.

"We're fine." Arminus smiled as he squeezed Hildas butt, making her giggle.

"Very fine~."

"Well hurry up and get dressed, we're burning daylight!" Wulfric shouted through the door.

As the three of them got dressed and freshened, Arminius took Hilda in his arms, making her giggle. "Taking your new wife over the threshold?" Sigrid smirked while kissing them both.

"It's a husband's job to do so," Arminius retorted as they all walked out of the room. The moment they stepped out, the entire clan began to cheer as Arminius carried his new wife to the longboat.

"Mama!" Wiglaf cheered as he ran to his mother.

"Ohh there's my little drengr! Mmm!" Sigrid squealed while squeezing him tight.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes, mama," Wiglaf said before watching his father and Hilda kiss. "Dad. Is she..."

"Your second mother? You betcha son," Arminius said as Hilda kissed her new son's cheek.

The moment Wiglaf heard this, his face lit up and he immediately leaped into Hilda's arms and began snuggling with her as the longboat took off and sailed back to the changeling city.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot

Olaf had finally arrived to the city covered in mud and twigs as he stumbled into the great hall with news of the forts downfall, as he approached the throne a shadowy figure loomed over him with two amber eyes lit up by a set of braziers looked down on him with a a scornful glare.

"So Olaf, you mean to tell me that you not only lost the fort but fled from our enemies as well?" The figure asked as the stag shook in fear of his voice.

"Forgive me my king, but I had to escape. To bring news and who attacked us," Olaf said in a shaky voice.

"I already know. Wulfric Hjalmarrson and Arminius. They're alive." The king said as he stepped down to reveal himself as a strong stag dressed in northern royal attire. Fur gray as ash with a white, snowy patch around his neck and a beard decorated with golden bands and atop his head were a set of imposing antlers that gave him the appearance of wearing a crown.

"I swear my king, I will make them pay for this!" Olaf yelled in fear as he looked up to the king.

"Oh I'm sure you will but you still failed and failure..." Dainn slowly reached for the sword under his cloak.

"Has consequences."

"No... No my king, please!" Olaf begged.

Schwing!

Olaf feared the worst until he saw one of his antlers drop to the floor. Dainn sheathed his sword before taking the antler. "Fail me again, and it will be your head that rolls next."

"Y-yes sire..." Olaf's voice trembled as the king marched away, leaving Olaf in his shame.

"Damn you and your spawn Hjalmarr...this time I'll exterminate your entire bloodline! Allfather willing."

The Changeling City

News of the raid had spread like wildfire as the longboats pulled in with their plunder and new refugees with the raiders gleefully jumping onto the docks to begin unloading their cargo.

"Let's get these ponies some food and decent clothes." Wulfric shouted to one of the guards who immediately went to report to Chrysalis.

As the men gathered the supplies and helped the rescued onto the dock, Ryu came to greet the two chiefs. "It seems I owe you two more credit than I gave you before."

"Appreciated, my new friend," Arminius said to the samurai.

"It's not all good news though. Olaf escaped." Wulfric said in disappointment as they made their way back towards the palace.

"No doubt he's told Dainn of what's happened."

"Well take pride in what you've accomplished my friends, you struck a blow against the enemy and one that they will never forget."

"And I just happened to bag myself another treasure." Arminius smirked as Hilda leaped onto him for a kiss.

"Meet my new wife."

"Hmm, so one chief had sex with an element bearer during a raid, and another married right after. Truly, you two lead strange and exciting lives," Ryu told them. Just then, a squad of guards walked down the pier with their Empress behind them.

The refugees cringed in fear thinking they were going to be sold to the changeling queen as Wulfric and Arminius marched up to her with a chest of gold and offered it to her as a gift.

"Your majesty, on behalf of our clans we'd like to present you this gold as a token of thanks for your hospitality and kindness."

"My lord, you spoil me~." Chrysalis flirted as she opened her fan.

"But you must keep your gift for you will need it in the war that is to come."

"Very wise. So, if you will not accept the gold as a gift." Arminius and Wulfric both approached while bowing their heads a little. "Then will you accept our friendship?"

"I would be more than happy to." Chrysalis replies with the same gesture.

"And let all who are gathered here bare witness, from this day forward The Changeling Kingdom will be allies in the fight against Dainn Stonehoof."

The northlanders and changelings cheered as the queen announced the new alliance before being silenced by their monarch.

"In honor of this new alliance, we shall host a great feast for all to enjoy. We have known nothing but hard times in this war but tonight we celebrate!"

"LET'S FEAST!!" Wulfric bellowed as the cheering became even louder.

Upon their return to the palace, Rainbow and Applejack were greeted by Pinkie and Fluttershy who were more than relieved to see their friends unharmed while making sure to steer clear of the servants who were making preparations for the party.

"So how did it go? Was it fun? Did you bring me something?" Pinkie bombarded her friends with questions as she beamed her signature smile.

"It was... exciting," Applejack said while blushing.

"Did something happen?" Fluttershy asked after noticing her blush when she saw Wulfric walk up to her.

"Everything okay here?"

"We're fine hon." Applejack called her new lover by a nickname in front of her friends without realizing it and began to blush.

"Just let me know if you need anything then." Wulfric said before giving her a peck on the cheek and left to prepare for the feast. Dash gave a smirk while Fluttershy had a slack jaw from the show of affection. Pinkie, on the other hand, shook violently with a huge smile before she rocketed into the air, cheering for Applejack and Wulfric.

"EEE!! When did this happen?!?" Pinkie squealed as she was muzzle to muzzle with Applejack.

"These two got cozy before the raid~." Dash teased as Applejacks cheeks turned red from anger and embarrassment.

"He didn't force you did he?" Fluttershy asked with worry while holding her friends hand.

"Well um...not exactly." AJ said sheepishly.

"A guard was rounding the corner, and so no one would sound the alarm, these two pretended to fuck in the hall. When he was gone, Country girl here dragged him off to actually finish the job," Dash told a short version of what happened with a smirk.

"DASH?!" Applejack screamed as her friends covered their mouths in shock.

"Applejack, I didn't expect you to be so...so bold." Fluttershy said before Rainbow dropped another bombshell on them.

"And tonight, I'm gonna get a taste of that stag for myself~."

Fluttershy's cheeks turned bright pink the moment she heard those words and instantly fainted as Pinkie caught her.

"Too much?" She asked Applejack who rolled her eyes.

"You know it was," Applejack told Dash before helping Pinkie carry Fluttershy to the banquet hall.

While preparing for the feast, Wulfric was standing atop the wall overlooking the city and smiled at the bustling streets and smiling faces. The scene reminded him of home during happier times, it wasn't until Ryu appeared that the young chieftain was snapped out of his daydream.

"Beautiful is it not?" He asked while joining him.

"It is, your people are very lucky to call this place home." Wulfric smiled down at the crowd below.

"Our home was once nothing more than a wasteland, but it is through determination, hardwork, and sacrifice that we were able to strive." Ryu said as he joined him overlooking the ledge "Tell me, Wulfric, what is you hope to do at the end of this war? What life, what future do you see when you think of the end of the war?" Wulfric looked at Ryu and then out to the city as the lanterns were lit up on every street.

"I will fulfill my fathers dream and establish peace between Equestria and the northlands and if possible...start a family." Wulfric smiled as he leaned his back against the wall.

"My father would always ask me and my brother that question after every battle, fight, or war we face. At first I thought it was a silly question, just keep fighting till I die. You know what he told me?" Ryu asked him as Wulfric gave him a puzzled look "He called me a fool who would lose everything if I kept going down that path. If you can not see a future at the end of every battle, then you are doomed to watch all that you love die." Ryu then placed a hand on Wulfric's shoulder

"Never forget about the future you see for not only yourself, but for your people and your loved ones."

"Hmm wise words my friend." Wulfric smiled before music began to fill the air and the smell of food began to permeate the air.

"Hey it looks like they're starting!"

"Come, let us join them." Ryu said as the two headed down to join with the others in the celebration.

The moment they entered the main hall of the palace, the two warriors were shown to their seats and were given a full meal while the maids poured them some drinks to enjoy.

"It's not Valhalla but it'll do." Wulfric joked as he took a croquet to his mouth and began stuffing his face.

"What is this Valhalla you speak of?" Ryu asked as he ate his food with a more sophisticated approach than Wulfric.

"It is the great feasting hall of Odin himself. The only way to enter is to die in battle with courage in your heart and a blade in your hand, the allfather values bravery above all things." Wulfric said before gulping down his ale.

"I only pray my father found his place there when he passed on..."

"If you are the man you are now? Then your father must be waiting for you in this Valhalla." Ryu said while putting a hand on Wulfric's shoulder, giving him a comforting smile. He then picked up a dumpling and handed it to Wulfric "But for now, let us enjoy our lives in this world."

"Agreed."

What followed next was much feasting, singing and drinking as the two factions mingled and talked as if they were neighbors while Arminius celebrated with his new wife and watched as his son played with some of the children.

"You know what this reminds me of?" Hilda asked while snuggling on Arminius' left shoulder.

"The wedding feast and how a few drunken words led to a wedding night threesome?" Arminius asked, only to get pinched by both of his wives.

"I was referring to when we first met." Sigrid said with a smile.

"The glowing bonfire, the music, the dancing and...yes the naughty parts that came after."

Arminius smiled at that while bringing Sigrid in for a hug. "It was a night I'll never forget. Meeting the woman that changed my life forever." Sigrid smiled at her husbands words before kissing him.

During the feast, Wulfric noticed Rainbow was giving him flirtatious looks from across the hall as he downed another drink when Applejack whispered something in her friends ear that made her smile before she walked over to her lover.

"What say we find some place quieter sugarcube?" She winked as Ryu casually sipped his sake with a friendly smirk.

"There are some rooms available upstairs."

"Much obliged my friend." Wulfric said as he finished his meal and was taken by the hand and lead upstairs by both mares.

Once they made it upstairs, they entered a room with a large bed and a bath in the middle of the floor, letting out a calming atmosphere for the three.

"Very nice." Wulfric said as Applejack lead him to the bed and gave him a kiss.

"Now sugarcube, before we start I want you to see something." She said before turning around and slowly disrobed until only the bandages covering her chest were left. She seemed to hesitate for a moment until Rainbow held her hand and gave her a reassuring smile before she took a deep breath and undid her bindings to reveal her back was covered in scars, the kind made by a whip.

"Applejack..." Wulfric gasped after seeing them.

"I...got these when I refused to submit to Ragnar..." Applejack said as she turned away from her lover.

"They're ugly aren't they?" She asked when to her surprise, Wulfric wrapped her in a warm embrace and gently held her close.

"No. In fact I think they're beautiful." He said in the sweetest voice Applejack ever heard.

"These are the marks of a mare whose spirit could not be broken, a mare who I would gladly call my love if she would have me."

When Applejack heard him say that, she wanted to slap him for saying such a lie to her. But when she felt him hold her, hold her as a lover should, she knew he was telling the truth. And she couldn't keep the smile or tears off her face before turning around to kiss him in a long and loving embrace.

"No matter how you look, you will always be the mare I love." Wulfric smiled as he wiped the tears from her face.

"Ahem!" Dash cleared her throat, slightly ruining the moment.

"I'm happy for you two and all but how's about letting me in on the action~?" She grinned while slightly pulling down her top.

"I could tell you were holding back when I first saw you two go at it~."

At hearing the comment and wanting to get a little payback for ruining the moment, Applejack grinned before grabbing Dash and pinning her to the bed and helped her remove her clothes. "Is that right, Sugarcube~?" She gestures for Wulfric to strip, which he does. "Well then, I guess you'll be our own personal toy for the night~."

"Mmm bring it o-AAH!" Dash screamed when Wulfric suddenly dove into her snatch and began slobbering all over her like a dog eating a bone.

"W-whoa!"

"Mmmm slurp! Mmmm~!!" Wulfric growled as the vibrations sent chills up her spine and she began to squirm under his grip.

"Oh Dashie~?" Applejack called out as she dangled her breast just inches away from her mouth.

"Come on, you know you want to~." Dash took a moment to smirk up at her friend now lover and latched onto both tits and sucked on them like a newborn.

"Mmm that's it hon~." Applejack shuddered at the feeling of her tits being sucked while listening to Wulfric eat Dash out like an animal.

"Mmmm~. I must be truly blessed to have such fine valkyries for myself~." Wulfric smirked as he began to peck Dash around her thighs to make her giggle.

"Mmm, ain't that the truth," Applejack said before reaching back and spreading her cheeks. "Here, get a taste of mah apple pie while you fuck her~."

"Not yet love~." Wulfric said while gently getting her off Dash.

"She wants to see my full strength, then I'll give it to her~." He said with a sadistic grin as Dash detached herself from Applejacks breast and gulped as he loomed over her.

"Listen um don't take this the wrong way but...I want you to rough me up." Dash said while looking away.

"Those stonehoof jerks took their time with me so...I want to forget all that..."

"If it's what my lady wishes~." Wulfric smiled before suddenly ramming into her snatch like a battering ram as she let out a loud gasp.

"And I won't be gentle-RRG!!"

Dash let out several more gasps as he began to slowly pound her into the mattress and grunted like a feral beast while she gripped the sheets and did her best to keep her eyes open.

"Oh, fuck! Oh, fuck! Oh, fuck!" Dash screamed as her pussy kept getting pounded.

"Mmm that's it my rainbow-haired she wolf, scream for me~!" Wulfric growled as he clutched her tight and pounded her like a jackhammer.

"Mmm you're almost as tight as Applejack~." He whispered as Dash kept screaming to the heavens and gripped his back fur for dear life.

"Just keep fucking me you big bastard~!" Dash moaned out angrily while Applejack sat next to her and played with herself.

"Grrrr damn your moans drive me wild~!" Wulfric said before slowing down to look at her lewd expression and noticed she seemed a bit frightened as their muzzles drew closer and he gently held her head in place before he was just inches away from her lips.

"W-wait don't kiss me! don't-MMPH!" Dash went wide-eyed as he pushed his tongue into her mouth and he doubled his efforts in bucking her into submission. Dash tried to push him off but for some reason her arms were trembling and she couldn't focus her strength and was slowly enveloped by his kiss before he finally broke away from her.

"Bet none of those bastards kissed you like that before~." Wulfric teased while keeping pace.

"Again..." Dash panted as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Kiss me again..."

Wulfric was a tad confused before seeing the love in Dash's eyes. With conviction, he redoubled his efforts and brought Dash in for another kiss.

"Mmmm~." Dash hummed before feeling his cock beginning to throb as he made her get on all fours and began taking her doggy style.

"Grrr say you love me Dash~!" He commanded as her wings fanned out and a few of her feathers fell around the room.

"Say it~!" He shouted while spanking her and pulling her tail.

"Aaah~!" Dash screamed while gripping the sheets. "I love your dick~! I love the way you fuck me~! I-I-I love you, Wulfy~!"

Once Rainbow had her fill, the three of them took this moment to catch their breath as the chieftain began taking turns kissing them and holding them close while they gently laid him down.

"Wulfric...do you mean it?" Rainbow Dash asked while making him look at her.

"You really love us and you're not just saying that?" Wulfric pulled Dash in for a more sensual kiss and when it was over, he looked deep into her eyes. "I will always love you. Now and forever~."

Their lovemaking grew so intense that even Chrysalis' elite guards could not help but feel aroused by the love shared between the three of them. Dash soon found herself pinned on the mattress as Wulfric continued to ravage her flank and drive her nuts to the point where both were about to pass out from overstimulation.

"RRRG! Fuck! Girls I love you! I love you so much!" Wulfric groaned just before Applejack kissed him and smacked Rainbow on the cutie mark to make her scream.

"We love you too hon...now finish her off~!"

"Can do~!" Wulfric grunted before giving Dash one last thrust before exploding inside her ass. "Take it you, slut~!"

"aaaAAAAH!!!" When Dash screamed, her wings fanned out so hard that the gust created actually blew the windows to their room wide open and her feathers were falling everywhere and after a few more good thrusts both she and Wulfric collapsed on the mattress exhausted but happy.

"Hah...hah...oh sweet Celestia...that was the best I've ever had..." Dash smiled, not minding that Wulfric was on top of her.

"So did I make you forget?" Wulfric asked while holding her hand.

"Forget what?" Dash asked him, only to smirk up at him and kiss his cheek. "Thank you~."

Applejack joined them on the mattress as she cuddled Wulfric from behind and gave him a kiss before holding Dash's hand and the three drifted off into blissful sleep while the party continued until morning.

End.

Uneasy Alliances

Wulfric lay in bed with his two lovers, snoring contently with them in his arms. Unbeknownst to them, an intruder had slunk their way into their bedroom. The assailant stood at the foot of the bed and went for Wulfric. "Incoming!"

Wiglaf landed on Wulfric with a plop, startling the three while the young buck laughed. "Wiglaf! What are you doing?"

"Waking up my favorite Uncle for breakfast," Wiglaf said while looking at the two mares covering themselves. "Hi aunt AJ. Hi aunt Dash." Wiglaf greeted while getting in between them. "Mom's making pancakes."

"And you came to wake us up huh? Well aren't you a little sweetheart?" Applejack said as Wulfric got up to hold his nephew.

"Well next time, try not to land so hard on my gut or I'll throw up on you."

"Eeww!" Wiglaf giggled as he hugged his uncle. The scene was so heartwarming that when both mares saw him holding Wiglaf, they almost looked like father and son. A thought that seemed pleasant to the both of them.

"Alright ya little runt, go back downstairs and tell them we're coming." Wulfric smiled while ruffling his nephews head. Wiglaf gave a little salute before doing his best to get off the bed in a hurry and headed out the door.

As the three got dressed, both AJ and Dash were smiling contently as they each gave Wulfric a peck to the cheek before heading downstairs to find their friends gathered for breakfast.

"Hey guys! You missed all the fun last night." Pinkie smiled while decorating her pancakes with whip cream and strawberries.

"We were kinda...busy." Applejack said while seating herself next to Fluttershy.

"Busy?" Sigrid asked while giving her son a plate of pancakes. "Would this business involve our dear friend Wulfric and a bed?"

"And those loud noises. I thought for sure the palace was haunted," Hilda joked while pouring syrup on her breakfast.

"Girls, no need to tease them," Arminius told his wives before winking at his old friend.

"I guess we went a bit overboard." Wulfric admitted before being given his own stack.

"So now that we've secured our alliance with the Changelings, what should our next move be?" Arminius asked his friend before sipping some tea.

"We need to meet with Princess Luna at the ruins mentioned in the scroll, perhaps she'll be willing to help us reach the kirin lands."

"She'll definitely help us." Dash said after taking a huge bite of her pancakes.

"I'm more worried about the ponies she's with."

"You mean the one with the burned skin." Wulfric said to his new mare while crossing his arms.

"I'll admit, when I was around that messenger I felt uneasy; like he was ready to cut me down without hesitation."

"He might have if he were our enemy," Arminius pointed out. "But these are strange times. And strange times need odd allies."

"Or dangerous ones..." Wulfric said as they continued their meal and prepared to depart for the meeting area. Reluctantly, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie agreed to escort Rainbow and Applejack to the ruins along with a few of the clans best warriors including Thora and Luta, Ryu would also be accompanying them as an envoy for the changeling kingdom.

The longship was now enchanted with a cloaking spell thanks to a few talismans crafted by the changeling mages as a gift from Queen Chrysalis.

"Now Ryu remember, maintain a cool head and do not draw your sword unless it is needed." Crafty Dodger said to his son in a stern manner as Ryu bowed to his father.

"Yes father."

"Go, make us proud." Chrysalis said with a smile as she sent him off.

"I will, mother," Ryu whispered before joining his comrades on the longships.

"Care to do the honors Wiglaf?" Arminius smiled as he handed his son the rope for the sails.

"Can I?" Wiglaf asked as his parents gave an approving nod while Wulfric stood on the bow of the longship.

"SET THE SAILS!" Once the sails were set, the ships left the docks and headed down the river. As they sailed, Arminius stood at the bow with his son and hummed a tune.

It wasn't long before all of the longships were singing and rowing in rhythm to the song as they glided down the river. Before long, they arrived on the southern edge of the Everfree forest and were already arming themselves after disembarking.

"Alright everyone, stay close and do not get separated. No telling what kind of beasts lurk in these woods..." Wulfric said while mounting his axe on his shoulder.

"Dad. Do you think we'll come across any monsters, like in the stories you and mom told me?" Wiglaf asked while getting his bow ready.

"I have no doubt about it, son," Arminius said while readying his axe.

But you..." Sigrid picked up her son and placed him back on the boat. "Will not be seeing them."

"Aww but mom!"

"No buts mister." Hilda wagged her finger as Wiglaf pouted and sat in the boat with a few others.

"You boys keep an eye on him." Arminius pointed his sword to the raiders guarding the boats before they marched into the woods.

"The ruins should be around here somewhere." Rainbow said as she lead the way with the girls following. Once they were far enough, Thora and Luta moved in from the sides and began to whisper.

"So how was he?" Luta asked as Rainbow gave a little smirk and blushed.

"The best fuck of my life," Rainbow answered with a slight skip in her step and grin that didn't seem to leave.

"And then some." Applejack sighed while using her new axe to cut through the foliage.

"By the way Rainbow, why didn't you want him to kiss you last night?"

"Do you know how many of those perverts stuck their tongues down my throat? Ugh, I felt like throwing up each time..." Rainbow said with disgust before her smile quickly returned.

"But when he did it, it was just..."

"Magical?" Thora smirked.

"Yeah."

“But seriously,” Luta placed a hand on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Do you still think all caribou are bad?”

"Well...I guess not all of you are bad." Rainbow said before spotting a stone tower in the distance.

"This is it! We're close."

“You know,” Thora hummed. “You somewhat remind me of his mother.”

"Really?" Rainbow was surprised.

"What was she like?"

“According to Wulfric, she was a spirited young doe,” Thora said. “Wulfric’s father often said she challenged him to a fight every chance she got. No other shield maid dared lift a finger against the chief, but she didn’t much care. One day, during a bout, she managed to knock him down with a single punch. That was how she won him over.”

“Wow…” Rainbow said.

“But get this. She had no intention of dating him!” Luta said. “All she wanted to do was prove females can be stronger than the males.”

"And that's what made him fall for her." Thora giggled.

"And when Wulfric was born, she was truly the happiest woman in the village and she loved her son with all her heart."

"What happened to her?" Applejack asked the two shieldmaids while making sure they weren't being eavesdropped.

"She...died during a terrible winter when Wulfric was only six. It broke his heart and that of our clan." Luta frowned in sadness.

"Oh..." Rainbow gave a sad frown. "How did he cope?"

"His father." Luta said as they continued their trek.

"He raised him with all the love and care in the world and made sure he would be strong enough to lead and that's when me and my sister came into the picture. We were just supposed to be his bodyguards but one night after too much mead things kinda got...steamy~."

"Uh huh." Applejack said with a raised brow.

"Hold up...you two popped his cherry?!" Rainbow said, trying not to laugh.

"And he ours." Thora smirked with pride.

"That was a night worth remembering~."

"Hold!" Wulfric shouted as the group came to a sudden halt.

"We're being watched..."

"Where?" Applejack asked as she looked around for any sign of movement.

"Everywhere..." Sigrid said as she brandished her spear.

"And here I thought my skills in stealth were perfected."

Suddenly a familiar alicorn princess to the ponies present appeared as though she materialised from shadow and suddenly several figures all adorned in leather and chainmail from head to toe and all wearing masks stepped out of hiding to surround the group.

The northlanders were ready to defend themselves when Arminius ordered them to stand down as Wulfric met the princess of the night halfway.

"I'm here as requested, your grace." Wulfric said as he bowed his head to Luna.

"So I see I am glad to see you accepted." Luna said as the surrounding figures moved to silently stand behind her.

"Then I'll get straight to the point. Join us in our campaign."

The moment Wulfric spouted those words, several of Luna's knights were ready to attack until their princess signaled them to halt.

"You must forgive my forces the don't exactly have a lot of...what are the words...trust for the caribou and to have you make a demand for me to assist you strengthens their opinion." Luna explained.

"We understand, your highness," Sigrid said while stepping up next to Wulfric and her husband. "From what we've seen, we see why you're cautious."

"Do we have you lot to thank for that display of barbarism in Ponyville then?" A knight spoke from under his mask.

"Yes that was us. Ragnar owed me a blood debt and he paid it in full." Wulfric said without a shred of remorse for his old enemy.

"Dainn will soon follow."

"And what then? Will you rule Equestria?" Luna asked as she listened to his answer intently.

"No." Wulfric replied almost instantly.

"Once that bastard is dead we will return home to rebuild. We still have many loved ones waiting for us to come back."

"Can we really trust the word of a northern savage?" Another of the knights asked aloud making some of the raiders reach for their weapons.

Arminius saw this as a challenge a stepped up to the knight. Raising his ax, he sunk it into the nearest tree and stared him down. "Our intentions are what we said they are. If you don't trust us." He held his arms before the knight. "Then take me, the leader of the Ghost tribe, as your prisoner till you find us trustworthy."

"Arminius no!" Wulfric protested but his friend urged him to let him handle the situation.

"If our words prove false then you may claim my head at any time. All I ask is that you show mercy to my clan and that of my friends."

"Princess Luna, wait." Applejack intervened in his behalf.

"I get it, you don't trust them especially after what we all went through but these are good and honest folk here."

"They saved our lives." Rainbow Dash added before holding Wulfrics hand in front of everyone.

Luna took her time to look between Applejack, Dash, Arminius, Wulfric, and every single clan member and pony that tagged along with them. After a long sigh, she nodded her head to her knight, making him back away. "For the time being, we will trust you. But know that it's only because of the word of the Element of Honesty and Loyalty. Cross us, and we'll make you all suffer."

"We wouldn't expect any less from you, your highness," Arminius bowed before the princess before retrieving his ax.

Sigrid took this opportunity to grab her husband's ear and pull him down. "You ever try that again, and your bed will be cold for a month!"

"Yes, dear," Arminius said while whimpering at his wife's treatment.

Some of the men laughed at the little couple squabble as Luna walked up to Applejack and Rainbow Dash to embrace them in a warm hug.

"Thank the heavens you're both safe. Are the others with you?" She asked out of concern.

"Pinkie and Fluttershy are at the longboats waiting for us." Applejack said before Luna noticed Ryu.

"A changeling..."

"Greetings princess, I am Prince Ryu son of Queen Chrysalis. I have come on behalf of the changeling kingdom to also propose an alliance."

"....Sieze him!" Without warning the knights suddenly surrounded Ryu with their spears trained on him, startling Wulfric and the others as they tried to stop them.

"What in Odins name is going on?!?" Wulfric demanded an answer as Luna trapped him in a barrier.

"Queen Chrysalis is wanted for treason against Canterlot, in fact she's also wanted in The Crystal Empire for kidnapping and impersonating my niece Cadence. Nearly sabotaged her wedding too." Luna answered as Rainbow and Applejack gave a sheepish grin to Wulfric.

"Uhh whoops?" Dash said as her lover facepalmed himself.

"That would have been very nice to know!" Arminius blared while bashing against the barrier.

"I assure you, my mother plans to pay for all war reparations if you'll hear me out." Ryu said as he slowly pulled out a scroll.

"Say the word your majesty and we'll end him right here." Another of her knights said as he prepared to give the order.

"Hmm...wait." Luna said before releasing the others.

"Let us at least see this message and if he tries anything...kill him."

One of the guard snatched the scroll from Ryu's grasp and handed it to Luna while the rest of the group breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anything else I should know?" Wulfric tapped his foot to his mares.

"Oh don't you start mister playboy." Applejack said while poking his chest.

"I'm still waiting to hear on how many more girls you got in the saddle before me and Dash!"

"Again what happened with me and Hilda didn't work out!"

They all looked at Hilda who shrugged. "He was alright, don't get me wrong. But, my heart just belonged to another," She said before leaning against Arminius.

"And what about your Bodyguards?" Dash asked while pointing to Thora and Luta.

"Well it's sort of a...friends with benefits thing?" Wulfric replied with the best answer he could think of.

"And what benefits they are~," Thora said while biting her thumbnail.

"Not that this isn't fascinating, but aren't we getting a little off-topic?" Luta asked while gesturing all around the group.

"Right, we'll discuss this later." Wulfric said as Luna finished reading the scroll.

"Well?"

"Hmm the proposition is interesting...I'll have to think about it. In the meantime, release him." The captain signaled his men to stand down while Ryu adjusted his armor.

"Much obliged."

"Before we go any further, is there any other reason why you would want to arrest or point your weapons at us again?" Arminius asked, hoping this would be the last time for a bit.

"None at the moment." Luna said while tucking the scroll away in her chest.

"If the changeling queen truly wishes to establish a more...diplomatic relationship then tell her I will meet her in a months time when my general has returned."

"Excellent. My mother will be pleased." Ryu said before Luna returned her attention to Wulfric.

"However, I am still unsure of you Sir Wulfric so I will offer you one last test."

"A test?" Wulfric inquired.

"Let me see into your memories and I will judge for myself whether you are an ally worthy of our trust."

Many of the raiders, including Arminius and his family were against this idea as they were unsure if this was a ploy for Wulfric to let his guard down but with the reassurance of his lovers, the chieftain agreed and even laid down his axe as a sign of good will.

"Now just relax and let me into your mind." Luna said as Wulfric closed his eyes and he felt himself becoming sleepy.

Luna then laid him down gently on the grass as she sat beside him and began to peer into his memories. What she saw in his mind was not what she had expected, inside were memories of him and Arminius playing as children, of his village and clan living happily but what stood out most was the memory of his mother.

As Luna watched his memories, she felt strangely happy to see the little stag being shown so much love and care before the memory changed to the day his mother died.

The memory showed Wulfrics mother laying peacefully on a funeral pyre as the little stag clinged to her cold body crying before he was gently carried away by his father.

"Don't be sad my son, your mother has gone to join the Valkyries in the great hall." Chief Hjalmarr said while stroking the back of his crying sons head.

"You will see her again but you must be brave and strong. Understood?"

The little stag nodded in response before watching the pyre being set ablaze by the shield maidens. Luna had never felt so sad for a northlander before and did not expect one such as Wulfric to feel such emotions but the next memories she saw had completely caught her off guard.

It was the night he claimed Applejack and Rainbow Dash as his lovers and despite it being a memory, the lewd moans and grunting she heard sounded all too real as she watched him take the two mares like a beast but noticed that they were not forced or restrained in any way.

"RRG! Fuck! girls I love you, I love you so much~!"

She heard him say while he pounded Applejacks flank.

After finally seeing enough, Luna released him from her spell and gently roused her from his sleep as the chieftain found himself laying on the grass with only the memory of him speaking to Luna as his most recent one.

"You have been through much...all of you have."

"The same can be said for you as well, your highness," Hilda said while looking at the state of both the Princess and the troops she leads.

"We have been on the run from Dainn's forces since the kingdom fell, trying to form a resistance but everywhere we go we find nothing but traitors." Luna said as her knights prepared to move out once more.

"Forgive my sudden departure but we must reach the southern border of The Crystal Empire to meet with Sir Bulwark."

"Who is this Bulwark you speak of?" Wulfric asked when she told them of the storm wall and its fall at the hands of Olaf and his forces.

"They were...burned alive?" Rainbow gasped in shock.

"We barely escaped ourselves..." One knight said as he revealed the burned skin of his arm.

"Hmmm Princess." Wulfric marched up to Luna with an idea that took everyone by surprise.

"Why not stay with us at the fort? We could use more help in defending it and your men know these lands almost as well as the changelings."

"That's a great idea hon!" Applejack said in approvement as did Rainbow.

"Brains and Brawn? What else you got for me~?" Rainbow flirted before he kissed her in front of the princess.

“As much as I appreciate the offer, including the fact that you have more than proven yourself, there is still one last task I have for you,” Luna said.

“And that is?” Wulfric asked.

“Save my pet possum,”

End.

Sir Tibbles

"A... possum?" Arminius asked with a raised brow.

“My precious little Tibbles,” Luna said, her tone changing from stoic to that of a sad child. “He was taken and my spies have just come back to me with information on where he is.”

"I can do it!" Above them in the trees, Wiglaf waved down at them.

"Boy! I told you to stay on the Longship!" Arminius was furious with his son for not following his instruction as he jumped down from the branches.

“Actually…that might work,” Luna said, sounding hesitant. “The area where Tibbles is being held is at a training camp where the Stonehoofs are training foals and bucks. If your son is committed, he may pose as a new recruit.”

"Oh no! Absolutely not!" Sigrid protested.

"But mom... I want to save him and prove to the Princess that not all caribou are bad. Plus, I get to save a possum," Wiglaf protested to his parents.

"Did you ever think about what'll happen if they recognize you?" Wulfric asked his nephew with his arms crossed.

"Not to mention they expose those bucks to all kinds of depravity as part of their "Training" I've seen it firsthand."

Wiglaf thought long and hard on this. On one hand, he'll be facing this danger alone. But then he remembered the way the Princess talked about her pet, and his resolve became clear.

He hopped down from the branch and bowed before the Princess. "As future chieftain of my clan, I accept this mission, under full knowledge of what that may imply."

Sigrid couldn't help but cry a little at seeing her son grow up while Arminius let out a sigh. "Alright, you can go. But disobey me or your mothers again, and you won't make it to be future chief."

"Yes sir!" Wiglaf saluted his father before having his hair ruffled.

"I suggest sending your best warriors to watch him, no telling what kind of trouble he could run into." Hilda suggested before hugging him close.

"And I can't bare the thought of this poor baby getting hurt!"

"Mama!" Wiglaf cried out while trying to get away.

Luna smiled at the display before turning to one of her captains. "Have the troops ready to move out."

Wiglaf was finally released from his mother’s hold and went to prepare for his mission.

“Wiglaf, a moment?” Luna said. Wiglaf turned back around and approached the lunar princess. “You’re quite the brave one, for somepony so young. What drives this courage?”

"My father's blood makes me strong and my mother told me to be courageous." Wiglaf looks around so he's not heard before whispering in the Princess's ear. "I also love animals and you sounded like you really miss him."

Luna then did something completely unexpected and wrapped her arms around the young buck. Wiglaf was very confused as Luna held him close and giggled.

“You’re possibly the cutest little buck I’ve ever met!” She cooed.

"Uh oh, looks like you got a fan Wiglaf." Wulfric teased his nephew along with the other raiders.

"Since you suggested the idea, Thora and Luta will be the ones to look after him." Arminius said as his friend nodded in agreement and called for his two bodyguards.

"Look after him ladies." He said while spanking both of them.

"Mmm yes sir~." Thora purred.

"Boy," Arminius called his son over. "Restrain yourself, don't kill too many while there. And if need be, look after your Aunts Thora and Luta."

"Yes father."

"And run if there's trouble." Sigrid advised before giving him a big hug.

"Oohh my baby! Mm!"

"Mom!" Wiglaf complained while everyone laughed.

"So, where are we going again?" Hilda asked.

"One of my scouts will show you the way." Luna then gestured for a female knight to step forward. She was dressed in light armor with a crossbow strapped to her side and her face was hidden behind a mask but when Rainbow looked at her she could swear she saw a pair of Sapphire eyes before being escorted back to the longboat.

"Shall we go get cozy?" Wulfric asked as they linked arms.

"Sure thing, babe," Rainbow said as they sailed down the river.

"Room for one more sugars?" Applejack winked as she joined them on the boat along with the princess who was still shocked to see such a display of affection from a northlander.

"My, you two must be...close." She said before seeing Wulfrics hand clearly reach for AJ's rump.

"Yeah. He gave us a real eye-opening experience," Dash said while leaning into the the cheiftan.

"That and much more my rainbow haired she-wolf~." Wulfric smirked as he gave her flank a pinch.

"Watch those hands mister." Applejack lectured as they came upon the forts main gate. The moment Luna stepped into the fortress, she was shocked to see the northerners tending to the sick and elderly while giving the refugees proper clothing.

"Hey...it's princess Luna!" One of the mares shouted as a crowd started to form around the princess.

The mares and loyal stallions gathered around the princess of the night and cheered for her being here. A few of the mares that were brutalized as black collars were shedding tears at the sight of their princess.

"My dear subjects..." Luna said as some of them held her hands and cried.

"Men, this is our new ally and our guest. Treat her well." Arminius said to the raiders before they resumed their work.

"My lords, you'll be pleased to know the feasting hall has been cleaned and we've already got a hot pot cooking." Surt said while walking alongside the two chieftains.

"About time, I'm starving."

Stonehoof Camp

CRASH!

A table was flipped, startling everyone inside as they nervously looked at their general. The stag was easily over six feet tall, missing an antler, and looked like he would murder anyone who would dare say something stupid. By his side we’re a few of his personal favorite slaves. Two of which were poor Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon, and the third was Berry Punch. All of which had red collars as they obediently sat on their knees.

“Explain to me…” General Olaf snarled in a low, venomous tone. “Why am I getting numerous reports that those rebel scum haven’t been dealt with yet? Furthermore, why is it that I’m being told it’s those pathetic Warborns?”

"Please Lord Olaf, we're doing all we can!" The stag groveled at his lords feet while trying not to look at the stub that was his other antler.

"I promise we'll find them. In the meantime we have a batch of fresh young recruits ready to serve his majesty! I'm sure you'll find they'll make worthy soldiers."

“Blue cunt,” Olaf said to Lyra. “What is your purpose?”

"To service you and sire your offspring my master~." Lyra cooed while tickling his chin.

"And if you wish, I can make sweet music to soothe your troubled soul. You look so tense right now~."

“See that, men?” Olaf said as he groped Lyra and Bon Bon. “These meager sluts know their purpose in life. Your purpose is to bring me the head of that Warborn brat by whatever means necessary. If you don’t, then I will personally report to his majesty about your incompetence.”

"Yes, sir!" Many of the boys said while eyeing the three ponies acting like sluts.

Olaf nodded toward the young stags before noticing one of them wasn't really into the program. "You, boy! Step forward!" The stag walked out of line and stood in front of Olaf. "What is your name, boy?"

"Unferth, son of Ecglaf," Wiglaf lied to the one antler stag.

“Hmm…” Olaf scanned the boy for a moment. “Tell me, boy, are you still a virgin?”

“Yes sir,” Wiglaf answered, trying not to let his hatred towards the older stag show.

“That right? I pity you,” Olaf said, then hoisted Berry up to her hooves. “Magenta slut. Present yourself to this one.”

"Yes, master~." Berry crawled over to Wiglaf before turning around and presenting her pussy to the boy. "Take me as your first-time young master. Cum in my pussy~." Wiglaf didn't take to this and scrunched up his nose in disgust.

Olaf saw this and slapped him across the face. "Pathetic! A real stag would have been balls deep in this cunt already!"

“This slut isn’t worth it,” Wiglaf said, trying to put up an act. “I prefer someone with a more perky ass and tits.”

“Oho?” Olaf said, taking his comment to consideration. “You’re one of those stags already?”

"Hmm sir, how's about...a female his age?" One of the guards suggested.

"Excellent idea. Bring those two rich brats." Olaf grinned unaware that just at the edge of the trees, Thora and Luta were poised to extract their charge as things seemed to be going south really fast.

"We need to get him out of there now!" Thora whispered to her sister.

"Not yet, there's too many. We'll wait for nightfall." Luta said when she saw two fillies being dragged into the tent.

"Unferth, meet Little Pink Slut, and Little Grey Slut," Olaf said while handing him a couple of leashes. The two fillies were in nothing but rags that barely covered anything and already had several of the stags drooling.

"Ohh I like em young~." One of them growled as he reached for the gray one only to have Wiglaf swat his hand away.

"Back off!!"

Wiglaf took the leashes and gave every stag a glare that would make death back off. "I'm taking these sluts to my room, and I'm not coming out till tomorrow." That earned him a nod from Olaf as he dragged Diamond and Silver to his tent.

Once inside, the two fillies ran to the corner and huddled together. "Don't hurt Silver," Diamond said looking back at Wiglaf. "Do whatever you want to me."

Looking outside his tent flap, making sure no one was listening, he went over to the two and held his hands out for quiet. "My name is Wiglaf of the Ghost tribe, My father and uncle are with the princess."

"...You're with the rebels? Please you have to help us!" Silverspoon pleaded when Wiglaf told her to keep quiet.

"We can't leave yet, it's too dangerous. First chance we get, we'll slip out at night."

"What about the other girls?" Diamond asked in a hushed voice.

"We'll get them too. My aunts are looking out as we speak. But right now, I have a very important question to ask." Diamond and Silver listened in earnest for what the question might be. "Do you know where Princess Luna's Possom, Tiberius is?"

"Tibbles? He's with the other animals."

"Not for long..." said Silverspoon.

"They're gonna make them into a meal for their gul-whatever you call those things."

"Gultopprs..."

"Yeah, those," Diamond said.

"When?" Wiglaf asked.

"Tomorrow morning, just after sunrise," Silver answered.

Just then, the tent pole was being banged on before Olaf's voice was heard. "Oy! I don't hear a couple of sluts screaming!"

Wiglaf turned to them and shrugged. "Guess we should make a little noise."

"I got a better idea." Silverspoon said before suddenly wrapping her arms around him and pulled her top down slightly.

"Diamond, cradle his head also i'm sorry."

"For wha-MMM?!?"

Chu!

Olaf peaked inside to see Wiglaf was being tended to by the little fillies and nodded with satisfaction. "Guess the little shite has what it takes after all."

After Olaf's shadow leaves, Silver pulls back with a blush. "S-sorry again."

Wiglaf stared at her in silence with red cheeks of his own before clearing his throat. "T-that-that happened to be my first kiss and I-I I felt a little tongue that was your tongue." Wiglaf kept rambling, making the girls giggle.

"I think you broke him, Silver," Diamond commented while rubbing his head that was still nestled on her lap.

"I-I need to t-take responsibility!" Wiglaf continued to ramble. "Mother said to honor a lady's virtue! I am a stag of my word! I must do what's right!"

"Yep, definitely broken," Diamond rolled her eyes. "Wiglaf!"

"Y-Yes?!" Wiglaf yelped.

"About your escape plan?"

"Escape? Oh! Yeah, that. Okay, dead at night, we grab Tibbles and the girls, hijack one of the carts, and run back to the base like there's no tomorrow," Wiglaf told them while using a cup and a few dried peas to demonstrate his plan.

"Back to your camp?" Diamond asked.

"Yeah."

"In a stolen carriage?"

"Eeyup."

"Adn that's your plan is it?" She asked.

"Yeah that's...pretty much it." Wiglaf said with a confident smile.

The two friends looked at each other before shrugging. "Well, I like it," Diamond said.

"So, how do we go unnoticed?"

You're...not gonna like that part," Wiglaf said sheepishly, pulling out a couple red collars.

"Great." Silver Spoon said with a deadpan expression.

Nightfall

When night finally fell on the camp, Wiglaf took the girls out of his tent with the same leashes from earlier and the three made their way towards the kennels, all while being forced to watch mares being violated in various positions.

"AHHH~!!" Bon Bon screamed as she was getting hammered by a diamond dog mercenary along with Lyra.

"Rrrrg pony nice and tight~! Me knot her for pups now~!"

"Yes, master! Fill me with pups!" Lyra begged while the dog was nearing to knot inside her.

Before the dog could do that, Wiglaf thrust a knife at the back of his neck while Diamond and Tiara kept Lyra quiet.

"Hey! What the-"

SHANK!!

Unable to hold back any longer, Wiglaf gutted the second merc before proceeding to rip the collars of Lyra and Bon Bon as he made a break for it with the girls.

"Oh my celestia...did you really just?!?" Diamond gasped.

"I did. It was either that or have them call for help," Wiglaf answered.

"But now the guards will find them and when they find out it was you..." Silverspoon whimpered before dropping to her knees in tears.

"I just wanna go home, I want my mom!"

"Look at me," Wiglaf said, holding the young mare's shoulders. Silver found herself staring into the young buck's eyes and couldn't look away. "No matter what happens, I'll protect you and Diamond. Do you trust me?"

Silver gave a quick nod before they finally made their way to the kennels. Inside the cages were a variety of forest critters but the one that stood out most was a steel cage with a strange looking beast inside.

"Is that..." Diamond whispered in fear.

"A Gulltoppr and big one."

The two fillies sniffed a bit before almost gagging and held their noses.

"Ew! It smells!" Diamond whined.

"Keep those nostrils plugged, and try not to breathe in deep," Wiglaf warned. "My father told me these things aren't just used for warbands..." The sounds of moaning could be heard, followed by heavy grunts from the beasts. "The Stonehoofs force mares to breed with them..."

It wasn't long before the beast let out a loud roar along with the mares screams before two guards came to drag her out and laughed after seeing her belly swollen with the creatures seed.

"Good boy! you get extra meat tonight." One of them said when Wiglaf spotted a possum among the caged animals.

"That's him, that's tibbles!" Silverspoon whispered just as Diamond spotted the cage keeper.

Wiglaf saw the stag in charge of the cage and behind him a bubbling stew pot for the warbeast. Thinking fast, he turned to Diamond. "I've got an idea. You're not gonna like it though."

Before she even had time to react, Diamond was pushed out of there hiding spot and was instantly spotted by the cage keeper.

"Hey! What're you doing here slave?!?" He shouted angrily at the filly who was glaring angrily at Wiglaf before focusing on the stag in front of her.

"I came to play mister." She said in a sweet tone and tilted her head slightly. The sight made the stags heart race before he noticed how well figured she was even though she had not fully developed.

"Play huh? What did you have in mind?" He asked with a bit of drool.

"Follow me~." Diamond said while leading him behind the crates Silverspoon and Wiglaf were hiding behind.

Diamond went past the crate Silver and Wiglaf hid behind and presented her butt to the cage keeper. "Show me what you got, big boy~."

The second the Cage Keeper went for his belt, Silver clamped his muzzle shut while Wiglaf slit his throat.

Realizing he had been tricked, the cage keeper reached for his horn to sound the alarm but had forgotten about the huge gash on his throat and was unable to take even a short breath of air before collapsing to the ground.

"That...was humiliating!" Diamond pouted, not caring for the now dead stag in front of them.

"Let's make this quick before-" Wiglaf stopped mid-sentence when he heard a horn sounding the alarm.

"They found the bodies, come on!"

Silver got the keys from the body and went for the cage. Diamond took the knife while Wiglaf got his bow ready. "Once we have Tibbles, we'll make it for the treelines and meet up with Thora and Luta," Wiglaf instructed.

"But what about the other girls? We can't just leave them," Silver said while grabbing Tibbles, who started to hug her close.

"I've seen what they do to the girls when someone escapes. It's horrifying!" Diamond shrieked, not wanting that fate to befall anyone.

"We'll regroup with my father and uncle. They'll help save them and deal with these idiots," Wiglaf told the two before shooting an arrow that hit the knee of one of the young stags.

The three quickly scrambled to unlock the rest of the cages while the Gulltoppr began to pound against the bars furiously and clawed at the three youngsters.

"That's all of em! Come on!!" Wiglaf shouted as more stags and traitor stallions began showing up.

"Hey, it's that youngblood!"

"I KNEW he was a traitor!!"

"GET EM!!"

"This is bad..." Silverspoon said when a wagon suddenly began rolling through with Thora at the drivers seat.

"You kids need a lift?"

Diamond and Silver were quick to get on the moving wagon with Lyra, Bon Bon, and Berry Punch following. When Wiglaf went to get on, a hand grabbed him by the back of his shirt and forced the wagon to grind to a halt.

"Wiglaf!" Silver shouted.

"Wiglaf?" The stag that grabbed him asked. When Wiglaf turned to see who it was, he saw Olaf staring at him with a mix of surprise and glee.

"Well ain't this an unexpected surprise."

"Get your hands off me you sick fuck!" Wiglaf shouted while trying to swing at him.

"Now, Wiglaf," Olaf said while brandishing a knife. "What would that cunt that birthed you say?"

"My mother would say," Wiglaf let a knife he had hidden in his sleeve drop to his hand before slashing at Olaf, making him drop the boy. "Make the bastard pay!"

"Gah! My nose!" Olaf held the bloody spout where Wiglaf sliced his nostrils off. "You little fucker!"

"Coming through!" Down the road, Luta raced down on Urag before picking up Wiglaf by his collar and propping him on the saddle. "Nicely done, my little buck."

"Thanks, aunt Luta," Wiglaf said as they raced to catch up with Thora and the girls.

"YOU LITTLE SHIT!! I'LL GET YOOOUUU!!!" Olaf roared at the top of his lungs while holding his bleeding muzzle as they all vanished into the darkness.

A whole hour had gone by since Wiglaf had left on his mission and already his loved ones were growing worried, none more so than his mother who was pacing back and forth along the fortress walls.

"Honey, relax. I'm sure our son is doing fine," Arminius reassured his wife as he was sitting by the fire.

"But they've been gone too long...what if something happened? What if they got lost? Ohhh I knew sending him on that mission was a bad idea!"

"There, on the shore!" A lookout pointed to a torch being waved before one of the changelings pulled out a spyglass.

"What is that thing?" Wulfric asked after joining the guards on the wall.

"It's called a Spyglass and it lets you see things from afar. There, look." The changeling handed Spyglass and pointed to Wiglaf and the others signaling them from the opposite shore.

"They made it! Get some boats over there now."

After the group was brought back to the fort, Wiglaf told his family of what he saw at the camp and without hesitation they sent a raid party to deal with the enemy and free any prisoners that were left but as before, Olaf slipped through their grasp like the eel he was.

"You did well son." Arminius said with a proud smile as he ruffled Wiglafs hair and held him close.

"Dad?" Wiglaf looked up to his father.

"When this war is over, will we get to go home?"

Arminius would only nod yes as he knew it would be a long time before they could sail back home. The Stonehoof regime had done much damage to Equestria and both his and Wulfrics clan were honorbound to end their reign and would not stop until all of Equestria was freed and the honor of the Northern Tribes was restored.

End.

The Crystal Empire

On the other side of the continent, war continues to rage on. Shining and his company were marching to the east, where they were meant to rendezvous with an informant. They had all been making headway on their journey thus far. Liberating any town they came across, giving second chances to any who wished it, and made sure that their blades were stained with the blood of their enemies.

Shining was leading his company while reading a letter from his wife. The Crystal Empire barely managed to withstand the onslaught of the caribou when the invasion first began thanks to the magic of the Crystal Heart and the unified power of the Crystal Ponies. Cadence has since kept her barrier up to prevent any further incursions. His younger brother, Spike, had also escaped with Cadence and was responsible for sending and receiving letters for the married couple. Shining smiled to himself as he read that his newborn baby foal had taken her first few steps.

“Letter from the wife, sir?”

Shining glanced over his shoulder to see a unicorn stallion walk beside him. He was just as tall as Shining, had cobalt red fur, and grey mane and tail. His name was Sergeant Double Edge, one of Shining’s oldest comrades since his days at the academy who was a renowned duelist and spell user in his platoon.

"Yeah...Flurry took her first steps today, they event sent me a picture." Shining smiled while showing him the photo.

"She's getting so big now..."

"Bet she'll be a knockout when she grows up." Double Edge smirked as he handed back the photo.

“That’s why I have my blade for any colt who dares try and get in my little girl’s pants,” Shining said.

"Easy there killer! I mean nothing by it." Double Edge said with a short laugh just as Marshall walked by.

"You sure about him sir? He's a merc, sword for hire. How do you know he won't turn on us?" One of the soldiers whispered while keeping an eye on the warden.

“Call it a gut feeling,” Shining said. “How much longer until we reach our informant’s location?”

"Almost there sir." Marshall said while keeping his eyes on the road.

"So who exactly are we meeting sir?" He asked as they marched on.

“According to our sources, it’s somepony who might have the location of where Lieutenant Flash Sentry’s being held captive,” Shining said.

"What if it's a trap?" Double Edge asked as Marshall patted his sword belt.

"We have an answer for that."

"How is it a stallion like you scored a beauty like Raven Inkwell?"

"....Dumb luck." Marshall said as he began to wonder that himself.

When they arrived at the meeting spot, the patrol found a recently doused campfire along with a single sleeping bag and travelling pack.

"We either missed them or they left in a hurry." Shining said aloud while carefully looking around for any signs of an ambush.

Marshall scanned the campsite and looked around for any clues. He moved the sleeping bag around until he found a note inside. When he unfolded the paper, it had the words look up written on it. Marshall quirked a brow and looked up to see something in the clouds.

“Eyes up, there’s a Pegasus on that cloud up there,” Marshall said, pointing upwards.

Shining looked up to see a single cloud in the sky hanging over the campsite and announced himself.

"I'm Shining Armor of The Crystal Empire, I'm here as you requested!" He shouted to the mysterious informant.

The hooded figure was silent until they spread their wings and jumped off the cloud. He slowly flared his wings open and jumped off the cloud.

When the pony stood up straight, Shining noticed thye were a tad small for a stallion. That is, until he pulled off his hood and revealed to not even be a stallion. It was none other than Lightning Dust, former cadet of the Wonderbolt academy. Her mane was cut short and she had a scar going down the side of her head.

“Shining Armor, as I see him,” Lightning said, sounding not so impressed.

"I know you, you're Lightning Dust leader of The Washouts." Double Edge said with a surprised smile.

"Former leader." Lightning replied with a hint of disdain.

"Thanks to those northern bastards the only stunts my group does now adays is trying to take the biggest cock down their holes..."

"You said you had information for us." Marshall said as the pegasus looked at him.

“Shut it, dog of Dainn!” Lightning hissed. “If I hear another syllable from you, I’ll gouge your bucking eyes out!”

"Try it bitch." Marshall snapped back while drawing his sword out partway.

"Stand down, that's an order soldier!" Double Edge said as the two of them backed off.

“Lightning, I would advise not antagonizing my men,” Shining warned. “Now, tell us where Flash is.”

“Not so fast, buster,” Lighting said. “I’m not giving you shit until you do something for me.”

“That’s not what we agreed on,” Shining frowned.

“Tough horseshoes,” Lighting spat. “You won’t get anything from me until I get what I want.”

“Fine…” Shining sighed. “Name your price.”

“Simple, I want you to free my old squad mates and I want out of this shit hole country,” Lighting demanded.

"Where is your squad?" Double Edge inquired.

“They’re being held over at the Ghastly Gorge base,” Lighting said. “Stonehoofs made it into a mine after they drove the creatures that used to live there out of their caves. Some stallion named Iron Sides runs it.”

The name made Shining grit his teeth and narrow his eyes at the mare.

“Somepony you know?”

"He was a former cadet of the academy, got kicked out for unruly behavior and harassment of female students."

"Sirs, let me handle this." Marshall said as he turned to his superiors.

"Just give me twenty five men and we can get the job done."

“You’re gonna trust him?” Lighting spat. “It’s your funeral once he turns on you and runs back to Dainn.”

"Done." Shining Armor said without hesitation.

"This is your chance, show me what you can do."

"Oh this should be fun to watch." Lightning smirked just as Marshall passed her.

"I'll be expecting an apology from you later now show us the way."

"Alright. Try to keep up boys?" Lightning said before taking off at a speed equal to Rainbow Dash as she lead the way towards Ghastly Gorge.

Some of the men followed after her while Marshall just kept his eyes focused on the road.

“Um…are you okay, sir?” One of the soldiers asked. “She said some rather harsh things about you.”

"It's to be expected. I did serve under the ki-...under Dainn for some time." Marshall admitted, his face completely expressionless as they kept marching.

"So why only twenty five of us sir?" another asked.

"This will be a simple raid, not a skirmish. The fewer soldiers we have, the better our chances are of escaping."

"Coming up on the gorge." One of the scouts said as he pointed to several watch towers surrounding Ghastly Gorge. The entire chasm had been turned into stone quarry with the workers being comprised of females from every race.

"Some of those mares were from the guard." Marshall said while staying out of sight.

"How can you tell?" One of the men asked while peeking from behind a bush.

"Look at their physique, only way to get a body like that is by joining the guard." Marshall replied as his men gave him a few smirks.

"You seem to be very knowledgeable about this sir."

"Get your minds outta the gutter and focus."

Marshall pulled his hood over his head and his men did the same.

“No swords, use your knives,” Marshall ordered as he pulled out a dagger. “Spread out and eliminate any hostile that won’t arouse detection. Free any slave, and keep an eye out for Lightning’s comrades.”

The knights carefully entered the pit while avoiding the gaze of the guards and did what they could to help free the captives and dispatched any guards that were easy targets.

Lightning dust lead the captain to a more secluded part of the mine through a tunnel that lead deep underground.

"This is where Iron Side likes to keep his favorites." She said in a hushed voice as they crept through.

"I think I already know the answer but...favorites for what?" Marshall asked while looking back to make sure they weren't being followed.

“To…be bred,” Lighting said, gritting her teeth. “I think…I think one of my teammates is already pregnant with his bastard.”

"I see..." Marshall scowled at the thought of a mare being forced to carry someone's foal against their will when they heard what sounded like grunting coming from up ahead.

"Stay here." Marshall said before peeking around the corner to see a short and stubby pegasus ravaging an earth pony suspended by chains.

"Ahhh! Master Short Fuse we-NNG-Shouldn't be doing this! If master Iron Side finds out~." The mare pleaded through a lewd expression while she was hammered.

“Quiet, cunt! What he won’t know won’t hurt him! Now just take it and get pregnant with my bastard!” Short Fuze barked as he ploughed her.

"Ugh Short Fuse..." Lightning Dust scoffed.

"Little shrimp was jealous of me being captain so he turned traitor the first chance he got."

"Then this will be easy." Marshall said with a sinister smirk.

"Distract him for me while I get the girls."

“How exactly am I supposed to do that?” Lighting asked, only for Marshall to stare at her. “I hate you, very much.”

"Ohh yeah here it comes~!"

"HEY SHRIMP DICK!" Lighting shouted as Short Fuse stopped midway and turned around.

"What the fuck did you CALL ME YOU...you..." He paused when he saw Lightning Dust in her rags, giving him a hungry grin.

"Miss me~?"

“Lighting?!” Short Fuze said, halting his thrusts.

“M-Master?!” The mare whined.

“Come on, Short Fuze,” Lighting said, sauntering towards the stallion. “Why have that little bitch carry your bastard? We both know how many years you spent pinning after me~.”

"B-but you always said I was a big mouthed loser..." Short Fuse said unaware that Marshall was creeping up behind him.

"Only so you could finally have the balls to put me in my place~." Lightning teased him further by leaning onto a nearby barrel and slowly presented her hind quarters to him with her tail wagging slowly.

"Come on stud, show me you're big where it counts~."

"Hoo mama~!" Short Fuse was ready to pounce before he was suddenly trapped in a sleeper hold.

"Hey there old partner! Miss me?!?" Marshall whispered as the runt managed to turn around to glare at him angrily.

"Marshall?!? You buckin-ACK!!"

"Don't worry, not gonna kill you. Yet." Marshall said as he struggled to get loose before finally passing out.

Just when Marshall set Short Fuze down, Lighting grabbed Marshall by the collar and glared at him.

“Don’t. EVER. Make me do that again,” Lighting growled. “I’ve had enough of submitting myself for one lifetime, got it?!”

"Yes ma'am." Marshall replied before they managed to free the prisoners, including the one Short Fuse was using.

"Dammit she's been drugged." he hoisted her onto his shoulder after wrapping her in his cloak.

"Let's get out of here before we're spotted."

“Not yet,” Lighting said. “I want the man in charge.”

"Another time, we need to go now. Can you girls tie him up?" Marshall asked the other mares who immediately tied and gagged Short Fuse and used a long wooden pole to carry him like a freshly hunted deer.

"Alright, stay behind me and don't get separated."

The group quietly made their way out the tunnel when Short Fuse finally came to and began to struggle against his binds while yelling through his gag.

"He looks like a little piggy." One of the mares joked while watching him try to squirm loose.

"Squeals like one too." Her friend added as Short Fuse let out a muffled scream that made him actually sound like a pig about to be roasted.

"Shut it!" Marshall growled before hitting Fuse in the temple with the butt of his sword.

The girls gave a shared laugh before finally exiting the tunnel only to come upon a platoon of guards waiting for them and their leader was Iron Side himself.

"Buck..." Marshall cursed after seeing the twenty guards in front of them.

Iron Side chuckled before pointing his blade at Marshall. "Mind telling me what you're doing?"

“What’s it look like?” Marshall spat. “I’m freeing these ponies.”

“Not while I’m around,” Iron Sides boasted, then pointed at Rolling Thunder. “Especially this one, since she’s carrying something of mine.”

Marshall quirked a brow and glanced at Thunder.

“Oh? She didn’t tell you? Or perhaps she did, but wasn’t talking about herself.” Orion Sides laughed out loud.

“Come now, my dear, why rebel when the deed’s already been done?”

"Lightning, what does he mean?" Marshall asked while keeping his sword ready.

"To put it bluntly my boy, she's carrying my foal and I won't let her leave with it."

"There's no bloody way in Tartarus I'm giving you this baby!!" Rolling Thunder spat while covering her stomach.

“That’s a laugh!” Iron Sides mocked. “While I was rutting you, you said you’d rather die than carry any foal of mine. What’s with the sudden change of heart?”

"I'm no murderer..." Thunder said with hate in her eyes.

"Even if this baby is yours, I won't let a monster like you raise it!"

"We'll see about that and as for you Short Fuse, I'll see to your punishment later."

Iron Sides then signaled for his men to surround the escapees unaware that Marshalls men as well as the laborers were ready to fight on his signal.

"Any last words?"

"Just one....NOW!!"

All at once, Marshall’s men and the laborers jumped into action. Iron aside and his men were caught off guard as they tried to rally themselves from the ambush.

“You idiots! Kill then all!” Iron sides ordered.

Marshall immediately sprang forward and locked Iron Sides into a duel while the rest of the prisoners escape with Short Fuse shouting through his gag to be released.

"Tell me something boy!" Iron Sides said while parrying Marshall's attacks.

"How much is The Crystal Empire paying you for your services?"

"This isn't about money!" Marshall said while being pushed back.

"So is it redemption then oh mighty Black Knight?" Iron Side grinned.

"Oh yes, I know who you are and what you've done. You think that just because you change sides you can wash it all away?"

"SHUT UP!!"

Marshall shoved Iron Sides back and began swinging his sword like a madman.

“You think I don't know how much my sins have stained my soul?!” Marshall yelled as he slashed Iron’s arm.

“You think I'm not aware that even if I change sides that I'll never be forgiven?!” Marshall yelled as he kicked his rival in the gut, making him buckle over.

“YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO LECTURE ME ABOUT SUCH THINGS! AND NOTHING WILL EVER WASH AWAY THE BITTER KNOWLEDGE OF SERVING THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING BASTARD OF A PRINCE! AND THAT DISGUSTING OLD STAG!!”

"Seems I struck a nerve." Iron Sides smiled as he quickly bandaged his arm with his now torn sleeve.

"Let's strike a few more!"

It was at this point that his military training began to show as he slowly overpowered Marshall until finally slicing him on the arm as he did to him earlier and forced him to drop his blade.

"Good sword play boy but..." he grinned while kicking away his sword and pulling out a dagger.

"But this is the end..."

SHANK!!

The stallion suddenly felt a sharp pain in his side before looking back to see Lightning Dust burying a chisel in his side with a satisfied smirk.

"You...YOU BITCH!!" He shouted before another of the mares jammed her shiv into his chest followed by two more as they began shouting and furiously stabbing him like savages.

Thunder was the last to stab him and started jamming her shiv into his eyes. She screamed at the top of her lungs with every stab until Lighting had to pull her off.

"YOU LIKE THAT YA SICK BUCK?!? HUH?!? YA LIKE THAT?!?" Thunder shouted as they made their escape and left Iron Sides body and that of his men to the crows.

Later

The men set up camp after rendezvousing with the rest of their unit and tended to the freed slaves while Marshall bandaged his wound by himself.

"That looks pretty bad." Double Edge said after noticing the cut.

"I've had worse." Marshall replied as he prepared the needle and thread.

"Yeah. He had his arm cut off once. He just shrugged and put it back on," A soldier joked while passing by.

"What do we do about him?" Marshall pointed to Short Fuse who was now shackled and chained to a tree.

"We'll interrogate him when we get back."

"Ohh look at you gettin' all chummy with the rebels." Short Fuse spat with a smug grin at the two knights.

"So tell me, how much is this sellout charging you guys? Two bags a gold? Three? A good fuck from one of your girls?" He laughed while Double Edge held back Marshall.

"I suggest keeping your mouth shut you pint sized, shrimp-dicked runt." Lightning said, making the group laugh.

"Hey I'm just warning you guys, this one here can't be trusted." Short Fuse cautioned as he pointed at Marshall.

"I'm telling ya, he'll turn on you without a second thought just like he did us. You think he changed sides because he cares? Ha! He only joined you because Shining Armor offered him a better deal!"

At this point, Marshall was ready to beat the runt to a pulp with only Double Edge to hold him back as the stubby pegasus kept going.

"Just watch, the moment he gets an even better deal he'll turn. He's no knight, he's no hero...for bucks sake he's not even a real soldier! He's just a pathetic, backstabbing, conniving traitor!"

Without warning, Double Edge was shoved aside and Marshall brandished his sword to the now quivering pegasus as he tried to back away.

"MARSHALL DON'T!!" Double Edge shouted as the blade was raised high.

Marshall didn't listen and plunged his sword into Fuse. There was a loud clang and all was quiet until Short Fuse felt a pain slowly rising from his groin area and looked down to see his pants were stained red with blood.

"....AAAAAHHH!! AHHH GODS!! HELP ME!! AAAAAAH!!!" Short Fuse screamed like a frightened shcool girl as he tossed his sword to one of the men.

"Bandage this bigmouth before he bleeds to death." He said before storming off.

"Wow and ponies say you got anger issues." Rolling Thunder joked to Lightning Dust who was looking at their rescuer as he resumed stitching up his wound.

"What in Tartarus is going on here?!?" Shining Armor shouted after hearing the commotion.

"Just a little spat with the prisoner sir, nothing too serious...." Double Edge said as Shining Saw the prisoner weeping and curled up in a pool of his own blood.

"Marshall, you would do well to remember that we need prisoners INTACT before we can interrogate them!" The prince spat to Marshall after he finished applying first aid to himself.

"Apologies sir, won't let it happen again."

"It better not. Let's pack up and move out."

The group began to break camp and immediately headed further north through open fields and hills of snow and grass with only the northern lights dancing in the sky above to light there way.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Double Edge asked while walking beside the wagon.

"These lights will help guide us to the empire, a lot safer than carrying torches."

"They're alright I guess." Lightning said while leaning on the edge of the wagon as she got a good look at the soldiers around them.

"I thought Dainn brainwashed all the men of Equestria."

“He did, but only the Crystal Empire survived,” Double Edge said. “It was princess Cadence who saved the empire, and is still keeping it safe. Her desperation to save her people, and her family, somehow strengthened her magic barrier twofold. We knew we couldn’t just wait it out and stay stuck inside the barrier forever, so Captain Shining took all of the crystal empire’s forces, and anypony else who weren’t affected by the brainwashing, and led them as we are now.”

"So why not fight back?" Rolling Thunder asked.

"We're trying but the Stonehoof Empire is vast and Dainn has many allies." Shining Armor explained.

"Even our friends in Yak Yakkistan are struggling to keep their borders safe."

The conversation was cut short when they spotted the Crystal Spire in the distance and began to hear the trumpeting of horns.

"We're home." Double Edge smiled.

The moment the soldiers marched through the archway, they were showered with petals and cheers, even Marshall and Double Edge had a few admirers in the crowd as the mares of the city waved hello and blew kisses at them.

"Prince Shining Armor! Welcome home!" A local shop vendor called out as the prince waved hello.

"Welcome back my lords, you've been missed!" A second one cheered as they approached the Crystal Palace to find Cadence waiting with Flurry Heart in her arms as the guards created an archway with their halberds.

"Go to daddy Flurry." Cadence said as she let her little one down and before Shinings very eyes, he saw his little girl running towards him with what could only be described as the brightest smile he ever saw.

"Daddy!" Flurry cheered before jumping into the air and landing on Shining's chest, causing the two to topple onto the ground. "Missed you, daddy!"

"Ohh daddy missed you too sweetie." Shining said as he sat up to give his little filly a nuzzle before walking over to his wife to receive a welcome home kiss.

"It's so good to have you home Shining, I was worried that..." Cadence stopped to hold his hand.

"Hey nothing could keep me away from you." Shining smiled before seeing another smiling face.

"Welcome home BBBFF." Twilight hugged her brother as tight as she could before feeling Flurry take hold of her as she crawled into her arms.

"Good to be home Twily."

"Attention everyone, to honor the return of my husband and his brave soldiers we will hold a feast for all!" Cadence announced as the whole crowd erupted in a joyous cheer.

"A celebration? In the middle of war time?" Marshall asked when he felt a set of familiar lips kiss him.

"What better time to have a party my sweet lover~?"

"Raven." He smiled as Raven hugged him tight.

"I missed you." she sighed before seeing Short Fuse being hauled away in chains.

"Just a pig we caught along the way," Marshall said with a stern glare at the stubby pony.

"Shoulda seen the way he neutered him." Lightning Dust joked as she and Rolling Thunder walked up to the couple.

"No kidding, this bloke here looked like he was ready to chop his head off though I think that'd be an improvement." Thunder joked.

Raven smiled while nudging Marshall a bit. "He does have a bit of a temper toward the ones who deserve it."

"I need to go wash off all this grime, I'll see you at the party." Marshall said as he gave Raven another kiss before heading off.

"Follow me girls, we'll get you all sorted out." Raven said as she took the mares to the barracks where they saw other freed slaves getting cleaned and outfitted.

"I'm sure you girls had a long journey so what you need is a nice warm and proper bath."

Without hesitation, the mares stripped down and immediately got into the womens bath of the barracks and were beyond relieved to finally wash out all the dirt and muck in their manes and coats.

"Ohh man I needed this!" Lightning proclaimed while rubbing the shampoo into her mane.

"I can't remember the last time I took a shower this good."

"And afterwards, we'll get you into some fresh clothes." Raven said while waiting for them to finish.

"So tell me, how do you and that merc know each other?" Thunder asked while scrubbing her legs.

"Well if wish to know." Raven paused to adjust her glasses.

"I was his slave."

Her answer made Lightning and Thunder freeze up almost instantly before she began to explain her relationship with Marshall and of course both mares were surprised.

"So all the time you were together, he only bucked you if you both felt like it?"

"Well...more or less. Sigh he's such a romantic." Raven sighed with a little pink blush.

"And he's an absolute stud in the bed, even gave the other girls a run for their money~."

"Hold on, you mean he didn't just sleep with you?" Lightning was surprised at how open she was in her relationship with the warden.

"Well of course not. In fact, we let some of the girls join us when he's in a...really good mood~." Raven purred after giving herself the shudders.

"But it seems after today's mission he's not very festive. Normally he'd have me on the bed and start ripping off my clothes before-"

"Okay, we get it. Geeze girl, control yourself." Thunder said as they finished washing up and were given a set of fresh clothes.

In the war room Shining, and Princess Cadence were discussing their next move along with Twilight and Spike who had been appointed the title of Royal Chronicler as they discussed the current events.

“We’re getting nowhere,” Shining said with a sigh. “It’s like with every town or camp we liberate, two more continue to be oppressed.”

“It’s because the fact we’re stretched too thin,” Marshall said. “We could make our way to the yaks, but I’ve heard even Rutherford is hesitant to even open his gates for fear of the Stonehoofs entering his kingdom.”

“And Twilight barely made it across the border...so many of our soldiers lost their lives to protect her."

“Not to mention we still need to locate Flash,” Shining said.

"And to make matters worse, we have reports that General Wind Rider has just finished his campaign of Saddle Arabia and will be returning in the next two moons along with Cloudsdale."

"He's a bastard but I hate to admit, he was smart to turn that city into a floating fortress." Shining sighed.

"Anything else to report?"

"Yes sire. Before our return home, one of our scouts reported the town of Hollow Shades was raided by a band of knights wearing masks, they slaughtered the slavers and are now looking after the refugees." Marshall said before pointing to Ponyville on the map.

"Also we've had a most unusual report from Ponyville. It seems the town was attacked and pillaged."

"By who?" Cadence asked when they were given a surprising answer.

"Well...by other Caribou your majesty. What's more is that one of them personally executed General Ragnar in a most barbaric fashion, left him as food for the crows in the town square while they left with the townsfolk and what goods they could carry."

"Caribou fighting their own?" Shining Armor said in disbelief.

“That’s absurd, the caribou would never turn on their own. Not since…” Marshall paused and scratched his chin. “Could it be…? The exiled? Were those rumors true?”

"Rumors?" Twilight inquired.

"While I was with Blueblood, I heard rumors that some of the slaves were from a clan known only as The Ghosts and that they had a powerful ally in the north but Dainn used some kind of magic to keep them from interfering with his conquest of Equestria." Marshall said as he seated himself.

"I didn't think they were true."

"If this group exists, we should seek them out. Maybe they can help us." Spike suggested when Shining suddenly slammed the table in anger.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!!"

“Shining!” Cadence jumped.

“I’m sorry, dear, but that’s out of the question! I don’t care if there’s some rogue group of caribou! Those bastards ripped apart our beloved country! And if they’re killing each other, then by all means let them!”

“Sir, if I may, but perhaps master Spike might have a point,” Marshall inquired. “It is as I said, we’re stretched too thin. We’re barely able to hold on to the areas we liberated. Not to mention, look at your wife.” Marshall pointed at Cadence. “Even though she doesn’t need to keep using her magic for the barrier, she still needs to pour magic into it on a daily basis. I’d imagine the toll is beginning to weigh on her, yes?”

"She has been sleeping less in the past few months." Twilight said while noticing her fatigued look.

"Shining send me to find these rebels, let me talk to them."

"No Twily! You barely made it across the border when the Yaks brought you to me. I couldn't bare the thought of you getting taken away again..."

There was a long pause before one of the servants entered the room to announce the preparations for tonights feast were ready and it seemed like the perfect distraction for the war council.

"Let's discuss this another time. I'm sure we'll all feel better after some food and drink."

Later outside the palace

A great feast was set up around the crystal heart as the citizens put on the finishing touches for the festivities. Double Edge was already helping himself to some crystal nectar and a pastry from the buffet while Twilight oversaw the preparations.

"Make sure that everyone gets a seat and keep the children away from the dessert table! Hey no free samples!!" Twilight snapped after catching Double Edge red handed with his treat.

"Just making sure the pastries are up to standards your highness." Double Edge joked as he gulped down his snack while Twilight rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure they're fine. Normally, that's pinkies job..." Twilight sighed before resuming the party preparations but all she could think about was her friends and what happened to Flash. Ever since the start of the war, she could do very little to help even as the Princess of Friendship.

"What's on your mind, Little Light?" Double Edge asked Twilight.

Twilight's ears perked up, and she found herself instinctively leaning her head on the soldier's shoulder. Twilight had always seen Double Edge as another brother figure before the war. She remembered when Shining invited Double Edge over during his academy days and developed a familial bond. The nickname, Little Light, was something Double Edge called Twilight whenever she was upset or had something on her mind. Double Edge did what he normally did for the young mare and gently stroked the top of her head.

"I can't do anything to help..." Twilight said.

"I can organize events, solve magic puzzles and even decipher ancient spells but I've never fought in a war before!"

"You're doing what you can." Double Edge tried to ease her worries but it seemed to have little effect.

"But what I'm doing isn't enough! I should be out there looking for my friends and figuring out a way to get that megalomaniac off Celestia's throne so she can turn him into another garden statue!" Twilight yelled in frustration before letting out a big sigh.

"I'm sorry..."

"Frustration doesn't suit you, Little Light," Double Edge said.

"And you don't have to push yourself to do something in order to help. You being here, in the presence of these ponies, is more than enough to keep their spirits high."

Twilight smiled as she leaned onto his shoulder while he continued to pat her head.

"You sure you're not my long lost brother?" She joked, making them both laugh.

Later that evening

With the party now organized and the food and drink set, it was time to celebrate the long awaited return of Shining Armor and his troops. Music and laughter was in the air, all who had gathered were in good spirits as if there was no war and Shining was spending some much needed time with his family as he let Flurry Heart play with his mane and face.

"Ow! Easy there sweetie." He chuckled as her tiny hands squeezed and mushed his muzzle.

Flurry cooed and giggled as she messed up her fathers hair with Shining chuckling and tickling her the entire time before cradling her in his arms.

"You're getting so big...my sweet filly." Shining said with a warm smile and nuzzled her before giving her back to Cadence.

"She's been waiting for her daddy to come home, isn't that right Flurry?" Cadence said as Flurry cuddled with her."

"How are things looking on the border lands?"

"Not good." Shining sighed.

"Our supply lines keep getting hit by mercenaries under Bluebloods employ and we've barely made a dent in pushing them back. Prince Rutherford promised us troops but it will take them at least four moons to reach us." Shining let out another sigh before he looked at the ponies smiling and laughing as the music played.

"But all that's for another time. Tonight is for celebration."

Down in the streets, all the soldiers and citizens were enjoying a nice celebration with the three essentials. Wine, women, and song.

None more so than Marshall as he sat listened to the tunes play and breathed in the aroma of the food prepared for the feast.

Double Edge was busy cutting a rug along with Twilight and it seemed everything was almost perfect for tonight.

"Hey there stranger." Lightning Dust waved hello to the lonely knight.

"Lightning," Marshall acknowledged the mare offering her a goblet of wine.

"So what's the big hero doing all by himself on such a fun night?"

"Drinking to another hard days work."

Lightning sat herself next to Marshall before taking a swig of wine and seemed to give him an inquisitive look.

"I gotta say, you're not like the other mercs I've met."

"Because of my personality?" Marshall joked as he took a sip.

"That's one way of putting it," Lightning joked back before clinking her cup with his. "But you also fight for something other than just gold."

".....I don't know what I'm fighting for anymore." Marshall said while swirling his glass.

"I've simply gone from one job to the next ever since this whole thing started. Money was good but then it all began to feel...empty."

"Hmm...dance with me." Lightning said before slamming down her drink and grabbed him by the arm.

"B-but I haven't finished my drink!" Marshall protested as she dragged him to the dance floor and they joined the others.

"You can drink later. Right now, it's time to cut a rug," Lightning informed him before spinning him around til he faced her again.

The two then began to dance in rhythm to the music along with Twilight and Double edge and there was much laughter as Marshall and Lightning spun each other around until the song ended and was changed to a more romantic tune.

"May I have this dance my lady?" Marshall said in a gentlemanly tone while offering his hand to Lightning.

Lightning rolled her eyes with a smirk before offering her hand and doing a small curtsy. "By all means, my lord," They both laughed before getting into the rhythm of the music.

Whether it was the music or the lighting, Marshall suddenly saw Lightning Dust in a different light as her swayed her hips to the rhythm of the music and he followed in rhythm with his hands gliding all over her body as they danced. Raven had taken notice of this and gave a smirk as she whispered something into one of the servants tending to the party and continued to watch them twirl and dance around to the music.

When the song neared the end, Marshall and Lightning were left staring into each other's eyes while their bodies were a mere inch away from pressing against each other. Marshall smirked at her before saying, "Hey."

"Hey," Lighting answered back.

The two returned to their table and shared a meal along with a few drinks as the hour grew late with Shining Armor and Cadence taking notice.

"My my, seems your new recruit is becoming quite popular." Cadence said while Flurry fell asleep on her shoulder.

"What? Him and Lightning? No way. You should've seen what happened when they first met," Shining told her while enjoying the party.

"Oh? Do tell." Cadence smirked while keeping her eyes on the two of them.

When the party finally came to a close, both Marshall and Lightning were stumbling around the the hallway with a half empty bottle of wine and laughing merrily.

"Ohh here's the room Raven gave us-hic!" Marshall slurred while struggling to get the door open.

"Here. I-hic! Got the door." Lightning stumbled back a bit before kicking the door in with her foot. "Magic touch."

"Hey that's mahogany." Marshall said with a drunken chuckle as they tumbled towards the bed.

"Alright you sleep here, I get the couch." He said before Lightning suddenly grabbed him by the arm.

"What? sleepy already? The fun's just starting~!"

Lightning pulled Marshall all over the room to the point the two were just spinning around the room, bumping into things and knocking a few things over. After tripping on a crease in the carpet, they tumbled onto the bed with Lightning on the bottom and Marshall on top.

"Ooh eager are we~?" Lighting teased while wrapping her arms around.

"Uhh we should really get to bed." Marshall said with his hand seeming to have a mind of its own as it snaked its way under her shirt and moved towards her chest.

"We're in a bed. Besides~," Lightning started creeping a hand toward Marshall's growing bulge. "It seems your friend has other ideas~."

With the combined powers of the booze and his primal urges taking over, Marshall managed to set aside the wine bottle and began making out with his new partner and they began to remove each others clothes piece by piece until Lightning was naked and on top of her new lover.

"Let's make this more fun~." She slurred before grabbing the bottle and pouring some of its contents all over her chest.

Finding himself very thirsty, Marshall sat himself up and grabbed her tits before lapping at the wine Lightning was pouring on them. "Mmm, adds to the flavor~."

Lightning hummed as she felt his tongue caress her body and took a huge swig before placing the bottle back on the night stand and kissed him as the sweet nectar poured down his mouth as he drank every last drop.

"Did the wine get sweeter or is that just you?" Marshall joked while massaging her taught flank.

"Oh shut up~." Lightning chuckled as her wings fanned out from stimulation.

"Mmm enough foreplay, stick that bad boy in me~." She murred as she pushed him down on the bed and lined up his hardened rod with her now soaking pussy.

"As the lady wishes~," Marshall said before thrusting up into Lightnings tight pussy.

"AAH~!" Lightning gasped, arching her back in pure bliss before slowly grinding herself against him.

"Mmm buck you have no idea how much I needed this~!" She huffed while slowly picking up the pace.

"Dodging those damn rapists and their pets-mmf-having to rub one out almost every night-nnng!-almost considered going back just for a good lay~."

"Rrrg so you were a black collar then huh?" Marshall grunted while cupping her bouncing breasts.

"Bet you were a real tough cookie to break for the slavers."

"You have no idea cutie~." Lightning moaned before feeling his hand spank her left cheek hard enough to leave a print.

"Nnng~, I bet you teased them with this hot ass of yours," Marshall said while slapping her other cheek and thrusting harder.

"Mmmf~! do that again." Lightning huffed while bending down to her partner for a kiss. Marshall happily obliged and proceeded to smack both her flank cheeks before finally getting on top of her and kept her pinned under him as her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

"Ahhh buck I'm gonna come!" He groaned while trying to draw out their climax.

"Do it~! Show me what those bastards were lacking~," Lightning moaned while gripping the sheets.

Both lovers screamed their lungs out as Marshall gave one last thrust and unloaded everything into Lightning before they both collapsed on the bed with exhaustion.

"...Horndog." Lightning smirked while keeping herself wrapped around him.

"Bitch." Marshall replied before they kissed again and continued to make out for the rest of the night.

End.

First Encounter

The sun peeked through the curtains as Marshall felt his head throbbing while his eyes were spinning.

"Ohh my head..." he groaned before felt a weird sensation in his loins and could feel something soft and heavy on top of him.

"Mmm morning stud~." Lightning moaned as his vision began to clear and he could see her riding him gently.

"Last night was amazing~."

"L-lightning? Ahh...w-what are you doing?"

"Getting rid of your morning wood of course~." Lightning giggled just as Raven entered the room.

"Oh! Morning darling."

"R-raven! I can explain!" Marshall groaned as Lightning pushed him back down.

"No need dear, I arranged for all this to happen." Raven smirked while seating herself next to the bed.

Marshall had to take a moment to comprehend what his lover had told him, while also trying not to nut so soon inside Lightning. "Somehow, I had a feeling you were behind this."

"I saw the way you two were flirting during the party so I figured you'd want some excitement." Raven said while setting her glasses aside and undoing her hair bun.

"Besides, this isn't the first time you bucked another girl besides me~."

"R-raven I-AAIIII!!" Marshall arched his back as he finally came inside Lightning who was biting her lip in satisfaction.

"Mmm oh I'm definitely liking you now Marshall~." She said while they caught their breath.

"If you ever need to rub one out, I'm not far~."

"I'll keep that in mind~." Marshall leaned over and kissed Lightning on the cheek before turning his gaze over to Raven. "Still got a little left in the tank."

"Say no more~," Raven purred before slipping out of her clothes and straddled her lover.

"Why didn't you join us last night?" He asked as she slowly unbuttoned her blouse.

"I was busy pulling an all nighter, those documents don't sort themselves you know~."

"Think I'll stay in case there's a round three~." Lightning smirked before they heard someone frantically knocking on the door.

"My lord! you are needed at the gates!" A guard shouted from the other side.

"I'm kind of busy right now!" Marshall shouted back while the girls giggled.

"I'm under orders from Prince Shining Armor to drag you out if necessary sir." the guard replied before all three sighed in unison.

"Next time love." Marshall smirked as they gave each other a quick peck before getting dressed.

As Marshall left with the guard, Raven and Lightning were left alone, one naked, and the other partly naked. Given the situation, Raven smirked while Lightning crawled over to her. "Guess we can make our own fun~," Lightning teased.

"I suppose." Raven adjusted her glasses before noticing the wine bottle still on the nightstand.

"But first thing's first. Tell me what made you change your mind about my stallion."

Palace gates

The guards atop the palace gates were in the middle of a card game there were four guards in total with a large stack of bits in the middle and one of the four was richer then his fellow guards and had a laid back smirk as he placed his hand down.

"Four of a kind boys." The guard said causing the others to groan in annoyance.

"I swear you're cheating you bastard." One of the guards cried as the winning guard scooped up the pot.

"It's not my fault you have terrible giveaways for example Bronze your tail twitches whenever you get a good hand. Pommel you're eye twitches and Spear it's your ears." The winning guard said when suddenly he was hit on the back of his head by a decorated Earth Pony.

"And your left wing fluffs up like a Celestia damn peacock Sure Strike." The Earth Pony growled in a disapproving growl.

"Captain Iron Hoof we were just uh..." The guard known as Spear started.

"Goofing off instead of doing your jobs." Iron Hoof stated as he walked towards the outter side of the walls.

"We're sorry sir it's just we've been on watch all day and we figured we could take a small break after all what force could sneak up on us in half an hour." Sure Strike stated.

"How bout the one currently standing at our gates." Iron Hoof said.

Hearing this the four guards rushed to join their commanding officer and to their shock they saw a coloum of eight rows leading down the road standing motionless before the gates each one of the figures was dressed in black leather and polished silver plate armor they were clothed head to toe in armor with masks covering their faces the warriors carried various weapons but most of them carried one handed longswords and kite shields and the guards then noticed burnt cloth for banners hanging above the soldiers with a white moon crudely painted upon the tattered and charred fabric symbolizing their loyalty to the lunar princess.

"Who goes there?!" Iron Hoof demanded.

"Commander Bulwark of Princess Luna's Black Prior requesting entry!" came the reply from the stallion leading the massive column.

Shining Armor along with Double Edge and Marshall came to the gatehouse to observe the visitors from the battlements and could see they were well armed and had traveled many miles with refugees in tow after seeing the numerous wagons stretching down the road.

"They bare the crest of the border guard." Double Edge noticed the crest on Bulwark's armor.

"I thought they were wiped out?" Marshall said before Shining ordered for the gates to the open and the three went to meet Bulwark halfway.

"Hmm rock lizards and all well bred and heavily armored. These are no amateurs." Marshall said after getting a good look at their mounts while Double Edge was scanning their troops.

"Light infantry, heavy infantry along with a few cannons. They traveled far."

When the gates were opened Bulwark gave the signal to move forward and when they marched the soldiers marched in perfect sync their iron clad boots creating a sound akin to thunder with each step.

The guards at the entrance were on edge as each of the black knights marched passed them without so much as a sideways glance as if they were golems under the spell of a powerful mage. Once they were through the gates, the soldiers stopped in perfect syncrhonization as their leader dismounted and knelt before Shining Armor in true knightly fashion.

"Rise." Shining said as the masked knight met his gaze.

"If it is truly you Sir Bulwark then I am glad to see you alive. We heard about the fall of the storm wall and feared the worst."

"I regret to inform you that your fears were founded many lay dead there but not through cowardice they all served with honor and have earned their rest." Bulwark said calmly.

"And your commander?" Shining asked.

"Amidst the fallen my soldiers elected me commander second only to Princess Luna herself." Bulwark explained.

"Where did you all come from?" Cadence asked after noticing the refugees in the wagons.

"We have just come from conquering Hollow Shades. The area is now under our control." Bulwark said as they all gasped in astonishment.

"Hollow shades?!? that's impossible, it's deep within Dainn's territory!" Marshall said in disbelief.

"If it's deep in Diann's territory then horned bastards military standards are sloppy the siege was over within an hour." Bulwark said.

Wanting to get them out of the cold, Cadence ordered for the guards to bring the refugees food and clothes as they disembarked from the wagons. Many of them were thestrals who had their wings mutilated and encased in black boxes and all were malnourished and sickly from the constant mistreatment of their former masters.

"Is princess Luna not with you?" Shining asked while looking around.

"No she goes to meet with a prince of some sort a caribou who seems to despise Diann and all who follow him as much as we do." Bulwark explained.

Hearing this made the people gasp. Never before had they heard of the northlanders fighting their own in the year since they took over Equestria.

"A caribou fighting his own? You gotta be joking." Shining said, believing this to be just a rumor when one of Bulwarks scouts stepped out of line to confirm his story.

"It is true sir, I myself delivered a message to this rebel leader. They call him "Wulfric" of the "Warborn" clan. They took over a base in the myre and have formed an alliance with the changelings."

"WITH CHRYSALIS?!?" Twilight shouted in outrage.

"Calm down Twilight, I'm sure there's an explanation for this." Cadence advised her sister-in-law.

"We can also confirm that ladies Applejack and Rainbow Dash were seen with them. Not as slaves but as fellow rebels."

"Wait Applejack and Rainbow..." Twilight began before she went in to thought.

"It wasn't just them but many females were there unbond from chains and some were even armed and training for combat." The scout reported.

"Furthermore Princess Luna has entered the mind of this Wulfric and has stated he at the moment is trustworthy." Bulwark stated.

"I don't believe it!" Shining objected.

"I refuse to believe that these...Warborn are allies we can trust until I meet this Wulfric myself!"

"But Big Brother if Applejack and Rainbow are with him then maybe-"

"Twily don't be so naive." Shining said to his sister.

"Until Princess Luna gets here, no northlander sets foot on these borders."

"SIR!" the guards saluted their prince before being dismissed.

Bulwark was brought into the palace to discuss the developments in private yet through the entire time, he never removed his mask even to eat or drink when he was brought refreshments and refused to have servants attend to him when he was given a chance to bathe.

His men were just as similar as they shared a meal with their fellow guards in the mess hall and ate in absolute silence all while keeping their faces hidden.

"You heard the rumors?" One of the guards spoke in a hushed voice.

"There's a band of northlanders that are actually fighting against old Stonehoof, ransacked Ponyville and took most of the riches and slaves."

"I hear those slaves were freed and have joined them."

"Oh come on, what fool would join a bunch of snow loving savages?"

"They're not fools," Bulwark said. "I've seen them myself. They may not be like us, but they're just as hell-bent on killing that bastard as we are."

"And you would actually trust one of them?" the guard asked as he took a swig of ale.

"Personally I say we stay out of it and let the brutes kill each other off. Make things easier for us!"

Before anyone could say anything more there was a tolling of a giant bell and as one the masked warriors stood up and left the mess hall much to the confusion of everyone else present who decided to follow them and watched as they all walked towards the courtyard and upon arriving they organised themselves into rows and turned towards where the moon would rise and as soon as it peaked from the horizon as if rehersed thousands of times the warriors all in sync got to their knees clasped their hands together and began to chant

As the bystanders watched they were dumbstruck by the chorus of voices that echoed far and wide and the sound drew others too who could do nothing but watch and those who could not watch listened intently.

"What was that?" Marshall asked as the song ended.

"I...I could be mistaking but...I think they were singing a prayer to the moon." Twilight said as she stood in awe.

"To the moon?"

"Long ago, Princess Luna had I what I guess what you might call a sort of religion based around her as she was the protector of the night. They called it The Lunarian Faith and it was widely practiced until her banishment." Twilight explained as the knights went back inside to resume their meal.

Double Edge paused from his meal and sighed heavily.

“I just can’t let it go…” Double Edge said. “Shining? I must request to lead a scouting party.”

“A scouting party? What for?” Shining wondered.

“I want to meet with these rogue Northerners for myself,” Double Edge said.

"I agree." Twilight said to her brother.

"And I wish to accompany him. I need to know if Applejack and Rainbow are truly safe."

"Twily-"

"Shining let her go. You know how hard headed she can be." Cadence chimed in as her husband gave a defeated sigh.

"You really are Celestia's student." He smirked while shaking his head.

"Very well. I will make this an official diplomatic mission."

“Scouts!” Double Edge called to one of the younger soldiers. “Where were the rogue northerners last sighted?”

"Along the borders of the swamp sir."

"We can travel by river, it'll be faster."

“Double Edge, are you certain you wish to do this?” Cadence said.

“No offense, your majesty, but we’re all working on borrowed time,” Double Edge said. “If it’s possible these rogues can become a potential ally, it may just be the advantage we need in this war.”

"Princess Luna has given them her trust. I think we should follow her lead." Twilight added.

"Very well. You'll leave first thing in the morning. Be careful Twily."

The Next Morning

With their destination set in stone, Double Edge, Twilight, and a small party of soldiers stood by and accessed themselves before heading off. Double Edge was occasionally glancing at Twilight since she was wearing a new set of armor Shining and Cadence procured for her.

“Where were you hiding that fancy gear?” Double Edge asked.

"My brother had it made for me in case I would need it...we were hoping I'd never have to use it." Twilight said before receiving a hug from her family.

"Come back safe." Shining hugged his little sister tight.

"Of course, I can't leave my favorite niece now can I?" Twilight smiled while giving Flurry heart a tummy tickle.

Flurry Heart giggled and cooed as she reached up and grabbed Twilight's finger

"Twily!" Flurry giggled while staring up at her, her eyes sparkling with... Hope. Hope for a brighter future.

Once their goodbyes were said, Twilight and Double Edge sailed downriver towards the borders of the empire with everyone wishing them a safe journey as they were showered with petals and confetti.

"Good luck princess!"

"Be safe out there!"

"Thank you everypony! We'll be back!" Twilight said as she waved goodbye to the citizens.

With their goodbyes done, and their course set, Double Edge and Twilight’s journey to find the rogue caribou began. Double Edge made sure to keep Twilight by his side and kept his party off the main roads. The rain began to fall as the group marched on with their resolve held high. Twilight was still nervous from being out in the open again since the last time didn’t go so well.

“I wonder what these rogues are like?” Twilight wondered. “Even I find it hard to believe any caribou would rebel against Dainn.”

"I don't find it surprising." Double Edge said while adjusting his hood.

"A king like that? Someone's bound to rebel eventually."

The party made camp of the main roads so as to avoid being spotted and were able to get a small fire going to warm themselves while sharing a hot meal.

"From what we've gathered, the rebels have struck here, here and here." Double Edge pointed to a few areas crossed out on the map.

"If we can find a safe path through the swamps we should be able to find their base."

"But sir, what if they're not who we think they are? the princess could be in danger." One of the men asked.

“Call it a gut feeling,” Double Edge said. “Besides, even if on they off chance they aren’t what we thought they were, princess Twilight has strict orders from princess cadence to teleport back to the crystal empire.”

"And aside from that, two of my friends were spotted with these rebels. If there's even a chance they are alive then I want to know for sure." Twilight said while warming her hands by the fire.

"I just want to know if they're safe..."

“I’m sure they are, Little Light,” Double Edge said.

snap!

The group flinched at the sound of a twig snapping and quickly formed a circle around the princess.

"Who's there!?" Double Edge shouted to the darkness while keeping his hand close to his sword.

"Show yourself!"

There was no sound for a tense moment until someone came stumbling out from the brush. The hooded figure slowly walked towards the group with their hands up.

“Show your face,” Double Edge demanded.

The figure nervously pulled off their hood to reveal a feminine face. Her fur was cream white, her hair was curly and a smooth brown color, and she had a curved horn coming out of her forehead that seemed to split at the tip.

“Who are you?” Double Edge asked, only to be met with silence. “Answer me now or we will take you down!”

“Sir! Wait!” One of the men said. “I think…I think she’s a Kirin!”

"He's right, look." Twilight said after using her light to give better illumination to reveal that the stranger was indeed a kirin and also an escaped slave.

“Why can she not talk?” Double Edge wondered.

“I think I remember reading somewhere that the Kirin monks have this holy vow of silence.” Twilight said. “Is that why you can’t speak?”

The Kirin said nothing, only to give a slight nod of her head.

"Come by the fire, warm yourself." Double Edge approached the kirin when she suddenly backed away in fear.

"It's alright, they're friends." Twilight said while gently taking her hand and leading her to the fire.

"Let's get her a blanket and a hot meal."

The Kirin nervously sat close to Twilight as one of the men gave her some rations.

“How deep do the Kirin take this vow of silence?” Double Edge asked.

“Oh, very seriously,” Twilight said. “I’m afraid even yes or no questions are rarely answered, like just now. But, considering her circumstances, I suppose you could try. Just make sure you ask only yes or no questions.”

Double Edge understood the princesses instructions and sat across the kirin while she cautiously ate her meal before carefully choosing his first question.

"Did you escape by yourself?" he asked when the Kirin shook her head and started tearing up.

"It's okay." Twilight held her gently.

"Can you take us to where you escaped from? Maybe we can help." Double Edge asked.

The Kirin stared at Double Edge with eyes that told him she didn’t trust him, despite taking her in.

"I got an idea." Twilight said as she sat in front of their guest.

"I'm going to use a spell to see into your memories. Is that alright?" She asked.

The Kirin seemed hesitant to let even Twilight see through her memories.

"Please. You can trust me." The princess said with a gentle smile as she placed her hand upon the frightened girls cheek.

The kirin then calmed herself as Twilights horn began to glow and the princess peered into her memories.

"She was a student at the temple but then she was taken as a slave..." Twilight said with her eyes closed but flinched when she saw images of the poor girl being violated in all sorts of humiliating ways.

"They did...horrible things to her and her friends...they were being transported when...GASP!!"

"Princess?" Double Edge called out to Twilight with concern as images of a fierce battle suddenly flooded her mind. A battle between northlanders.

"The caribou they're...fighting each other...it's the rebels!" She said when she saw one particular figure carving his way towards the cage to free her and her friends.

“So it’s true,” Double Edge said, scratching his chin.

“Her memoirs show that she and her group fled the scene. Before that, her home is still under suppression.” Twilight looked more into the Kirin’s memories until she gasped and slowly looked at Double Edge. “Double Edge…it’s Trouble Shoes! He’s been brainwashed, and is in control of the Kirin tribe!”

"Trouble Shoes? The rodeo clown?" Double Edge sounded surprised when he heard this.

"Why would he be rolling with these savages?"

“All I can see is that he’s under their control,” Twilight said. “We have to save him!”

"But princess we have no clue where he is and this young lady here is obviously too traumatized to tell us." One of the guards stated as Twilight held the girl close.

"I mean does she even have a name?"

“Cherry Bush,” Twilight said. “Her name is Cherry Bush. Double Edge, please, her people are in trouble.”

"....men prepare to move out. Miss Cherry, we're counting on you to lead the way." Double Edge gave the order as the soldiers got what rest they could before breaking camp at sunrise.

Twilight smiled gratefully and helped Cherry up to her feet. Before they were on their way again, Cherry ran up to Double Edge and wrapped her arms around his chest. The poor Kirin girl cried silently as if thanking him for helping her people.

"It's alright now." Double Edge smiled and held her like a child as they prepared to move out.

During the entire voyage, Cherry seemed to open up more while spending time with Twilight and clinged to her like a big sister while also spending some time with Double Edge whenever he needed help securing supplies or tending to their mounts.

“Princess Twilight, how does the Kirin vow of silence work?” One of the men asked. “Do they just not talk or make a sound anymore?”

"Well it actually has something to do with their origins." Twilight explained.

"Whenever the Kirin become enraged, they turn into flaming beasts called Niriks. To help deal with this, their queen ordered her people to bathe in a river known as The Stream of Silence. It not only silenced their voices but calmed their emotions as well."

"No wonder those northern bastards want them so bad. A slave who can't scream or beg is practically a dream come true for them." A soldier said before getting angry glares from the others as Cherry clinged onto Twilights arm.

"Sorry..."

"Hey look at this!" One of the scouts called out while pointing to a smoke stack in the distance.

"Looks like the town is under attack."

Cherry shook Twilight’s shoulder and pointed at the town with a pleading look. Twilight held her hand to read her mind and then turned to Double Edge.

“Some of her friends are in that town!” Twilight said.

"Men, let's move!" Double Edge gave the order and the entire party went full speed ahead towards the town as the sounds if fighting grew more intense.

The Town

The Warborn and Ghost warriors had struck just as the sun began to rise, catching the slavers off guard as their warriors began pillaging the town and ransacking all the shops while the slaves were freed of their bonds and taken to the town square.

"Take what treasures you can find! round up the slaves in the square and kill all who resist!" Wulfric shouted before headbutting a stallion who tried to charge him and sent him crashing into a nearby wall.

Arminius grabbed a Stonehoof by the neck and ran him across the street, impaling the buck's antlers into the back of a stallion that held a Kirin at knife point. "Go, you're free," He told the Kirin before snapping the Stonehoof's neck.

By the time the battle was done, many of the slavers were either dead or captured while the raiding party went to work on loading up their spoils into the longships.

"Another good haul." Rainbow Dash smirked with her axe resting on her shoulders.

"What do you boys wanna do now?"

"Like you need to ask?" Wulfric smirked before hoisting Dash onto his shoulders.

"AHH! Let me go!" Dash laughed while trying to get away.

"Ohh no, you asked what I wanted to do and what I want to do my sweet rainbow haired beauty is you~." Wulfric smirked as he spanked her and brought her to an empty house unaware Double Edge and his party had snuck into the town to investigate.

"Let me go!" Rainbow shouted as her lover brought her to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed.

"Come here you~!" Wulfric growled as he got on top of her and wrestled her hands atop her head while giving her an aggressive kiss.

"Mmm~...I hate it when you get like this." Rainbow smirked.

"And why's that?" Wulfric asked while pulling out his dagger to cut her top open.

"Because now I have to let you do anything to me~." Dash giggled but just as they were about to get hot and heavy, Wulfric was suddenly blasted by a wave of purple magic and was nearly stabbed by a pair of twin swords as Double Edge appeared from the smoke.

“YOU WILL NOT DEFILE ANOTHER MARE, STONEHOOF SCUM!” Double Edge bellowed as he charged at Wulfric.

"No wait!" Wulfric shouted before narrowly blocking the next attack as Twilight and the other guards stormed into the room.

"Twilight?!?" Rainbow Dash gasped upon seeing her friend.

"It's okay Rainbow, we're here now!" Twilight said while putting a shield up before Double Edge was pushed back.

"Listen, I am not your enemy!" Wulfric said while keeping his weapon down to show he wasn't a threat.

Double Edge gripped his swords and glared at Wulfric.

“You have one chance, caribou, one chance to prove you aren’t what we see you as,” Dougle Edge warned. “Choose your next words and action very wisely, or your head hits the dirt.”

"Let's just calm down for a moment." Wulfric said before Arminius and his warriors bursted into the room.

"Ah a feast for my axes!"

"Arminius stop! All of you stand down!" Wulfric shouted while Rainbow Dressed herself.

"What are you guys even doing here?" Rainbow asked in confusion while Twilight held her back.

"Rescuing you from being violated from this Stonehoof!" Twilight pointed an accusing finger at Wulfric.

Cherry suddenly grabbed Double Edge’s cloak and pulled it to get his attention. The Kirin pointed at Wulfric and shook her head as if pleading for him.

“You know this caribou?” Double Edge asked.

"You, you're one of the girls that escaped during the raid." Arminius said after recognizing Cherry and gave a relieved smile.

"Cherry are these the ones who saved you?" Twilight asked as Cherry nodded yes.

"And for the record, he wasn't "Violating" me, we were just about to have a little party after another raid." Rainbow said as Twilight's cheeks began to turn pink.

“Y-You’re together with a caribou?!” Twilight shrieked. “Are you nuts?! After everything they’ve done?!”

"Everything the Stonehooves have done," Arminius huffed.

"I..this is...uh..." Twilight stammered before putting down the shield as her head began to spin.

"This is a lot to take in...."

"I suggest we all take this outside and talk like civilized folk. Agreed?" Wulfric said while showing them the door.

As they all left, Arminius nudged Wulfric. "Talk about getting cock-blocked."

“Leave your arms inside, and surrender to be bounded, then we’ll talk,” Double Edge demanded.

"Don't push it friend. You only caught me off guard." Wulfric glared at the knight before stepping out first with Rainbow following.

"Rainbow wait!" Twilight said before hastily following after her to see her friend checking him for injuries like a mother with her child.

"You okay babe?"

"Ah just a bump to the head, I'll live but the mood has sadly died out." Wulfric sighed with a little smirk as they gave each other a quick peck in front of the princess.

Double Edge narrowed his eyes at Wulfric as the two stared each other down.

“First thing’s first,” Double Edge said as his men stood behind him. “Who are you? And why do you fight against your own kind?”

"I am Wulfric, Son of Hjalmarr and chieftain of The Warborn Clan. This is my friend Arminius Bearskin, Chieftain of The Ghost Clan. We sent word to Equestria of Dainns invasion before we were trapped in our homeland by some foul magic."

"The message...that was you?" Twilight gasped.

"It was. We wanted to end that bastard's plans before he could get to your shores. We were unsuccessful in that endeavor," Arminius spoke. "And that bastard is not of our own. He's a plague that needs to be wiped from this earth."

"I don't believe it!" One of the soldiers shouted.

"This is all a ruse! A trick!"

"You dare insult our-!" A female raider was prepared to lash out when Wulfric ordered her to stand down.

"If you still need more convincing, follow us." He said as they were taken to the longships where Twilight saw another familiar face.

"APPLEJACK!!"

"Twilight?!?"

Twilight wasted no time and ran towards her other friend and hugged hr close.

“Oh, Applejack, I’m so happy to see you!” Twilight cried tears of joy. “I was so worried I wouldn’t see you or Rainbow Dash again!”

“I’m happy to see you too, sugarcube!” Applejack said.

“I see…” Double Edge said. “Not only miss Rainbow Dash, but miss Applejack is safe from harm.” The lieutenant glanced at Wulfric and Arminius. “Be that as it may, I’m still unconvinced.”

“Oh come on!” Rainbow whined.

“Miss Dash, surely you of all ponies must understand where we’re coming from. You’ve obviously had more experience with these rogues, but we haven’t.”

"Trust me, these girls have had PLENTY of experiences~." Wulfric smirked before kissing Applejack as Twilights jaw hit the ground again.

"Mmm! mmmm~. What's got you so frisky hon?" Applejack smirked.

"What a man can't give the lady he loves a kiss?" Wulfric smirked before Double Edge reached for his swords again.

"Damn degenerate!!"

"Hold it there partner!" Applejack said while stepping in between them with her arms crossed under her bust.

“Double Edge, stop!” Twilight said.

“But Twilight-!” Double Edge was about to say.

“Lieutenant Double Edge! By order of your princess, I command you to stand down!” Twilight said in a commanding tone, unfurling her wings. “I am the leading authority here, and I will decide whether or not to trust these caribou! Am I understood?!”

"...yes your highness." Double Edge huffed while reluctantly sheathing his blades.

"Yeah we got a lot to talk about." Rainbow said to her friend when the raiders were dragging a stallion towards them.

"My lords, we found him!" One of them shouted before throwing a badly beaten up stallion to their feet. It was Trouble Shoes.

"You do this to him?" Arminius asked.

"No my lord. Poor fool fell down the stairs trying to run and then ran head first into the door. Knocked himself out cold."

The men laughed as Wulfric rolled his shoulders a bit before gripping his axe.

"Any last words before I lop off your head?" He asked as Trouble Shoes gave him a defiant glare.

“STOP!” Twilight yelled in her Royal Canterlot voice. Her voice boomed across the area, making many warriors cover their ears. “You will do no such thing, caribou! Look at the poor stallion’s eyes.”

"Aaah...yes I see them and all I see is a fool following a tyrants orders!" Wulfric shouted back while cleaning his ears.

"He deserves nothing short of an execution!"

"It's not his fault, he's under Dainns control!" Twilight argued.

"Even so, there's no saving him." Wulfric said while his men forced Trouble Shoes to his knees.

Twilight’s anger reached its highest peak as her eyes glowed bright and her horn flared. She raised her hand at Wulfric and entrapped him in her aura, making the stag’s limbs hang outward.

“Touch him…and you suffer my wrath,” Twilight hissed.

"Hey!" Arminius shouted, about to tackle the princess, but was held back by his own son.

"Wait! She might be able to cure him," Wiglaf pleaded.

"Stop talking nonsense, boy," Arminius countered.

"No, you listen to your son and let Princess Twilight try," Sigrid said while getting in her husband's face. Letting out a huff, he backed away. "Good."

"...you really think you can save him then?" Wulfric said, still trapped in her aura.

“I know I can,” Twilight said, then released him. “Trust me as you wish for me to trust you.”

"....Fine but the moment he attacks you, I cut him down." Wulfric said as she released him from her spell and the chieftain suddenly stumbled back a bit.

"Wulfric?" Arminius caught his friend as he began to catch his breath.

"That was too close. If she had pulled any harder my limbs would've popped off. this princess is not to be trifled with." Wulfric said as Twilight knelt in front of Trouble Shoes.

"Here to give me one last pleasure before I die your highness?" The former rodeo clown joked with a pained laugh as he clutched his sides.

“This isn’t you, Trouble Shoes,” Twilight said and placed her hand on his forehead. “You’re a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt the smallest fly. You loved making ponies laugh and being with your friends in the rodeo, it was your dream.” Her magic began to flare again as she closed her eyes. “Return to who you once were.”

At first, Trouble Shoes tried to resist and struggled to get away before memories his life in the rodeos flooded his mind along with the sounds of laughter from the audience and the smiling faces of the foals. When the spell was done he fell to his knees and began trembling as tears began to fall from his face.

"What have I done....WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?" He shouted before sobbing his heart out and wailed furiously at his past actions.

"Odin's beard, she did it..." Wulfric said in disbelief when Twilight suddenly fell on her back and was rendered unconscious.

"PRINCESS!!" Double Edge ran to her side and held her up with Applejack and Rainbow Dash by his side.

"Men, we're taking them to our camp. All of them." Arminius declared before helping carry Twilight onto the longboat.

"On your feet man." One of the raiders helped Trouble Shoes to his feet as they sailed down river to the camp.

Wulfric looked at Double Edge as he tended to Twilight.

“To render her unconscious…” Double Edge frowned. “How deep does their curse seep into one’s heart and mind?”

"Allfather only knows." Wulfric said as they continued down river.

"Once she's rested, we'll talk."

"Hope you boys are hungry, we got some good grub waiting for us back at camp." Applejack stated as she sat back to enjoy the breeze.

“Wulfric, was it?” Double Edge said and Wulfric nodded with a hum. You mentioned you were trapped in your homeland. What did you mean by that?”

Wulfric then told the story of how he, Arminius and their people were given the offer to join Dainns conquest and were punished for refusing him when the tyrant king ordered his shamans to create a blizzard that trapped them for an entire season right up to the death of his father.

"And soon enough, I met my two lovelies here." He smiled while giving both Rainbow and Applejack a kiss.

Double Edge’s mood towards Wulfric and Arminius turned a little softer than before.

“It would seem I’ve made a small misjudgment,” Double Edge said. “But why make the effort to sail to our shores? Is it purely for the sake of revenge?”

"It's a blood debt." Arminius said while letting his son sit on his lap.

"When Dainn left us to starve, many of our families died miserable deaths in that frozen hell he created. Dainn must answer for his crimes."

"And we also must fix the mistake my great grandfather made when he exiled the stonehooves." Wulfric added before spotting the camp on the distant shore.

"We're here."

Once the longboats were ashore, the raiders were greeted by their friends and families while showing off their loot and bringing in the new refugees.

It was at that point when Double Edge saw that most of their plunder was seed grain and food stores rather than gold and jewels.

“This is your clan?” Double Edge asked curiously.

"Surprised?" Arminius asked while tossing him an apple.

"Everyone! We have guests, let's greet them warmly."

The clan cheered as they welcomed their new friends while the shamans tended to Twilight who was feeling like she had her head split open.

"Mmm..." the princess groaned as she began to awake.

“Twilight, are you okay?” Double Edge asked

“My head hurts…” Twilight groaned.

“You used a lot of magic, Little Light, more than usual,” Double Edge said. “Just rest.”

Twilight slowly sat up to find herself in the middle of the rebel camp and saw equestrians mingling with northlanders while their children played together and some were even seen kissing or holding hands by the bonfire.

"Where...are we?" She asked before being given something to drink by the shamans tending to her.

“It appears we are in the main camp of rogues,” Double Edge explained while taking off his helmet. “I never expected to find ourselves here, but I suppose it’s convenient for us since we wished to track them down.”

As Double Edge fixed his mane, the shaman does paused for a moment to steal glances at the lieutenant.

"Look who decided to join the living." Rainbow Dash said as she walked over with a fresh plate of food for her guests as they sat together to catch up.

"Where's Applejack?" Twilight asked while helping herself to the meal.

"She's um...filling in for me." Rainbow smirked while pointing to some shaky bushes just outside of the camp when Twilight caught a glimpse of a naked AJ being humped against a tree by Wulfric while having her tits sucked.

"O-Oh um...I didn't know you three were this close."

"Yeah it's weird I know." Rainbow said while swirling her drink.

"But trust me Twi, Wulfric's a good guy even though he's a little...rough around the edges~."

“So, they really aren’t like the Stonehoofs, aren’t they,” Double Edge said.

"We're nothing like those savages." Arminius said as he joined them.

"They oppress those weaker than they are and see compassion as a weakness. It sickens me that they are our kin but even moreso that my own brother has joined their ranks..."

"You have a brother?" Twilight was surprised by this revelation.

"He betrayed us and left us to die...he is no longer my kin and undeserving to be my sons Uncle." Arminius then spat to the ground as the very mentioning of his brother left a bad taste in his mouth before they were joined by his son.

"Ahh there's my little Drengr. Meet your new auntie." He chuckled while introducing Twilight.

"Wiglaf, this is Twilight, she's a friend of mine." Dash explained as he waved hello.

"Hi!"

“Um…hello,” Twilight said to the young buck.

“You’re really pretty!” Wiglaf said.

"Why thank you." Twilight smiled.

"A lady killer he is." Arminius joked.

"Already got two little fillies fawning over him."

"Dad!" Arminius whined before hearing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon giggle from a short distance as they waved hello to him.

“Diamond Tiara? Silver Spoon? Is that you?” Twilight said as the two fillies entered the tent. “It’s good to see you girls. I was worried when they started taking fillies away.”

"Wiglaf saved us, he was so brave." Diamond said while batting her eyelashes at the young buck.

"And so strong." Silver Spoon added as she joined her.

"Girls, please stop..." Wiglaf begged as he began to blush.

"Well well, I go away for a few minutes and come to find little flowers blossoming." Wulfric chimed in as he walked in with Applejack who seemed a bit more chipper than usual.

"I hope our hospitality is to your liking princess."

“It is, thank you,” Twilight said. “And…I’m sorry for lashing out like that.”

"No apologies needed." Wulfric said as he waved off their previous argument.

"I'm sure you have many questions for us but I sense you are here for a greater purpose."

To this, Twilight placed her meal aside and composed herself to look more regal as their talks began.

"Lord Wulfric of The Warborn and Lord Arminius of The Ghost clan. I am here on behalf of Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence of The Crystal Empire as an ambassador."

"And what brings you to our humble camp?" Arminius smirked as he played along but all could see he was being serious.

"An alliance." Twilight said aloud and caught everyone's attention.

"We wish for you to join us in our fight to reclaim Equestria and dethrone Dainn Stonehoof."

“Now hold on a moment, your highness,” Double Edge interjected. “They may have shown us that they’re not like the Stonehoofs, but they’ve yet to prove themselves worthy of our trust.”

“Really? After all we’ve shown you?” Applejack groaned.

“No, no, he has a point, my dear,” Wulfric said, patting her hand. “Sir Double Edge, if you want more proof, how may we fully earn your trust?”

“By aiding me in freeing the Kirin kingdom,” Double Edge said.

"...I'm listening." Wulfric said while leaning forward.

"The Kirin Lands are within reach of the empire but our forces our stretched too thin. If you aid us and prove you are allies worth our trust then I will personally vouch for you in future talks of this proposal."

"Hmm...Arminius?" Wulfric turned to his friend so that he may voice his opinion.

"If it means earning their trust and being rid of more of Dainn's forces, then my ax is ready," Arminius said with a thump to his chest. "What do you think, break of dawn?"

"Dawn it is and we should have Pinkie and Fluttershy join us as well."

"Pinkie and Fluttershy are with you?" Twilight gasped as Wulfric gave an assuring nod.

"They're safe and have been well treated."

"I'm surprised Pinkie hasn't burst from a tree or the bushes to greet you, Princess." As soon as Arminius said that, Pinkie plopped down on the ground in front of them.

"Don't be silly, Arny. It's much more surprising to show up from above," Pinkie said before Twilight brought her in for a hug.

"PINKIE!!" She shrieked with joy while squeezing her friend tight.

"Aww I missed you too Twilight." Pinkie said while returning the hug.

"Um pardon me?" Fluttershy peeked through the tent as Twilights eyes began to flood with tears.

"I um had to make sure she didn't get lost."

"Ha ha! this calls for a celebration then! Come eat and drink your fill, tonight you are guests in our home." Wulfric said as he stood up and raised his mug.

"To new friends, SKAL!"

Double Edge raised his mug as well as the group downed their contents. Just then, two shield maids looked at each other and nodded before sauntering up to the lieutenant.

"Hey there stranger."

"Care to dance?"

Their flirting was interrupted when Cherry suddenly pulled him away and gave them a murderous glare.

“Hey now, what’s with you, girl?” Double Edge asked.

"Ooh this little one's jealous." One of the maids teased as Cherry stuck her tongue out at her.

"Don't suppose she's interested in sharing?" The second one winked while giving Double Edge a peek down her shirt before Cherry clinged tighter to his arm before they went to find another partner.

“Cherry,” Double Edge said, making the Kirin mare flinch. “Is what they say true?”

Cherry looked away in embarrassment before looking up at him with big puppy dog eyes and nodded. Her grip on him lessened before she rubbed her head along his chest and made a slight purring noise at the back of her throat.

Double Edge was unsure how to react to her affection but simply smiled as he softly stroked her head with his hand.

“You’re a sweet mare, Cherry,” Double Edge said softly.

Cherry made what sounded like a happy squeal before hugging around Edge's waist.

Seeing this as the perfect chance, Wulfric cued the musicians to play something more festive as everyone gathered around the bonfire to dance.

"Shall we my lovelies?" Arminius smirked offering each of his wives an arm to link.

Cherry listened to the music and looked up at Double with her big eyes once again. The stallion chuckled and took a step back before clearing his throat.

“Miss Cherry Bush, would you do me the honor in joining me for a dance?” Double Edge said in a noble tone as he held out his hand. Cherry smiled before doing a small bow and took his hand as they joined in the dance.

Twilight soon joined in with her friends and the air was filled music and laughter. It began to remind her of the days before the war and when the song ended all let out a round off applause as Wulfric took center stage around the crowd.

"My friends, hear me!" He called out.

"Tonight we raise a toast to our guests. Princess Twilight and her companions. Thank you for joining us in our feast tonight."

"Our friends ventured far across these perilous lands with good tidings. Shining Armor; the prince of The Crystal Empire himself has called upon us to seek an alliance against our hated foes the stonehoof clan!" Wulfric announced as they gave a short cheer.

"But! Before he can accept our aid, we must prove our worth. Far to the east, the kirin people suffer under the iron grip of Dainn and his minions and we swore an oath to free ALL from that monsters grip! Did we not?!" Every Raider let out a battle cheer that shook the air itself.

"Then eat and drink your fill, make love to your woman and comfort your children for tomorrow we turn our axes east and the land will once more run red with the blood of Stonehooves!! SKAAAL!!"

"SKAAAALLL!!!"

Once again, everyone raised their mugs and downed their drinks. There was laughter all around as the Warborn and Ghost clans mingled and enjoyed themselves. Meanwhile, Double and Cherry were dancing to lively music together. Despite being mute, Cherry had the brightest smile across her face as she danced with the stallion who took her in.

“You’re quite the dancer, my dear!” Double laughed.

Cherry could only blush in response as the music continued onto a more softer tone. The Kirin's eyes seemed to glow with an inner light as she stared at Double Edge with a warm smile before leaning on his chest. Some of the men who had been watching gave him a thumbs up and a smug grin as he let her rest on his chest before the music ended.

"You know...I think I know how we can help the poor girl." Said Applejack to Twilight.

"What do you mean?"

"When Fluttershy and I first met the Kirin, we found this plant called Foals Breath. It helped break the spell that kept them silent and I think this girl could benefit from that."

"Sounds promising." Twilight said with intrigue.

"Once we get to the Kirin lands, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the plant but I'll need yours and Fluttershy's help."

End.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay everyone. I just recently got over a fever and had to rest for a few days. Updates will continue so have patience, me and my co-writers are working as diligently as we can to make sure each chapter is written to its full extent for your viewing pleasure.

Breaking The Silence

As the sun began to rise, Twilight woke up to the bustling sounds of the raiders breaking camp as the prepared to set sail and noticed Pinkie had set up a little breakfast buffet and was passing out pancakes nonstop to the hungry workers.

Over by the boats, Double Edge was helping Wulfric and Arminius map out the safest route through the occupied lands and made sure nothing was left to chance before loading the rations they would need for the journey.

"You call this a sword?" Wulfric asked while examining one of the knights rapiers and made it wobble around like a child's toy.

"It's so...flimsy."

"Like a limp dick," Arminius joked.

"Language!" Applejack scolded while smacking him upside the head.

"Ow!" Sigrid and Hilda giggled at their husband's treatment.

“You’d be surprised, Wulfric,” Double said with a smirk as Cherry sat next to him. “What they lack size and shape they make up for in speed and agility.”

Cherry sighed dreamily at Double with a lovestruck gaze.

"If what you say is true then I can't wait to see you wield them in battle." Wulfric said as the last of the supplies were loaded.

"My lord, we're ready."

"And the refugees?"

"Sent to the fortress as you ordered."

"Good. Let's set sail!"

Cherry clung to Double as the sails were lowered and the boat was set off down river. Arminius bumps Wulfric's side. "Pint of ale says they fuck as soon as she gets her voice."

"Two pints says she kisses him first."

"Must you boys make bets on everything?" Thora asked while fastening the ropes.

"Ohh this is so exciting! I love river trips, do you love river trips?" Pinkie rambled on while darting around the boat.

Just then, the crew spotted another ship coming out from the swamp and saw Ryu was at the bow flagging them down.

"Ryu! Finally decided to join the fun eh?" Arminius asked his friend as his crew began to sail alongside them.

"Couldn't let you lot have all the fun, now, could I?" Ryu said with a hearty laugh, he then bowed his head a bit and smiled at them

"It is good to see you all again, my friend. I had hoped we would fight together again."

"You'll get your wish. We got new lands to conquer." Wulfric said before sounding the horn as the rowmen began to increase the speed. While sailing down river, the raiders stopped by any settlements they found and liberated the populace while planting the banners of their rebellion into the soil to show Dainn that this land was not yet conquered.

During one such raid, Ryu had witnessed Twilight breaking the spell on some of their prisoners and saw it took a heavy toll on her as she collapsed once more.

"You can't keep doing this little light." Double Edge said while helping her to stand, other prisoners however were not so fortunate as they were lined up for execution by Wulfric and his axe.

"LET ME GO YOU SCUM!!" One stallion shouted as he struggled against his captors.

"THE KING WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS FOR THIS!!"

Ryu walked over to one of the captors, staring down into his eyes as he glanced over to seeing some of the now freed mares being escorted away.

"There was a time where I would've let you go, there being no honor in killing an unarmed foe." Ryu then gripped the hilt of his katana "But scum like you... Deserve nothing more than to be eradicated from this planet." Ryu then slowly unsheathed his katana. The prisoners seeing their reflection in the steel of the blade.

"Know that your death will put those that have suffered at your hands to rest." Ryu said before bringing down his katana and sliced off two of the prisoners heads clean off.

With one flick, the blood was cleaned off and Wulfric gave his comrade an approving nod before sending the refugees and captives back to their base.

"Take only what we can carry, burn the rest." Arminius said while loading a few crates of food onto his ship.

"Shame, such a damn waste." Wulfric said as he bit into an apple and watched the men set the settlement ablaze using torches and magic.

"Do we really have to do this?" Rainbow asked Ryu as the fires began to rise.

"In war, fear can be a useful tool. This will show that Delmain and his forces are not untouchable, that they can be defeated. A sign to all of his men that we aren't the only ones coming after his head. But all the men and women whom he had crushed under his thumb will take up arms against him. It's that fear that will cause him to slip up." Ryu said as he placed a hand on her shoulder

"This may seem cruel, but it is a necessity."

"And it'll make sure bandits can't use this place as a base." Wulfric added as they resumed their journey.

After three days of sailing, the raiders finally arrived on the borders of the Kirin lands and made camp in by a fork in the river and immediately got to work in setting up barricades while some formed a scouting party to keep an eye out for enemy movements.

Fluttershy was helping Pinkie make some lunch for the troops when she accidentally bumped into Ryu.

"Oh um pardon me." She said in her usual shy manner.

Ryu looked down at Fluttershy and smiled at her

"My apologies, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Ryu said as he carried a few bags of rice "Do you and Pinkie Pie require any help with the food? I have some cooking skills." He offered.

"Umm if you're offering." She smiled and took him to the camps kitchen where Pinkie was zipping around like a pinball as she tried to cook multiple dishes at once.

"Let's see a smidge of this, a pinch of that." She said while seasoning the soup pot.

"How does she do that?" Wulfric asked as he and Arminius watched her work.

"She's got the speed of Sleipnir, I swear."

“A changeling?” Double said. “That’s twice I’ve been surprised by the unexpected. I didn’t think Chrysalis was the allying type.”

"I know my people haven't had the most...pleasant relationship with Equestria."

"That's an understatement." Twilight said with her arms crossed.

"Easy now Twilight, let's not get all sore about the past." Applejack said when another changeling came stumbling in with papers falling everywhere.

"Agh! There you are Ryu, I have the supply reports."

"Oh forgot to introduce you all." Ryu smiled while taking the papers.

"Everyone, this is my younger brother Thorax."

"You have a brother?" Wulfric asked in surprise.

"Well several, he's the youngest." Ryu chuckled.

"Uhh pleasure to meet you everyone." Thorax stumbled about with his papers while introducing himself.

"He's in charge of logistics and supply runs."

"Then shouldn't he be back at the palace?" Rainbow asked with a raised brow.

"Normally yes but mother insisted he should get out more." Pharynx sighed.

"Don't really see why, I-I was perfectly content with living back at the palace." Thorax said

"Because you were content." Ryu began to explain "You can't stay in one place in your life forever. You must continue to grow, to explore, in order to truly better yourself."

"Well uhh if you say so." Thorax sighed as they got to work in setting up camp by the river.

That night, a war council was held as the rebels plotted their next move after their scouting parties had returned to give them a lay of the land as well as the positions of the nearby outposts in the surrounding villages.

"I suggest we stick to the river, use the villages to form a chain of outposts so we can call for reinforcements in case we need them." Wulfric suggested after one of the scouts had given them a map of the kirin lands.

"We could also take this village here, it's secluded and lightly guarded." Arminius said while pointing to another location on the map.

"No no it's too secluded. We'd be swarmed before any reinforcements could get to us. Best save that one for last." Double Edge argued.

As they kept debating over their next move, Cherry walked up and pointed to another spot on the map.

"Is this where you live?" Double Edge asked as she nodded yes.

"Hmm looks to be in the mountains, could be a village or maybe a fort of some kind." Wulfric said after seeing the spot she was pointing to.

"And it looks like we have to go through this mountain pass," Arminius said while pointing at the map. "A good place to ambush. We should strike at night if we see any fortifications."

"Sounds like fun. We'll scout the area tomorrow." Sigrid smiled when her husband gently placed a hand on her belly.

"YOU will be staying here. Can't have something happening to you or the baby if something goes wrong." Arminius insisted.

"You're cute when you care." Sigrid gave her husband a loving peck to the cheek along with Hilda who also rubbed her stomach in anticipation for their new arrival.

"It really is a pain once the first few weeks pass by." Hilda sighed.

"Alright then, Cherry and Double Edge will come with us to scout the pass and-!" Wulfric stopped when he noticed a black sail coming down the river.

"Well it's about damn time." Double Edge huffed while marching towards the shore.

"It's Bulwark." Twilight said after getting a good look at the knight standing on the bow of the ship.

In their usual style, The Black Prior disembarked with eerie silence as they began setting up camp just a short ways from their comrades. Twilight noticed some of them were dressed differently than the others as they wore lighter armor and carried crossbows and daggers; the tools befitting an assassin.

"I do believe we get more deadly with every mile we take," Arminius said before patting the mast and waving over at Bulwark.

"Well now that we've made camp, let's grab some food." Wulfric suggested to his comrades as they returned to camp to find Applejack preparing a hot bowl of stew for the troops.

"Hey that smells great!" Arminius smiled after catching a whiff of the dish.

"Hope y'all are hungry." Applejack said while serving two bowls to the chieftains.

The Black Prior lined up in no time calmly and quietly and when they were served they each said thank you before finding a spot to eat and when they did many of them only partially moved their masks others drank the stew through the mouth piece of their mask and then there was the very few that chose to eat in private away from others so they could take off their masks and eat.

"Wow. If these guys get any more lively, a funeral will break out," Arminius joked, earning a few laughs from his comrades. Sigrid came up and slapped her husband on the back of the head. "Manners."

"OW! Confound it woman, why do you always go for the head?!?" her husband complained as he rubbed the spot where he was smacked as they sat around the fire to enjoy their meal.

"Now this is a meal worth savoring." Wulfric said as he inhaled the aroma of the stew.

"I'm just glad we get to EAT the food." Dash sighed with a content smile as Twilight and Double Edge joined them.

"Sorry I'm late, I was teaching Cherry some sign language. She's a fast learner."

Double Edge calmly ate his meal like a gentleman while Cherry sat next to him. She hadn’t eaten any other meal yet and she was fidgeting in place a little.

“Something that matter, my dear?” Double asked.

Cherry glanced at Double but looked away with a blush.

“You don’t like the food?” Double asked, and Cherry shook her head. “That’s not it, huh?” Double pondered what she could want and asked something out of the blue. “I see. You want me to feed you, don’t you?”

Cherry immediately nodded yes as she seated herself in front of Double Edge while the girls shared a quick laugh since the two of them looked like a newly formed couple.

"Well ain't that sweet?" Applejack said as Cherry happily ate the first spoonful of stew.

"Meh, kinda sappy for me." Dash shrugged.

“Sheesh, just how more adorable can you be?” Double chuckled as Cherry ate another spoonful.

“Careful there, friend, any more sweet talking and she’s liable to break her vow of silence to confess to you,” Wulfric joked.

The Next Day

As the sun rose, the group had already begun their preparations as they assembled their gear and prepared their mounts.

"Fluttershy are the rock lizards fed?" Wulfric asked while tightening his saddle.

"They're nice and full just don't push them too hard or they'll get cranky." Fluttershy advised her friends while gently petting one of the lizards.

“It’s amazing how comfortable she is with those creatures,” one of the northerners said.

“You said it,” another said, and couldn’t help but eye her up. “She’d make a wonderful wife.”

"Focus!" Arminius barked before mounting his own beast.

The raiders then rode out of camp and followed Cherry's directions to the mountain pass and everywhere they went they could see signs of Dainns influence with his banner flying on almost every crossroad and village.

"This is it, from here we walk." Double Edge said as they dismounted and the lizards immediately went to the mountains slope to blend in using their camoflauge.

"Alright Cherry, lead the way."

Cherry nodded and slowly made her way along the path. The road was uneven and some of the men almost lost their footing. Meanwhile, Cherry seemed to be walking along the path with eases as it looked like she was barely touching the ground with each step.

“How is she doing that?” Double wondered. “We can barely get our bearings on this cursed path.”

"Well for starters, she's not weighed down with gear." Wulfric grunted as he adjusted the rucksack on his back while Rainbow hovered slightly overhead with her load as Applejack walked by with the same amount of ease.

"Nothing like roughin it eh boys?" She asked as all three men stared at her flank barely concealed by her loincloth.

"Damn I love that mare." Wulfric said before they finally found a small ledge overlooking the path and could see the temple in the distance.

"Look at that." Arminius gasped before he noticed Rainbow taking out a spyglass from her backpack and handing it to him.

"Try this, it'll help you see up closer."

Arminius looked through the spyglass and found what they were looking for. A band of Stonehoofs were standing guard all around the temple while there was a group of captured Kirin monks huddled together in a group. They were all kneeling with their hands tied together, not moving at all. The chief of the Ghost Clan also noticed some poor female Kirins being raped by stags, yet they didn’t cry out or make a sound. Just pained expressions and tightly shut eyes. When Cherry saw the temple, she went to sprint right towards it but Double grabbed her arm.

“No Cherry! Not yet!” Double said as she reached out for the temple in desperation. Double pulled her back and hugged her. “I know, my dear, I know. We’ll free your people, I swear.”

"We go in at night, take out the guards and rescue who we can." Arminius suggested while handing back the spyglass.

"Agreed. We don't know how many of those bastards are in there." Wulfric agreed as they began to set up camp.

"No fires, we can't risk being spotted."

"Guess it's just rations and water huh?" Applejack said while pulling out a loaf of bread and water flask.

"Lame." Rainbow sighed before spotting a berry bush.

"Hey these look great."

"Careful, could be poisonous." Double Edge cautioned as she began gathering them.

Rainbow rolled her eyes but as soon as she was about to pop one in her mouth, Cherry suddenly slapped it out of her hand.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?!” Rainbow snapped.

Cherry shook her head and made a bunch of gestures pointing at the berry and making it look like she was falling asleep.

“Say what?” Rainbow deadpanned.

“Good gods!” One of the soldiers yelped. “I know those berries! Those’re Eversleep Berries!”

The minute Wulfric heard that, he also slapped the berries out of Double’s hands and proceeded to stomp on every last one.

“The Tartarus is wrong with you?!” Double demanded.

"Eversleep berries. When eaten raw, they put you into a deep sleep and few ever wake up!"

"But when brewed into a potion they make excellent sleeping draughts." Arminius said as he stopped his friend from squishing the rest.

"I think we can use these to our advantage."

Cherry immediately hugged Double as if she was terrified that he’d eat one.

“I’m sorry for scaring you, my dear…” Double said and patted her head. “Men! Fan out and find more of these berries. If what our comrades say is true, they could indeed prove useful.”

"What're you fellas scheming?" Applejack wondered as Wulfric and Arminius began setting up a small fire despite their earlier advice.

"You'll see." Wulfric smirked.

Later that evening

The raiders followed Cherry to the rear entrance of the temple where there were fewer guards but all could hear the disgusting moans and cries of the stags raping the mares from inside the temple corridors, this brought back many horrible memories for Cherry as she clinged to doubles arm.

"It's alright." Double Edge whispered when he noticed some stags bringing out strange looking flowers and began piling them up.

"What are those flowers?"

"Foals breath!" Applejack gasped.

"That's the flower that can cure their silence but what are they doing with all of it?" She asked before another came up with a torch, grinning ear to ear.

"They're gonna burn them all!" Rainbow said before Arminius and Wulfric quickly knocked their arrows and dropped all four guards in quick precision.

"Let's go." Arminius whispered as they rushed forward and quickly hid the bodies along with the foals breath.

“Seems like they want the Kirins to stay silent for good so they can’t retaliate,” Double said in a disgusted tone.

As they finished hiding the bodies, Wulfric caught a strangely sweet scent coming from the temple along with the perverted moans and grunts of the stags inside before he gestured for the girls to stay back.

"Girls stay out here, something's off." he said when Cherry began to tremble and hid behind Rainbow and Applejack.

"Arminius, Double Edge, be on your guard. I got a bad feeling about this."

"Go. We'll watch over her." Applejack said while comforting Cherry as the three warriors entered the temple.

"Whoa, what is that smell?" Double Edge said in a hushed voice while covering his nose with his sleeve.

"Incense candles, a special kind." Arminius answered as he and Wulfric proceeded through the corridors unphased by the smell.

"The herbs used to make these candles are meant for newlyweds but these bastards have perverted their use." Wulfric added as they came upon the temples dining hall to find many Stonehooves and Kirin bandits feasting while the mares were dragged around in chains wearing nothing but rags as they served them while having their bodies groped or violated.

"See that wine barrel?" Arminius pointed to the large barrel at the end of the hall.

"I'll put the sleeping draught in there and once it takes effect, we make our move."

A member of the Ghost clan nodded to his chief before making a large toast to get the Stonehooves attention. Lucky for them, they were all too drunk or absorbed in the Kirin females to notice he wasn’t one of them. Arminius took the opportunity to drug the ale barrel. Now all they need to do is wait.

After an hour of gorging themselves on drink and food, the bandits finally succumbed to the sleeping elixir and passed out in the dining hall, some with their slaves still beneath them when the raiders quickly entered the hall and began breaking them free from their chains.

"It's okay, we're here to help." Wulfric whispered to a frightened kirin as he cut the ropes binding her wrists while Double Edge checked the door for any guards.

"All clear, let's move."

The raiding party had escaped the temple and were almost home free. Almost. Inside the temple, a warning horn blasted through the air. "Run!" Arminius ordered before they all took off like a bolt.

The group fled back through the rear entrance with the slaves and made their way back down the path with no sign of any guards giving chase, it seemed like they were going to make it until they came upon another group of bandits lead by a heavily armored kirin with a crimson red mane and a heavy halberd.

The moment Cherry saw their leader, she immediately ducked behind Double Edge as the stallion gave an amused chuckle.

"Who the hell are you?" Wulfric asked while slowly raising his axe.

"Apologies my friends, I am Red Hare and I believe you have something of mine." The bandit spoke in an eastern accent with a polite tone but all could feel his bloodlust and were on edge as he stepped closer.

"Return my slaves to me now and I will let you go."

"Not happening." Wulfric said as Red Hare gave a surprised look.

"A northlander freeing slaves...you must be the one known as Wulfric."

"That he is. And if you think we'll let you anywhere near these ladies, then you've got another thing coming," Arminius growled while readying his ax.

"I don't think this is wise my friend." Red Hare said while adjusting the grip on his halberd.

"....GO!!" Wulfric shouted as he and Arminius attacked Red Hare while Applejack and Rainbow took the girls and ran with Double Edge covering their escape.

When their duel first began, Red Hare easily toyed with both warriors as they were tossed around and pushed back with every strike that was parried.

“This is the prowess of the two chieftains of the Warborn and Ghost clans?” Red Hare scoffed as he jumped up and did a split kick to both Wulfric and Arminius’s faces. “How droll…”

"Damn...he's good!" Wulfric panted while rolling his shoulder as their opponent continued to look down on them with a smug grin before a smile slowly appeared on his face followed by a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"This is gonna be a fun fight!! YAAAAGH!!"

As if possessed, Wulfric began raining blow after blow with his axe and shield as Red Hare was pushed back, much to the shock of his men before finally being toppled over and falling into the dirt.

"GET UP!!" He shouted as his foe began to look at him with fury in his eyes and took a proper fighting stance.

"I'm going to enjoy raping your women over your corpse."

"RAAAGH!!"

This time when the warriors clashed, they were on even footing before Arminius joined in and the bandit leader suddenly found himself on the defensive as both men began fighting him in a more savage manner than before.

"Are they even men?" One of the kirin asked after seeing Arminius attack Red Hare like a true savage.

"No...they are beasts!" Another declared as Wulfric managed to slug their leader with a backhand.

"ENOUGH!!" Red Hare bellowed before he managed to trap Wulfrics arm and swiftly dislocate it with the shaft of his weapon.

"GAAH!!"

"WULFRIC!" Arminius cried out as Red Hare kicked his friend to the ground to prepare the finishing blow.

"And so you die!"

Suddenly, a pair of twin rapiers clashed with Red Hare’s weapon, stopping him from delivering the killing blow by mere inches. Red Hare looked to see who they belonged to as Double glared a hateful eye at the kirin .

“What is this?!” Red Hare said, until Double shoved him away and took a fighting stance.

“You’ve tortured these monks long enough, you sick bastard,” Double said in a calm yet menacing tone.

"Ahh a loyalist of Celestia." Red Hare grinned as he stepped back while Arminius recovered Wulfric.

"Be careful Double Edge, he's on another level." Wulfric groaned while his arm throbbed from the pain.

"Where are the girls?" Arminius asked.

“Safe,” Double said as he and the Kirin circled each other. “I’ve always been rather curious about the fighting capabilities of the Kirin monks.”

“Then allow me to give you a thorough demonstration,” Red Hare said as he lunged at Double.

Expecting to overpower the Lieutenant, he swung his blade in a crossing motion. Double merely sidestepped out of the way and nailed Red Hair in his chest with his knee before jabbing the tip of one of his rapiers in the kirin’s leg.

"He's fast!" Wulfric said as Double Edge leaped over his larger opponent before narrowly blocking his counterattack.

"You're nimble, I'll give you that." Red Hare said before his body suddenly became covered in blue flames.

"But now I will show you what the true power of The Kirin are!"

Sensing the imminent danger, Double Edge jumped back to a safe distance as Red Hare suddenly erupted into a blue fireball. His mane became a fiery blood red and his eyes were slowly whited out as his fangs began to show more profusely all while the very soil beneath him was turned into molten slag.

"A Nirik..." Double Edge said with a nervous gulp as Red Hare finished his transformation.

“I’ll burn you to a bloody crisp! Then sow my young into that little bitch who got away!” Red Hare boasted.

That seemed to have struck a nerve in Double’s heart as he clenched his fists around his swords. He knew exactly who the traitorous kirin was talking about and it made the lieutenant more enraged than he anticipated. As Red Hare was about to charge at Double, the stallion lowered his stance a little and took a deep breath. His leg muscles bulged, his senses sharpened, and the pupils in his eyes shrunk to pinpricks. Before Red Hare could even blink, Double rocketed right at the inflamed enemy with his swords pointed outward.

SLASH!!

Double sped past Red Hare with blinding speeds and there was dead silence as Red Hare stood motionless. Double exhaled heavily as the muscles in his legs throbbed like crazy. As soon as he stood up straight, Red Hare suddenly cried out in agony as a pair of deep sword cuts gushed out blood.

“You…bastard!” Red Hare wheezed.

“Silence,” Double snarled, sending a chill down the kirin’s spine. “You dare even think about defiling that girl, I’ll make you eat your own heart.”

Suddenly Red Hares horn began to glow in a similar fashion as the wounds inflicted on him began to heal.

"I changed my mind, I'm going to make you watch as I fuck that girl to DEATH!!"

Double said nothing as his horn glowed again. This time, both his rapiers shined bright.

“Bring it, scum,” Double challenged.

Both warriors took off like blazing comets as their weapons sparked with every clash until Arminius noticed the other bandits coming for him and Wulfric.

"Take my axe!" Wulfric grunted while handing his friend his weapon as he struggled to ready his bow.

"I can pick them off from here."

“This is gonna be sweet!” Arminius growled before going berserk.

The area turned into a complete battle zone as war cries and screams of pain echoed all around with the kirin being butchered to a man by Arminius while Double Edge continued to drive back Red Hare with each passing minute.

"Your flames are cooling old man!" Double Edge smirked after noticing Red Hare was regaining his original form.

"Running out of steam?"

"SILENCE BOY!!" Red Hare screamed as he went for a wide sweep with his halberd only to be left wide open as Double Edge slashed at his stomach with both swords to create a gaping wound.

Before he could end his opponent once and for all, Double Edge noticed a dust cloud forming in the distance and heard the distinct rumbling of warbeasts galloping towards them before running back to help Wulfric.

"Coward! COME BACK AND FINISH IT!!" Red Hare shouted through his pain while Arminius pulled a strange looking sack out of his pocket.

"Compliments of our changeling friends!"

POOF!!

In a puff of smoke, the three soldiers vanished leaving Red Hare to brood in pain as his reinforcements rushed him off the field to receive medical attention.

"This isn't over..." He hissed as he was carried off.

After returning with the slaves and the means to cure them, the raiders celebrated their small victory with a feast while Applejack and Fluttershy helped the elders brew the potion to cure the kirin of their silence.

Wulfric and Arminius were getting medical attention from their lovers with Thora and Luta fixing their chieftains broken arm while Rainbow held him down.

"G-gently girls-GENTLY!"

POP!!

"AAAH!! OW WOW!! oh that hurt..."

“Cry baby,” Arminius chortled before Hilda applied a bandage to his side. “Aaaahhoowww!”

“Look who’s talking,” Hilda said before kissing her husband’s cheek.

"Who did this to you guys?" Rainbow asked after seeing their injuries.

"Some kirin named Red rabbit or something."

"Red Hare? is that it?" Pharynx asked, looking surprised.

"Yeah that's it, you know him?" Wulfric grunted as the last of the bandages were tightened.

"Yeah, he'd come around the myre to raid our villages before we moved everyone into the city. He's cruel, calculating and above all merciless, you're lucky to be alive."

"He's the lucky one. Shoulda seen how Double Edge nearly gutted him like a fish!"

As Double was being treated, he noticed Cherry hugging herself and looking like she was afraid. Double sighed and ushered the medic to stop checking on him for a moment.

“Cherry? Come here, please,” Double said, Cherry did as he asked and sat next to him as he wrapped his arms around her.

“You know of whom they speak, don’t you?” Double said, caressing her shoulder.

Cherry began shedding tears as she nodded yes and hugged him tight and all knew right away that Red Hare was the one who defiled her.

"Next time we see that bastard, I'll have his head!" Wulfric snapped as he stabbed his dagger into the dirt.

"Simmer down hon. You're too banged up for another round, Dash and I will go."

Double Edge held onto Cherry and tipped her chin up to look him in the eye.

“No matter what happens, I will always be here for you,” Double said in a noble tone. “I swear on my honor.”

In that moment, all of Cherry's fears suddenly vanished as she stared into his eyes and her heart suddenly began to beat faster and one could swear there was a glimmer in her eyes as she continued to look at him when Twilight rushed over to the campfire with a fresh brew of potion.

"It's ready! The unsilencing elixir is ready to drink!" The princess said with enthusiasm while handing Cherry the drink.

"And don't worry Ryu, I sent a potion to the queen. Hopefully this will get your prisoner to talk."

"Thank you princess." Ryu smiled as Cherry looked down at the potion and looked back up at Double.

“I understand your kind has a vow when it comes to silence, but Twilight also told me the vow can be broken as long as you desire it to be,” Double said.

For a few moments, Cherry stared at her reflection in the brew and thought about all the pain and humiliation she and her fellow monks endured but then began to recall the kindness shown to her by Twilight and the others and so without a second thought she slowly drank the elixir to the last drop.

Cherry sat still for a moment and suddenly began clearing her throat. She rubbed her neck a little as if feeling something she hadn’t felt for a while until she smiled widely and looked at Double.

“Well? What’re you waiting for? Let’s hear that-MMMF?!”

“Oh my!” Twilight gasped, covering her mouth.

“Woohoo!” Arminius cheered.

"Dang girl! Simmer down!" Applejack said while Sigrid covered her sons eyes.

After a few more moments, Cherry broke the kiss and with a tearful smile she held Double Edges cheeks and spoke in the sweetest voice.

"Thank you."

Double Edge blinked in surprise but a slow soon crept along his lips. He leaned his forehead against Cherry’s and gazed into her eyes.

“Of course, my dear, it’s my pleasure,” Double said.

After composing herself, Cherry Bush stood before Wulfric and Arminius and cowtowed before them as if they were kings along with several of her fellow monks.

"You have saved the lives of me and my sisters. For that, we are indebted to you and you have our eternal gratitude."

"Please, stand up." Wulfric said as they got back to their feet.

"We accept your thanks and whatever help you can offer."

With their voices now restored, the kirin mares were able express their gratitude and some were even shedding tears of joy as they held the hands of their saviors.

"Um excuse me Lord Wulfric?" Cherry called out to Wulfric.

"Just Wulfric please, we're all friends here." Wulfric smiled as Applejack brought him some ale and sat on his lap with a warm smile.

"I was curious, how were you able to resist the scent of those candles? I've seen those things turn men into lust-crazed beasts yet you and your friend seemed fine."

"Oh well that's easy." Wulfric smirked as he pinched Rainbows butt making her give a short squeak as she gave him bedroom eyes.

"We got it out of our system the night before and I must apologies on behalf of my people." Wulfric bowed his head to Cherry who seemed confused.

"Those candles are meant for couples on their wedding nights. They are a symbol of each lovers eternal passion for one another but thanks to the so called "King" their use has been perverted."

“I’ve wondered about where you came,” Cherry said as she sat on Double’s lap. “If you wouldn’t mind sharing, that is.”

A smile crept onto Wulfrics face as he began to recall their homeland and described it to his friends as they began to gather around like children listening to a story.

"Our home is Valkenheim; A land far to the north. The land is rugged, freezing but beautiful in its own way." He said with his eyes closed as he began to imagine himself on the grassy plains of his birthplace.

"There are fields of wheat so vast that one could swear they stumbled upon a sea of gold and forests with trees so tall and ancient that you might think you stumbled into the fae realm and then there is the spring thaw." Wulfric sighed as he stared at his mug with a nostalgic expression.

"When the sun shines on the ice they glimmer like diamonds and the first notes of birdsong are heard as you step outside to feel the cool air just before the sun caresses you with it's warmth....that was our home."

"It sounds amazing." Twilight said with her thoughts beginning to wonder what it would be like to go there.

"Wulfric, I promise when this war is over we WILL establish good relations with your people."

"And I swear on my oath, I will see to it that Dainn and his clan pay for what they've done to yours." Wulfric raised his mug to give a short toast as the group began to settle in for the night.

Meanwhile

In his stronghold, Red Hare was finally able to recover from his wounds yet he would find no rest that night even with the slaves he was given to relieve his stress. His thoughts drifted back to his previous battle with Double Edge and the two chieftains.

Through his entire career as a warlord, he had never met an opponent who was his equal in battle and as the memory of being pushed back and injured reentered his mind a mixture of frustration and joy began to fill him before he finally broke out in a sinister laugh and stared up at the moon with a wide gaze and smile.

"At last..." He said as he held out his arms.

"FINALLY! I HAVE FOUND WORTHY ADVERSARIES!! Rest now while you can my foes for tomorrow our true battle begins!!"

End.

Eve of Battle

With the unsilencing elixir secured, Ryu and Pharynx ordered for their prisoner to be transported to their camp for interrogation in hopes of securing intel on the supposed secret route to the Crystal Empire but despite their best efforts, the prisoner remained silent even after being forced to drink the elixir.

"For the last time: Who told you about the secret route?" Pharynx barked to the prisoner who simply smirked before being slapped across the face.

"TALK YOU BASTARD!!"

"I-I... I know... Nothing... You fucking ugly bugs!" The Kirin spat blood in Pharynx's face. Pharynx growled as he punched the Kirin across the face.

"Start talking or else!" Pharynx pulled out a small knife and held the tip of the blade against the Kirin's crotch "You can say goodbye to your little friend."

"That's enough brother!" Ryu protested while pulling his brother back as the Kirin gave a smug grin.

"Go easy, we need him alive." He whispered as Pharynx pretended to shove him off.

"We're wasting time with this scum! I say we probe his mind and find out what he knows!"

"He's too weak. If we try it we may very well fry his brain." Ryu said, trying to scare the Kirin. "Look, we both don't want to have this end with you dying. Just give us what we need and I will see to it that you are held comfortably." Ryu tried a friendly approach to try and get the Kirin to talk.

"How about you go buck yourself, and do me a favor and tell that whore of a queen she deserves to be Lord Dainn's fuck toy!" The Kirin spat.

Ryu sighed as he shook his head "Tried to save you." Ryu glanced over at Pharynx and nodded, giving him permission to go with Plan B.

Before he could even register what was happening, the prisoner suddenly found himself being forced to stare into Pharynx's eyes as his head was held in place and he suddenly found himself being drawn into a trance.

"Show me what you know." Pharynx said as his eyes slowly began to glow.

The prisoner resisted his attempts to have his mind read and pushed Pharynx to the point where his nose began to bleed and Ryu had to pry him off before any permanent damage could be done.

"Brother!"

"I'm alright..." Pharynx huffed while wiping the blood off him.

Wulfric and Arminius heard the commotion when they barged in to find the prisoner laughing at his captors.

"What in hels teeth is going on here?" Wulfric asked while helping Pharynx to stand.

"Pharynx tried to read this bastards mind but it's proven...difficult."

"You'll get nothing out of me rebel scum!" The kirin spat on Arminius' boot before being slugged in the face.
"Do that again and I'll make you eat this boot." He said while taking the prisoners shirt to wipe off the stain.

"You actually tried to read his mind?" Wulfric asked as Pharynx regained his composure.

"And failed. Mind reading isn't as easy as they say, especially when the one in question has a strong will."

"Well then let's try our methods. tell Surt I'll need a few buckets of fish guts."

"Fish guts? For what?" Ryu wondered while noticing the devilish smirk on their faces.

One hour later

The entire raiding party had gathered by the river as the prisoner was dragged over to a crane that had been attached to one of the longboats while two of them were tossing fish heads into the stream save for two buckets filled to the rim.

"Son, today your uncle Wulfric and I are gonna teach you how to fish for eels." Arminius winked to his son as they began tying the kirins wrists to the rope before binding his feet to a large stone.

"The first trick is to draw them in with a nice helping of rotting guts, it's their favorite snack but they get even more hungry when you use LIVE bait." With a wave of his hand, the men on the boat slowly began cranking in the rope as the kirin was held up by his wrists and dangled over the water as it began to churn.

"Tell me Applejack, what kind of eels do you have down here in Equestria?" Wulfric asked his lover as the prisoner gave him a murderous glare.

"Well we got these ones called Shrieker eels and they're nasty varmints." She said after noticing several fins sticking out of the surface.

"Really? Why is that?"

"Well for starters, they're mean suckers and they let out a shriek when they're hungry and right now, these fellers look hungry." She smirked while crossing her arms under her impressive rack.
"Last chance, who's your contact in the empire?"

"Eat shit!" The kirin shouted as the chieftains rolled their eyes in frustration.

"Douse him." Arminius shrugged as two guards grabbed the buckets and splashed their contents all over the prisoner, with some even getting on his face as the crowd laughed in amusement. At that moment, a large eel leaped out of the water and attempted to bite a chunk out of the prisoner, giving him a scare.

"Ooh that was a big one, I'm getting hungry." Wulfric watched as the eels became more aggressive.

The waters churned violently as more and more Eels kept coming. Then the shrieking started, turning the prisoner's blood cold.
"Lower him. Slowly." Wulfric said as the men began to turn the crank and the prisoner was lowered into the water.

"Oh uh did I mention these eels spin to rip chunks out of their food?" Applejack said as he neared the waters surface.

"ALRIGHT ALRIGHT!!" The prisoner finally cracked after looking down at the school of gnashing teeth and serpentine bodies slithering around him.

"It was a merchant who works in the market, he discovered the secret route and told us everything! We paid him well!"

"Does your king know of this?"

"No, we were supposed to send our report the day you raided the temple!!"

"If you're lying..." Arminius threatened to cut the rope as he placed a hand on his ax.

"I'm not I swear!"

"I'm not convinced. Put his ankles in the water!" Arminius said as they lowered him down enough for an eel to give him a very painful nip as it came screeching out of the water.

"AH!! I swear that's all I know!"

"I think he's telling the truth. Bring him in." Wulfric was satisfied with the interrogation as and gave the signal for his men to bring him back in but as they were turning the crank, the rope suddenly began to fray under the combined weight of the prisoner and the rock tied to his feet.

"Uhh you boys used fresh rope right?" He asked with worry as it began to snap.

"I told you to get the rope!" One of them said to his partner.

"No I told YOU to get it!!" The other argued as they began shoving each other back and forth.

"This isn't gonna end well." Arminius said as the rope began reaching its limit.

Just as the crank reached its limit, the rope snapped and the kirin dropped like a screaming rock into the water.

"OHH!!" The crowd shouted in unison as the water quickly became red and the two chieftains shot a menacing glare at their men.

"Uhh..oops." Was all one of them could say before they stormed off.

"Well that could've gone better."

"COOL!!" Wiglaf said in astonishment before being pulled away by his mother.

"Get this news to Twilight and see that it reaches her brother as well."

"Yes chieftain."

The Next Morning

Applejack was soundly asleep when she felt the familiar caress of her lovers hand grace her back before slowly being rolled over as she felt him climb on top of her and could not help but smile as her tired eyes open.

"Mmm morning sugarcube~." She purred as their lips found each other and Wulfric gently sat her onto his lap as they kissed.

"Good morning my sweet apple~." Wulfric said before feeling Rainbow Dash wrap her arms around his neck.

"Hey what about me~?" She pouted before being given a kiss of her own.

The two mares proceeded to have some fun by pushing their lover down and allowed him to grope their ample bodies as the sun peeked through their tent followed by the crowing of a rooster.

"You girls sure you wanna do this?" Wulfric asked, feeling worried for his mares as they each gave him a kiss.

"We'll be fine sugarcube."

"Just rest up for when we get back." Dash winked.

"As you wish my little mouse~." Wulfric said as Dash tilted her head slightly.

"Mouse?"

Pinch!

"EEK!!" She yelped after feeling him pinch her right on the cutie mark.

“Ugh! Not so early.” They heard Arminius groan from his tent.

"Aww did my poor hubby not sleep right?" Hilda teased while cuddling him as he scratched his head.

“Maybe he needs a very thorough massage~?” Sigrid offered before rubbing his back, only for him to hiss at the pain. Feeling concerned, she kissed her husband’s cheek. “Poor old guy.”

Arminius grinned before holding both of his wives in his arms. “Not so old to stop loving you two.”

"Save for later you three." Thora yawned as she appeared from under the sheets.

"We gave these boys plenty of TLC last night~."

"Ain't that the truth~." Luta added as she snuggled against Wulfrics chest.

The mares left their husbands to prepare breakfast along with the rest of the camp as they headed for the river to draw water. While filling their buckets, Sigurd noticed the kirin doing some strange poses on a nearby hill as the sun continued to rise and a gentle breeze blew in from the east.

"What are they doing up there?"

"Oh that's called yoga." Rainbow replied.

"It helps relax the body and soothes the mind. Also improves flexibility~." She added while rolling her shoulder.

Once the food was prepared and served to the camp, the group gathered at the war tent to find Wulfric and the other men discussing their next target.

"Thanks to our encounter with Red Hare, they've increased patrols along the roads and doubled the guard on the nearby villages." Double Edge waved his hand over the mentioned area while Wulfric thought of a solution.

"What of the villages to the East?"

"Our scouts say its one big slave market and it's heavily guarded." Arminius said as both chieftains started to smirk.

"Then that is where we'll go."

“Then I also propose we split up,” Double suggested and pointed at the map. “A pincer tactic. We hit them on opposite ends. That way, they’ll be too discombobulated to retaliate properly.”

"And the last thing they'll expect is an attack from a bunch of girls." Rainbow snickered while cracking her knuckles.

"I'll be going to." Twilight said as she stepped forward.

"I'm a princess of Equestria, I can't sit by and watch my friends risk their lives while I sit back and do nothing."

“Then you’ll need a proper weapon,” Double said and gestured to his men to bring something wrapped in cloth.

Twilight slowly unveiled the cloth to reveal a saber decorated with an elaborate guard and scabbard that made the girls stare in awe.

"ooh fancy!" Pinkie chirped while looking at her reflection in the guard as Twilight took the blade.

"Remember princess: This is a tool, not a toy and you must be ready to take a life if the situation calls for it." Thora lectured the princess.

"Come back to me." Wulfric said while kissing each of his mares before they took their mounts.

"Just keep the bed warm for us big guy~." Dash said with a wink as they rode off.

As the group raced across the plains, Twilight could not help but smile after seeing her friends by her side to help save Equestria once again. It was the first adventure they had in a long time.

"You okay Twilight?" Applejack called out to her friend while keeping pace.

"I'm fine it's just...this is our first real adventure together."

"Heck yeah, just like old times!" Dash cheered.

“All we need now is Rarity, and the whole gang will be together again,” Pinkie cheered.

"PINKIE?!? Why are you here?!?" Twilight gasped after realizing Pinkie was riding with her.

"Like you said, it's our first adventure and I am NOT missing out on it!"

"Once we're near the outskirts, we'll find a way to sneak inside. Ryu, you'll be in charge if infiltrating the gatehouse. Take out their lookouts so we won't be spotted." Double Edge said while riding alongside Ryu.

"I'll take a handful of Shinobi with me to scout out any traps our enemies may leave." Ryu said before mounting off with a few Shinobi warriors, moving swiftly to take out their targets

By the time the sun began to set on the horizon, the group had settled in the foothills just on the borders of the village where they could see the braziers in the distance and as expected, the village was heavily fortified with a large wall built around it along with three watchtowers.

"I'm starting to have second thoughts..." Twilight said as she looked to Double Edge for comfort.

"Now's not the time to hesitate little light, you had the courage to come this far so I know you and your friends will see this mission through."

"He's right sugarcube and don't worry, you got us to watch your back." Applejack winked as they made camp and waited for the return of Ryu's group.

“Everyone give me space,” Double Edge said as he closed his eyes. “I'm going to unleash my most powerful strength spell. It always dulls my senses whenever I fight, but it’s necessary if that bastard is in there.”

"Sir!" One soldier called out as he pointed over at the towers where they could see multiple flashing green lights lit up

"That must be Ryu." Applejack said with a sense of relief that they succeeded in their task.

"Alright the faster we get this done, the faster I can have Wulfy put me through the ringer." Rainbow Dash said, making Twilight gasp.

"Rainbow!"

"Hold it there partner, if anyone's jumping our mans bones first it's gonna be me." Applejack argued when they got in each others faces and began pressing their chests against one another.

"How about this cowgirl. The one who takes out the most baddies gets first dibs?"

“Um…is this really the time to be arguing who mates first?” Cherry asked.

"Comes with the territory dear." Thora said while putting on some warpaint like she was applying makeup.

"So what's the plan?" Pinkie asked while warming herself by the fire.

"Once we get inside, we loot the place, bust out the slaves and hightail it outta there like there's no tomorrow." Applejack said as she prepared a lasso.

Double Edge and the others all prepared their weapons as they waited for Ryu to take out some of the guards posted up by the wall.

Ryu moved like the shadows as he easily snuck through and made it up to the walls. Using his Wakizashi to silently take out the guards, covering their mouths as he stabbed his blade through their necks. Ryu lit up his horn to signal Double Edge to come through while he used hand signals to relay orders to his own Shinobis. Gather any valuable information they can find and take out any high ranking officers.

Once the order was given Ryu and his Shinobi swiftly moved through the fort. Quietly creeping inside tents and buildings, gathering any information that would be of use. He snuck in through the roof of a building and climbed on the ceiling, hearing muffled screaming and grunts he looked down to see a Caribou mounting himself on a mare, forcing her head down on the pillows as he violated her. Ryu quietly dropped down without making a sound as he quietly crept up on the Caribou, Wakizashi in hand as he lunged forward and quickly plunged him blade into his throat, twisting it to make sure the Caribou couldn't scream out. The Caribou grunted and choked as he struggled to fight off Ryu but soon went limp on the ground. The mare screamed and backed away as she covered herself, crying from fear and shame.

"Shhh." Ryu said as he cleaned off his blade "I'm not going to hurt you. We have come to help." Ryu explained. Covering the mare in a blanket as he searched the room. Seeing golden armor on display as he searched some drawers. Grabbing some papers and reading them before tucking them away in his pocket. Turning back and walking towards the mare he whispered

"Stay down and lay low, my friends will soon help free you and the others." He told her

The mare did as she was told and hid herself as Double Edge and the girls swiftly made their way past first few houses while avoiding the numerous patrols before meeting up with Ryu's group behind a large storehouse.

"Alright, this is it. Ready girls?" Twilight asked as Rainbow and Applejack brandished their weapons.

"Let's kick some ass." Rainbow said with an eager grin.

Double Edge’s horn was now glowing as bright as possible. The Stonehoof’s and traitors were now noticing the light and Double cast the spell. The stallion grunted as his body sparkled with his magic aura and it soon turned into a wisp-like aura.

“I can only cast this spell once a week,” Double said. “LET’S RUN WILD!”

At breakneck speeds, Double sprinted right into the heart of the camp and bulldozed all in his path while slashing and stabbing away with his rapiers.

Twilight did her best to keep up but was having a hard time focusing after witnessing the carnage unleashed by her friend but was even more shocked when she saw Applejack and Rainbow savagely execute each foe that came across them, Pinkie on the other hand was busy playing tag with the enemy and made them chase her around while toppling dozens of crates all over the place to make them trip or fall in the mud.

Ryu's group was more precise with their assault as they seemed to be in perfect sync with each group of enemies that was cut down. In the confusion, a lone guard singled out Twilight and slowly marched up to her before she managed to block him at the last second.

"S-stay back!!" She cried out as the engraged soldier stormed up to her, sword raised high for the killing blow.

"D-DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!!"

SHINK!!

Without thinking, Twilight thrusted her blade right into his stomach and sent him toppling to the ground as a pool of his own blood began to form.

"TWILIGHT!!" Rainbow Dash rushed over to her friend now shaking from the ordeal as she slowly pulled her away.

"Come on, it's okay."

"I...I killed him..." Twilight said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face.

"I killed him! I-I didn't mean to I just-"

"Hey, it's okay Twilight." Rainbow said while hugging her friend just as the rest of their group reassembled.

"What happened?" Applejack asked before seeing the body.

"Oh..."

"We need to leave, now." Rainbow said when they began to hear the alarm bells.

Double Edge continued to cut down his enemies with ease thanks to his spell. However, the lieutenant grunted when he began to feel the strain in his horn from using too much magic.

“Can’t keep this up…!” Double said. “But I must keep going!”

"Double Edge! Come on we're leaving!!" Ryu shouted before spotting a platoon of guards heading their way.

Reluctantly, Double Edge complied with the order and retreated with the others and lead the freed slaves back to their camp along with their stolen loot and as expected, many of their friends welcomed them back with open arms and proposed another feast to celebrate their victory but Twilight was not in a partying mood.

While the others danced around the fire, the princess sat alone on a nearby hill thinking about what happened during the raid. While she and her friends faced many villains in the past, she had never killed anyone before and it made her feel sick to her stomach.

"Room for a few more hon?" Applejack said as she came walking up with some drinks for the two of them.

Twilight didn't answer with words, but she did nod and when Applejack sat next to her, she leaned on her while taking the offered drink.

"If you wanna get anything off yer chest, I'm here for ya sugarcube."

"We all are." Fluttershy said as she, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie showed up.

"I...I killed him..." Twilight sobbed.

"I didn't mean to, I swear! It just happened!"

Double Edge sat on the other side of Twilight and took a moment to think about what to say next.

“Twilight,” Double said. “You were listening in that day, years ago, when I came to Shining for council after my first kill, weren’t you?” Twilight could only nod in response as they sat in a circle to listen to his story.

“I was just recently promoted to corporal for honors and quelling a gang war in Prance,” Double said. “However, remnants of one of the gangs survived and attempted to stage a coup against the Queen herself. I was tasked to hunt down the leader and put an end to him. My intention was simply to apprehend him. However, the stubborn bastard didn’t make it easy.” Double’s ears drooped as he recalled that day. “I ran my sword through his heart before he could cut my throat. It was…the first time I ever drew blood and claimed another’s life.”

"How did you get over it?" Twilight asked.

"Well that's just it, I didn't." Double Edge said as he looked towards the bonfire in the camp.

“In fact, every kill racks my soul with guilt and sometimes tests will to keep going. Even if some kills are more deserving than others. But do you know why I keep my head up?” Double smiled and wrapped his arm around Twilight. “Because I still have friends whom I care for a great deal, which includes you, little light.”

"And don't forget, we're here for you too sugarcube." Applejack smiled as they all joined together for a group hug.

"Are we interrupting?" Wulfric asked as he and Arminius came to see how they were doing.

"We're okay now big guy." Dash said as she gave her lover a kiss.

"Mmm. Good to hear...tell me Twilight, did you feel regret when you ended that mans life?" Wulfric asked the princess as he took a swig of mead.

"Yes...I did."

"Good." He replied almost instantly.

"That guilt is what makes you different from them, it means your heart has not been hardened to stone. So long as you hold onto that, you'll never lose sight of who you are."

"And remember, it was his choice that lead him down that path." Arminius added as they rejoined the feast and Twilights mood had managed to improve thanks to the efforts of her friends.

It was during this time that Wulfric stumbled across a book for magical instructions amongst their plunder and decided to give it a quick read.

"Magic eh?" He said to himself while reading a passage from one of the pages.

While the festivities continued, the chieftain decided to try out magic for himself and began to clear his mind and focus to the point where everything was silent around him.

"Hey, check that out." One of the guards said when they noticed him.

"What's the chief doing?"

"Beats me." the other replied before they suddenly felt the air get colder.

"Brrr! what in Odin's name? It's freezing all the sudden!" He exclaimed before spotting Wulfric's arms beginning to get covered in ice.

"Chief? CHIEF!!"

The guards did everything they could to snap Wulfric out of his trance but to no avail until Twilight and the girls heard the commotion and rushed to stop him.

"WULFRIC STOP!!" Twilight screamed, finally snapping him out of it as the ice dispersed and he fell to the ground, completely out of breath.

"What were you doing?!?"

"Ha ha! So it IS possible!" He panted while standing up.

"Our people can do magic like you."

"That was dangerous!" Twilight said while pointing out the areas that were still frozen.

"You could've killed everyone here!"

Wulfric looked around and saw some of the tents were half frozen while the ground beneath him had been completely covered in snow before finally feeling the stinging in his hands.

"Damn, almost gave myself frostbite."

"WHAT IN THE DEPTHS OF HELHEIM IS GOING ON HERE?!?" Arminius shouted as he stormed up with only his pants on and was followed by his wives.

"I was getting ready for another passionate evening with my lovely ladies and next I feel a blast of winter air blow through my tent!!"

"Thank mister icemaker here." Rainbow pointed to Wulfric who shrugged at his friend.

"I see. Wasn't enough to give me figurative blueballs, you actually had to try and freeze my nuts off!" Arminius bellowed before wrapping a blanket around him and his wives. "What did you do anyway?"

“By the old gods above…” Surt suddenly walked forward with a face that was full of shock and surprise. “Wulfric…could it be?”

"The old stories were true." Wulfric said while the others looked confused.

"What stories?" Twilight asked the old stag.

Surt glanced at Wulfric, wondering if it was okay to share the legend of the Warborn clan to which Wulfric nodded to his friend.

“This dates back to the first chieftains of our clan,” Surt said. “According to legend, we Warborn were once a tribe of cyromancers.”

“Cyroman…what?” Rainbow said, confused.

"We could control winter itself." Wulfric said in a more simpler term.

"We once dominated the whole north with this power, our enemies would be frozen to statues, vast lakes frozen in the blink of an eye! But then...we lost that power."

"How?" Fluttershy asked.

"We lost this gift." Surt replied as Pinkie began making snowcones out of the ice.

"How could you lose something as cool as this? Get it? Cool?" She snorted.

"One of our allies stole the secrets to mastering this power when our people began to abuse it. They vanished centuries ago and the story became legend...until now." Wulfric then looked at Twilight who seemed a bit concerned about the glare in his eyes.

"Twilight you can teach me to use this power! With it we might have an advantage in this war!"

“Me? How? I know nothing about northern magic!” Twilight said. “How am I supposed to teach you?”

Wulfric then handed her the book he was reading and explained how he only understood the basics.

"You can show me what you know, teach me as your mentor taught you."

"Hold on sugarcube, messing with this could be dangerous." Applejack objected.

"But with this we can finally turn the tables! We can finally push back the stonehooves!"

"Perhaps we should all discuss this tomorrow? It's late." Double Edge suggested after seeing the chieftain was getting pushy.

"Right, right...apologies." Wulfric apologized.

"Yawn! Yeah I'm ready to hit the hay too. Come on iceman, I'll warm you up~." Rainbow Dash smirked as she wrapped herself around one of his arms.

"Iceman? Not bad. Gotta remember to use that," Arminius joked before he was dragged back to his tent by his wives.

"Hmm why don't you join us tonight, it's super chilly in our tent." Sigrid winked to her husband.

"And I know where you can get warm~," Hilda said while taking Arminius's hand and shoved it to her nethers.

"Well only if the others don't mind." Arminius and Wulfric smirked before letting the ladies take them away.

"Just remember, my man gets the front~." Rainbow told Sigrid before stepping into the tent.

Morning

The sun rose the next day with the girls cuddled up around Arminius but Wulfric was nowhere to be found.

"Mmm Wulfy?" AJ groaned while scratching her head before she was pulled back down by Dash.

"Where do you think you're going cowgirl?" She asked while kissing her neck, rousing the others from their sleep.

"My you two are certainly active." Hilda yawned before snuggling on her husbands chest.

"Where's Wulfric?" Thora yawned as they began to dress themselves.

"He must be trying out his new powers. Better not freeze up the camp again." Arminius said after finally waking up and wrapped an arm around Sigrid.

Just on a hill outside the camp, Twilight and Ryu were instructing the young chieftain on the basics of magic but just like the night before, he could not control his powers and was unable to maintain control as he collapsed to the ground again.

"RRG DAMN IT!! What am I doing wrong?!?" Wulfric shouted in frustration.

"You're getting frustrated." Ryu calmly said as he was eating a bowl of rice. Wulfric glared at Ryu and growled in anger

"Not helping." Twilight whispered

"But it's true." Ryu said "You're seeing it as some outside force, something you can just summon at your leisure." Ryu stated

"Says the one who can command green flames." Wulfric said while dusting himself off.

"Let's try again. First take a deep breath to relax." Twilight instructed as Wulfric took another shot at his lesson.

"Now focus and let your magic flow."

"This isn't magic, at least not the one you are familiar with, Twilight." Ryu stated

"What? But how? This magic is-"

"My people may have horns but our "magic" is different from the one you are used to. We call it chi." Ryu explained

"Chi?" Twilight asked

"It is a life force that is within all things, from ponies, to birds, to even the grass we walk upon. But to use it you must first awaken it." Ryu said as he walked over to Ryu and knelt down in front of him

"Wulfric, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Clear your mind and focus on your senses. Tell me what you feel." Ryu instructed.

Wulfric breathed deep until all was quiet and his mind became clear as crystal and allowed his senses to take over.

"I hear the river...the fish swimming in it...I hear birds singing...the grass swaying."

"Keep focusing on the world around you." Ryu said as he then held up his hand, the tip of his fingers lighting up in green flames

"I need you to trust me, Wulfric." Ryu told him as he leaned over and lifted up his shirt, his flame covered fingers reaching down to his stomach and pressing down. Suddenly Wulfric felt like his entire body was engulfed in flames for a split second before now feeling like he was just now waking up.

"What're you doing?!?" Twilight protested when Ryu told her to keep quiet.

"Now let the the energy flow through you."

Wulfric continued his focus as the energy flowed through him and soon the green flames began to turn blue and the area around them began to grow more chilly by the second.

"Good, now, focus on the cold. Use all of your senses and focus on one simple form of order." Ryu instructed.

"Don't ball up your fists." Twilight added.

"Picture something you want to make with your magic, give it form, will it into existence."

Following the advice of both tutors, a small orb of ice began to form in Wulfrics hand as his eyes slowly opened to see the spectacle unfold.

"Good, don't loose focus!" Twilight cheered as he began to show more control.

"Now what?" Wulfric asked his teachers while holding the orb.

"Now picture an idea in your mind, this ability is very powerful so for now try to think of a simple arrow." Ryu told Wulfric.

Focusing his mind once more, Wulfric slowly formed the orb into a small arrow that fell into his hand upon completion. Despite the warmth of the morning sun, the ice did not melt and was cold to the touch and seemed to glimmer like a diamond.

"Incredible..." Wulfric said in astonishment while Twilight hastily scribbled notes.

"This is AMAZING!! I always thought only Ponies could use this kind of magic but this is a phenomenal discovery!

"Hey guys! What's all the excitement about?" Pinkie asked as she came hopping up along with Wiglaf who became excited seeing his uncle holding an arrow made of pure ice.

"Wulfric here seems to be naturally gifted in cryomancy." Ryu stated "But don't think for a second that because you are gifted with this that it'll be easy. Chi is different from magic."

"Different how?" Twilight asked

"You ponies, specifically unicorns, use magic by using the magic around you. Using the outside force to make it tangible. Chi is an inward force, some have more Chi reserves in them then others but all can still learn any technique, although depending on your Chi it may require more training."

"Right now Wulfric's cryomancy is incredibly powerful and wild, think of it as a blizzard. It's dangerous, harmful to everything around it, and if not controlled could potentially freeze everything and everyone around you. But if you begin to learn how to master it you can freeze an entire lake with a simple attack."

"Or make snowcones!" Pinkie said as she scooped some snow into a cup and drizzled it with syrup she pulled out from her mane.

"I think we can conclude today's training. Best not to push it til we know your limits." Twilight said as they returned to camp.

"By the way Ryu, any sign of Red Hare during last nights raid?" Wulfric asked while dusting off the remaining snow from his shoulders.

"We discovered battle and raid reports from Red Hare but nothing that gives us any clues to where he is or where he's going." Ryu briefed his friend of the situation as he gave a heavy sigh.

"Then that'll do for now. Get some food and rest, you've earned it." Wulfric before Ryu returned to his camp along with his troops.

"Alright girls, how many did we bring?"

"At least twenty, most of em aren't even sixteen." Applejack said while her lover looked over the frightened mares.

"Don't be afraid, you're safe now." Wulfric said as they were given medical treatment along with food and clothes.

"You can trust him, he is a friend." Cherry Blossom said with a reassuring smile.

The mares were still wary until Double stepped forward.

“I am Lieutenant Double Edge, and I say I can vouch for this caribou,” Double said with a voice of conviction. “He and his clan have risked their lives to aid our efforts in liberating this country. They are the polar opposite of the Stonehoofs. This, I give you my word.”

"Bring them the medicine." Wulfric ordered one of the soldiers as he sat himself down with his back turned to the refugees.

"Hmm..."

"Something troubling you?" Arminius asked.

"This was too easy, they managed to get out without so much as a party pursuing them. Something isn't right." Wulfric grumbled as the soldiers returned with the medicine for the Kirins silence.

"Perhaps fortune is finally smiling on us my friend. Take heart and enjoy this small victory." Arminius said with a friendly nudge as they lead the refugees to another part of the camp where they were given fresh clothes after taking the medicine.

That night as the allies gathered around the bonfire, Twilight began regaling her new friends of their adventures before the war and of their triumphs. It brought back many fond memories for the girls as they smiled at one another but could not help feeling sad as one of their own was still missing.

"Wulfric, have you by chance heard rumors of Rarity's whereabouts."

"Alas, no. We've raided every market from here to the borders and heard nothing." Wulfric shook his head in disappointment while his mares snuggled up to him.

"Hey Arminius, I've been wondering." Dash said.

"Why are you guys called The Ghosts?"

To this Arminius smiled as he stood up to tell his story.

"Gather round my friends for I have an epic tale for all of you." He said before clearing his throat.

"It was during the time when the clans warred with one another, a band of raiders were sent to stop an advancing force of enemy reinforcements. Their goal was to break them before they had even reached the battlefield but the enemy was lying in wait and the raiders were cut down to fifteen, they wouldn't last another night and the enemy knew it. During the night, they sent one of their own to send word to their allies while the rest hid beneath the bodies of their fallen comrades and as they laid in wait the blood poured over them, anointing them, the ashes stuck to their skin like a shroud transforming them into something else. When the enemy drew near the survivors struck like wolves in the mist!"

The children in the crowd gasped as he continued.

"When their quivers ran empty, they used their blades and when they blades ran dull they used their hands and by the time the dust had settled only one of the enemy managed to escape, his mind broken by what he had seen that day and when he returned to his allies he kept only saying one word over and over....Ghosts."

Sigrid and Hilda shuddered in excitement. "I love when you tell that story, babe~."

"And that's how your clan was founded?" Twilight asked while Hilda cuddled with her husband.

"So the legend goes." Arminius winked when one of the soldiers came rushing up urgently.

"My lords!"

"Steady your breath soldier, what is it?" Double Edge asked.

"It's about the Kirin Queen. One of the refugees said they plan to auction her off tomorrow in the village square."

Hearing this, Wulfric and Arminius shot out of their seats and grabbed their weapons. "What's the plan?" Arminius asked Wulfric.

"What plan is there, we go in strike hard and get the queen."

"Hold on guys! This smells like a trap." Rainbow protested.

"She's right, doesn't it seem a bit too convenient that one of the slaves overheard such an important announcement?" Twilight asked while they prepared their gear.

"Even if it is a trap, this could be our chance to cripple Dainns operation here. If the queen is being sold, a lot of high ranking nobles and a few of Dainns lieutenants will be in attendance."

"We turn their trap into our trap," Arminius smirked before looking for his son. When he saw him by a nearby fire with Diamond and Silver, he called him over. "Boy!"

Wiglaf scampered to his feet and stood before his father. "Yes, father?"

"How are you with that bow?" Arminius asked.

"Like I could shoot the wings off a fly," He smirked.

"Good. I want you on the roof tops when we attack," Arminius told his son before patting his shoulder.

"What? No not this time!" Sigrid objected while holding their son.

"But mom-"

"No buts! Arminius this is too dangerous even for you, we should wait."

"If we wait, we risk losing our trust with the Kirin if we let their queen be taken!" Wulfric snapped after slamming his fist on the table.

"I think...we need to cool down." Applejack said while getting the boys to put down their gear.

"We can talk more about this tomorrow, right now we're all too wound up."

Wulfric sighed and reluctantly agreed to his lovers decision.

Wiglaf slumped in his mothers arms before his father came up. "Darling, our boy is becoming a full grown stag. He has my strength and your wits." Arminius then holds his wife and son close. "He's the best of both of us and is more than ready."

Sigrid has seen and been in many battles. She's watched many die around her, but the thought of her losing her son frightened her more than anything. "I don't want to lose him. My precious baby."

Wiglaf turned in his mothers arms and hugged her. "I'll be fine, mom. I swear to Odin I will."

Sigrid smiled with tears in her eyes before hugging her son tighter. "Then if anything happens to you, the All Father will have to deal with me."

"Poor bastard," Arminius joked, making all three chuckle before heading for their tents.

later in the evening

Wulfric sat alone atop the hill with the moon as his only companion as he looked down at the camp below. Inside each of those tents were his comrades, his family and he knew this plan would be risking all of their lives if he failed.

"Room for one more brother?" Arminius asked as he came up with a flask of mead to share and sat beside his friend.

"Arminius, was it right for the clans to appoint me as leader?" Wulfric asked out of the blue while looking up at the sky.

Arminius contemplated those words before answering. "I have no regrets on my decision, and I know many of the others feel the same. Some still have reservations, but that's a burden on them, not you."

"But you were chieftain much longer than me, you have more experience in leadership...the title just fell into my lap!" Wulfric said in frustration before taking a quick swig of mead.

"Up until now, I've made easy choices but now with this upcoming battle...I don't know."

"I may have a few more years under my belt, but that doesn't make me a better chief. And these feelings of doubt are natural. It's good that you doubt, means you're thinking of more ways to do something," Arminius told his friend before he spotted two cloaked figures approach them. "Reveal yourselves."

Stopping before the two, the cloaked figures undid their hoods to reveal Thora and Luta. "Hello, boys." Thora greeted before the two cows sat next to the two chiefs.

"Hope we're not interrupting," Luta said while leaning against Wulfric.

"Just having a last minute discussion before the battle..." Arminius smirked while Thora sat on his lap.

"Oh and what were you boys talking about?" She asked while casually rubbing her butt against him.
"Just some guy talk." Arminius smirks at Thora before groping her inside her robe. "Mmm, wearing nothing underneath? How enticing~."

Thora murred at his touch and Wulfric shortly followed his lead as his hands began to squeeze Luta's breasts and even began to kiss along her neck.

"So should we go back to our tent~?"

"Mmm Rainbow Dash and Applejack said they needed a break from our last session~." Luta hummed as she felt something poke her tail.

Double sat on a chair with his back facing the entrance of his tent. The lieutenant was in the middle of cleaning his swords while also being mindful of his body’s stress. The spell had weighed his muscles to the point where he almost couldn’t move his limbs properly.

“Erf…” Double grunted as he felt strain in his arms. “Perhaps I went a tad overboard this time.”

“Double?” A voice called out from outside his tent, which he recognized as Cherry’s voice.

“You may come in, Cherry,” Double said.

Cherry walked it with a small candle to light her way when she saw him rubbing his arms and could sense his discomfort as she sat next to him.

"Are you in pain?"

"Just a side affect of overusing the spell, I'll be fine once I rub some ointment on it."

Cherry sat beside him as he continued to clean his swords. Cherry stared at Double and took note of his large bulky arms and broad chest. The way his stomach went in and out with each breath he took made Cherry stare at him even more.

“How’s your throat?” Double asked. “Must be a foreign sensation to speak again, yes?”

"Indeed. To be honest, I had almost forgotten what I sounded like...all that time not being able to scream for help....to beg them to stop...not even being able to beg for water or food..."

Double stopped cleaning his sword and looked at Cherry, noticing her frowning.

“It still baffles me how they could treat such a innocent soul like you so cruelly,” Double sighed. “But the thought of there one day being peace fills my determination.”

"And it fills me with hope but the last thing I'd expect was to be rescued by other northlanders." Cherry giggled for a bit before leaning onto his shoulder.

"Nor did I expect to meet someone as genuine as you."

Double smiled as he once again admired the kirin’s beauty. Double had not encountered any kirin before, yet they had similar features to that of ponies. However, it was her beautiful mane and silk-like fur, along with how her eyes glistened in the candle’s light that seemed to draw the veteran in more and more.

“You have a very beautiful smile, Cherry,” Double confessed. “Perhaps that also drives my motivation as well.”

Cherry's heart began to race the second she heard those words but at the same time, a twinge of fear gripped her as memories of her enslavement began to flood her mind and she shrunk back from Double Edge.

“Cherry?” Double said, but Cherry began to shake. “Cherry, I.…” Double sighed and rubbed his hand through his mane. “I apologize…that was uncouth of me.”

"No it's not you..." Cherry said while fighting back her tears.

"It's just that...what they did to me...I want to forget but I can't! the other girls are much stronger than me, even Lady Rainbow Dash and Applejack were able to find love but I...I'm disgusting...no man will ever want me!"

“Hey now…” Double said a bit sternly. “Don’t talk like that. You’re not disgusting. The mere thought of it is laughable. You are beautiful in your own right, Cherry. Any stallion would thank the gods to have you.”

"...does...that include you?" She asked, making his heart race like hers.

"Because...I really like you Double Edge...a lot."

Double was taken aback from the kirin’s sudden confession. He had previously deduced the kiss from before was just a way of showing her immense gratitude for helping her. The way Cherry stared into her eyes was almost hypnotic to him.

“You…are attracted to me?” Double asked dumbly and she nodded. “May I ask why?”

"Well you were nice to me, you looked after me and...you genuinely cared for me and...I care for you." She smiled as both found themselves drawing closer to each other.

"So do you feel the same about me?"

“I confess…” Double said in shushed tone. “I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from you at times whenever you are present.”

Without thinking, the two slowly began to kiss as Double Edge dropped his sword to the ground with a loud clang and Cherry began to mount herself on his lap while using her magic to place the candle on the nightstand as their hands began to explore each others bodies.

Double held the back of Cherry’s head with one hand while his other gently rubbed her back. He explored Cherry’s slender figure while she rubbed her hands against his broad muscles as they continued their passionate kiss.

"Double Edge..." Cherry huffed while being gently laid on the bed instead of being thrown like some discarded toy but she still felt nervous and turned away from Double Edge and let out a small whimper before being gently turned to face him.

"Cherry." Double Edge smiled while wiping a tear from her eyes.

"I love you."

Cherry gasped when those words were alone to her. New tears formed in the corner of her eyes as she whimpered and kissed Double again.

“I-I love you too!” Cherry cured happily. “P-Please…make me forget. Love me like you mean it.”

Double Edge smiled while gently parting her legs and held her hand as she helped remove his pants and found herself locked in his gaze as the light from her horn glowed with a gentle blue flame.

“You’re so very stunning, my dear,” Double said as he slowly removed all her clothing. “Please inform me if I’m going to fast.” He paused and glanced back at Cherry. “If this is what you want, of course.”

"It is it's just that..." Cherry paused to place her hand on his cheek.

"I wish I gave my first time to you." She said with another tear escaping her before Double Edge slowly removed her clothes.

Once all of them were removed, Double basked in her bare body. Her breasts were a modest c-cup and her hips and legs were just the right width. Her stomach as flat and healthy, but he noticed small scars here and there. Double gently clasped both her breasts and wrapped his lips onto her right nipple.

"Mmm!" Cherry whimpered as his tongue began to lap around her nipple before he gently fondled her other breast.

"Ahh~. Double Edge..." She moaned while gripping his mane.

Double responded by snaking his hand between her legs and brushed his thumb against her winking marehood.

Cherry let out a sharp gasp as she arched her back and felt her lovers teeth clamp on while he held her tight. Double Edge was more gentle than her former masters and treated her body like the treasure it was as he switched over to her other breast as she squeezed his hand tight.

"Double Edge~!" She whimpered his name again before be detached from her breast to give her another kiss.

With each passing second, their lovemaking grew more passionate as the fumes from the candle slowly filled their tent and their bodies grew hotter with every kiss.

"Double Edge, I love you~." Cherry said as he kissed her neck.

“And I love you too,” Double whispered.

Double soon began kissing her neck more and worked his way down her body. He left gentle kisses the more downward he went which made Cherry moan a little each time until he reached his goal between her legs. The ironic scent of cherry blossoms filled his nostrils once he set his eyes on her very moist marehood’s lips. Admittedly, he wanted to dive right in and pleasure his mare. However, since he was a gentleman at heart, he glanced up at Cherry as if mentally asking her if it was okay to proceed. Cherry gave him a nod of approval, to which Double nodded back and poked his tongue out to give her marehood a small lick.

"HAH~!" Cherry quickly covered her mouth to stop any noises from escaping as Double Edge went to work on her lower regions and just like before he was more gentle with her and took his time instead of slobbering all over her like a wild animal and as she found herself relaxing into a state of pure bliss, Cherry gasped when she was hoisted up and her legs were draped over her lovers shoulder as he drove his muzzle deeper into her wet snatch.

"MMM!!" She whimpered while holding onto the sheets and did her best not to scream.

Double lifted his muzzle a bit to catch his breath and licked his lips.

“How are you faring, my sweet?” Double asked.

To his surprise, Cherry was crying with a bright smile on her face as she looked at him and held his hand.

"Please, don't stop. I love you~."

Double nodded and went back to work. Cherry was on cloud nine as he felt his tongue rub against every nook and cranny of her marehood. As much as she didn’t want this sensation to end, she felt a tension build up in her groin. She then wrapped her legs around his head to prompt him to keep going further. Double got the message and inserted his tongue in her hole and found her g-spot.

"D-Don't stop!" She begged while squeezing her legs around his head as his tongue wriggled inside her.

As soon as Double’s tongue pressed down on her g-spot, Cherry arched her back as she let out a silent scream once she climaxed. She sprayed her mare cum all over his face. Her climax lasted for about a minute as she basked in the afterglow of her end.

"Stars above...that was-MM!" She yelped as her lover kissed her out of nowhere, seeming to have found his second wind as he sat her up and they resumed their love making.

"Mmm~! Mmm." Cherry giggled into their kiss as his hands found their way to her flanks and squeezed her like they were dough. It was only during this time that Cherry realized what was making them do this. The candle she was using was the one from the temple and it awakened their hidden passions for one another.

At first she wanted to stop but was too tempted by Double Edges strength as he squeezed flanks again and gave her a more firm kiss before laying her down.

Arminius laid Thora on the ground while kissing along her body, top to bottom. "Mmm, I love your touch my lord~."

Arminius sucked on her nipple while fingering her pussy before answering. "And you taste as sweet as ever~."

The couple rolled around on the grass as they began to make out while Wulfric immediately went to work on ramming Luta like she was in heat and like always he was rough and wild with her, just as she liked it.

"AAHHH WULFRIC~!"

"That's right, howl my name my she-wolf~!" Wulfric grunted before giving her rear a hard smack before pulling on her antlers.

"How long has it been since we did it out in the wild?" He whispered before squeezing her breasts hard.

"Mmm, too long, my love~," Luta said before the two started making out.

Once Arminius and Thora were done rolling around, Thora was left on top and teased the Chief's cock with her ass. "Ready~?"

"Always~." Arminius grabbed Thora's hips and helped guide her pussy onto his cock.

"Nnngaaah~!" Thora sighed with relief as he hilted himself all the way to her womb before being bounced by his strength and could not help but moan into the night sky as she was bred.

"Arminius~." She moaned while he cupped her breasts with each bounce.

"Thora~," He moaned back before thrusting harder and twisting her nipples.

"Mmmm!!" Thora whimpered as he made her bounce faster.

"Grrr~! I think it's time to give these girls the real stag treatment~." Wulfric grunted before pulling out of Luta.

"Spread em Thora." he commanded as the doe reached back to spread her supple cheeks and panted with anticipation.

"Arminius, make her beg for it."

"With pleasure~." Arminius grabbed Thora's shoulders and had her bend down to his chest. "Get ready for a double filling~."

Without warning, Wulfric plunged right into her back door as she let out a quick yelp before being grabbed by her wrists and getting ploughed from both her entrances as her mind started to spin.

"Ahhh my lords~!" She cried out as Luta crawled over to watch.

"Like what we're doing to your sister?" Wulfric smirked as Thora continued to scream.

"Oh yes. It actually makes me a little jealous~," Luta purred while masturbating to the rough threesome.

"Ahh! ahhh~! My lord wait!" Thora begged as they kept going.

"Arminius might get me pregnant, please switch with him-AHH~!!"

"Hear that old friend, she wants a little bastard of her own~." Wulfric teased before turning her head to kiss her while Arminius squeezed her breasts.

"Then that's what she'll get~!" Arminius said before standing up so they could change positions and sandwich the cow in mid-air. "Beg for my seed~!"

"AAAHN!!" Thora screamed as they seemed to turn her about with ease before ramming their cocks back into her and resumed their efforts with more vigor.

"Ohhhh my lords~!" She cried before feeling the stags take turns spanking her cheeks.

"I want you both to fill me~!"

"How about you Luta, do you wish to sire my fawns also~?" Wulfric turned to Luta who was playing with herself.

"With every fiber of my being~!" She said before fucking her pussy more.

"Alright then, let's breed this bitch and move onto her~!" Wulfric said as they went full speed on both her holes, making her scream into the night. As Thora let out another cry, they heard the sounds of a few wolves in the area responding with howls of their own before Thora was brought to the breaking point.

"Ready to see if you'll carry my offspring Thora~?" Wulfric asked as he licked her neck slowly.

"Yes my lord~. Fill me with everything you've got~!" Thora screamed into the night.

With one last thrust, the stags let out a loud cry as she was blasted with their seed and her body began to tremble from the overwhelming sensation.

"Ahhh my lords~!"

"The other girls are gonna kill us for this." Wulfric said as they gave her a few more thrusts before gently laying her on the grass to catch her breath.

Just then, Luta took her sisters place while facing Arminius. "Worth it," He said before picking up Luta and ramming into her pussy.

"AAHN~!" Luta cried out before Wulfric shoved his rod down her throat.

"Don't choke now." He smirked as she seemed to take it with minimal effort.

"Mmmm~."

The men were entranced by Luta's warmth and her curvy body that seemed to move in rhythm with their thrusts each time she swayed back and forth pleasing the two of them.

"Shame we didn't get this far with Rainbow or Applejack."

"Mmmnah! can you blame them, you two are a lot bigger than the other stags~." Luta giggled after coming up for air.

"That's good to know. But who said you could stop sucking?" Arminius smirked before shoving Luta's head back onto Wulfric's cock.

"GLP! Mmm."

"Grr try not to breed her Arminius, your wives would kill us both if you knocked her up." Wulfric said while shoving her down to the base.

"Nngg~! In that case, let's glaze her like a pastry~!" Arminius shouted before thrusting even harder.

"MMM!!" Luta's eyes lit up the moment they went full speed on her, barely giving her time to think as she gripped the grass beneath her and endured the assault while giving Wulfric smoldiering eyes while listening to the grunting and panting of both stags pounding her.

"Mmmmmm mmmm~."

"Damn her throat's so smooth!" Wulfric groaned as she turned her head to the side in an effort to take down more of his shaft while reaching back to spread her lips more for Arminius.

"And her pussy is like silk!" Arminius commented before smacking Luta's ass. "Not to mention a firm ass~!"

"MMM!! Mmm~."

"Ooh I think she likes that~."

Both stags grinned as they began taking turns spanking Luta and sending her over the edge as her body grew closer to climaxing.

While the chieftains were getting wild with their shared lover, Cherry Blossom found herself laid out before Double Edge as the two stared at each other panting like they had just ran a marathon when Cherry managed to get a hold of her senses for justa brief moment.

"D-Double Edge it's the candle." She panted as he got on top of her and began kissing her all over.

"It's-mmm-making us do this!"

Whether he heard her or not, Double Edge still kept going and proceeded to kiss her on the lips with her showing no signs of rejection as their arms wrapped around each other and she found herself trapped underneath him again.

"D-Double Edge-Ahn~!" She cried out while receiving another kiss to her breast.

“I know…” Double Edge whispered. “But I care not. All that matters is showing my love for you.”

Cherry smiled lovingly at Double and used her legs to roll them over so she was sitting on top of him. Cherry breathed heavily as she kissed his lips and mimicked what he did to her and kissed his neck and worked her way down. She kept kissing his bare chiseled body until she reached his crotch. Cherry could already smell the intoxicating stench of his groin through his underwear. Wasting no time, Cherry hooked her fingers under his waistband and pulled it down, making his meat spring up. The sheer girth of his cock was a marvel to the young kirin mare as she immediately began salivating. His musk filled her senses to the point where she felt like she would cum again from the smell alone. His balls were the size of apples and his cock could easily be mistaken for a third arm.

"You know before, I always hated doing this...but with you~." Cherry purred as she opened her mouth and took his stallionhood all the way down to the base, making him shudder as he reached down to stroke her hair.

"Can't believe those brutes would abuse someone as beautiful as you." Double Edge moaned as he felt her tongue lap around his cock.

Cherry purred at Double’s compliment and furthered her efforts to please her stallion. She let go of his cock with an audible pop and began took one of his balls into his mouth.

“Gods above, I hate to admit it but you’re too skilled for your own good~,” Double groaned.

Cherry simply giggled as she teased him further while giving him a few strokes until he was nice and stiff before proceeding to turn herself around and present her flank to him as she declared.

"Come claim me my stallion~." She said while giving him smoldering eyes and reached back to spread her cheeks for him.

As of a switch flipped on within Double, he acted on instinct and stood on his knees. He grasped both cheeks of her ass and aimed his cock. Just as he was about to penetrate her, he hesitated. It took all of his willpower to not give into his primal desire and ram her nice and hard to realize this would be the first time Cherry is actually making love for once.

“Cherry…” Double muttered. “Are you positive you want this?”

Cherry nodded yes and leaned back to kiss him while grinding against his cock.

"You are the only one worthy of my love and I am yours to do with as you will. I know you won't hurt me." She smiled and reassumed her position.

Double nodded with a smile and readied himself. Both lovers took a deep breath and Double pressed against her pussy. Inch by inch, Double pushed himself into Cherry, making her moan loudly. His cock reshaped her pussy and he kept penetrating more and more until he managed to reach the entrance of her womb. The tip of his cock kissed her entrance and they both stayed like that for a moment.

“Gods have mercy…you’re tight,” Double groaned.

"Mmm~! first time I'm happy to hear a stallion say that~." Cherry whimpered while adjusting herself as he pushed deeper and the flame on her horn turned to a bright pink.

“I’m going to start moving now, okay?” Double said and she nodded again. Slowly but surely, Double pulled back and began a steady rhythm of thrusts.

Cherry's breath trembled each time he pushed into her and her body seemed to move on its own as her flank pushed against him to meet his thrusts while feeling his hands grip her flank cheeks and slowly worked their way up to her hips where he applied a firmer grip and began doubling his efforts.

"Ah...ahhh~!"

"Cherry your voice is beautiful." Double complimented on her cries as they kept going.

"D-don't say such things it's embarrassing..." Cherry panted while trying to keep focused as her body began to tremble with pleasure.

“It’s true,” Double said and began massaging her flank while picking up the pace. “Let me hear more of your angelic voice~!”

"Haaa~!!" Cherry yelped while reaching back to grab his wrist as he sped up.

"Ahh Double Edge my love~!" She cried out while panting like a beast as her eyes slowly began to roll back and she became lost in pure bliss.

Double reveled in his lover’s voice as he watched her ass ripple with each thrust. Cherry was in complete bliss, unlike anything she’d ever felt before. With the Stonehoofs, all they ever cared about was getting off and torturing her while being as rough as possible. With Double, even though he was rutting her quite thoroughly, there was a touch of gentleness and patience. Double wanted to ensure his lover was comfortable and not afraid of him.

"Mmm my love~!" Cherry cried out while managing to lean back to give him another kiss and guide his hand to her breasts as they bounced on the mattress.

"Turn me around, I want to see your face." She said as he happily obliged and was soon on top of her giving her everything he had to offer while they held hands.

"Mmm I'm yours forever~! promise you won't let any other man have me~!" She cried while keeping her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

“I will keep you as mine…” Double said as she leaned up and kissed him. “You will always be mine!” His pace quickened until the bed began creaking loudly. “Never will another man have you! This I swear!” Cherry then did something unexpected and leaned over to his shoulder to bite down with her fangs as he felt tension build up in his groin.

Her marehood soon became too tight for him to handle as the pink flame on her horn flared up and the stallion let out a feral neigh as he finished inside of her and both collapsed on the bed completely exhausted but satisfied. In the afterglow, Double Edge noticed tears streaming down her face as she smiled and looked at him happily.

“My precious light,” Double sighed as he pulled a strand of her mane away. “You will always be by my side. No matter what.”

"I love you." Cherry sobbed as he wiped the tears from her eyes and kissed her one last time as the last of the candle snuffed out.

Back at the river

While Cherry Blossom and Double Edge drifted off to sleep, Luta was still being ravaged by her stags with Arminius penetrating her rear and Wulfric ramming her front, grunting like savages while she grinned and savored every bit of their cocks now inside her.

"Mmm my chieftains~!" she cried out while giving each one a kiss.

"Nnng, I can't believe it, but her ass is even better than her pussy~," Arminius moaned while grabbing her tit.

"Rrg it's like your body was made for fucking my sweet Luta~!" Wulfric declared before licking her neck, making her give a lustful giggle.

"Mmm only for you my lords~." Luta moaned while they humped her in rhythm as Wulfric slowly laid on his back and she found herself on all fours, sandwiched between the two warlords.

"Mmm just remember to save enough energy for our battle tomorrow~."

"I have enough energy to slay a dragon," Arminius boasted before biting Luta's neck.

"AAH~! mmm you certainly feel like it~." She complimented before feeling their cocks throb inside her while gripping the grass.

"Grr howl for us my she-wolf~!" Wulfric growled as they went full speed on both her holes and made her scream.

"AH! AHH!!"

"I said howl~!" He shouted over her screams before both stags emptied their loads into her holes and sent her on a roller coaster of an orgasm that made her body tremble.

"Aaaaaooooooohhh~!" Luta cried out in a howl of pleasure as she was filled by both chieftans.

"Crap~. That was great~," Arminius said while pulling out.

"Mmm allfather yes~." Luta said as she cuddled with Wulfric.

"Should we get back to the tents?"

"Let's sleep under the stars tonight...we've got a big day tomorrow."

End.

The Great Raid

With the first glimpse of the morning sun, the herds of Arminius and Wulfric came to find their lovers on the hill completely nude with the two shield maidens snuggled on top of them. Sigrid and Hilda were of course feeling a tad jealous along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash who seemed a bit pouty after stumbling upon the scene.

"They went wild all night and didn't invite me?"

"Focus Rainbow, we gotta get these horndogs to breakfast or they'll be too hungry to even stand." Applejack said before nudging Wulfric with her boot.

"Wake up sugarcube. It's morning."

"Mmm..." Wulfric groaned as he peeked one eye open and saw up Applejacks loincloth with a happy smirk.

"And what a morning it is."

"I trust you boys had an eventful evening?" Hilda smirked as Arminius began to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

"More or less." her husband said before giving a big yawn. As the four of them began gathering their clothes, Applejack reached behind her and suddenly splashed the boys with a pale of water so cold that it felt like they had just taken a dip in the river during winter.

"Dang it woman! WE'RE ALREADY AWAKE!!" Wulfric screamed in protest.

"That was for the smell hon." Applejack said with a proud smirk.

Once they were back in camp, the group noticed that Cherry Blossom seemed more chipper than usual as she was bringing Double Edge his breakfast and were more shocked when the knight gave her a loving peck to the cheek before allowing her to return to her duties.

"Well well, seems love is in the air." Wulfric teased his friend as they sat around the fire to warm themselves up.

“What can I say? We just so happen to click,” Double said as Cherry sat on his lap.

"I'd say you did more than that." Wulfric said as he was given a bowl of porridge and helped himself.

"Hey where's Wiglaf?"

"He's down by the river fishing. Him and those two little admirers of his." Hilda said with a smile while stoking the fire.

"I taught him well," Arminius said with a proud smile of his own.

"Yes, well hopefully he takes things slow. They're still children after all," Sigrid said while helping herself to some bread.

"So...we all ready?" Wulfric asked, referring to the raid as they all took a moment to look at each other before Twilight gave a reassuring smile.

"We are."

"Then may fortune smile on us. We set out before noon so eat your fill."

Twilight then saw how each of the raiders were savoring their meal as though it would be their last before finishing her breakfast as they prepared for the raid. It was at this time when she noticed the shamans preparing a special brew for the warriors as they began decorating the faces of each raider with paint before giving them a small cup of the strange potion.

"What is that?" She asked one of the other clan members who was in attendance.

"The berserker brew. It gives warriors the strength of a hundred men and the spirit of a beast."

Twilight watched as each warrior slowly drank the potion that seemed to have a painful affect on their bodies, among them was Wulfric and Arminius who exchanged a quick handshake before downing their potions and joined the raiding party of their respective clans.

"First to the battle." Wulfric smiled at his old friend while mounting his lizard.

"First to the feast." Arminius replied before speeding ahead as he lead the way.

Wiglaf followed behind with his bow at the ready and ashen war paint covering his face. Today, he would do his ancestors proud.

The raiding party hid behind a large hill just on the outskirts of the village and could see a large caravan of slaves being brought over a large bridge stretching across a vast river.

"That is one large bridge." Wulfric said while peeking through the spyglass.

"The shore looks too muddy to cross and the current would slow us down. Their archers would cut us down in seconds, looks like our best bet is through that gate."

"Should've said that before we took the potion," Arminius said while doing his best to calm down.

"We should have a couple of our men tail the last wagon in disguise and take out the guards at the gate," Wiglaf said while pointing to the end of the caravan that was still hidden in the treeline.

"Good plan boy. Double Edge, Ryu you two hide in the back of the last wagon, once you're inside, open the gates and we'll take it from there."

"What can I do?" Twilight asked, eager to help.

"Hmm...if the first plan fails, teleport as many of our fighters as you can behind the gate but watch your backs. If Red Hare is here, he'll be waiting for us."

"We'll try and create as much mayhem once we get the gates open. Good luck, my friends." Ryu said as he and Double Edge stayed low and moved through the thick bushes, remaining out of sight. The two peeked through a bush and looked around, waiting for an opening. Once they saw their window they immediately ran from the bushes and towards the back of the last wagon, stealthy sneaking on board and hiding behind crates of what appears to be alcohol.

Tensions were high as the last wagon approached the gates and the guards began their inspection of the cargo.

"Alright fellas whatcha got for us today?"

"The latest shipment of wine from the Canterlot Vineyards. Compliments of Prince Blueblood. I heard he'll be in attendance for today's auction."

"Blueblood is here?" Double Edge whispered before Ryu gestured him to keep quiet.

"Man royals get all the good stuff...don't suppose you'd be willing to part with a spare bottle or two? for an after party?"

"You're speaking my language friend. Besides, they won't notice one missing bottle." The driver said as he began reaching back to grab a wine bottle. With quick thinking, Ryu managed to place one just within his reach as he carefully slid a crate over and the driver handed the bottle to the guard before being allowed through the gates.

"Alright! that's the last one, seal the gate!"

Ryu and Double Edge tried their hardest to avoid making any noises or moving too much to avoid detection. Peeking through some of the crates Ryu was able to make out some parts of the fortress, there was an entire army here, all warriors armed with weapons, raping mares wherever they pleased, eating and drinking to their black hearts contents.

After a short ride the wagon soon parked inside a large shed and the two warriors quietly snuck out. They saw the rider walk off to join his comrades

"Edge." Ryu said as he peeked through the door and looked around, seeing the hundreds of soldiers around

"We'll need to move fast."

"Right, let's get to the gatehouse." Double Edge whispered as they began to move through the winding alleyways of the village while avoiding the various patrols. Once they were near the gatehouse, they saw that the guards had already passed out from the wine and were slumped over the table, snoring away with empty mugs in their hands.

"We can't risk them raising the alarm, take em out." Double Edge said as they brought out their knives and snuck up on the unsuspecting drunkards. With a quick slice, the guards were taken out. To make sure no further suspicions could be raised, they spilled the rest of the wine on the table, mixing the blood with the wine.

After a few minutes of waiting the gates slowly opened, giving the raiders their chance to sneak into the village undetected as they dashed across the field, silent as ghosts while the males of the village gathered in the square to begin the auction.

"Wiglaf, get to the roofs and keep out of sight. Snipe anyone who might give us away." Wulfric instructed the young buck who quickly took to the nearest rooftop to scout ahead.

"That boy is going to be one hell of a man," Arminius smiled at his son before focusing on the mission at hand.

"This way, hurry." Cherry whispered as she showed them a safe route to the square and already they could hear men calling out bids for the next slave amidst the sickening cheers and laughter.

"Look." Twilight pointed to a large cage in the center of the stage and inside was none other than Queen Rainshine herself dressed in a see through outfit wearing chains and a black collar yet despite the humiliating attire she maintained her composure even as one of her subjects was forced to take two stags at once in front of the crowd.

"What say we make a grand entrance?" Wulfric grinned as they prepared their weapons.

"Not yet. Let's get a few of our men close to the cages, then we draw their attention to us," Arminius told his friend before gripping his ax at the ready.

"Leave that to us." Rainbow winked before sneaking off with Twilight and Applejack.

"Something's wrong, this was too easy." Double Edge said after noticing they gathered all the guards in one spot while their friends managed to sneak behind the stage and started to unlock the cages.

"Ready your weapons..." Wulfric said as he watched Twilight use her magic to pick the lock.

Click!

"NOW!!"

In a burst of speed and fury, the raiders began slaughtering every last stag and stallion in the crowd while the guards scrambled to put up some kind of defense as they found themselves attacked from all sides.

"Come on, this way!" Twilight called out as she lead the slaves and queen away much to the dismay of their jailer who tried to stop the princess from getting away.

"HEY! Let go!!"

"You're not going anywhere you little bi-" Before he could finish the last part of his sentence, the slaver suddenly felt a sharp pain in his neck before feeling his back to find an arrow lodged into it. As the stag fell to the stage, Twilight saw young Wiglaf giving her a two fingered salute before narrowly dodging arrowfire coming from the guards posted at the walls.

"Arminius! Get your men to the rear gate! We'll meet you there!!" Wulfric shouted before using a broken shield to block an arrow.

Arminius nodded before charging the enemy like a mad bull, swinging and slashing at his opponents with his ax and antlers.

"Push through!" Wulfric called out as they began driving back the enemy. Victory seemed well within their grasp until they heard several horn calls followed by the sound of beating drums.

"What the?"

As the drums continued to beat, ranks of soldiers came marching out of the houses in full armor from every street, forcing them back into the square and leaving no escape route.

"Fuckin hell it was a trap!" Surt cursed while looking at their newly arrived foes.

Clap...clap...clap...clap...

"Bravo, bravo. A well executed ambush, I'd expect no less from you...dear brother." A voice called out as Arminius turned to see a familiar face stepping out of the crowd followed by two other individuals.

"What did I tell you gentlemen? Predictable."

"Flavus..." The chieftain hissed with anger when two guards came dragging his son towards them.

"HEY! LET ME GO!!"

"WIGLAF!!" Sigrid cried out but was held back by the others.

"Wiglaf? My dear nephew?" Flavus questioned while cupping the young bucks chin to get a better look.

"It IS you! my how you've grown. Do you remember your dear uncle?"

PTOO!!

Wiglaf spat into the stags face before he was slapped and thrown to his fathers feet by the guards.

"Nice to see you again Flavus, who're your new friends?" Wulfric asked while surveying the guards.

"Ah Wulfric so good to see you! So sorry about your father." Flavus said with a smile, feigning his condolences.

"My friends, this is Wulfric. The one we've heard so much about, Wulfric meet Prince Blueblood of Equestria and...Prince Vortigern Stonehoof son of Dainn Stonehoof."

"Go fornicate yourselves with an iron stick. And you!" Arminius pointed right at his brother. "I should've killed you when you were just a scrawny leech, blood be damned!"

"Brother I'm hurt! And afte we haven't seen each other for so long."

"You mean after you left us in that frozen hell for dead?!" Sigrid snapped when Flavus glared at her.

"Oh Sigrid, so happy you're alive and is that Hilda? My what a happy family reunion."

"Come over here and I'll give ya a hug." Wulfric said with his axe pointed at the traitor.

"Now now, let's all be civil here." Prince Vortigern stepped between the two forces and looked to Wulfric with a friendly smile.

"I would speak to the leader of the rebels."

"Don't do it, it's a trap." Double Edge whispered with the others agreeing but knowing they were outnumbered and surrounded, Wulfric stepped forward while the enemy parted ways for their prince.

"Speak." He commanded while the prince gave a quick chuckle.

"A man who takes charge, I like that." Vortigern smirked while rubbing his hands together.

"I won't beat around the bush so here it is. Join us, join our empire and live like kings! This land Wulfric, we could take it for our own." He began to sweeten the deal by letting the chieftain get a glimpse at Blueblood who was busy cleaning his fingernails with a dagger while Flavus gave a smug grin towards him.

"These Equestrians, they're weak! They've never tasted war, hardship, loss...not like us. We could open up a new chapter for our people here on this land and my father could use a strong man like you."

To say the offering was not enticing would be a lie as Wulfric nodded along with every word he said.

"A generous offer oh prince...but if I were to accept, what would I have to give you in exchange."

"An EXCELLENT question!" Vortigern cheered with a clap of the hands.

"For starters, you must return all the slaves you've stolen including the pegasus and the farm girl and..." He paused, pointing to Twilight with a sinister smile.

"You must give us her. My father has declared that Princess Twilight will be my new bride."

"LIKE HELL SHE WILL!!" Rainbow shouted as her friends moved to block Twilight from his sight.

"What say you oh mighty Lord Wulfric? Join us and help rewrite history."

Wulfric gave another nod while tapping the blade of his axe before suddenly holding up two fingers in reverse to the prince.

"Up yours ya bakraut!"

"...so be it."

With a wave of his hand, Vortigern signaled his troops to move in as they raiders prepared to make what looked to be their final stand.

"Twilight what do we do?" Applejack asked as Twilight tried to find a solution.

"I...I don't know, I can't teleport everyone..." Twilight began to hyperventilate and she began to panic while formulating a plan when out of nowhere, Wulfric raised his axe high and cried out.

"VALHALLAAAAAAAA!!!"

The raiders soon joined in his warcry and as if by magic they seemed transform and began panting and growling like feral beasts ready to charge.

"It was a great raid!" Arminius said to his friend with an eager smile.

"See you at the feast hall friend." Wulfric smiled back before unleashing a blast of ice that sent dozens of soldiers flying before they charged headlong into the enemy ranks like madmen.

Suddenly, a blinding flash of light whizzed passed multiple enemy units. Multiple slash wounds ripped open across their chests as blood sprayed out before they fell. Another flash zoomed by and a few of the war beasts’ necks sliced open before falling down dead.

“What the name of Thor is going on!” Wulfric shouted. It was then, they noticed that Double Edge was not with them.

“Oh no…” Twilight gulped. “He’s going to fast!”

“What?” Arminius said as he fought off two enemies.

“Double’s speed spell,” Twilight said. “Similar to his strengthening spell, it makes the caster extraordinarily fast! But it uses twice as much magic!” The group watched as the flash of light ran around a dozen men and Double slashed each and every one of them through their chests and stomachs before running off. “Double is taking a huge gamble!”

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," Hilda said before gutting a Stonehoof with her spear.

In the midst of battle, Double Edge sensed a familiar presence as the sound of heavy boots and a blade being grinded against the ground came from behind him.

"You and I have some unfinished business boy."

"Red Hare..." Double Edge slowly turned to see his rival standing before him.

"Sniff sniff That smell...you laid with my slave didn't you?" The kirin general asked with a grin while Double did his best to ignore his taunts.

"Hope you enjoyed her because after this..." he pointed his halberd to the unicorn.

"She'll be mine again."

"Fire style: Inferno Barrage!" Ryu jumped off the roof of a building and let out a volley of fireballs down at Red Hare, the Kirin general growled in annoyance before using his halberd as a shield and blocking the attacks. Smoke and flames covered his area as Ryu jumped down

"I wanted to kill him." Double Edge said with mild annoyance at Ryu

"You'll have your chance." Ryu said, Double Edge was confused by this before a gust of wind blew by as the fire and smoke was gone in an instant and Red Hare stood there unscathed.

"My turn." The kirin general said before transforming into a nirik and covering the area with an unbearable heat.

"You managed to escape me last time but fortune has favored me this day!"

"We'll see about that when I take your head!" Double Edge drew his rapiers and prepared for battle, Ryu drawing his katana and taking a stand next to him. Red Hare laughed as he slammed the end of his halberd into the ground, cracking the ground as he then threw chunks of the ground at the two warriors. Ryu and Edge both rushed forward and dodged the stones as they moved in to attack Hare. Red Hare smirked as he jumped up and spun his halberd like a fan, flames ignited around his weapon and he hurled down like a rocket, blowing the two back while giving them both slight burns.

“Blast it!” Double cursed as Hare laughed like a madman.

“I will burn you to cinders and drag your charred corpse to my slave!” Hare boasted. “Then I’ll buck a bastard into her as she was meant to do!”

“You shall do no such thing!” Double barked as he powered up his horn again. “Ryu, cover me!”

"Understood! Earth Style: Fissure!" With a slam of his fist, the earth split beneath Red Hares feet as Double Edge activated his booster spell. Hare stumbled from the sudden split in the ground, causing him to cease his spinning. Double took the opportunity to charge straight at him with both his rapiers pointed at the kirin. Hare barely had enough time to react and managed to block Double’s attack, making both opponents push against each other.

"How fitting that all the leaders of the rebellion are gathered in one spot! Once I've killed all of you, I'll present your women to the king and be honored as a hero!"

"You're many things Red Hare but a hero ain't one of them!"

"You're right. Then...I SHALL BE A CONQUEROR!!" Red Hare shoved Double Edge back and delivered a heel kick to his chest, sending him tumbling backwards before Ryu jumped in and began a series of hit and run attacks to keep the general on his toes.

“You will not live to see another day, Hare!” Double said and powered up his horn even more.

Suddenly, he felt a splitting headache and his legs began to buckle. He caught himself but could feel the strain from overusing his spell.

“Once more…please,” he muttered to himself. “Right for the center.”

As Double Edge struggled to his feet, Arminius saw his brother staring down at him with that same smug grin while watching him struggle to cut down every soldier that was sent against him but with each passing second the effects of the potion began to waver and his physical strength was pushed to the limit.

"Dammit...there's too many of them!" Surt cursed, barely able to grip his sword.

"If we go down-WE GO DOWN FIGHTING!! FOR THE CLANS!!" Wulfric roared in defiance, rousing the troops into another frenzy as they pushed harder.

When defeat seemed imminent for the rebels, a horn call was sounded across the field followed by the sound of war drums.

"Where's that coming from?" Vortigern asked when one of his men came rushing towards him.

"My prince! Enemy forces coming from the south, at least two thousand!"

"Impossible! We never saw signs of any reinforcements!" Blueblood said in protest before being silenced.

"Do we know who they belong to?"

"Yes sire, It's the Crystal Empire and they are lead by Shining Armor himself!"

"So the prodigal son returns." Vortigern smirked when another soldier knelt before him.

"Three thousand more are coming from the west, they carry the banner of Princess Luna!"

"That can't be Luna had no force under her banner least not one with three thousand strong." Blueblood said quietly not wishing to be struck again.

"Clearly she has gained that number when we lost sight of her you imbicile." Vortigern growled

Vortigern then took out a spyglass and looked to where the sound was coming from just as banners bearing Princess Luna's cresent moon appeared and beneath them marching in rhythm were soldiers dressed in leather and metal.

At the head of Luna's army, Bulwark signaled for one of his lieutenants to come forth to relay a message to Shining Armor as they drew closer and before long, they were at the villages rear gate and could hear the desperate fighting still going on inside.

"My lord, the harpoons are ready." Another of his officers said as they brought up two cannons loaded with giant spears tied with ropes.

"You have your orders and you know the plan...fire when ready." Bulwark ordered.

The canons were aimed and the army prepared to charge forward as the officer prepared to give the signal.

"Ready...FIRE!!"

BOOM!!

The canons found their mark and the gate was slowly pried off its hinges as the black prior charged in, flanking the enemy just as the crystal empires troops approached the walls.

"Marshall." The prince called out to the warden.

"Sire?"

"I chose you for a reason, show me."

"As you command. MEN! GET THOSE LADDERS UP!!" Marshall shouted as his troops let out a cheer and charged forward.

"Archers cover their approach, make every shot count!"

In the midst of this chaos, treacherous trio made for an escape until Flavus felt a sharp pain go across his right cheek. "Aaah!" He closed the gash with his hand before looking to where the pain came from. When he looked back, he saw his nephew Wiglaf, notching another arrow onto the string.

When the two stared at each other, Flavus saw a look of pure hatred in Wiglaf's eyes. He fired another shot but he missed and Flavus used this time to escape. "Run. Next time, I won't miss," Wiglaf growled before killing a Kirin with an arrow to the neck.

As the enemy troops were hemmed in from all sides, Red Hare was forcing Ryu back with every strike of his heavy halberd all while in his nirik form as the samurai was pushed to the breaking point while Double Edge struggled to refocus his power.

"Look at you! PATHETIC!!" The kirin general shouted before kicking Ryu into the stage.

"You thought that you really stood a chance against ME?!?" Red Hare screamed as he swung his weapon down. Ryu swung his blade in an attempt to parry only to have his sword shatter like glass as he fell to his knees in exhaustion.

"RED HARE!" Double roared as his horn suddenly exploded with a bright light. "One chance..." Double used as much magic as possible. "ENHANCE! RELEASE!" Double's whole body glowed with magical aura. His swords gleamed with brilliant light as he felt his ultimate spell was cast.

Unphased by this sudden turn of events, Red Hare charged at Double Edge head on with his spear ready to pierce his heart.

"Turning your back on an opponent is a fatal mistake!" Ryu said before trapping him with his kusarigama giving Double Edge just enough time to land the finishing blow.

"DAMN YOU!!"

SLASH!!

The gap between them closed in an instant, Red Hare went completely silent as Double Edge whizzed past him. He stood on the opposite side of the Kirin with his swords held out in front of him. Suddenly, two thin yet deep sword slashes opened up across Red Hare’s chest and blood spewed out like a fountain.

“Im…possible…!” Red Hare grunted as he fell to his knees.

Double’s spell soon began to take its toll as a splitting headache made him very dizzy. His muscles in his legs and arms began to burn and ache as he could barely hold onto his swords.

“Ugh…” Double grunted and peered over his shoulder at the dying Kirin. “Now my precious Cherry can finally sleep peacefully.”

"He's done it! Red Hare is vanquished! SIR DOUBLE EDGE HAS KILLED HIM!!" One of the knights cheered and others soon joined in while helping the fatigued knight to his feet. As the last of the enemies surrendered, Marshall met Wulfric and Arminius halfway towards the rear gates. All three were stained with blood and exhausted from the fighting as they stopped to catch their breath.

"Are you the ones that lead the rebellion?" Marshall panted while planting his sword in the ground to lean on.

"We are." Wulfric huffed.

"Prince Shining Armor will want to meet with you. Come to us when this is over."

With an approving nod, the chieftains then made their way to the town hall that was now completely surrounded by their forces who were looking for a way in but they hall was cleverly built so that the windows were too high to climb through and the walls too smooth to climb.

"No use my lords, only way in is through this gate." One of the raiders said while making way for the chieftains.

"This is no gate...looks more like a door." Wulfric stated while Arminius gave a few taps.

"A WOODEN door...HACK IT DOWN!!"

Several Vikings with axes soon swarmed the door and began hacking away at it. Even a few knights with halberds started chipping away at the wood.

"Umm might I offer an easier solution?" Twilight said as they stepped back and she began to gather her magic into one spot before blasting the door to splinters.

"That...was effective." Double Edge said as they marched into the hall and began checking the rooms but after a lengthy search, they found no trace of Vortigern and his cohorts.

"They're gone! how?" Wulfric asked in outrage when he noticed Twilight staring at the fireplace.

"Got something sugarcube?" Applejack asked when Twilight knelt down to rub the floor.

"This wood's been scraped by something heavy. A door maybe?" She pondered.

"I wonder..." Using her intuition, Twilight grabbed one of the fire pokers and found it hard to remove and heard a feint click as a triumphant smirk appeared on her face.

"Gotcha."

Click!

With one pull of the lever, a hidden door opened behind the fireplace to reveal a large tunnel dug right under the village.

"This is how they got out."

"Flavus was always the sneaky type. The bastard." Wulfric shook his head before they heard Arminius angrily flip over the large table in frustration.

"Twilight, go see your brother. He should be just outside the rear gate." Wulfric hinted his friends as he went to join Arminius who was still fuming over his brothers hand in the ambush.

"It is not wise to be in my company now Wulfric." Arminius cautioned his friend but Wulfric simply took one of the overturned chairs and sat down.

"I should have gutted him when I had the chance all those years ago..."

"You'll have that chance again, Allfather willing." Wulfric said in hopes of consoling his friend.

"Even if he escaped today, this was a victory for us. We saved the Kirin Queen, found new allies and let's not forget you're going to be a father again. Take comfort in that."

“Speaking of which,” Double said. “I believe it wise that we check in on her majesty the Kirin queen,” Double said turned to leave. “I shall go and see her now. Cherry is probably waiting for me as well.”

"Agreed."

As they left the hall, Arminius spotted a portrait of Dainn Stonehoof hanging over the fireplace and whether it was out of spite or a simple form of amusement, he grabbed a piece of broken spear and hurled it right at the spot between his legs and gave a satisfied chuckle before stepping out to hear a mix of cheers and battle cries.

“There they are!”

“The heroes!”

“Thank you, brave warriors!”

“Heh, not a bad feeling, I must say,” Double smirked, ignoring the ache in his arms and legs.

"Double Edge!" Cherry Blossom cheered as she ran past the crowd to give her lover a kiss.

"Oww ouch ouch ouch!" Double Edge cried out the moment she hugged him.

"Oh. Sorry." Cherry giggled while helping him to lean onto her shoulder.

"I was worried I might not see you again."

“Hey now, what’s with that tone?” Double said as Cherry supported his weight. “We made a vow, did we not? I will live for you and stay alive.”

Cherry could only smile and embrace her lover as they went to find a place to rest while the raiders began searching the town for any valuables and as expected of a bustling slave market, the larger buildings of the town were filled with all sorts of treasures.

"Look at all this gold!"

"We're rich!"

"Don't get too greedy boys, some of that is for our people." Wulfric said before breaking open a crate to find it loaded with vegetables and other foods.

"Here's the real prize." He said just as Twilight came marching up with an armed escort and a unicorn dressed in gilded armor with a crystal halberd.

“So…” Shining said as he and Wulfric stood in front of each other. “The infamous chieftain of the rebel caribou forces. I’d usually call myself mad for saying this.” Shining raised his hand at Wulfric. “It is good to meet you, sir. I am Captain Shining Armor, leader of the Golden Dawn.”

"Wulfric Warborn, Son of Hjalmarr, Chieftain of The Warborn Clan." Wulfric returned the gesture in kind before handing Twilight an apple from their plunder.

"Thank you for showing up when you did, I might not be standing here if not for you."

“You should thank my subordinate,” Shining said, eyeing Double from afar. “If not for him, I’d still be hesitant in changing my route. We originally on our way to one of the larger main cities for reconnaissance.”

"And the fact that your little sister was here makes...no difference to you?" Wulfric joked while Shining Armor scratched his head.

"Well that's...part of the reason." He said while Twilight gave a short giggle just as Marshall came up with his troops.

"Sire, we've rounded up the prisoners and our new friends have begun helping the kirin."

"Good, give them what provisions they need and I'll prepare a portal to the empire."

"As you command." Marshall gave a quick bow as he departed to fulfill his orders.

"So now that we've finally met, I guess negotiations are in order." Wulfric stated while seating himself on a wine barrel.

"Double Edge said I could make this offer again if my kin and I proved ourselves so here it is: Join us as allies in the fight against Dainn."

Shining stared at Wulfric as one of the squires brought them drinking cups and ale.

“I’ll admit, you and your forces have made some admirable victories against Dainn. This one included,” Shining said. “However, you’ll forgive me if I’m still a bit hesitant. No offense, of course.”

"Understandable but you should know, Princess Luna has also considered this alliance." Wulfric said as their drinks were poured.

"And while you may not want to hear this, we also have the aid of The Changeling Kingdom."

“Changelings?” Shining said, arching a brow. “Never thought Chrysalis would be willing to even consider lending aid.”

"In times of war, enemies can become allies and vice versa." Wulfric said while sipping his ale.

"And in case you're wondering, we have taken good care of your people. Some have even joined us in our cause."

"And some have even um...hooked up?" Twilight said sheepishly just as Rainbow Dash landed on her lovers lap.

"What you guys talking about?" She asked while Shining Armor looked surprised.

"Ah business stuff."

"Boring! Meet me later so we can find a place to fool around~."

Wulfric chuckled and gave her flank a squeeze before letting her take off.

“So…you and Rainbow?” Shining said, perplexed.

“And Applejack,” Wulfric added with a smirk. “What can I say? Enemies one day, true lovers the next. You could say we just happen to click.”

“Then it seems I’ve vastly misjudged you,” Shining admitted. “Where the Stonehoofs treat mares like mere objects for their desires, you treat them with respect and even love them back, am I right?”

“Like my father always told me, may Odin rest his soul, a man must know how to treat a lady right if he’s ever to be truly happy,” Wulfric said, eyeing Shining’s wedding ring. “So, who’s the lucky mare you’re wed to?”

"Hold it there. Just because I chose to talk with you does not mean I trust you that much."

"Shining Armor!" Twilight was outraged by her brothers suspicion but Wulfric told her to calm down as it was well founded.

"If my words do not hold sway then may I suggest this we do this the old fashioned way?"

"And what way is that?" Shining asked before taking a small sip.

"The right of proving. Your steel versus mine, let our blades speak for us."

“What?!” Twilight yelped. “A duel?! But there’s no need! Shining, please! He’s not a bad stag! He fought for us and saved my friends! Isn’t that enough?”

"Relax Twilight, this won't be to the death. A simple two out of three match. We each get three shields, whoever breaks to others shields first wins." Wulfric said before chugging down the rest of his ale.

"And after that, we'll have a feast."

"Then let's get to it, I'm starving," Arminius said before helping to make a small ring.

Three shields were set up on opposite sides of the ring as the combatants were each given a sword to fight with.

"The square is made, the hazel is laid! Combatants, to your marks!" Surt called out as both Shining Armor and Wulfric stepped in with the crowd on the edge of their seats.

"I don't know who to root for!" Pinkie said while holding two flags for both Shining and Wulfric.

"GO!!"

In true viking fashion, Wulfric struck first and sent Shining Armor staggering back after he managed to block the first strike before being hammered by several more.

"Come on BBBFF!!" Twilight cheered her brother on before seeing him tossed across the ring like a rag doll.

"RRRRG!!"

CRACK!!

With one last strike, Wulfric shattered Shining Armors shield, stunning some of his men while the rest of the crowd cheered.

"Wulfric leads one shield to none!" Surt called out as Shining rubbed the numbness out of his arm and went to retrieve another shield.

"Agh...damn he's brutal." Shining muttered as he fastened the shield to his left arm while Wulfric had one of the men bring him some water before rolling the tension out of his shoulders.

The fighters once again took their positions and Shining took a more readied stance this time as Surt prepared to signal the second round.

"GO!!""

"HAA!!"

CLANG!

"I got twenty silver says Wulfric breaks all of Shining's shields before he breaks even one," Arminius told Sigrid, only to have his gut punched. "Oof."

"Be nice. We're trying to gain their trust. Making bets against them is the wrong way to go," Sigrid said before going back to watch the fight.

Hilda held out some silver in front of Arminius. "I'll take that action."

Shining ducked and weaved passed each of Wulfrics strikes in an attempt to wear him down before retaliating with a few blows of his own and was able to even kick Wulfric into the mud, giving the soldiers a good laugh. Even Applejack and Rainbow couldn't help but snicker at their lovers plight as he lifted his face now covered in muck.

"Having a dirt nap are we?" Shining joked as Wulfric gave an annoyed growl and attacked again.

"RRAGH!! HOLD! STILL!!" Wulfric shouted in frustration as Shining continued to dodge.

"He's good, I'll give him that," Arminius said just before Shining dodged another strike and swung his sword, cutting the top of Wulfric's shield clean off. "Dammit!" He shouted before handing the bits to Hilda.

Hilda smirked before kissing her husbands cheek. "Love you to, babe."

"Pfft. Luck." Wulfric scoffed as he tossed the broken shield aside and wiped his face clean of the remaining mud.

"The score is now tied! This is the final round!" Surt announced as each combatant grabbed the next shield.

"GO!"

This time both fighters struck with equal intensity as they parried each others blows. Wulfric forced the prince back with a strong push of his shield before being driven back by a counterattack and it seemed like their fight would go on forever.

"This is it." Surt said with Twilight next to him.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked as the two bashed their shields against each other in an attempt to overpower the other.

"They're both at the breaking point, something's gotta give." Surt said as the two staggered back to catch their breath.

"You're good..." Wulfric huffed with a hint of admiration to Shining.

"Same to you," Shining said while trying to catch his breath. After a moments rest, they faced off again.

"....WAAAAGHHH!!!"

"YAAAAAH!!!"

CLATTER!!

Like the sound of glass hitting rock, the blades of the two warriors were shattered to pieces by the strength of their impact, no longer able to take the stress of the constant blows leaving everyone stunned.

"No way..." Wiglaf said, completely stunned in amazement.

For a while the two men stood face to face, their blades broken and their bodies worn down before a smile appeared on Wulfrics face and he dropped the sword to offer Shining the hand of friendship.

"To this day, I have only one whom I considered a brother and now I have found another."

Shining Armor could not help but smile as he dropped his broken weapon and returned Wulfrics gesture.

"Wulfric, The Crystal Empire will gladly join you in this fight." Shining declared and the crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer.

End.

SKAL!

After dividing up their spoils and taking care of the refugees, Shining Armor had his best mages prepare a portal back to the Crystal Empire and with Twilights help, the spell was performed flawlessly and many of the now freed slaves walked through eager to escape the horrid scene along with Queen Rain Shine who was now able to speak thanks to the efforts of the northern shamans.

"Lords Wulfric and Arminius." She spoke softly to the chieftains and bowed her head.

"Thank you for all you have done. I promise to repay this debt in any way I can."

"Your gratitude is misplaced." Wulfric smirked as he pointed over to Double Edge who was still cuddling with Cherry Blossom in the back.

"It was his blade that ended Red Hare, his and our friend Ryu's."

Rain Shine nodded before heading off to her subjects.

While nearly everyone was celebrating, Wiglaf sat alone, holding his bow and looking at the arrowhead stained with his uncles blood. He was infuriated that the chance to take out his treacherous uncle was taken from him. As he seethed in anger, he was joined by his new friends. "Wiglaf," Diamond Tiara called while she and Silver Spoon sat on either side of him.

"Are you alright?" Silver asked as she saw that he kept staring at the arrow.

"I had him." He gripped the shaft to the point it shattered at the tip before letting it drop to the floor. "I had him, and I was only able to scratch his damn cheek!"

"But you really want to kill a member of your own family?" Silver Spoon asked while he tucked the arrow back in the quiver.

"He's a lot of things but family isn't one of them. He tried to steal my mother from my father before I was even born!" The young buck said while storming off to join the next group about to enter the portal.

The fillies followed after him as they were loaded onto the wagon and wer soon on their way through the portal while Wiglaf continued to scowl.

"What do you mean he tried to steal your mother?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"My dad told me when I was eight. When he and my mother announced their engagement, Flavus grew jealous. He thought he was going to be the next chief to lead our clan but the elders chose my father instead and had plans on forcing my mother into marrying him just to spite my father...then on the night of their wedding he tried to force himself on her."

Tiara and Silverspoon gasped when they heard this part of the story and Wiglaf continued.

"When he was caught, my father challenged him to a holmgang and beat him. To punish him for what he did, he inflicted the most humiliating punishment for any northlander."

"What punishment is that?" Tiara asked hesitantly.

"He removed his antlers, cut them down to the stub and then exiled him from the village."

"W... W-What happened to him after?" Tiara asked, although she did have some idea on what may have happened to Flavus.

"He joined up with Dainn, stole people from our village and then left us to freeze in that blizzard for a whole year. I survived but...I can't say the same for my other friends who didn't make it..." Wiglafs face grew sad when he remembered the graves they dug for the villagers who perished along with Wulfrics father when their wagon suddenly stopped before the portal.

"Everyone settled in? I should warn you, portal travel can be a little strange." A guard posted by the portal said while his partner inspected the passengers.

"Everyone looks healthy, let em through!"

Shining Armor, and Twilight were the first to step through the portal. They were met with a line of crystal pony soldiers all saluting their return. Walking towards them were Princess Cadence and Flurry Heart, both of which were positively ecstatic to see Shining and Twilight.

“Welcome home, my love,” Cadence said as they shared a kiss and Flurry hugged Twilight.

“It’s good to be back,” Shining said. “Dear, we have guests. But you may want to brace yourself.”

As soon as he said that, Wulfric and Arminius stepped through the portal, followed by their clans. The sight of the Warborn and Ghost clans stepping through gave the guards a shock of a lifetime. Some of which glared at the stags that walked through.

Wulfric and Arminius approached Cadence and respectfully bowed their heads to the princess of love.

"Your majesty, I am Wulfric. Chief of the Warborn."

"And I am Arminius, Chief of The Ghost Clan."

Cadence was not sure what to think of this situation. Despite knowing they were the rebels who fought against Dainn, they still bore the faces of ones who were considered their enemies.

"Welcome to the empire gentlemen." Was all she could say before seeing Rainbow and Applejack step through followed by Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

"Girls!"

"Princess Cadence!!" Pinkie cheered as she zipped over to give Cadence a hug.

"Hoo wee! It sure feels good to be back in civilization." Applejack declared while fixing her hat.

"No offense hon."

"None taken." Wulfric said as he kissed her cheek, much to Cadences surprise.

“You and Applejack?” Cadence said.

“And me!” Rainbow chirped as she jumped on Wulfric’s back and kissed his cheek.

“I admit, this is even more surprising than allowing caribou into the heart of the Crystal Empire,” Cadence said. “No offense.”

“Again, none taken, I completely understand,” Wulfric said.

“I too have heard about your escapades against Dainn and his forces,” Cadence said, stepping forward to look Wulfric in the eye. “Can you give me your honest word that you are nothing like Dainn and his ilk?”

"If my words hold no sway, use your magic." Wulfric replied in a most blunt manner that seemed to offend some of the soldiers.

"That savage!"

"How dare you speak to our princess like that!"

"Stand down men." Shining Armor ordered as they backed down.

"I agree." Another voice said when Princess Luna finally made her appearance with Bulwark as her escort followed by Queen Rain Shine and Double Edge who was accompanied by Cherry Blossom.

"Aunt Luna!" Cadence gasped with joy and hugged her aunt while the soldiers and Shining Armor knelt in respect.

"Rise, all of you." Luna said while holding her nieces hands.

"See into his heart my dear niece and decide for yourself whether he is truly worthy of our trust."

Cadence still had some doubts, but had to cast them aside if Luna was the one suggesting she use her magic. Cadence powered up her horn and held out her hand at Wulfric. She gazed into his heart and soul and felt a certain warmth. This warmth also had a touch of pride. Something the Stonehoofs never had. She even did the same thing for Arminius to make sure, and she felt the same thing. Especially the feelings he held for his wife, son, and child on the way.

“You have a strong heart, that much I can see,” Cadence said. “More so, my husband is not the easiest stallion to impress. If he is vouching for you, then it would be unfair to turn you away.” Cadence then looked at the guards with a serious expression. “These caribou are our guests. Treat them as such with as much respect as you would your fellow brothers-in-arms.”
"As you command princess." One of Shinings officers said as the rest of their clan were let through.

"I'm sorry but with the war going on, we have very little room to acommadate you."

"No worries, we can make camp in the fields." Arminius smirked as he took in a breath of fresh air.

"Ahh the air is so clean here, much like it was back home."

As the passengers began to disembark, Flurry saw that the northlanders had also brought their children with them and grew curious before she spotted Wiglaf who was helping unlead the supplies.

"Oh where are my manners? This is my daughter Flurry Heart." Cadence gently nudged her daughter forward to meet the two towering stags before her.

"Well hello little one." Wulfric said with a gentle smile.

“BIG!” Flurry said aloud with her arms raised.

"My aren't you lively?" Wulfric chuckled before suddenly patting her head, shocking the guards while Flurry just giggled.

"I should make the introductions as well. Wiglaf, come here and introduce yourself." Arminius called his son over and made the introduced him.

"This is my son Wiglaf, I think you two will get along great."

"Hi." Wiglaf waved hello to Flurry who simply smiled and waved back unaware that Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon were shooting daggers at the two of them.

"Hmm why don't I have the guards escort them around the castle? I need to talk to our guests."

"A great idea." Twilight said as Wiglaf gave Flurry a piggy back ride while Diamond Tiara angrily watched them leave.

"Oh by the way we have one more guest." Wulfric said before Chrysalis and her entourage passed through, shocking almost everyone who had gathered at the portal.

"The Changeling Queen is here as my guest." Wulfric announced as Chrysalis approached the princesses.

"Twilight, Luna, Cadence. It's been far too long."

"Chrysalis." Cadence answered politely but had a look of resentment in her eyes.

“Cadence,” Chrysalis said with a smug hum in her voice. “You look well.”

"And you look...thin." Cadence replied as the queen snapped her fan shut.

"Umm why don't we all go inside and refresh ourselves? I'm sure we have lots to talk about." Twilight suggested with a nervous laugh.

"Indeed, there is much to plan if we are to reclaim our home." Rain Shine said, sensing the hostility between the two.

"Agreed. Follow me." Cadence lead the way as Twilight gave a sigh of relief.

"Lord Wulfric, will you not join us?" Chrysalis asked while turning back.

"I will, once we've made camp." Wulfric said as they left.

“I shall show you to your quarters, my lady,” Double Edge said to Rain Shine. “Men, assist our guests with their lodging.”

After a few hours, many tents and campfires were set up along the fields outside the city. While the clans settled in, Wulfric and Arminius made their way to the war room inside the Crystal spire. Waiting for them was Princesses Cadance, Twilight, and Luna, Shining Armor, Queens Rain Shine and Chrysalis, and their fellow companions, Bulwark, Marshall, Double Edge, and Ryu.

"Forgive our tardiness." Wulfric said as they took their seats.

"Glad you could join us gentlemen. Now to business." Shining Armor used his magic to show them a projection of Equestria.

"According to what we gathered from Twilight and her friends, the raiders have struck at least three major outposts including the one in the kirin lands. Our spies have reported that Ponyville has been reoccupied by the enemy and the fortifications have improved."

"Almost regret not putting that town to the torch when we arrived." Wulfric said with his arms crossed.

"What about the lands that border the empire?"

"Many of the citizens have already begun to rise up and once word of Princess Luna's return reaches their ears they will rally to join our cause." Marshall said as he pointed out the towns in question.

"Our main concern is General Wind Rider."

“You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve finally pinpointed his location,” Cadence said. “He’s taken residence in Cloudsdale and reports indicate he’s turned the floating city into an armed fortress.”

"Well that's just makes things even more complicated for us. So long as he remains in that fort, he's untouchable."

"What about Vortigern and that cunt who calls himself prince?" Wulfric asked while resting one elbow on the table.

"He and that traitor Flavus are still out there probably planning their next move and let's not forget about that oaf, Olaf."

“One thing at a time,” Shining said to his new friend. “For now, let’s focus on Wind Rider. He’s dug himself in pretty damn tight in Cloudsdale.”

“So how do we get in?” Arminius wondered.

“Well, certainly not with your faces being seen,” Cadence said, gesturing for a squire to bring out a few sheets of paper. “Scouts brought these in a few days ago.”

The squire unrolled the papers to reveal Wulfric, Arminius, Double Edge, and Shining Armor faces in wanted posters. Each one had a heft bounty for each head.

“The Rebellious chief of the Warborn clan, Wulfric Warborn: 30,000,000 bits. The Ruthless chief of the Ghost clan, Arminius: 25,000,000 bits. The revolutionary, Captain Shining Armor: 17,000,000 bits. The duel-wielding rogue, Lieutenant Double Edge: 15,000,000 bits.”

"Allfathers beard, we're famous!" Wulfric said as he and Arminius shared a laugh as he slammed the table in amusement.

"With all due respect Lord Wulfric you should take this seriously." Rain Shine lectured the young chieftain.

"Apologies but it's not every day you get a bounty put on your head. Now to other business." Wulfric said as he stood from his chair.

"In honor of our new alliance and your hospitality, I propose we have a great feast. I'm sure everyone here could use some cheering up with the way this war has been going."

"Is now really the time for such a thing?" Marshall questioned.

"You can never miss the opportunity to feast and celebrate. War or not, you never know if a celebration will be your last," Arminius explained.

“Pfft, hey Arminius, look,” Wulfric snickered and showed Arminius his wanted poster to see the photo made him look like he was taking a dump with blood splattered on his face.

“Guess they missed your good side.”

Arminius huffed before grabbing the poster and crumpling it up. "They're compensating for their short comings," Was his response before bumping Wulfric. "Hey, if I turn you in, I can pay for some better pictures." He then points to Wulfrics poster, where it shows him with small antlers and skinny arms.

“Bah! They didn’t even bother to provide a picture!” Wulfric scoffed.

"Boys!" Behind them, Sigrid walked in and stood next to her husband. "You're both pretty, and immature as calfs."

To this the other council members could not help but snicker and it seemed to have lightened the mood if only a little.

"You know, I think a party is just what we need and I know Pinkie would be more than happy to help." Twilight said when Pinkie made her usual grand entrance.

"YAY!! PARTY TIME!!" She shrieked before firing off her party canon.

"We'll need balloons and streamers and confetti-GASSP!! This is also a great time for a "Welcome to Equestria" party!!" She said with a wide smile towards Wulfric and the others.

"So much to do-AAH! I gotta go!"

Without a second thought, Pinkie was out the door with a trail of confetti trailing behind her.

"How does she have so much energy?" Wulfric asked while shaking his head.

"To this day I STILL never found an answer." Twilight sighed heavily but had a joyful smile on her face, glad to know that Pinkie still always has her bright and upbeat personality.

As the day drew on, the citizens of the empire saw the raiders and their comrades pitching tents and starting bonfires all over the fields just outside their city. Many had heard stories of the northland rebels but only considered them to be rumors.

As the feast preparations were underway, two foals snuck into the camp to get a closer look at the raiders to see if they were terrifying as the stories said.

"Hey, you smell that?" One of them asked after catching the scent of something sweet being baked.

"It smells... Good!" One of the kids moved ahead and snuck inside the tent, following the sweet aroma inside. The two stumbled upon what looks to be some sort of stove made of stone and wood, the smell coming from it. Before any of the two could say anything they felt a hand on both of their shoulders

"You little ones, lost?" Ryu asked the two, his mask on as the sight scared the two foals deeply.

"AH!" The foals screamed before standing up straight.

"W-we didn't mean to sir!"

"We were just curious!"

To this, the chefs in the kitchen laughed as one of them brought over a plate of the sweets they were baking.

"I think this is what they smelled, honey cakes. Fresh out of the oven." The baker chuckled while offering them the plate.

"Go on, don't be shy."

The children took one each and were hesitant at first to try it but the second they took that first bite they were amazed by the taste and texture of the cakes.

"Mmm that's good!"

"Really good!"

"Still, these young ones shouldn't be in here. For that they must face punishment." Ryu stared down at the two foals, making them both tense up in fear, but that fear was quickly washed away after what Ryu said next "So you two will be helping us prepare the food and join us for our feast."

"And as a reward, you'll get first dibs on the honey cakes." Said the head chef with a friendly wink.

The foals faces lit up as they gave a quick salute and darted outside the tent to get to work and soon many more of the citizens began to join in on the preparations with some even chatting with their new neighbors. From atop the crystal spire, Cadence could sense the bond growing between her subjects and the northlanders, something she did not think was possible.

"Room for one more?" Twilight called out to her sister-in-law before joining her on the balcony.

Cadence turned and smiled at Twilight, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her in for a hug "For you? Always." Cadence smiled, looking down at the people

"It's amazing... For a while... I nearly gave up hope that I would feel this again. The love, hope, and joy of the people." Cadence said.

"So did I, especially after we..." Twilight looked down in shame.

"We failed...we couldn't protect Equestria."

"Twilight, you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened." Cadence consoled her sister with a hug but Twilight still felt ashamed for failing to protect her homeland.

"But because of us, Canterlot is gone, Princess Celestia is imprisoned and...and Flash..." A tear streamed down her cheeks as Cadence wiped it away and made her look up with a warm smile.

"Everything will be okay Twilight, you'll see."

Cadence gently turned Twilight's face to look down at the ponies below, watching as they laughed, trained, and ate together

"I used to believe that all hope was lost, that this was the end of everything. But... These last few months have changed that. We have seen that hope never dies as long as just one pony takes a stand, and that will inspire others to stand up."

As Twilight gazed down at the citizens below, her smile reappeared and she simply leaned into Cadence who embraced her with a gentle hug when one of their guards entered the room.

"Pardon the intrusion your grace but Pinkie Pie has requested you come taste the sweets for tonight's festivities."

"Classic Pinkie." Twilight sighed as she was joined by Cadence. By the time the sun had begun to set, the feast was set and the guests had gathered. Some were still hesitant to share a meal with the northlanders and kept their distance as they watched them from afar while others did not hesitate to mingle and share a few laughs.

"Attention! Make way for the royal family!" A herald announced as Shining Armor and Cadence arrived with Flurry Heart and Twilight.

The crowd parted way for the royal family as they headed towards the feasting table where they were greeted by Wulfric and Arminius.

"Shining Armor! glad you could make it!" Wulfric cheered as he embraced his friend in a firm hug.

"Wouldn't miss an opportunity to pig out and slack off." Shining Armor joked as he returned the hug "Thank you again, for everything. Without all of your help we... Well, we're not sure if we would even be here."

"Enough of that talk, there is no point in pondering on what-ifs. Today we celebrate what is." Ryu said

As the royals sat themselves at the table, Wulfric saw the rest of the crowd and he and Arminius stepped forward, urging them to join in on the festivities.

"Come my friends, do not be afraid!" Wulfric called out as they slowly began to gather at the table.

"Come! This food was taken from you by your enemies but we have taken it back. It is ours to give and share with our friends!" Arminius declared and raised his drinking horn high.

"We are the Ghost and Warborn Clans! We have come to bring justice on the false kings head and your prince has chosen to join our fight-JOIN US TO FREE THIS LAND!!"

"SKAAL!!" Wulfric roared along with the rest of his clansmen as they were joined by the knights and samurai.

"Eat and drink your fill! We are all friends here!"

As the cheering continued, the raiders began to bang their mugs in rhythm and were soon followed by drums and strumming instruments.

As the song kept going, the weary guests grew to like the atmosphere and began to feast and celebrate with everyone else. The ale flowed freely, the air heavy with the feasts sweet aroma, and every ear was greeted by the northerners song.

"All-Father above! I love this song!" Arminius shouted before Hilda shoved a horn of ale down his gullet.

"Drink up husband, you have to cover for us not being able to partake." She said as he tried not to cough.

"Not too much, remember what happened the last time." Sigrid smiled while drinking some water before spotting Wiglaf being fed by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon while Wulfric sat with his mares and marveled at how much cider Rainbow Dash had downed in one sitting.

"Gods above, Rainbow I think you've had enough." He said as she slammed down another mug.

"You kidding? I could drink this all night!" Rainbow declared before downing another mug.

"I think this might be my fault hon." Applejack sighed.

"Your fault? whaddya mean?" Wulfric asked before stuffing a dumpling in his mouth.

"I made a new cider recipe mixed with your mead. I did some tweeking and well this is the result." She said while pointing to Rainbow who let out a large belch.

Curious about this new drink, Wulfric nabbed a mug from a passing server and saw the mead looked like any other but as soon as it met his tongue he felt like he was drinking the nectar of the gods. The sweet and crisp taste of the apple mixed perfectly with the honeyed flavor of the mead and he found himself greedily gulping it down.

"That's good! BRING ME ANOTHER!!" he shouted while tossing the mug aside, within moments, the ale was replaced with the new cider.

"Are they...always this lively?" Cadence asked with Twilight seated next to her as they enjoyed their meals.

"More or less..." Twilight sighed when she saw one of the knights stumble to the ground from too much mead before being helped up by the others.

"EEE! This is the best party I've thrown since...well EVER!!" Pinkie cheered after seeing everyone getting along before spotting two of the party goers about to go at it over the last honey cake.

"I saw it first!" An earth pony shouted to a stag.

"Well I GRABBED it first so too bad!" The raider replied in a smug tone.

"Now guys there's plenty to share." Fluttershy tried to intervene but the two seemed ready to go at it.

"There's only one way to settle this."

"Indeed."

The two men cracked knuckles and looked like they were ready to throw down until another brought over an empty barrel and some chairs.

"Oh this is gonna be good." Pharynx snickered as they each placed an elbow on the barrel.

The stallion and stag clasped hands, creating a loud slap before they both started pushing against the other. The stag noticed he was slowly gaining leverage. "What's the matter? Been pushing too many pencils?"

Feeling insulted by such an accusation, the stallion grabbed the nearest mug of cider and took a draught before spitting it in the stags face. The sudden assault caused the stag to sputter and ultimately lose. "I win!" The stallion proclaimed before getting punched in the face by the stag. After recovering from the right hook, he smiled back and grinned. "I still win." He went for the cake, only to be met with an empty platter. "The hell?"

On the other side of the party, Wiglaf had a smirk on his face as he held out the last cake to Diamond, Silver, and Flurry. "Shall we?"

"Oh thank you!" Diamond said with glee and split the cake amongst herself and the other girls.

"So why were they even fighting over this cake anyway? there's more being baked." Silverspoon asked.

"It's the last cake that ALWAYS gets the most honey, that's what makes them so delicious."

"Is that also why you got an angry mob coming after you?" Silverspoon asked while pointing to the group of men looking angry at him.

"Uh oh, gotta go!"

"WIGLAF! YOU CHEEKY WEE SHITE!! GET BACK HERE!!" The stag shouted as they gave chase, earning the crowd a laugh.

As the mob chased the young stag, Arminius smiled warmly at the gesture his son did. "He's a real charmer, just like his old man."

"Mmm, I'd say he's got a leg up on you, dear," Sigrid said while holding his arm.

"Oh and why's that?"

"Well he doesn't have any rivals yet." Hilda sighed before watching the men stumble into a pile after their son gave them the slip.

"Well this has been a fun evening." Wulfric sighed as he walked up carrying Rainbow Dash who was now passed out from the cider.

"But it's time for us to call it a night. The princess has offered us to stay at the castle for the evening as a show of thanks."

"But I bet you got other plans dontcha sugarcube~." Applejack winked.

"You know me so well~."

Meanwhile

Queen Rain Shine sat in her quarters with Cherry Blossom while Double Edge stood outside. The two Kirin were sipping some tea before they delved into the realm of slumber.

“How is your tea, Rain Shine-sama?” Cherry asked, using the proper manner to address her queen.

"It is fine dear Cherry but I noticed your mind is elsewhere." The kirin queen smirked as Cherry began combing her mane.

"You've found a fine stallion my dear."

Cherry blushed but smiled dreamily at the door Double stood outside of.

“I…I have, Rain Shine-sama,” Cherry sighed. “He’s the best thing that’s ever been blessed to me. He saved me.”

"I suspect you have some plans for this evening after I go to bed~?" the queen teased as she put on her evening dress.

"What? N-NO! Nothing like that! I'm your attendant, my duty comes first!" Cherry Blossom began to turn red and began to panic as her queen laughed.

"Oh Cherry i'm only teasing. Truth be told, it was a miracle the whole camp didn't hear you that night." The queen said, making her freeze.

"How...do you..."

"Word of advice dear: When making love in a camp: Use sound cancelling spells."

Cherry’s blush deepened as her ears flopped on her head, which made Rain Shine giggle uncontrollably.

“To be quiet honest, I’m a tad envious of you,” Rain Shine said after calming down.

“Envious? How exactly, Rain Shine-sama?” Cherry asked.

"Well to be honest, I have never had one who I could connect with. All my subjects treat me like a queen-which I am. All but you, you are my dearest friend and you finally found one who loves you more than I could ever imagine. I pray that one day I find someone like that." Rain Shine sighed and gazed out at the moon.

"Despite what others say, being a royal can get lonely without that special someone by your side."

Cherry pondered the words the queen spoke and realized she was right. Even before the Fall, Rain Shine was praised for both her immaculate beauty and wisdom as queen of the Kirins. Not to mention, her mastery of Kirin martial arts that very few had seen her rarely display. Just then, Cherry’s mind began hatching an idea. She would do this for her queen because she deserved to be happy just as she was.

“Rain Shine-sama, are you doing anything tomorrow besides attending the council meetings?” Cherry asked.

“Not that I know of, why?” Rain Shine said.

“Double asked me to join him while he oversees the new recruits. If you would like, you can also join me as a spectator,” Cherry offered.

"What are you scheming Cherry Blossom?" Rain Shine smirked once more as Cherry helped her with the blankets.

"Oh nothing, I just thought that you could use a change of scenery after spending so much time in captivity. Pleasant dreams my queen."

End.

Counterattack

Rain shine awoke to the morning sun in a warm bed for the first time in what seemed like an eternity as she reached out and stretched without the feeling of cold shackles binding her wrists and the warmth of her clothing comforting her once bare skin and helped herself to some fruit left for her by the servants. Upon taking the first bite, she felt like she had entered a slice of heaven as she stepped onto the balcony to see the crystal streets of the empire catch the morning rays.

In the training field that was overlooked by the balcony, Rain Shine could whole battalions of Samurai warriors training with Ryu overseeing their training. One group honed their un-armed combat skills

"Our enemies are larger and stronger than us, but strength is nothing against skill! They have the strength of ten? Then be worth a hundred!" The group moved in fluent and fast movement, almost becoming a blur. Even without making contact Rain could feel the force behind every punch and kick, they even all moved in perfect harmony.

Over with another group of Samurai they were working on their swordsmanship, striking like a hurricane of steel, cutting down with enough force to chop a tree in half. Others even practiced with bows and arrows, moving faster than the wind and hitting clean through their targets, spearmen working on thrusts and how to control their enemies movement with their added range.

Ryu overlooked another group as they sparred against one another, shouting out instructions and advice for them while also teaching them useful Ninjitstu to utilize in combat.

Not too far away in another section of the yard were The Black Prior doing training of their own and training with them was Bulwark each member of their group was dressed in full armour and shields but their swords were wooden and had weights upon them making the blades heavier then the ones used in combat to improve their strength and the strikes they delivered on each other were not held back the Black Prior moved with precision and power using their collosal shields to block their opponents attacks they treated each strike as lethal because if they got hit in training meant a hit in battle which in turn means they screwed up which is something they could not allow.

"FORMATION!!" one of Bulwarks officers called out as the soldiers marched into formation to create a wedge shape with their shields as they followed the beat of the drums.

"Phylax!!" The officer shouted once more as they formed a dome with their shields and stunned the crowd by thrusting their spears out in unison with a mighty shout.

"Shield wall!!"

The knights slowly began to reform and were banging their shields in unison with the drums as they formed a solid wall of iron and lances which seemed to have an intimidating effect on the spectators who looked into the eyes of the masked knights and when the drums stopped, all could see a well organized formation of disciplined soldiers standing ready for battle.

At the other side of the field, the Northlanders were bashing at each other with shields and training weapons. A few were wrestling in small circles while others practiced their war cries. A few of them foaming at the mouth.

Wulfric was in a practice session with a few of his shield maidens as they attacked from all sides but despite their superior numbers, the chieftain came out on top fighting like a beast as each maid was struck to the ground.

Arminius was busy teaching Wiglaf how to properly throw an axe as they practiced on some targets set up for them but each attempt ended with the young bucks axe flying into someones table or a passing wagon.

"Arrgh! I keep missing, what am I doing wrong?!?"

"You're overthinking it, boy." Arminius took two axes from the table and handed one to his son. "Keep your eye on the target, follow through with the throw, and just remember to keep breathing." He took the ax in his hand before throwing it at the dummy, hitting it in the middle of its fake head.

"And keep your wrist loose. you want it to be a fluent stroke when you make the throw." Wulfric demonstrated by throwing his axe into the chest area of the second target.

"Up and down, one fluid stroke. Try it."

Wiglaf nodded at the two chiefs before taking aim. After a few seconds, he pulled back and threw the ax at the dummy. The ax flew at an angle on its side before hitting the neck. Before everyone's eyes, the head peeled back before falling to the ground.

The raiders cheered for the accomplishment as Luta and Thora lifted Wiglaf into the air and kissed his cheeks. "Thatta boy!" Arminius cheered for his son.

Wiglaf laughed as his hair was ruffled before he noticed Marshall standing in a sparring ring with Double Edge, both were equipped with wooden weapons and were doing a few stretches while some of the men gathered around to watch.

"So what's the deal with him?" Wulfric asked while they watched from a distance.

"I heard that he was a merc under the employ of Blueblood. Not many of the men still trust him." One of the soldiers whispered.

"Sellsword huh? Musta been rough."

Just as their match started, Queen Rain Shine was walking through the camp with Cherry Blossom to see Double Edge being driven back before kicking Marshall into the side of the ring.

“Just like back at the academy, eh Marshall?” Double said with a cocky tone as he twirled his practice sword in his hand.

Marshalls response was to furiously lash out and trapped Double Edge in a chokehold, shocking some of the spectators before tossing him to the dirt.

"We're not school boys anymore Edge. Fight like your life depends on it because next time it will." Marshall scolded Double who was catching his breath before the warden went on the attack again, his eyes showing almost no emotion every time they clashed.

“Hmph, hot-headed as ever,” Double said when he adjusted his grip on his practice sword.

Marshall sprinted at Double and jumped for an overhead strike when Double managed to parry it. The lieutenant followed up with a haymaker right into Marshall’s gut before swinging his sword and jabbed the area between his shoulder.

"And just like that, you're dead." Double smirked as Marshall keeled over in pain. As he reached out to help him, his hand was slapped away as the warden stumbled to his feet and shambled towards the ring exit, still holding his gut.

"You just got lucky..."

"Marshall." Double called out as he followed after.

"Hey!" He shouted before stepping in front of him.

"Come on we don't see each other for years and you act like this? Let's grab a drink like the old days."

"Those days are gone." Marshall groaned before finally standing up straight and walked past Double Edge without so much as looking back.

"What happened to you?" Double Edge asked as Marshall turned his head.

"I grew up...you should too."

Double scoffed and narrowed his brow.

“I don’t blame you, you know!” Double barked, making Marshall stop in his tracks. “You outta stop blaming yourself for something you had no control over!"

Marshall would say nothing and continued walking towards his tent while Double Edge returned to the ring to see one of his men and a samurai duking it out before he was ambushed by a hug from Cherry Blossom.

"Good morning~!"

“Morning, my sweetheart,” Double laughed as they shared a kiss. “And how’s my little flower?”

"Little Flower he says?" Rain Shine giggled as the two lovers hugged.

"I see you are all busy as ever."

“Your majesty,” Double said gentlemanly and took her hand while bowing. “I welcome you to the training grounds.”

"A pleasure to see you once again Sir Double Edge, I hope we're not interrupting." Rain shine asked while observing the troops.

“Not at all,” Double said when he caught sight of a few rookies chatting. “Excuse me for a moment.” He turned towards the young ponies and took a deep breath. “IF YOU HAVE TIME TO CHAT AMONGST YOURSELVES LIKE A BUNCH OF HOUSEWIVES AT A CAFÉ, THEN YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GIVE ME TEN LAPS AROUND THE ENTIRE CASTLE GROUNDS!”

The men scrambled into position and began to run around the castle much to the amusement of the queen as Double Edge lead her to a resting area.

"So what brings you out here this morning?" He asked while offering them a seat.

"I just needed to stretch my legs. I've been cooped up for so long, I had forgotten what being outside was like." Rain Shine said as she breathed in the morning air.

"By the way, that warden you were talking with. Who was he?"

Double sighed as he recounted the days back at the academy.

“We go way back…” Double said as he crossed his arms.

Flashback

“Who’s next!” A young unicorn stallion with a practice sword had his foot on another recruit. “I can do this all day, boys! I’m trying to work my way up to Shining Armor! So come get some while I got a strong steak going!”

"Once again, Double Edge remains undefeated." One of the cadets sighed as Double Edge helped his opponent to his feet.

"If he keeps this up, he'll graduate early."

"Maybe. By the way did you guys hear about the new recruit we're getting?"

“Yeah, I heard he passed the entrance exam without a hitch.”

“Who cares. As long as Double Edge is around, we’ll be stuck being the underdogs.”

“I’ll take your challenge!”

Everyone whipped their heads to the sound of the crazy stallion who’d dare approach Double Edge. The young earth pony stallion looked a tad scrawny at first glance, but his eyes held a fire that could rival even Double’s fighting spirit.

“Oho! Finally! Somepony with a little backbone!” Double said as the newcomer entered the ring. “What’s your name, fresh meat?”

"Marshall. Marshall Avalon." The recruit said, making the other cadets gasp.

"Avalon, isn't he the noble who started that war?"

"Yeah and lost, heard he gave up his son just to keep his pride."

“OI!” Double barked at the gossiping recruits. “Who said you all could talk behind anyone’s back! You got something to say, say it to his face instead of whispering like a bunch of school fillies!”

Marshall would say nothing and grabbed a practice sword as he stepped into the sparring ring and took a ready stance as they all gathered around to see the match.

"Alright boys, I want a good clean fight." The instructor said as Double Edge took his position. When the signal was given, Double Edge seemed to be gaining the upper hand until Marshall began to counter each of his moves and began driving him back.

"hey those are the advanced techniques, where'd he learn to do that!?" One of the cadets asked before Double Edge found himself on the ground with a sword point at his throat.

“Do you yield?” Marshall asked calmly.

Double smiled widely and laughed out loud before nodding.

“I yield,” Double agreed and Marshall helped him back to his feet. “And here I thought I wouldn’t find another worthy adversary to be my rival besides Shining Armor. You got some serious moves, my new friend. Where’d you pick them up?”

"My lord taught me." Marshall replied in what seemed like a deadpan tone as he walked past the other cadets.

"Your lord? Don't you mean your father? Oh that's right! he ditched you!"

Before anyone knew what happened, Marshall slugged the one who made that remark and began beating him to a pulp before the officers managed to restrain him.

"SAY THAT AGAIN YA BASTARD!! I DARE YA!!" Marshall shouted while being held back.

“Calm yourself!” The officer shouted. “There will be no fighting amongst recruits!”

“He insulted my name! He deserves a beating!” Marshall yelled at the one who insulted him.

“He’s a violent asshole, sir!” The one on the ground said, holding his nose. “He should be court marshaled and banned from enlisting! No pony wants a bastard like him in the ranks!”

Before Marshall could retaliate again, Double suddenly came up and kicked the insulting pony in the ribs before continuing Marshall’s beating and started to punch him repeatedly.

“Hey! Get off him!” One of the cronies shouted and tried pulling him off, only for Double to punch him in the face and start beating him as well.

Marshall elbowed the officer in the face and joined Double in the fray to beat up everyone who came at him. The entire training grounds turned into complete chaos with recruits and officers trying to subdue Double Edge and Marshall. However, both stallions just wouldn’t go down no matter how hard their adversaries tried. Fists were swung, kicks collided with each other, teeth were knocked out, and yet the two rebel recruits stood standing back-to-back.

“They’re monsters!” One officer yelled before double kicked him in the ground and kneed him right in the muzzle.

“Who wants more, huh?! We can do this all day!” Double barked triumphantly as he and Marshall stood over a mountain of beaten ponies.

As the memory ended, a smile appeared on Double Edges face while he sat down with Cherry and the queen.

"And just like that, we became friends. No one would dare mess with us but one day he just up and vanished."

“Vanished?” Rain Shine said.

“We had graduated together from the academy but he was immediately sent off to another platoon far away,” Double said. “We’d see each other from time to time, but they are always brief.”

"And then the war started..." his voice became dark and grim while recalling the beginning of the war.

"When Dainn took over, many of the guards swore fealty to him without a second thought. It was like they were under some kind of spell but for those like me who chose to stay with the princesses we were banished upon pain of death or were unjustly discharged from the guards."

"Judging by the way your friend is acting, he must've been the latter and took to mercenary work." Cherry said when two guards from the Crystal Palace marched up.

"Queen Rainshine, you have been summoned to the war council."

"It's time already?" Rain Shine said before looking up to see that the sun was almost noon.

"Cherry why don't you stay with Sir Edge? You two look like you could use some time together."

"Thank you my queen." Cherry smiled and hugged her stallion as she was escorted to the palace.

"Will anyone else be in attendance?" She asked the guards.

"Princess Twilight and her family will be there along with some of the nobles and Lord Arminius."

"Oh? What of Lord Wulfric?" The queen asked as they past the Crystal Heart.

"He should be in the palace after today's training session, we'll find him."

In another part of the castle, a certain pegasus was getting the pounding of her life on a soft mattress in a room fit for royalty with her wings fanned out and her flank being slammed every time her lovers hips collided with hers as he rutted her like the savage he was and she was enjoying every moment of it.

Knock Knock

"Wulfric! Hurry up and put your pants on! We got a war meeting we need to get to!" Arminius shouted on the other side of the door.

"I'll be done in a minute!" Wulfric shouted back before pulling Dash's hair.

"Mmm who's my little fucktoy~?"

"I'm your litlle fucktoy~!" Dash yelled while getting rammed harder.

At that point, Wulfric flooded her womb once again as she let out a sensual moan and slumped onto the bed with her ass still hanging in the air as he gave a few more thrusts to get every last drop into her.

By the time Wulfric freshened up and stepped out, Dash was still in the same position in a daze with the entire room reeking of their musk as he stepped out to join Arminius.

"Shall we?"

"You know, I get that you love them, but you knew we had a meeting and the term quickie for you has gone way over your head," Arminius told his friend as they kept going. "So who started it, you or her?"

"I did but can you blame me? We're in a palace with beds soft as clouds!" Wulfric laughed as two guards opened the doors to the council room. Seated around a large table were Shining Armor and his family followed by Princess Luna next to Queen Rain Shine and finally Twilight and her friends minus Rainbow Dash along with a few nobles from the other races.

"Perfect timing. Everyone these are Wulfric and Arminius, the rebels who've been keeping the fight going against Dainn." Shining made the introductions as they were shown their seats.

"Apologies for being late, we were...occupied." Wulfric joked as AJ rolled her eyes.

"All that matters now is that you're here, Wulfric. Are the others joining us, Ryu and Double Edge?" Shining Armor asked.

"Double Edge is occupied. As for Ryu. Not sure," Arminius said before taking a handful of peanuts.

"Then this will do for now." Twilight said as they all took their seats.

"As we all know, since the stonehoof invasion many of the houses once supporting Canterlot have all pledged their loyalties to him. Some out of fear, most out of desire to better themselves."

"What loyalists do remain are those here in the empire to the borders of Yak Yakkistand." Shining Armor added as Twilight showed them a holomap of Equestria.

"What about the dragon lands to the north?" Rain Shine asked with a focused gaze.

"I have word that they are in the midst of a civil war. Stonehoof supporters and defectors who joined Dainns side for more riches. Dragon Lord Ember is doing all she can to hold them off but I fear that if Dainn sends them reinforcements, she won't last long."

"And to make matters worse, they are pushing into our borders." Cadence said as she used her magic to map out key areas along the borders of the empire.

"Every day, more supporters for the king flood into the crystal empire and for each castle we take, another is lost. It's a neverending stalemate."

"Then we need to cause problems for our enemies." Ryu appeared from behind Wulfric as he stepped forward

"Ryu? I didn't think you'd be here." Cadence said

"Apologies, was talking with Fluttershy." Ryu said, luckily his mask hid his blush

"You said problems, how much more can we create for them?" Shining Armor asked

"Their forces are strong, but if we were to cut supply lines and attack using hit and run tactics we may be able to draw their attention away while we use that distraction to form new alliances." Ryu explained his idea.

"Fight like wolves, I like it." Wulfric smirked.

"Yaks think this is cowards way! We fight enemy head on!" The ambassador for the yaks shouted while slamming the table.

"And say we win. What then? Dainn has pretty much the whole nation at his beck and call, he could send one army after the next until we're dwindled down to nothing." Shining Armor argued.

"Even if we could enact Ryu's plan, those fortresses are well stocked especially the one here at the center of the border." Twilight said while highlighting the mentioned fort.

"Then we don't stop at supply lines." Wulfric said before pacing around the table to look the map over.

"We sack the forts one by one, take what we need and burn the rest. This will leave nothing for Dainns forces. This will make him desperate and careless."

"Hmm we smash and and burn. YAKS LIKE!!"

"We can't afford to waste time, men, and resources by committing a siege on the forts. We'll have to do what we did when we went searching for Red Hare. Have a small group slip past their defenses, sabotage from within, then once the team have created enough damage our main force stone the fortress." Ryu said.

"And kill the lords in charge, that should send a message to the false king." Chrysalis added with a sinister look in her eye.

"Do we need to go that far?" Cadence asked, feeling doubtful of their plan.

"This is war princess." Wulfric replied as Shining Armor stood up.

"Well just in case, all opposed to this plan may raise their hands now."

A long hush fell over the council. Not a single hand raised to object. "It seems we've reached an agreement," Arminius stood and nodded. "Where's our first target?"

"Here." Shining Armor pointed to the fort nearest to the Crystal Empire.

"Make whatever preparations you need and select only your best soldiers."

With the plan decided, the nobles who had gathered chose this time to introduce themselves to their new allies if only to get a look at a northlander for the first time.

"Greetings gentlemen." A unicorn with a monocle approached Arminius and Wulfric with a mare on his arm as he introduced himself.

"I am Fancy Pants, long time friend of Twilight Sparkle and the princesses and this is my wife Fleur Des Lis."

"A pleasure." Fleur bowed her head to the two chieftains who returned the gesture.

"I am Wulfric, this is Arminius but I'm sure you have a very good idea of who we are."

"Indeed! Two daring warriors leading a rebellion against a tyrant why it's the stuff of legends!" Fancy Pants said with admiration.

"Legend? Ha! You hear that Wulfric, we're famous," Arminius teased.

"That reminds me," Shining Armor said, handing Ryu a paper. "This is your wanted poster."

Ryu looked at the poster and arched a brow. It read, Ryu the Rogue: 20,000,000 bits.

Ryu examined the wanted poster and couldn't help but look at it with pride "Heh, twenty million bits. Guess they're learning to be afraid of the shadows."

"The price is doubled if they can bring in any of us alive." Wulfric snickered as they left the council room to prepare.

"We got a long fight ahead of us..."

"But this time, we won't be alone." Arminius smirked with confidence when he noticed some of the castle servants gathered outside the room he and his wives were using.

"Is something wrong?"

"No worries my lord, it's just morning sickness." A pegasus maid said just as Sigrid began to heave while Hilda laid in bed feeling more tired than before.

"Pardon me," Arminius said to the war council before tending to his wives.

Hilda was being tended to by the castle nurses as they dabbed her with a wet cloth and made her as comfortable as possible while Sigrid continued to feel miserable in the bathroom as he pulled up a chair next to the bed.

"Mmm doctors say we can't go with you." Hilda moaned as they held hands.

"Understood." Arminius nodded to the staff before helping Sigrid from the bathroom to the bed with Hilda. "You two take it easy. I'll be sure to pick up the slack."

"You'll look after our little drengr won't you?" Sigrid asked even though there was no need as her husband smiled and took her hand.

"He's growing up so fast..."

"Too fast. Before we know it, he'll have his own wives to look after as they deal with morning sickness," Arminius chuckled.

"Forgive us my lord but they need their rest." The maid said and allowed him to kiss their hands before being escorted out of the room. In that moment, Arminius felt a sense of warmth wash over him as he left with the room to prepare for their campaign.

The armies were gathered under the crystal palace for all to see as they prepared to march out fully armed and ready for battle with their families gathered to see them off, many tears were shed as family members gave their loved ones what would possibly be their last hug before Shining Armor stepped onto the platform to address the troops.

"To all who have gathered here today, we thank you for seeing us off. Since this war began we have been on the defensive, we have watched as Dainn Stonehoof; The Usurper has plundered our land for his own gain, he's destroyed our homes, enslaved our people and now he threatens our very way of life! but no more." Shining called for Wulfric to join him on the stand as many of the citizens began to gasp and shrink back in his presence.

"I am Wulfric, Son of Hjalmarr, chieftain of the Warborn Clan." Wulfric addressed himself to the crowd.

"I have seen the horrors that Stonehoof and his kin have unleashed on your people and I can only ask for your forgiveness. It was my clans hope that we would come to Equestria not as conquerors but as friends....but now we have no choice for until Dainn Stonehoof is brought before your leaders in chains, we will steal back everything he has taken from you! With the all the gods of the Vanir and Aeisir as my witness, this is my oath to you!" Wulfric would then demonstrate his resolve by pulling out a dagger and slicing his own hand, shocking everyone in the crowd.

"Even if it takes the last drop of my blood, I WILL see this land freed and your rulers restored to the throne!! And before that bastard breathes his last, I will make him watch his precious empire burn!"

Double Edge stepped up next to Wulfric with Shining Armor.

"I can see in all your eyes, when you gaze upon this caribou," Double Edge said. "You all doubt him and the rest of his clan because of what they are. Well I can say with confidence that any doubt that I had lingering in my heart has completely vanashed!" Double put his hand on Wulfric's shoulder. "I can proudly call this man my comrade-in-arms! He bled for us ponies! He fights to save us, and put an end to the Stonehoof scourge! If that isn't enough to convince you, then you all shame yourselves for being so distrustful! Like them, we shall also bleed for our new comrades! We will fight alongside them and bring an end to this war! So tell me! Who fights with us?!"

"...I!" A soldier from the ranks raised his spear followed by several others.

"AND I!!"

Seeing the men pledge their loyalty to this new alliance roused the crowd into a thunderous cheer that seemed to empower the Crystal Hearts as well as the ponies. When Shining Armor gave the signal to sound the horn, the armies marched off with the entire city cheering them on and raining flower petals down on them.

"Gods go with you Wulfric!"

"Fight hard Lord Arminius!!"

"Daddy..." Flurry sobbed as she hugged her father goodbye and he kissed her head.

"Be good to your mother, Flurry," Shining said with sadness in his eyes. "Daddy will be back soon."

"Come back to us." Cadence said while joining in on their hug and kissed her husband goodbye.

"I will, I promise." Shining smiled before donning his helmet and joined the march with his troops as they set off towards the border.

Canterlot

Sitting on his stolen throne and reveling in his ill begotten riches, Dainn Stonehoof smiled triumphantly as he watched the mares bound in chains scrub his floors while others were servicing his personal guards. To him, this was a daily routine and he basked in it almost every day but what pleased him most was seeing his favorite slave in shackles next to him like a common housepet.

"The beautiful Princess of Canterlot, look at you now." He smirked at Celestia who was forced to sit on her knees completely nude, her horn removed and turned into a necklace for the king and her wings encased in specially enchanted boxes to keep them from grown back.

"Damn you to hell," Princess Celestia growled under her breath.
In response, Dainn yanked on her chains and forced her down as he hoisted her flank up and moved her tail aside.

"Such a fine piece of ass and a thousand years old too~." He grinned while feeling her up and began rubbing his hands all over her rump.

"Tell me my pet, how long has it been since we last fucked~?"

"Go fuck yourself!" Celestia responded with a defiant sneer.

"Hmph I do appreciate a woman with-FIRE!!" Dainn shouted before plunging his cock into her and began humping her on the floor in front of the servants.

"Grrr no matter how many times we do it, your cunt truly is the tightest thing ever~!! What boggles my mind though is that you haven't gotten pregnant once! Not even so much as a miscarriage~!" He grunted before smacking her on her cutie mark.

"Nnng! Maybe it's not me! Rather your pathetic dick cant get the job done!" Celestia mocked.

Before she knew it, Celestia was turned on her back and slapped before being forced into a mating press as Dainn continued to defile her like the beast he was all while the guards looked on with envy and listened to the sounds of her panting and moaning.

"Perhaps a few days of being fucked by the mercs will change your tune! I'm sure you'd like a few dog cocks stretching you out!" He threatened while forcing her to look at him.

"Soon enough that fire in your eyes will die out and when it does, you will call me master and give me an heir worthy of this kingdom!"

"I would die before baring your offspring you-MMPH!!"

Without warning, Dainn pushed his tongue into her mouth and held her head in place as she let out a few muffled cries and sobbed before he released her with a loud smack and licked his lips.

"Ready for your daily filling my slut~?"

"No! NO!!" She screamed while trying to get away but the chains prevented her.

The army was on the march toward the fort. A fire in their eyes and their hearts beating to the drums of war.

"We're halfway there, we can make camp behind those hills and set up a perimeter before nightfall." Marshall said as he looked at the map to get a lay of the land.

"This is real, we're finally taking the fight to those savages! We'll be legends!" one of the soldiers shouted with excitement before he realized Wulfric and Arminius were next to him.

"Um-ahem-no offense my lords."

"None taken just be sure to stay alive to hear those stories." Wulfric joked as they moved towards the hills.

"The fort, who's in charge?"

"A member of the nobility." Shining said while dismounting.

"He was a member of Bluebloods group when Dainn invaded. Those traitors practically let them in."

"Then his head will be placed on the fortress gates when we're done," Arminius said, brutal and theatric as always. "What's his name?"

"Lord Valence." Marshall answered while helping prepare camp.

"I once had the displeasure of escorting that bastard to one of Bluebloods parties...if you can call it that."

"Was it not a fun party?" Pinkie asked.

"Not the kind you'd like miss." Was all Marshall needed to say for her to get a general idea of what parties the traitor prince liked to throw.

"EEWW!!"

“He was always a twisted bastard,” Double grumbled. “I still recall the Gala before the Fall when he treated everypony like garbage.”

"Mind if I punch him before you guys kill him?" Wiglaf asked while doing his best to keep up with his father.

"We'll see. For now, keep to the back and in the shadows. I want you to see your siblings when this is over," Arminius told his son.

Once the tents were placed and the squad selected, Each of the leading generals for each faction broke down the plan step by step to their troops to ensure no mistakes were made however much tensioned remained between the allied forces given their past histories with one another but none moreso than the knights in Double Edges unit as well as the changelings from Ryu's shinobi squad.

"We're really putting our faith in a bunch of cowardly bugs?" One guard scoffed while watching the changelings prepare their gear.

One of the Changelings glared up at one of the ponies and scuffed

"Got something to say, bug?" The pony asked with a snarl

"Oh nothing. Just feeling pity. You ponies hold yourselves in such high regards, yet it is because of us that any of you are even able to make any progress in this war. If you ponies are so great, then why did you all come crawling to us for help?" The changeling asked, a smirk on his face.

"Say that again?" The guard asked as they got in each others faces.

"I don't think I heard you right."

"Oh then you're not just dumb, you're deaf too." The changeling said with a smirk.

"Hey! That's enough!" Marshall shouted as he shoved both sides back.

"Save your anger for the raid."

"If you all have a bone to pick with each other then unleash that anger to the enemy!" Ryu told them, glaring at his men as he was disappointed in their behavior.

"Whatever at least we don't hide in the shadows during a fight." The guards resumed their preparations with their leaders keeping a close watch on them as the sun began to set.

"I have grave concerns about this mission." Marshall told Ryu as he crossed his arms.

"My men are very skillful warriors, but with great skills comes arrogance for many. I will keep my men in line because they trust me, and I'm sure your men feel the same about you." Ryu said "Words can fall on deaf ears, but actions cannot be fooled. During battle I believe both sides may find strength and comradery."

"Can't we just focus on killing the enemy?" Arminius asked the two.

"That we can do. Let's move out!" Marshall called out as they departed for the fortress under the cover of night. With the help of Princess Luna, the moon was nowhere to be seen and the stars that dotted the sky were barely able to illuminate the open field as the troops slipped in undetected by the guards patrolling the walls.

Ryu's shinobi were the first to strike by scaling the walls with special tools from their equipment and silently executed any guards that they came across before moving down to the gates to let in the rest of the troops.

"Where are the rest of the guards?" Marshall asked when Ryu pointed to the forts main hall brightly lit up and the feint sound of music.

"Typical. Let's slip in through the kitchens but keep a sharp eye out."

"Like that drunken group over there?" Wiglaf pointed over to a group of drunken louts, dragging a protesting mare behind them.

"...I got an idea. Follow my lead." Marshall said as he placed his longsword aside and marched up to the soldiers with a friendly wave.

"Evening friends! what do we have here?" He shouted, getting their attention.

"A gift from his lordship!" The drunk holding a wine bottle slurred before he noticed something was off.

"Hey...I've never seen you h-HIC!-Here before...you new?"

"Indeed just got in last night, thought I'd have a look...around." Marshall hinted to the others still hidden in the shadows while slowly reaching for his dagger.

“That right?” One of the guards slurred. “If you want a bitch to rub one off for ya, there’s a bunch just around the corner. One of ‘em can suck the soul outta ya, she’s so good.”

"Really, this slut have a name?" Marshall played along while moving closer.

“I dunno, I think maybe…Trixie?” The guard said. “The boys turned her into a red collar recently.”

"!! That so? I'll have a look."

"Hold on...you look familiar." One of the guards said after getting a look at Marshall's eyes.

"Do I? I guess I have one of those faces." Marshall began to feel nervous while gripping his dagger as they moved closer.

"Take off your helmet."

"Now boys there's no need to be suspicious, we're all comrades here."

“Take the damn helmet off, now!” One of the guards demanded, reaching for his sword.

"....NOW!!"

In a blitzkrieg move, the guards were suddenly surrounded and stabbed in their backs while their screams were muffled as they slumped to the ground while the mare just stood there in shock through the whole ordeal.

"Take their uniforms, hide the bodies and be quick." Marshall said before freeing the mare.

"Listen, follow these men and they'll get you to safety. Do you understand?" he whispered to the mare while the changelings took the form of servants as Double Edge and his group changed into the uniforms of the dead guards.

"Ugh! this bastard reeks of booze." Wulfric said while removing the guards clothes and boots.

"Lets just get this done before they notice something's off." Marshall said as he hid the bodies under some hay.

Once in their disguises, the soldiers calmly stepped into the hall to hear music being played loudly along with the sounds of shouting and laughing with mares moaning as they were taken on the floor and table of the feasting hall and at the center of it all was the pony in charge; Valence.

Valence was a member of Bluebloods court and was one of the more influential supporters when the invasion began, he ran a shipping company and often held lavish parties in hopes to earn favors with those in a higher position and with his new slave shipping endeavor he succeeded.

"That's him." Marshall whispered as they took their positions around the table with no one being the wiser. Ryu and his ninja's went into the kitchens to deal with any guards left over while the others took the seats nearest to Valence who was busy smooching a red collared mare as he poured wine all over her breasts to slobber up like a dog with a water bowl.

"Shame to waste such good food." Wulfric smirked as he helped himself while waiting for Double Edge to get close enough to give the signal.

Ryu and his ninjas made quick work of any guards posted nearby and his their corpses, ordering two of his men to use their Ninjitstu to take the forms of the fallen guards to help aid should the situation go south. Ryu and his other ninjas also poisoned some of the food and drinks to increase their chances of victory.

"I hope you know what you're doing, my friend." Ryu thought as he and his men hid in the shadows and out of sight of the enemy but still kept Double Edge and the rest in their line of sight to get word of his signal.

Unaware of the events that were about to unfold, Valence indulged himself in wine, food and women to his hearts content before calling his guards to bring in the main event. The doors suddenly flew open to reveal two stallions pulling in none other than Trixie; the former traveling magician now reduced to a red collar as she was strutted past the degenerate males who groped and spanked her each chance they got as she was brought before the noble.

"This just got harder..." Marshall whispered while sipping his wine slowly, his face still hidden under his helmet.

Valence took a stand and held up a cup of wine while yanking at the leash of his slave "Are you not entertained?" He shouted, causing a roar of cheers and excited glee to come from the Caribou "Then drink to your heart's content! Eat till your bellies are full! And breed till your balls are dry!" He laughed wickedly. The men cheered and continued to party without a care in the world.

"Perhaps now I may gain the favor of Lord Dainn." Valence muttered as he took a sip of his wine.

Slowly and carefully, the raiders took their positions near the lord as Double Edge and Marshall moved in from behind while the shinobi playing as servants continued to serve the guards their meals and with a simple nod from Double Edge, they sprang their trap.

“Follow my lead, old friend,” Double whispered.

Double and Marshall quickly approached behind the lord, unsheathed their daggers, and with swift movements, reached around to plunge their daggers into his neck and chest. The lord was about to scream, but Double covered his mouth quickly while no one else noticed. They waited until the lord’s life slowly ebbed away until he went limp. The two stallions pulled their daggers out from the lord’s body and retreated away from the lord’s chair.

It was only after Valence's goblet fell to the ground that the guards noticed his lifeless body now stained with blood but before they could react, the raiders struck them down and the entire feasting hall turned into a massacre as the slave girls screamed in terror while hiding in the corners.

"That was easy." Wulfric said while wiping some blood off his face.

"Let's get the gate." Arminius replied as they rushed towards the gatehouse to let the rest of their troops in while Ryu and his shinobi combed the lords main bedchamber for information.

“Are you alright, Marshall?” Double asked. “You seem a little on edge. Not used to working together again yet?”

"No...just not used to this kind of fighting...it feels wrong." Marshall said as they managed to open the gates and began setting fire to the nearby stables after releasing the animals.

“Best get used to it, Marshall,” Double said. “This is war, after all. No tactic, no matter how dishonorable, is too much.”

"That include murdering civilians..." Marshall asked before storming off as some of the raiders began escorting the slaves out of the fort.

"Sir. These are the servants of the fortress." A knight from Double Edges unit brought forth the castle staff.

"They wish to join us."

"Please milord, we only cooked and cleaned for those savages. We never did any harm to those girls." An earth pony chef begged for the others while scrunching his hat in his hands.

“So you hold no allegiance to Dainn?” Double asked. “How can you prove it?”

"One of the slaves you freed is my daughter." The chef answered.

"Valence threatened to have her humped if I didn't serve him so I had no choice..."

Double glanced at one of his men to bring the girl forward.

"Father?" the girl called out before running into her fathers arms as they both fell to their knees in tears.

"Oh my sweet little girl! Thank celestia you're safe."

"I think that's proof enough." Marshall said before tossing one of them an empty sack.

"Fill that up with what you can and set fire to the kitchen, we're leaving."

“Welcome to the rebellion,” Double said with a nod.

After taking their spoils and departing, the rebels fled the castle in the middle of the night and packed up their camp after one of their scouts reported an armed force coming to relieve the fort only to find a smoking ruin with the head of Lord Valence placed on a pike at the entrance of the now ruined fort and the one leading this band was none other than Olaf himself.

After his encounter with Wiglaf and the earlier punishment from the king, the once proud general now stood there with a black patch covering the hole where his nose once was and only had one antler atop his head.

"Damn rebels!!" He cursed while throwing his helmet to the ground in frustration.

Meanwhile

After putting some distance between them and the fortress, the army stopped to rest around a small lake to divide up their spoils and prepare transportation for the refugees.

Some were already sharing a drink with their fellow squadmates while others were busy planning the next attack with their leaders. Marshall however chose this time to take a stroll around the lake and clear his head as he looked up to the starry sky and enjoyed the cool breeze caressing his face.

"I see you had the same idea as me," Marshall spun around to see who had followed him. To his surprise, it was none other than Princess Luna herself. He was ready to kneel,but she had stopped him. "Please. You and your companions have done much for the kingdom, bowing is not necessary." She then joins him as they both look up at the sky. "A bit for your thoughts."

"I'm not sure I should be here." The warden sighed as he searched the grass for a stone to throw.

"I'm a mercenary; a sword for hire. What makes you all think I won't change sides at the drop of a hat?" He asked before skipping the stone across the lake.

"If you were, I doubt you would have killed any of the enemies we fought over the last few weeks," Luna countered while skipping a stone herself.

"I killed them because they tried to kill me. That is war." Marshall replied while looking at his reflection in the water.

"The life of a sellsword is all I've known. I never had a home I could call my own, nor a family....at least not until I met Raven."

"She does seem to be deeply infatuated with you," Luna said as her cheeks tinted red.

"Let's not beat around the bush your highness."

"Please, call me Luna." The princess insisted.

"Luna. We both know she was my slave girl for a while, there are various reasons she would be infatuated with me." The warden seemed to boast as he skipped another stone and startled a fish as it jumped out of the water.

"And you remember who I served before I joined you?"

"Yes...my nephew." Luna sighed.

"Just out of curiosity, did you ever consider putting him in the dungeons?" Marshall asked.

"On more occasions than I dare to remember but most of his offenses were minor. Despite his arrogant behaviour he knew where to draw the line...that is until the night of the gala." The princess answered before suddenly breaking into a laugh.

"I heard from my sister that Rarity smothered him with cake after he used her for a shield! Oh ho!"

"Pfft! HA HA HA HAA!!"

To hear the knight give out such an amused laugh surprised Luna as he held his sides and wiped away a tear from his eye after catching his breath.

"Now that was the most amusing story I've heard all my life!"

"I'm glad you found my story entertaining Sir Marshall. It's good to know you can smile." Luna said before gazing up at the night sky one more time.

"This has been a lovely talk but I must retire for the night."

"Sleep well...princess." Marshall winked as she left. After taking one more stroll around the lake, the warden returned to his tent and began removing his armor bit by bit unaware that something was rising out from under his bed sheets as the figure crept closer and stretched its arms out.

"...I don't think so." Marshall said before suddenly pouncing on the shadow and brought out a knife from his boot but the moment he removed the blanket from his attacker, he was met with a surprising sight.

"Hey there lover."

"Lightning Dust? what are you doing here?!?" Marshall asked in a mix of shock and anger as he put the blade aside and let her up.

"I could've killed you!"

"You would TRY to kill me." Lightning teased as she stuck her tongue out at her lover while he sat himself at the edge of the bed to remove his boots.

"Why are you even here?" Marshall asked as he laid back on his bed.

“Because…” Lighting’s attitude changed almost instantly as she looked at Marshall. “What…what do you think of me?”

“Elaborate,” Marshall said.

“Oh for- what am I to you, Marshall?!” Lighting barked. “Am I friend?! A comrade?! A lover?! Just a piece of flank?! It’s been driving me nuts!”

"Whoa if this is about that night at the party, I thought it was just a one time thing." Marshall was taken aback by her sudden outburst.

"I know that! but I kinda...had a talk with Raven before you left."

"A talk?" The warden smirked, knowing how his mare worked.

"Okay we fucked in her office WHILE we talked and she told me about your relationship." Lightning said.

Marshall flinched at her words and looked away in shame.

“So…you know what I was,” Marshall grumbled.

"Yeah...I know you served those sick fucks loyal to Stonehoof and I know you served that prick Blueblood before you joined us but I don't care about any of that." Lightning then straddled herself on top of him and cupped his cheeks so they could look each other in the eye.

"I just want to know how you feel about ME!"

“I…I’m not sure, honestly,” Marshall said, unsure how to feel in this situation. “I thought you made it clear that you hate me, despite that one-night-stand.”

"Then what made Raven so special? You could've easily tossed her aside and moved on to the next girl but you didn't. What does she have that I don't?"

"Lightning are you...Jealous?" Marshall asked before she suddenly began pounding on him.

"OF COURSE I AM YOU IDIOT!! I finally find the perfect man only to find out he's a merc out for money who already has a girl!! Meanwhile I'm a washed up acrobat with no team, no friends or family! I'm alone!!" She screamed with tears forming in her eyes as she continued to beat on him.

“Hey!” Marshall snapped, grabbing her hands. “You are not alone! You are surrounded by friends who still value you! Furthermore, you’re anything but washed up. You’re still one of the fastest flyers I’ve ever met!”

“You’re just saying all this to make fun of me!” Lighting barked.

“No I’m not! I mean it!” Marshall said.

“No you don’t! No one cares about me!” Lighting cried.

“I CARE, DAMMIT!” Marshall yelled.

Lightning gasped at his sudden outburst when he grabbed her.

"I care but...I'm afraid....afraid that one day I'll lose everything again..."

"Again?" Lightning then felt his hands shaking like he was scared.

"You don't know my whole story....before I was a merc, I was a nobles son...my full name is Marshall Avalon."

“Avalon?” Lighting repeated, then thought about it. “If I remember correctly, that name sounds Prench. You’re from Prance?”

"Was...my father was a prideful stallion who cared more about prestige than his own blood...when I was ten, there was a civil war between the former king and his sister and I was taken hostage." Marshall explained as he and Lightning got comfortable.

"The king offered my life in exchange for my fathers lands but the old fool refused, boasting how he had "The hammer and anvil" to forge more sons. The king was prepared to launch me from a trebuchet to splatter my remains on my fathers walls but...he saw how scared I was and instead took me in."

“So…wait, that means you’re a royal!” Lighting yelped, only for Marshall to cover her mouth from being to loud.

"No. Not exactly, the king never adopted me but he treated me like I was one of his own. After a few months of fighting, the war was finally ended and I was free to go my own way but because of the war and his actions, my fathers reputation was ruined and his lands were subsequently seized by the crown so I was sent to my uncles to train as a knight but found a surprisingly large collection of romance novels in his library." He chuckled while wrapping his arms around Lightnings waist.

“Romance novels?” Lighting said. “Strange collection.”

"Well the ponies of prance have their...own version of romance~." Marshall then groped Lightning's chest catching her off guard.

"I completed my studies and soon began competing in tournaments. Made a name for myself."

Lighting stifled a moan and managed to push Marshall’s hand away.

“You still didn’t answer my question,” Lighting stated. “And if I don’t like your answer, I’m quitting the resistance and taking my chances out in the open. What am I to you?”

To this, Marshall suddenly pinned her to the bed and began fondling her body while kissing her neck and held her hand.

"I want us to be more than a fling lightning but any day could be my last and to most I'm still a traitor...but I want us-you, me and Raven to be together...but I'm afraid..."

Lightning grabbed Marshall by his chin before making him look at her. "When we're together, there's no need for fear." She then locks her lips with his as they start to remove the remainder of their clothing.

"Mmmmmwait wait." Lightning huffed before reaching for his dagger.

"Cut my top open~." she grinned while handing him the blade.

"Feeling kinky, are we~?" Marshall asked before grabbing the hilt and placed the tip of his blade underneath the fabric of Lightning's bra. With one swift movement, the fabric started to split in seams before her breasts popped out. "There's my prize~."

As if to show off, Marshall noticed a fly buzzing around his tent and pinned it to the pole with a flick of the wrist before latching onto Lightnings right breast and squeezing her left one with his free hand as he forced her down onto the bed making her laugh and moan.

“Can I trust you, Marshall?” Lighting moaned as Marshall kissed her neck.

"Of course but...promise you won't leave me..." Marshall said as he nuzzled between her breasts and kissed his way up to her lips.

“I won’t,” Lighting said, feeling herself choke up. “You’ll never be alone.”

Lighting wrapped her arms around his head as their tongues battled for dominance. Marshall’s hands explored hr body and traced his fingers over the scars on her thighs and stomach.

“I swear to never hurt you…” Marshall whispered. “You are mine, and I am yours.”

Feeling playful, Marshall decided to knead her flank cheeks like dough and made them bounce before spanking her as she gave a few yelps and giggled.

"Mmm enough foreplay~." Lightning smirked as she pulled away from Marshall and got on all fours to shake her hips for him while fanning out her wings.

"Show me what you do to Raven in bed~."

"You asked for it~." Marshall said while getting a firm grip on her cheeks and licked his lips as if he was staring at a scrumptious meal.

Chomp!!

“Ahn~!” Lighting yelped. “Damn, that felt awesome~!”

Marshall smirked as he kept biting all over Lighting’s ass while groping her thighs and legs. Lighting bit her lip and moaned loudly every time the stallion sank his teeth into her supple flesh. Spanking was one thing for the mare but being constantly bit was an entirely new sensation for her all together.

Smack!

"WOO!! Mmmm~." Lightning murred after feeling her hind quarters getting smacked before her head was suddenly forced down and her rear raised up high enough for her lover to plunge his muzzle into her moist cunt without warning.

"MM!! mmm so aggressive~! I like that in a stallion~." she giggled before noticing he was feeling around for her hand.

Lighting obliged him by reaching for his hand and grabbing it. Marshall moved his fingers to interlock with hers as he lapped up every corner of her soaked pussy.

"Mmm Marshall?" She purred, calling out to him.

"I wanna hear you say it, say you love me~."

Marshall was prepared to look her in the eye so that she could her his words but she insisted on staying in her position and urged her stallion to mount her by shaking her hips one more time. As he got into position, Marshall held both her hands and began another trail of kisses up to her neck while prodding her entrance with his now hardened cock making her moan in anticipation.

"I love you, my sweet Lightning Dust~."

“And…I love you too, my brave warden~.” Lightning said, trying not to cry.

Marshall leaned forward and nibbled her ear as he pushed his way into her pussy. His rod buried itself deep into her crevice until all of it was completely inside. The tip of his mast had managed to kiss the very entrance of her womb.

"Mmm so how many girls did Raven invite to your bed~?" She asked as he slowly began humping her.

"Ahh sometimes two or three, I almost died of thirst each time she invited some girls over~." Marshall grunted while grabbing hold of her mane and left arm as he got more rough with her.

“Ah! So rough…” Lighting cooed. “Yet…so gentle too~!”

"I can be rougher if you want~?" Marshall stated as he moved them into a standing position and began to increase pace.

"Ooohffuck yes~! do it harder~!" Lightning said with her eyes rolling back as she felt her inner walls enveloping his cock.

"And maybe later..." Marshall grinned as he poked her rear entrance with his thumb.

"We'll try this out~."

“Let’s just savor the moment, stud~,” Lighting cooed as she pushed her hips against Marshall’s waist. “Now less talking, more bucking!”

Aroused by her feistyness, Marshall pinned her head down and began bucking her like a piston as both lovers moaned and grunted with her encouraging him to keep going as she became lost in pure bliss.

Spank!

"EEE! yeah baby rough me up~!"

"You're such a skank Lightning~!" Marshall said as he gave her another smack.

“Yes! I’m such a slut!” Lighting yelled. “Claim me, Marshall! Make me yours like you did Raven! Give me your love too!”

Marshall then pulled out of her to catch his breath as he repositioned her to where she was on her knees.

"Open wide~." he grinned as he planted his rod on her muzzle.

Lighting grinned and used her fingers to make her maw stretch as wide as possible. Marshall wasted no time and shoved his entire dick down her throat to the point he couldn’t see it anymore.

"Gllk~! mmmm~..." Lightnings eyes rolled back as he began to plunge in and out of her mouth, covering his cock with her spit before hilting himself down to the base.

"MMLK!"

"Don't choke now~."

Lighting didn’t even register his warning as she lathered her tongue all over Marshall’s cock as it went in and out of her throat. The taste of his meat coated her tastebuds which enticed her to suck more and more.

Once he was sure he was slippery enough, Marshall pulled her off his rod and shoved her down to the bed once more making her giggle.

"Mmm so assertive~." She complimented as he kneaded her flank cheeks again.

"Ever taken it that way before?" he asked while pecking her butt a few times earning another cute giggle.

“They never cared about what I wanted,” Lighting said. “I know what I want now~.” Lighting wrapped her legs around Marshall. “I want you~.”

Marshall kissed her before suddenly plunging his cock into her flank as she gave a muffled scream and when their kiss broke, she saw a hungry look in his eyes that scared her but also aroused her at the same time.

"Cute as that was, I want to see the feisty mare who couldn't be broken~." He growled as he began slamming her in a mating press.

“Grr! You think this is enough?!” Lighting yelled at Marshall. “I can barely feel it!”

"Oh now it's on bitch~!" He shot back as they shared a more aggressive kiss and the whole camp began to hear them go at it as if they were fighting for their lives.

"How's that? Feel it now skank?!" Marshall grunted while taking Lightning doggy style as he pulled her mane and right wing.

“AH! HOW DARE YOU, AHN~, PULL MY WING!” Lighting yelled. “AND I’M NO ONE’S SKANK!”

"Wrong answer~!" Marshall spat as he smacked her flank hard and pulled her into another passionate kiss.

"If you don't wanna be my new girl just say so~." He teased as he slowed down to play with her breasts.

“I don’t wanna be your girl!” Lighting barked and gazed at him with fiery lust. “I want to be your little whore~!”

"Mmm good answer~." Marshall replied as he pulled out of her flank and plunged back into her pussy.

"Since we're roleplaying, I happen to have a spare red collar for you~." He grinned as they nuzzled each other lovingly.

“Yes~!” Lighting moaned as he started thrusting. “I’ll belong only to you! No one else can have me!”

"Mmm but what if I decide to share you~?" Marshall teased as he reached his limit.

“Then they, AH~, they only get the back door! Only you, gods yes~, only you have access to my womb!” Lighting said, imagining in the back of her head if her future with Marshall.

Marshall then suddenly felt his heart flutter. He never pictured himself with a family of his own and before he realized it, he flooded Lightning's womb with his seed as they both cried out in pleasure and held each others hands tightly.

“GODS YES~!” Lighting yelped as her eyes rolled back in her head. “I can feel it~! Give me more~! Fill me to the brim~!”

"ARGH! Crap I can't stop!!" Marshall grunted as he gave her a few more thrusts until he was completely drained.

In the afterglow, both lovers stared at each other still catching their breath with Lightning now wearing a red collar with a little gold heart attatched as Marshall loomed over her with a warm smile.

"My sweet Lightning..." He sighed while giving her another kiss.

"Stay on top of me, it's cold tonight." Lightning hummed and wrapped herself around him, not wanting him to pull out.

Unbeknownst to the couple, something started appear on the corner of Lighting’s stomach. A dim light glowed and shimmered until a small symbol of Marshall’s cutie mark appeared.

End.

Lost Sentry

The sun rose the next morning and as Lightning awoke she found herself still under the weight of her stallion and decided to give him a morning kiss ignoring the sound of the troops doing their morning drills.

"Mmm wake up stud~." She purred, rousing him from his sleep.

"Morning my sweet." Marshall replied and returned the kiss as she reached down for his crotch.

"How's about a quickie before breakfast~?"

“You’re insatiable, you know that?” Marshall chuckled.

Lighting smirked as he stood up on his knees and she went to suck him off. Once she was on her knees, Marshall did not hesitate in shoving her down all the way to the base making her give a loud gulp as she repositioned herself and serviced her lover with her hands gliding all over his abs.

"Gods I love you..." Marshall huffed while gently holding her head in place when a knock came at the door.

"Apologies lord, you are needed at the war council."

"Be there soon!" Marshall shouted through the door when Lightning released his shaft with a pop.

"Not if I can help it~." She grinned before shoving him back onto the bed.

An hour later, Marshall was dressed and entered the war tent, where he found that he was the center of attention. "What?" He asked after seeing Arminius and Wulfric grin at him.

"I can see you were busy this morning." Wulfric smirked just as Arminius gave Marshall a hard pat on the back.

"So she finish you or bring you back to life?" Arminius joked while bringing him over to the war table.

"A bit of both really..." Marshall sounded exhausted as he slumped into his chair and felt a few joints in his spine pop.

"So where do we stand in our campaign?"

"Well luck seems to be on our side. According our scouts reports, the other fort has been all but abandoned, the lord who once occupied it has fled with all his wealth leaving only his slaves and servants behind." Shining Armor said before moving pointing to another location on the map.

"There's more, the next stronghold is a prison and it seems to be heavily guarded. You all know what that means."

"They're protecting something." Marshall said with a bit of intrigue.

"Or someone." Twilight added as a thought crept in the back of her mind.

"The question is who, and whether it's a prisoner or a key player in Dainn's forces," Arminius said while looking at the fort.

"The defenses are mainly on the inside, so it looks like the former is more likely."

"Whoever is in there, I say we bust em out."

"We really risking our lives for one prisoner?" Pharynx objected as Ryu shot him a glare.

"There could be others in there, nobles who are kept as hostages for leverage." Shining said in argument of his objection.

"If the Stonehoofs and traitors are holding someone, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat on our part," Arminius added.

"There any way in?" Ryu asked after overlooking the forts defenses.

"From what we gathered, there's at least two walls. The outer wall is fortified with archer towers on four corners while the inner wall has scorpios, our best bet is a small culvert here on the forts western wall."

"We lay siege to the fortress while another team slips in and locates the prisoner. I will lead the infiltration personally."

"Leave the siege to me." Marshall grinned.

"Mind you gentlemen we have to do this right, one mistep will cost us valuable resources and troops." Thorax cautioned while taking notes on their supplies.

"One shot is all we need."

"We launch the attack at dawn, I'll assemble my officers."

"Present!" Lightning Dust chimed in as she strutted into the tent to give her stallion a kiss.

"I...may have forgotten to mention the OTHER reason I'm here." She sheepishly smiled while handing him some papers baring the royal seal.

"Hmm by order of her majesty Princess Cadence, Lightning Dust is here by given the rank of Lieutenant and is placed under the command of Sir Marshall by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza." Marshall blinked in astonishment before reading the rest.

"PS: Shining, come home soon we miss you."

"Alright, we got ourselves a new lieutenant," Arminius nodded before turning to Lightning. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Get rest gentlemen and I do mean rest." Shining Armor said while looking at Wulfric and Arminius.

"We'll all need to be at our best if we're to pull this off." Double Edge added as they departed the war tent to prepare.

"What do we look like? Horny teens?" Arminius whispered over to Wulfric.

"They do have a point though," Wulfric said as Applejack came and took him away to their tent.

While the others prepared for the attack, Twilight stood just outside the camp and looked towards the ominous structure in the distance as the sun began to set.

"I wonder if..." she paused her train of thought not wanting to get her hopes up and returned to camp for some rest.

On her way back she felt an emptiness in her chest that seemed to grow even bigger when she saw Marshall and Lightning Dust embracing one another before seeing Double Edge with Cherry cozying up by the fire. A single tear fell from her face when she felt the air grow colder and turned to see Wulfric was able to chill the air around him thanks to months of extensive training under Twilight and Ryu's teachings.

"Something you want to get off your chest?" He asked while fiddling with the snowflakes now dancing in his palm.

"....before the war, I fell in love." She admitted.

"Odins beard. Who's the lucky stallion?"

"His name was Flash Sentry...the last time we saw each other...was when Canterlot fell." Twilight sighed as the memory of that horrible day came back to her.

"He stayed behind to protect me and I couldn't do anything to help...ever since that day, all I can think about is him. I don't know if he's turned against us or if he's even alive I just feel...helpless."

"There's no reason to feel that way. You're doing him proud by helping lead the resistance. And I bet my left testicle that he's still alive, and waiting for you," Arminius told Twilight, hoping it would help.

"Uhh thanks I guess?" She said with a bit of a cringe as Wulfric dispersed the small blizzard around him.

"Well it's going to be a long day tomorrow, let's get some rest."

Twilight bid her friends goodnight and returned to her tent. Once dressed in her evening gown, she looked at a photo on the nightstand next to her and sighed, it was a picture of her and Flash on their first date.

That memory filled her with such happiness but at the same time sorrow, a year had gone by and she had no clue where he was.

"Flash if you can hear me...I miss you and...I really need you." She said with a tear in her eye as she held the photo, imagining that her stallion was next to her and holding her in his arms.

Morning

As the sun rose, the warborn were beginning their pre-battle ritual by decorating themselves with ceremonial war paint as their elders began chanting a prayer in their native tongue all while being watched by their allies.

"That's uh...kinda spooky." One of the knights said as he noticed their stone-faced expressions while being painted on.

"Our battle preparations are different." A samurai said while sharpening his blade.

"We only say a short prayer to the gods and our ancestors with an offering placed in front of a shrine before departing for battle. In fact, general Ryu should almost be done with his ritual."

Like the Samurai said Ryu was off on his knees with his hands clasped together, his sword laid in front of him as he held a necklace of beads in his hands. In front of him was a small shrine that was left to nature as vines had grown around it, yet still stood strong, becoming one with the land. At the shrine there was a rice ball, a bottle of sake, and a hatchet that was taken from an enemy commander Ryu had slain

"May you continue to watch over me and my men as we venture on to another battle. I promise to deliver as many heads to you as an offering." Ryu said, bowing down in front of the shrine. After ten minutes Ryu slowly rose back to his feet and picked up his katana, walking back to his men.

"Are we ready gentlemen?" Shining Armor asked as the leaders gathered.

"Then let's be about this. Marshall, our troops are in your hands. Lead them well."

"As you command sire." Marshall said as he mounted his beast and gave the signal to move out.

"Wulfric, have you chosen your squad?" Arminius asked while preparing to join the front lines.

"I have. Shining Armor and Twilight will assist me along with Double Edge. Once we're inside we'll break out any prisoners we find." Wulfric replied as he gripped his axe.

"The Allfather has favored us, let us honor him with righteous battle."

"I'll keep count then," Arminius boasted as he flipped his bear skin cap on.

Siege Lines

The knights wasted no time in assaulting the walls and main gate of the stronghold as they bombarded the enemy with trebuchets and stormed the walls with siege ladders and grappling hooks yet despite their best efforts the enemy was doing well in keeping them at bay.

"They're good..." Marshall said as he watched more of his men fall of the walls while others desperately tried to hold what positions they were able to secure.

"What's the status on those petard charges?" he asked after watching another ladder get knocked down.

"Slow going my lord, that bomb is heavy." One of his lieutenants said as the men prepared a large wagon carrying an explosive device..

While the battle raged on at the front, Wulfric and his squad made their way to the western wall and found the culvert Shining's men discovered.

"So now what?" The crystal prince asked when Wulfric handed him his weapons.

"Stand back." Wulfric said before taking a deep breath and placed his hands on the bars and slowly began covering them in ice.

"I get it, you're freezing the bars so they can break off!" Twilight said in astonishment.

After a few minutes, the bars broke off and were quietly set aside as they snuck in to see that most of the enemy was occupied with the siege making it easier for them to sneak into the strongholds interior.

"This place is huge, how do we know where to look?" Double Edge asked when they heard a scream coming from below.

"Follow the screams." Shining Armor said as they hurried through the halls and dodged any patrols they came across until finally reaching the dungeons.

"This is it." Wulfric said as he peeked around the corner to see one lone guard sleeping by the prisons main entrance and thanks to Twilights magic, they were able to carefully pluck the keys off his body and snuck into the holding cells where many prisoners were kept. Some Twilight knew from Canterlot and Ponyville, others were of the noble class in Canterlot.

"Oh my gosh..." She gasped in shock as she saw how badly hurt and malnourished the prisoners were.

"Start unlocking the cages, I'll check the back." Shining Armor said as he marched past the cells when one of the mares grabbed him.

"Please, help us!" She begged as the prince gently took her hand.

"We'll get you out I promise." Shining smiled before he heard a scream.

"Who is that?"

"A soldier who helped one of the princesses escape. They torture him every day but he refuses to talk. I don't know how much longer he'll last though since Prince Vortigern's here."

"Vortigern? he's here?" Wulfric asked and looked the prisoner in the eye to make sure she was telling the truth.

"Yes, him and his elite guard."

"This just complicated things. Twilight, ready a portal to get these prisoners out of here but be quick." Shining instructed his sister.

"Double Edge, Wulfric, you're with me."

Double and Wulfric nodded and followed Shining. Twilight used her magic and conjured a portal for the salves to go through and escape.

“Shot in the dark, but what’re the chances this mystery prisoner is Flash?” Double asked.

"if it is then we need to hurry." Shining said as they rushed down the stairs to hear more screaming.

"We better move fast, if Vortigern's anything like his father he'll kill him slowly!"

“You’d better stay alive, brat!” Shining said. “You’re the only stallion I acknowledge to be my new brother-in-law!”

The three men rushed down the steps until finally reaching a large rotunda underneath the fortress and before them a large iron door where they heard another scream.

"Shining!" Twilight called out as they turned to see her flying down the steps.

"Twilight what're you doing?!?"

"I heard what you were all talking about, If Flash is here then I have to know!" Twilight said to her brother before the door slowly opened.

"How sweet, a princess coming to rescue the man she loves. It's like a fairy tale told in reverse." A voice called out as a young stag with grey and white fur stepped out followed by several armed guards whom Shining Armor recognized as his old squadmates from the guard.

"Vortigern..." Wulfric hissed while gripping his axe.

"Pleasure to see you again lord Wulfric and with my bride to be nonetheless." Vortigern winked at Twilight who just glared at him with disgust.

"And Shining Armor I trust you recognize your old friends?"

“You lot…” Shining sneered at his former comrades. “You dare show your faces before me?! You bring shame to your fathers who were once proud knights of Equestria! If they saw you now, they would spit in your faces!”

"Sorry shining...but chivalry just doesn't cut it these days." One of them said as they entered a standoff and slowly took their positions.

Shining Armor noticed that none of them were moving away from the door as they drew their weapons and as he readied himself he asked.

"Who's locked in this place?"

"...I'm sorry my prince but this is where the rebellion ends." One of them replied as they reached for their swords.

"No...it's where the end of your empire begins." Double Edge replied and swiftly drew his swords before they began exchanging blows.

Enraged by the thought of her beloved imprisoned by this monster, Twilight launched a magic bolt at Vortigern in an attempt to end the vile princes life but to her surprise he blocked it with a spell of his own. He could use magic!

"How?" She asked aloud, completely dumbfounded.

"Amazing what you can find in a library these days." Vortigern replied before his antlers suddenly lit up and he shot at her with a spell of his own.

“Twilight!” Double yelled as he clashed with a stallion and Vortigern fired his own beam of magic.

Twilight quickly conjured a shield spell and it bounced off. The force of the blast made Twilight’s head hurt and there was a crack in her shield. Vortigern grinned and fired another beam as he began walking towards Twilight.

“Stay away from her!” Shining barked but was blocked by the traitor stallions.

“It was foolish of you to come here, Princess,” Vortigern said as he fired another beam. “You didn’t know this but I was originally supposed to be your new master in the beginning of the fall.”

"I would never marry someone disgusting as you!!" Twilight snapped back before blasting him with a beam of her own.

"You and your father destroyed everything I ever cared about!! Ruined my life-The lives of my friends! my family!!"

“Oh look, men, the pet is talking back to her master!” Vortigern mocked as he walked closer. “Marriage? What are you, a foal? In this world, there is only worthless, cock-hungry slaves like you, and the true masters of the world, like us the Stonehoofs.”

"ENOUGH!!" Wulfric bellowed as a wall of ice suddenly sprang up and sent Vortigern crashing into the wall.

"For the crimes you committed against these people and our own..." His voice shook with anger and as Vortigern began to look up he suddenly noticed Wulfrics eyes glowing with mystical power as he seethed with a rage that made him look monstrous.

"I WILL SEND BOTH YOU AND YOUR FATHERS SOULS TO THE SHORES OF HELHEIM MYSELF!!"

In a burst of rage, he began hacking apart the guards furiously allowing Double Edge and Shining Armor to assist Twilight in cornering the prince.

"Much as I would like to kill you, you'll make a valuable hostage." Shining said with the tip of his halberd pointed at him.

“Hostage?! How dare you, filthy rebel?!” Vortigern barked harshly as his horns glowed bright. “I will not submit like some commoner! I will-!”

SLASH!

In flash of speed, Double Edge swung his swords and managed to cut off both Vortigern’s antlers.

"Huh......HHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH!!!" The prince let out such a horrendous yell that Twilight was forced to cover her ears.

"What have you done?!? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!? My antlers! MY PRECIOUS ANTLERS!!"

"Thought you could use a trim." Double Edge smirked just as Wulfric finished off the last of the guards.

"It's over Vortigern! you've lost."

"No...no this is just the beginning! Mark my words, when my father sees what you've done to me he will rain hell down upon all of you!! THIS DISHONOR WILL NEVER BE FORGIVEN!!"

Before they could stop him, Vortigern pulled on the chain next to him activating a trap door that he jumped through all while glaring at them with murderous intent.

"And so the snake slips away..." Wulfric said as if expecting this before grabbing the antlers.

"At least we get a trophy. Now let's see who's through that door."

Using her magic, Twilight pulled the heavy door opened as it creaked and groaned to reveal a torture chamber filled with all sorts of sadistic tools.

"Damn...I knew the stonehooves were brutal but this..." Double Edge said before hearing a feint groan.

"Who...who's there?" A dry voice called out from the end of the room.

"If you're going to kill me then get it over with...."

"That voice..." Twilight gasped as she rushed over.

Hanging from the wall, everyone gasped at the sight of a beaten and battered stallion. Cut wounds, bruises, clipped wings, and both eyes blackened but they could all recognize the poor prisoner that was none other than Flash Sentry. Twilight’s heart broke into pieces when she saw Flash’s condition. The young, strapping stallion she had a crush on that soon bore into actual love now rendered into a beaten and bloody pulp.

“FLASH!!” Twilight screamed and ran over to him. “Flash! It’s me! It’s Twilight! Speak to me!”

With what strength he could muster, Flash lifted his head and stared into the eyes of his princess. Even in his weakened state, his heart began to race with joy upon seeing her.

"Twi...light..." he sighed as she smiled and held his head up gently.

"Yes Flash. I'm here." She sobbed happily as Wulfric and Shining cut the shackles holding his arms up.

"Let's get him some help." Shining said before hearing the sound of multiple footsteps rushing downstairs.

"Fuck! Get ready for a fight!"

"Sire? Princess? anyone here?" Marshall called out much to their relief.

“We’re down here!” Double called out. “If there’s a med team with you, get over here! We got a soldier in critical condition!”

"You heard the man! MOVE!!" Marshall barked at two medics and made way for them just as they neared the chamber.

"Sweet Celestia is that?" The medic said after seeing Flash.

"Get a stretcher!" The other called out as they gently laid him down.

"You're gonna be alright son."

"The fort's ours, the rest of the enemy surrendered." Marshall said with a salute to his prince.

Shining nodded and followed Flash while he was being carried away.

“You still breathing, little brother?” Shining asked his former protege.

Flash could only give a weak smile as he was carried away and above he began to hear the cheering of the troops, not only did they score another major victory but they sent the son of the tyrant scurrying back to his father in disgrace.

"...Double Edge."

"Sire."

"Tell the mages to open a portal back to the empire. I think it's time we went home."

SMACK!!

Vortigern stumbled back and fell in his haunches after being viciously backhanded. Blood seeped out of the corner of his mouth as he stared up at his father in shock and fear. Meanwhile, Dainn glared down at his son with disgust and disappointment.

“F-Father?! Why?!” Vortigern asked.

"You had the princess in the palm of your hand! Not only did you let her escape-BUT YOU ALLOWED THE ENEMY TO FREE EVERY LAST HOSTAGE WE HAD AGAINST THE NOBLE HOUSES!!" Dainn roared with fury at his son.

"Not only that but you allowed a rebel to do THIS to you!!" He pointed at the stubs that were his antlers.

"Father please if you'll just-!"

"SILENCE BOY!! You have disgraced me enough for one day. Get out of my sight!!" Dainn then pointed to the doors leading out of the throne room and reluctantly his son left in disgrace.

"It seems I've underestimated these rebels long enough. Olaf!!" He called for his top general who had been standing in the corner of the room through the whole exchange.

"My king."

"Tell me, do you still wish to crush these rebels?"

“With every fiber of my being, your majesty,” Olaf bowed.

“Then I hereby appoint you in command of my armies,” Dainn said. “And you have the authority to do whatever is necessary to crush them!”

Olaf bowed and left while Dainn left to the medical wing of the castle. The staff all bowed in his presence and the mares turned around to show off their flanks. Before he stepped inside the medical wing, he grabbed a random mare with him as he opened the doors.

“Get on your knees and suck me off as I conduct business with the doctors, slut,” Dainn commanded.

The mare happily obliged as he sat down and unzipped his pants as one of his doctors came over with a clipboard and seemed to be taking notes.

"You called sire?"

“I want to know the test results,” Dainn ordered as the mare licked his hardening shaft and fondled his balls. “Is Sun Slut pregnant with my heir yet?”

"I'm afraid not sire." The doctor said as the king forced the mare to choke on his cock in frustration.

"What is she barren?!? How is it that bitch has not had at least ONE child in her lifetime?!?"

"MMMMM!!" The mare gripped the armrests of the chair before being let back up to breathe.

"I've even had my guards fuck her just to see if it would take but none of them knocked her up either!"

“As you’ve ordered, we have tried every possible concoction of potions and elixirs to maximize pregnancy rates,” the doctor said as the mare sucked on his balls. “But none of which have proven effective.”

“So she really is barren…” Dainn grumbled.

“Not exactly, sire,” the doctor said. “We’ve run several checkups on her, and her womb and eggs are both completely in tact. It’s as if any sperm cell that attempts to make contact and implant itself somehow is killed off immediately.”

"Grr what the hell is going on?"

End.

Respite

In the following month, Shining Armor had decided that the army needed some much needed time to recooperate after so many consecutive battles. Marshall was placed in charge of the now occupied stronghold with a battalion of his best troops to keep watch for the counterattack from Dainn that was sure to come.

In the palaces medical wing, a certain pegasus was lying in bed with an oxygen tube placed in his nostrils as his chest slowly rose and fell with each breath he took. It had been a long time since he had felt so comfortable and so relaxed after being confined and tortured for what seemed like an eternity. He would soon be roused from his sleep when Twilight came in with a lunch tray and a warm smile as she called out to him.

"Flash? Flash it's time to eat."

Flash blinked away the dots from his vision before smiling at Twilight. "I thought being rescued was a dream. A moment of happiness before the pain started again." He takes Twilight's hand, where she nuzzled it with her cheek. "Seeing your smiling face reminds me the dream is real."

"I promise it's no dream." Twilight smiled while holding his hand for a few moments.

"I hope you got an appetite. It's soup today."

"A princess feeding me? I'm honored." Flash teased as she prepared his meal and all the while he could not take his eyes off her and that bright smile of hers before she began feeding him.

As Twilight kept feeding him, her smile started to waver. "You had me worried, Flash." She said before putting down the spoon. "I thought you were killed that day, and I lost the love of my life."

"I would gladly give my life if it meant keeping you safe." Flash said as he took her hand.

"But all the same, I'm sorry I worried you." He smiled as a doctor came in for his daily checkup.

"Good morning Lieutenant Flash, how are we today?"

"Feeling a little stronger doc."

"Good to hear and I see Twilight is helping you with your lunch." The doctor smirked at the young couple.

"Now remember princess he must eat slowly. Poor fellow had to have his stomach pumped after what those fiends did to him."

"What do you mean doctor?" Twilight asked with concern as the doctor explained.

"They fed him poisoned food. Now mind you the toxins weren't enough to kill him but they were potent enough to cause unbearable pain."

"They tried to break me." Flash said as the memories came back.

"They wanted me to tell them where I sent you but I never said a word...but the torture isn't what scared me." He said while looking at Twilight.

"It was the thought...of never seeing you again."

"Oh Flash." Twilight smiled as she kissed his forehead before resuming to feed him.

“Doc, can you please go and get Shining Armor and Double Edge? I need to speak with them,” Flash requested.

"Just one last thing." The doctor then turned Flash's head to the side to reveal some kind of mark branded into his skin as he jotted down a few notes before leaving.

“What is that?!” Twilight yelped.

“A slave brand,” Flash sighed. “They gave me it a few days into my imprisonment. But even after all that, I still held strong.”

"What was the point though? I thought only females were branded." Twilight asked feeling worried for her coltfriend.

"I'll tell you when the others get here, I promise." Flash said as he took a deep breath and finished his meal just as Shining and Double Edge arrived along with Bulwark and their other comrades.

"Getting better soldier?" The captain smirked while joining his sister.

"Forgive me for not saluting sire." Flash said as Shining waved off his concerns.

"Please, call me Shining. We're all friends here."

"This is the one you spoke of?" Bulwark asked as he entered.

"Bulwark where have you been?" Double asked.

"Busy...intelligence is not an easy source to come by right now what with Diann cracking down on spies." Bulwark spoke.

"Oh you haven't met. Flash, this is Bulwark. Princess Luna's new general."

"Sir." Flash nodded in acknowledgement of his superior.

"Now Flash. If you can, tell us what happened to you after your capture." Shining Armor said while he sat next to him and Flash took a deep breath as he recalled his captivity.

"After I was captured...they took me to the king." Flash began as the memory of him being dragged through the throne room all bruised and battered after helping Twilight escape.

"He wanted to know where Twilight was going but I refused...then he did this to me." Flash then pointed to the brand on his neck.

"After that, these other stags in robes began some kind of strange chant and my head started to hurt and my world began to spin..."

As he recalled the memory, the brand on his neck suddenly began to burn as though the iron was still hot and his head began to feel like it was about to burst open.

"AAAGH!!"

"FLASH!!" Twilight called out while the others held him down.

"Easy soldier! Breathe!!" Shining yelled as Flash continued to writhe in pain.

"AAAH!! The pain!! MAKE IT STOP!!" Flash screamed just as Double Edge managed to hold his head in place long enough to see the brand mark flaring red.

"Wulfric, your magic!!"

"On it!" With a gentle touch, Wulfric placed his hand on the brand and began using his ice magic to ease Flash's pain as the soldier began to feel relieved and settled down.

"Aaggh..."

"W-what was that?" Twilight gasped having been frightened by the whole ordeal as Wulfric removed his hands to get a closer look at the mark.

"Son of a bitch...that's a rune of binding."

"A what?" Shining asked.

"A kind of mark used on slaves to keep them in line. This must be how Dainn recruited so many followers, willing or not."

"Can it be removed?" Twilight asked while the nurses checked on Flash.

"I think so but I gotta see the elders about this."

Wulfric came back with one of the elder shaman, an old stag with a few points missing from his left antler, and he was blind in his right eye. The Shaman passed his hand along the brand and muttered a soft chant. After letting out a sharp gasp, the shaman turned to the others. "He has been branded by the enemy!"

"We already know that!" Shining said before pointing at Flash. "How do we-Woah!" He stepped back as the shaman brought out a knife with runes along the blade. "What are you doing!?"

"We need to cut the brand off." That was all he said before he moved with speed the others thought he didn't have before he started to slice off the brand.

Flash screamed as the blades tip dug into his flesh while the nurses held him down.

"STOP! YOU'RE KILLING HIM!!" Twilight begged as she was held back by her brother.

Continuing his work, the shaman started slicing around the brand, doing his best to slice the skin and not go too far into the meat. After a few pain filled minutes, the shaman got the brand off. He quickly placed it in the fire and chanted as the flesh burned with a green flame.

"What in the name of Celestia?" Double Edge said with shock while Flash was given a patch to cover his neck injury. The group breathed a sigh of relief just before Wulfric suddenly bonked the old stag over the head and became infuriated.

"DAMMIT OLD MAN! Warn us before you decide to flay someone!!"

"The brand allows the master to hear all that his slave hears!" Knowing that, the group looked around the room, hoping they never said anything important. "The longer it stayed, the longer we would all be in danger." With that, the shaman took his leave.

"Thorodd. He's the wisest among our shamans but he tends to do things without thinking."

"Hold on, when Flash trying to explain the curse the rune activated." Double Edge said in realization.

"Which means if there's a way to inflict this curse..."

"Then there's a way to break it. Flash, I know you're tired but please try to remember again." Twilight asked her stallion as she held his hand.

While Flash recalled the memory as best he could, Arminius was in his tent, spending as much time with his family as he could with a war going on.

He rubbed Hilda's back as Sigrid and Wiglaf played a game of playing out their best battles. Wiglaf was retelling the story of how he saved Diamond and Spoon. "And just as he had me by the scruff, I cut off his nose and made him pretty," He said as he mimicked cutting of his mothers nose.

Sigrid laughed as she fell to the floor and brought her son in for a hug. "Very good, my little buck." They both got up before she kissed his forehead. "Now, let me tell you how I slayed the raid leader a winter before you came along."

Arminius chuckled as he leaned into Hilda. "If I remember correctly, you were fighting by her side."

"Mhmm. I couldn't let a pregnant Doe like her fight some deranged psycho." She then chuckled as she leaned back on him. "However, I couldn't do anything about the deranged psycho she had waiting at home." They both laughed before kissing each other.

Sigrid then picked up Wiglaf and started tickling him as they joined Hilda and Arminius on the bed. Arminius brought both his wives and son into his arms. He looked down at the three smiling faces and was assured about one thing. If nothing else, this is what he was fighting for.

"We've missed you both so much." Sigrid smiled while cuddling her son.

"I know, even though it was only a month that was still too long to be away from the two of you." Arminius said as he kissed her forehead and rubbed her belly which had grown quite a bit in the time they were gone.

"Also, we heard some interesting news." Hilda smirked while stroking Wiglafs head.

"Seems our dear friends Lightning and Marshall have grown close."

"Yeah hard to believe. Two mercs, falling in love." Her husband chuckled before noticing their son had fallen asleep in their arms. Even though he was getting older, they still thought of him as their little stag.

"My boy." Arminius smiled as they tucked him in.

Training Grounds

After his visit to the hospital, Wulfric took this time to train his magic at the palace grounds with Ryu and Twilight as his tutors. The young chieftain began his training by sitting in an open area of the grounds while Ryu circled him as he gave instructions.

"Remember: Relax and focus. Let the energy flow through you." Ryu said as he watched every breath Wulfric took and would sometimes strike him when he saw him losing focus.

"Concentrate! Lest your magic runs wild again."

Wulfric did as was told and began to summon three pillars of ice around him as Ryu stepped back. Once the pillars were formed, Wulfric slowly stood up and as his eyes opened, they gave off that same eerie glow they had in the dungeons.

"Now...STRIKE!!"

"RAAAGH!!" Wulfric lashed out like a beast attacking its prey as he smashed each pillar with his bare fist leaving nothing but shards of ice and bloodied knuckles as his training came to an end.

"You're getting stronger my friend."

"I still have much to learn." Wulfric said as he went to bandage his hands.

"Now that we know Vortigern can use magic, it's safe to assume his father can do the same."

"Which is why you must train even harder to fully control and master your new abilities. A sword is just a piece of metal unless it is wielded by a warrior." Ryu explained to Wulfric "Whenever you are in combat, try to utilize your powers to their full extent. Get a feel on how to use it to aid you in battle."

"Easier said than done. You've had years to master your magic, I'm just a beginner." Wulfric said as he finished bandaging his knuckles.

"By the way, I noticed you've been hanging around Fluttershy a lot more lately. Thinking of making her yours?"

Ryu tensed up and his cheeks turned a light shade of pink, luckily his mask was able to hide it

"I...Fluttershy is a lovely woman, and I suppose I would not be against the idea..." Ryu said, clearing his throat as he tired to hide his shy tone.

"Heh heh well she is a sweet girl and is great with animals but I heard from Rainbow she's got a fiery side." Wulfric winked.

"Well that's enough training for today, I'm gonna go see what the others are up to."

"Remember what I said, you must learn to control your powers." Ryu said as he looked up "I'm going to go... Meditate. Yeah, meditate." He said as he quickly walked off, secretly going to meet with Fluttershy.

Despite having been given many marriage offers during his time at the palace, he had never felt so nervous being around a girl like her. She was sweet, gentle and above all kind especially towards animals of all kinds.

"Here you go." She said in a sweet voice as she fed the animals, even the predatory ones.

"Now don't be greedy." She smiled as a rock lizard nuzzled her and gave a purr-like growl.

Ryu watched Fluttershy feed the animals as they all gathered around her like a warm fire, her voice able to soothe even the most dangerous of beasts. Ryu slowly walked over to her and bowed

"Hello, Fluttershy. I see you are keeping our friends company." He chuckled as he watched a grizzly bear resting beside her.

"Oh Ryu. Are you finished with your training?" She asked while scratching the bears ear.

"Y-Yes, Wulfric is starting to get better control over his new powers. Soon he will be a master of cryomancy." Ryu said as he sat down a few feet away from Fluttershy, his body stiff and his fingers nervously tapping his thighs.

"Have you been well, Fluttershy?" He asked.

"Yes, very well ever since we finally came back to the empire." She said as her grizzly friend yawned and walked back to the stables to rest.

"And I'm especially glad to see...most of our friends again." Fluttershy then let out a short sigh as she turned towards the beacon of the crystal heart.

"I've asked all around the city but nobody has heard a thing about Rarity...I hope they're okay."

"Thinking of the worst will not help in anything. If there is one thing I have learned is that we must have faith in our friends and allies abilities. If your friends are even half as strong as you, then I am positive that you will meet them again." Ryu said as he pulled down his mask to smile at Fluttershy.

"But...i'm not strong at all." She said as a part of her mane fell and hid half of her face.

"All I did was hide when our home was taken, I couldn't even protect my animals...you are all a lot stronger than me."

"You think that because I wield a sword that I am strong? Or that Wulfric has large muscles that that is all he has? There are many ways to be strong. You could've given up hope on freedom, you could've accepted this fate and not run off. But you didn't give up. You kept fighting, you kept going. And... I am grateful that you did." Ryu said as he reached over and gently brushed her mane away to see her face.

"You're more stronger than you realize."

The two smiled at each other as another of Fluttershy's animal friends came over for its share of cuddles and some even began to approach Ryu as if he were their owner. For a while this was peaceful until Ryu saw Pharynx marching up to Wulfric with his usual disapproving glare.

"Hmm impressive force but you could stand to improve."

"Excuse me?" Wulfric raised a brow to Pharynx while watching him examine the broken ice shards.

"Your chakra is impressive but it still lacks focus."

"How so?"

"Your technique is sloppy, amateur at best. You'd barely pass for an apprentice."

"I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or an insult." Wulfric began to feel annoyed by Pharynx's remarks as he marched towards him looking like he was ready to fight.

"My brother showed you how to focus your chi but I will show you how to destroy your enemies." Pharynx smirked as he pointed at Wulfrics chest.

"Imagine being able to destroy your opponent from within using only seven blows. Seven blows...with your bare hands and not leave so much as a scratch on them as if they simply died in their sleep."

"How is that even possible?" Wulfric asked. Pharynx scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"I'd rather not deal with my brother and your wives mourning your death, so I'll explain it to you. Picture your Chi as a large flowing river. All of it constantly streaming throughout your body, never ending. But now you put a dam in one point of the river, cutting off the flow of the river in that area. Then you add another dam and another and another until all the water stops flowing." Pharynx said as he pushed his finger on specific points on Wulfric's body. "If you cut off a point in your enemy's chi certain functions will cease to work. From nerves, to walking, to even breathing. You will be able to even cause all of their blood to rush through certain openings such as eyes, nose, and ears."

"That...sounds like a terrible way to die."

"But it is effective especially against foes who are much stronger than you." Ryu said while Wulfric finished bandaging his hands.

"Normally we keep this technique amongst ourselves but for you we'll make an exception."

"Indeed, you need all the help you can get." Pharynx smirked just before Wulfric tried to sucker punch him but was caught mid swing.

"Impressive, my turn!" Pharynx demonstrated the technique by jabbing to areas in Wulfrics shoulder before his arm suddenly went limp and flopped to his side.

"hey! What did you just do?!?"

"Gave you your first lesson."

"I can't feel my arm!" Wulfric panicked.

Pharynx chuckled before jabbing his arm again, and Wulfric's arm was back to normal.

"What an unusual technique," Double said. "And you say anypony can learn?"

"Only those we are willing to teach so count yourself fortunate." Pharynx said with a sinister smile before cracking his knuckles.

"Let us begin."

For the next couple of weeks that followed, Wulfric was put through hellish training to not only improve his physique but his use of ice magic.

As the training progressed, news reached them about Flash Sentry's recovery and his eagerness to get back into the fight despite his condition and this of course worried Twilight.

"Flash please you should take it easy." She begged while helping him walk as his legs were still too weak from lack of exercise.

"Twilight I've been out of this fight long enough! I gotta do something to help." Flash argued when Shining Armor stepped in front of him, arms crossed and glaring down at him with a scolding look.

"You can start by following doctors orders and resting up and that is an order from your captain." He said with an authoritarian voice, using his status against him.

"Yes sir..." Flash sighed as he was lead back to his room. Twilight looked back to give her brother a thank you smile before he left to the palace dungeons to check on the prisoners they had captured at the fortress. Upon entry, he was greeted by cries of protests and anger as the inmates bashed against the magic barriers while others mocked and teased the prince as he walked by.

"Ooh look the royal cocksucker has come to grace us with his presence."

"Shall I kiss your ass your majesty?"

"Hey where's that bitch wife of yours and her little whore?"

That last insult was the final straw as Shining lashed out with his magic and snapped the inmates arms on both joints, silencing everyone with his screams.

"Sire, I do wish you wouldn't do that." A voice called out to him as Sunburst appeared wearing a lab apron with his signature beard and glasses.

"Apologies Sunburst but they were getting out of hand." Shining said as he stepped into the lab.

"What's the status on our research?"

"Well it's just as the Elders said. These runes seem to have a binding spell bestowed on anyone who has been marked by them but as for the psychic link well I dare not take any risks. The enemy could easily spy on us."

"Then it's a good thing we put protection spells around this prison and The Empire, especially after finding out that one of our own was prepared to sell us out."

"Oh yes, the merchant our new allies mentioned. He was interrogated but we found no signs of enchantment on him, only bags of gold."

"So in the end he only did it for the money." Shining sighed in disappointment while Sunburst went over his notes.

"What about the spell that weakened Luna and Celestia on the day of the invasion? Have you made any progress on that?"

"As a matter of fact." Sunburst then rummaged through the various notes strewn about his lab when they were suddenly lifted into the air and stacked neatly on his desk.

"Honestly Sunburst, learn to organize."

"Oh Starlight! I didn't realize you were in."

"What would you do without me?" Starlight rolled her eyes before pecking his cheek as she handed him the notes he was looking for.

"Right. So according to our spies, it seems Dainn was only able to cut off the magic of the princesses through the use of some special runes created by his shamans and from what we gathered they have also taken an interest in The Elements of Harmony."

To this, Shining felt a shiver crawl up his spine as it never occured to him that the elements could be used as a weapon against them.

"What are they doing with them exactly?"

"Ehh that's hard to say sire. All we got were reports of screams coming from the castles lab during the night followed by strange noises."

Shining scratched his chin in thought when a messenger entered to come and whisper something in his ear.

“Really?” Shining said and the messenger nodded. “Bring her in.”

The messenger nodded and left the room for a moment. When he returned, he came in with a mare whom Starlight did not expect to see again. It was her long lost friend, Trixie Lulamoon. The mare wore raged clothes under her torn up performer’s cloak. Her mane and tail were slightly dirty and matted, and she had bags under her eyes that indicated she hadn’t slept in a good long while. In her arms was a little foal that had similar features of her but her mane and tail were dirty blonde.

“T…Trixie?” Starlight said.

“Hey…Starlight,” Trixie said with a half smile. “It’s been a while.”

"Oh my Celestia what happened to you?!?" Starlight gasped as she helped her friend inside.

"it's a long story but could you keep it down? We've had a long journey." Trixie vaguely requested when Starlight noticed she was carrying a little bundle in her arms.

"Oh my hoofness..." She gasped as her friend gently moved the blanket aside to reveal a little filly sleeping soundly.

“Is…is this?” Starlight said.

“Yeah…my daughter,” Trixie said, shocking Starlight.

They sat Trixie down as Sunburst handed her some water.

“I have so many questions,” Starlight said.

“I’m sure you do,” Trixie said. “Allow me to answer the biggest one then. This is Bluebelle. She’s…Bluebloods daughter and mine."

"You...and Blueblood?" Starlight said in disbelief.

"It was a one night stand, just a week before the coup." Trixie explained while leaning back in the chair.

"The prince loved my show and decided to invite me up to his bedchambers for some fun. He really put on the charm and like an idiot I fell for it....but it wasn't a total loss." She then gave Bluebelle a gentle poke on her cheek that seemed to make her smile and squirm.

"I got to keep this little angel."

“And you dodged a huge bullet keeping her away from that swine,” Shining commented. “No offense.”

“Oh, none taken. He only wanted a mare to lay with,” Trixie said. “You’d think since he knocked me up he was decent in bed but he was honestly quite unskilled. Didn’t even get me off before he finished.”

“Pfft,” Shining snorted while Starlight and Sunburst blushed. “Why even give him a chance?”

“Dunno,” Trixie shrugged. “In my arrogance, I figured sharing a bed with a prince would make me more popular. That is until I realized that he was an insufferable prick who’d never give the time of day for me and my foal. It was a week later when I found out I was pregnant and the Fall began.”

"How did you make it this far?" Sunburst asked while carefully inspecting the foal for any signs of sickness or malnourishment.

"It was not easy. We had to travel through the wilds most of the time and I had to do a lot of stealing just to get us this far."

Blueblelle then began to stir from her sleep and let out a big yawn before taking in her new surroundings.

"Good morning sleepyhead. Everypony, meet Bluebelle, Bluebelle meet your Auntie Starlight and Uncle Sunburst."

Starlight was ecstatic to be called the foals aunt as she waved hello but when she looked at Sunburst, she seemed to grow curious and reached out to touch his muzzle.

"Um hello little one." Sunburst smiled before he felt his beard being tugged.

"Ow!"

"Oh she likes you!" Trixie said before her fatigue suddenly began to set in and she nearly fell over.

"Trixie!" Starlight caught her in time and helped to hold the baby up.

"I'm alright, just very tired."

“May I?” Starlight asked, holding out her arms.

Trixie nodded and handed her daughter to Starlight. Bluebelle looked up at her new auntie and let out some baby babble, making Starlight smile.

“She’s adorable, Trixie,” Starlight said. When she looked at her friend, Trixie had suddenly passed out and was completely asleep.

“Seems like she’s been holding her fatigue in for a while,” Shining said and picked her up in his arms. “I’ll get her a room where she can rest. We’ll continue this later.”

"Agreed and maybe get this little one some proper nourishment." Sunburst suggested while letting the filly hold his finger.

As Shining left the three friends to catch up, the thought of the elements being used agaisnt them crept back into his mind and he made his way to the medical wing where Twilight had just finished giving Flash his lunch as he laid there in bed.

"Getting better soldier?"

"Doc says I'll be out of here in a month sir." Flash sighed but seemed disappointed.

"Relax Flash, there'll be plenty of fighting to be had by the time you're done."

"I should be out there helping! Not stuck in this bed..."

"Flash you've done more than enough. I know that more than anyone." Twilight said as she held his hand tight.

Shining eyed his sister holding his hand and soon caught on to what was going on between them.

“I knew it,” Shining said. “You two really are in love, aren’t you?”

This made Flash and Twilight tense up but just as Twilight was about to retract her hand, Flash grabbed it and looked at Shining in his eyes.

“Yes, sir, it’s true,” Flash confirmed. “I…I love your sister. Very much, in fact. I almost laid down my life for her once, and I’d gladly do it again.”

"You'll hear no objections from me." Shining smiled.

"But just a heads up and I'm saying this as a brother. Break her heart and I'll break you." Shining said with menace in his voice that even made the nurses tremble in fear while Twilight rolled her eyes.

"I'm pretty sure you came here to discuss something?" She asked.

"Right. It's about the situation in Canterlot, Dainn is up to something big, really big."

“When I was captured, I was visited by Dainn himself,” Flash said, shocking Shining and Twilight.

“You met him?!” Twilight yelped.

“Yeah…I’ll never forget that encounter,” Flash sneered.

Flashback

“AAAAAAAAARRRRGGHHHH!!”

Flash screamed as he was chained up and a stag used a heated poker to drive it in Flash’s back.

“Where is Twilight Sparkle?!” The stag barked in Flash’s ear.

"Fuck you..." Flash glared in defiance at his captors before being jabbed again.

"Tell us where she is and I promise no more harm will come to you." The dungeon master sneered while gripping the stallions mane.

"Does anyone really trust the word of a northlander?" Flash smirked.

“No,” a voice said from the other side of the barred door. “But you shall learn to fear it.”

The door opened to reveal the one stag Flash didn’t expect to meet. Dainn Stonehoof waltzed in, followed by a few of his generals, and the dungeon master bowed to his king.

“Dainn…Stonehoof!” Flash said, and the dungeon master punched Flash’s cheek as hard as he could.

“You had best address his majesty properly if you want to keep that defiant tongue!” The stag growled.

“Enough,” Dainn commanded. “Hmm…” Dainn looked over Flash as he glared at him. “You’re just a colt. A colt, yet you’re so strong-willed. A shame you chose the wrong side.”

“I’d rather die than turn against my home…!” Flash sneered.

“I believe you,” Dainn said. “Which is why instead of killing you, I will kill the other rebel’s imprisoned here right before your eyes. Unless you tell me where my broodmare is hiding.”

The other soldiers begged Flash not to say a word even as they were dragged in front of him and guards began lining up with their spears.

"It's your choice boy. Sell out the princess or...sacrifice your men." Dainn raised his hand preparing to give the signal and just for just that one moment, Flash's resolve began to waver.

"If I tell you, my men will be spared?"

"You have my word." Dainn said, his voice sounding reassuring but once more the men protested.

"NO FLASH DON'T!!"

"He's lying!!"

"...The yaks." Flash shamefully admitted the truth much to the dismay of the others.

"She's gone to Yak Yakkistan where you'll never reach her."

"Dear boy, nothing is beyond my reach." Dainn said with a few playful pats to Flash's cheek before turning his back to him.

"...Kill them."

"No Stonehoof! NO!!" Flash screamed in a mix of rage and despair as the guards began executing the other prisoners one by one.

"STONEHOOF YOU GAVE ME YOUR WORD!! STONEHOOOOF!!"

Flash gripped his sheets tightly and looked away in shame after confessing he basically sold out Twilight.

"They died...because I was weak..."

"You can't blame yourself Flash." Shining tried to reassure the grieving soldier as the tears began to fall.

"I sold out my princess, betrayed my comrades...I have to make it up to them."

Twilight could only hold her stallion as he grieved but Shining felt only rage, not towards Flash but to the tyrant now sitting on Canterlots throne.

"We will avenge them Flash, I promise." He said with a reassuring hand placed on his shoulder.

"Just focus on recovering and once you're back in the fight, you'll be there with us when this war comes to an end."

“There’s something else you should know, sir,” Flash said. “Right before Dainn left, I heard him mentioning something about Minora.”

“Minora? The Minotaur Kingdom?” Twilight said. “But that’s well beyond the borders of Equestria, even Yakyakistan. Why would he care about them?”

"They're hiring mercs from that place. Dainn's been taxing the citizens to death to gather troops and supplies for his army, he's been confiscating the wealth and lands of the nobles but that's not all."

"This about the elements?" Shining asked as his subordinate nodded.

"They're trying to wield them for themselves, use them as weapons against us but from what I heard in the dungeons the ones who weren't capable of wielding the elements suffered a terrible fate."

“The Tree of Harmony!” Twilight said. “That’s where they are! And the Tree is protecting them!”

"But for how long?" Shining wondered before the nurses told them that visiting hours were up.

"We'll talk more about this when you've recovered." Shining said when Twilight did something unexpected.

"I'll see you again, I love you."

smooch

Flash’s wings stiffened when she kissed him on the lips and left. Shining just smirked as he pat his shoulder.

“Welcome to the family, Flash,” Shining chuckled.

"Uhh...thanks." Flash said in bewilderment as they left but the mood quickly changed once they were out of earshot.

"This is bad Shining, if Dainn gets his hands on the elements, it could spell disaster! not just for Equestria but for every nation from here to the sea."

"Then we need to step up our efforts. Once this winter has passed, we'll gather our allies and march on Canterlot."

“So soon?” Twilight asked.

“We don’t have a choice,” Shining said. “Securing the Elements should be our top priority. Especially now that you and your friends are back together. I doubt Dainn cares how to harness their power, which is why he’s using force. What concerns me is that it’s only a matter of time before he realizes the Elements can only be used by the Bearers themselves.”

"But we still don't know where Rarity is or Spike for that matter! And let's not forget he still has Celestia." Twilight argued as they approached the balcony overlooking the city.

"What if he uses her as a hostage or....what if he decides to execute her?"

“He won’t do that.” Shining and Twilight turned to see Wulfric approach them.

“I’ve known Dainn Stonehoof a long time. Not only is he a cold-hearted bastard, he also is manipulative and conniving. He already is aware of the status you bear as Princess alone. Including the status of you and your friends being the element bearers. He wants to use that to his advantage. If he had his way, he would’ve taken his time to break you and your friends. So that once you all became red collars, he’d display you for all of Equestria to see so that any shred of hope left would die out. Thus sealing his rule forever.”

"I take it your training is done?" Shining asked as he joined them.

"For today. We may not know where your friends are Twilight but you have my word, we'll find them before this war is over. I heard from AJ that this Rarity is quite the fashion designer, I'd love to have her make a wedding dress for when I pop the question to my girls." Wulfric smirked at the thought of his two lovers dressed as brides.

“I also look forward to that,” Twilight said. “I see now that you’re the perfect partner for both of them.”

“Now then, let’s focus on locating this Rarity and Spike,” Wulfric said, folding his arms. “Can you think of any place she’d think to go if she had no where else?”

Twilight narrowed her eyes in thought as she thought about the question. Rarity always went on and on about the places she’d love to go and open one of her clothing shops, which was pretty much almost everywhere. However, there was one place that popped in her head.

“Maybe…Windome Falls?” Twilight said. “I overheard her say it was a place she liked to go to get away whenever she was overwhelmed with dress requests.”

"Windome Falls? That's a small town on the east border that's under our protection." Shining seemed to recall after hearing the towns name.

"If she is there, we'll know."

The three then departed to the dining hall for a well earned lunch where they were met by Chrysalis and Cadence who were surprisingly having a friendly chat and what was more surprising was that Flurry Heart was cuddling against the queens endowed chest as she was gently held.

"Ohh you are just the cutest thing!" Chrysalis nuzzled Flurry's cheek as the foal giggled.

"I see you two are getting along." Wulfric smirked as they seated themselves.

“Perfect timing, Twilight, I was just about to ask Chrysalis something,” Cadence said.

“Me?” Chrysalis perked up.

“Chrysalis, we may not have the best history with each other but we can tell you’ve changed despite the circumstances,” Shining said. “We’re in this war together, and we’re also thankful how you’ve helped us with both the war efforts and even helping us with Flurry.”

“It’s the least I can do,” Chrysalis said as she caressed Flurry’s mane. “I still have a lot to atone for.”

“Which is why we’ve come to you with an offer,” Cadence said as she and Shining held hands. “Would you like to be Flurry Heart’s godmother?”

"Me?" Chrysalis gasped as Flurry cuddled her again.

"I...I'd be honored." Chrysalis smiled as she gently hugged little Flurry in her arms before she suddenly became sad.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"It's just...I thought I'd be holding one of my own by now." The queen sighed, surprising the others.

"You have a foal?"

"Several foals to be exact, I am part insect." Chrysalis gave a short laugh and let out a sigh.

"But ever since that brute took over, there has been almost no love to feed off in this land and so my children cannot be born...what love they do get comes from me and my husband."

"I bet Crafty Dodger is one proud papa." Wulfric chuckled when the servants brought them their meal.

"After making me give birth to a dozen offspring, he better be." Chrysalis said in an almost threatening manner before handing Flurry back to her parents.

"Enough of this sad talk, let's fill our bellies while we still can."

Flurry reached out to Chrysalis and giggled loudly. Just then, a pink aura surrounded her and it drifted over to the Changeling Queen’s stomach. The group watched as Chrysalis moaned, not in a sexual way, like she was tasting something delicious. When Flurry calmed down from her giggling, Chrysalis’ body grew a few inches and her womanly assets grew in size. The color in her face flushed and looked more alive as the bags under her eyes disappeared.

“What was that?” Wulfric wondered.

“That was the most filling batch of love I’ve ever had!” Chrysalis chirped, rubbing her tummy.

“Love?” Cadence said and looked down at her daughter. “Did Flurry feed you somehow?”

“Must be because you’re now her godmother,” Twilight smiled. “She now loves you as much as she does her own parents.”

"Such a sweet little thing." Chryslais cooed to her new godchild as they began to dine like a real family with the exception of Wulfrics table manners as he scarfed down everything on his plate like an animal.

"By the way Shining, where's Marshall? I haven't seen him at all today." Cadence asked while feeding Flurry.

"He was assigned to watch the stronghold we took. Fort Bastion, they call it plus he volunteered." Shining said before taking a bite of his meal.

"I wonder what he's doing right now?" Twilight asked as Wulfric gave a short chuckle.

"Knowing him, probably drilling his men to death or sharpening his blade."

End.

Demons In The Mist

After taking care of the wounded and sending them back home, Wiglaf carried a bucket of water over to his mother as she stitched up a wound on Arminius's head. "You alright, dad?"

"I'll live. Ouch! Assuming your mother doesn't finish the job," Arminius smirked as Sigrid finished the last stitch.

"Keep whinging like that, and maybe I will." She kisses his stitch and starts cleaning the wound.

"Not dead yet, are ya?" Wulfric asked while walking up to them.

"Not yet. Odin still has a use for me down here," They all laughed.

"Why didn't we leave with the others lord?" A soldier asked as the sun began to set.

"There are still many unaccounted for and could be either lost or dying in these swamps plus there could be stragglers lurking about. We'll do one more sweep in the morning but for now we rest." Wulfric said before noticing a mist rolling through the forest.

"Hmm...Arminius, set a watch around the camp."

"You expecting company?" Double Edge asked after noticing Wulfric was keeping an eye on the swamps.

"Call it a gut feeling."

As night fell on the swamp, Wulfric once more resumed his watch by the campfire. The feeling he had earlier did not fade as he gripped the heft of his axe as if expecting an attack before the sound of footsteps gave him a jolt.

When he turned to face whoever was approaching, he was relieved to see Double Edge who had decided to join him on his watch.

"You seem nervous friend, something on your mind?"

"In my homeland, the mist is a bad omen said to carry evils within."

"Silly superstition to keep the children from wandering out at night." Wulfric and Double Edge turned to see Arminius walk up to them. "No need to frighten the boy with tales of spirits and monsters."

"Legends ring with a hint of truth Arminius, do not dismiss them so casually." Wulfric argued before tossing another log on the fire.

"The women and children leave through the last portal?"

"Aye. Though our ladies have stayed, and my boy wants to keep watch whenever you get tired." Arminius chuckled.

"Hmm he's brave like you. Maybe one day I'll be blessed with one of my own." Wulfric smiled at the thought of being a father as the clouds gave way to the moon and stars.

"Well if there are any monsters out there, they'll have a hard time sneaking up on us now." Double Edge joked as they laid around the campfire with the other soldiers yet as they slept a figure stalked them from the darkness, it's form shrouded by the dense brush and mist as it looked upon the unsuspecting soldiers like a predator stalking prey.

When the fire died out and the air grew still, Double Edge heard the feint snap of a twig and slowly began to rise up before suddenly being jerked down by Arminius.

"What-"

"Shhh. Look." Arminius said quietly as he pointed to several figures moving through the mist.

As Double Edge quietly reached for his swords, he saw that Wulfric and the others had been awake for some time and were only pretending to sleep with some adding a bit of snoring in hopes of luring the enemy closer.

"When they come, we form a circle. Backs to one another." Wulfric whispered as the shadows drew closer.

"What are they?" Double Edge asked while keeping an eye towards the shadows.

"Something from a forgotten age..."

Just as the air grew still, and the crickets ceased their chirping, a wild roar went off from the tree line before creatures with the skulls of bears atop their heads came charging forward with crude weapons and mounted bear claws.

"NOW!" Wulfric shouted as they sprang to their feet and began attacking the mysterious assailants. Double Edge was shocked at what they were fighting, the figures screamed an otherworldy scream as they lashed out from the mists with the troops desperately trying to hold them back.

"Double Edge! Look out!!" Arminius screamed just as one leaped at Double Edge from behind and cut him across the face with a clawed hand.

"AGH!! why you!" The unicorn seethed with rage as he stabbed his attacker in the throat with both swords.

In a nearby tree, Wiglaf was sniping as many targets as he could see but the swift movements of the enemy combined with the mists made it impossible to land every shot.

"Where's dad?" He looked on with worry, unaware that one of the monsters had discovered his hiding place. As the mist began to fade, the creatures fled back into the forest, their attack was repelled and victory seemed to be in favor of the allies.

"What were those things?" Double Edge asked before feeling the sting of his cut.

"My lords...could the legends be true?" Surt asked the chieftains.

"Well figure this out later. Did we lose anyone?" Wulfric asked as some of the unicorns used their horns to illumiate the area.

"Pike is here..." One called out.

"His head?" Arminius inquired.

"...No."

"They take the heads, just like in the stories."

"Dirk is here...it's the same." A caribou soldier called out after finding another body.

"I see none of them."

"What?"

"None of Them! none of the ones we killed..."

"Nor do I."

The whole group gave the battlefield a quick glance and saw their comrades were right.

"Not ONE."

"I took at least two that could not have lived." Wulfric said after checking the area where he was fighting.

"As did I. We all did." Arminius spoke. "Even my boy took some down." He looked around for Wiglaf, but found no sign of him. "Wiglaf. Wiglaf! My son! We don't have time for games!"

"Must still be in the tree keeping a lookout." Wulfric shook his head and went to the tree to where Wiglaf was hiding.

"Wiglaf, come down from there! The fighting's over." He called out but received no answer.

"Wiglaf?" He called out again but was met with silence.

"Something's wrong...search the place!" Double Edge ordered as they fanned out and began searching for the boy.

As the group combed the battlefield, they kept calling out for Wiglaf.

"Wiglaf!" Arminius shouted before stepping on what felt like a twig. When he looked down, he was horrified to find what it was. "No. No, no, no, no!"

"Arminius what is it?" Wulfric asked just as his friend held up Wiglafs shattered bow.

"They took him...they took my boy!!" The chieftain yelled in a mix of anger and heartbreak before they found a clawed footprint pressed into the dirt.

"So they have returned...." A soldier said in a foreboding tone.

"These creatures? What are they?" Double Edge asked but his northern friends seemed reluctant to answer.

"It is said, they eat the dead." One finally replied.

"What kind of being could do that?"

"Only one our people know of from legend...they are called The Wendol."

"SHH!!" Surt demanded the soldier not say anything further when Wulfric found a totem of what looked like a pregnant female with only her limbs and head missing.

"What is that?"

"The Mother of The Wendol...."

"Damn her to Hel!" Arminius roared before slapping the totem at Double Edge's feet.

Upon their return, the surviving soldiers met with their families and told their superiors of what transpired but the worst was to come when Sigrid and Hilda saw how distraught their husband was.

"Arminius what is it?" Sigrid asked in confusion as he showed them the shattered bow.

"I'm sorry my loves..." He said as a dark realization crept into their minds.

"Where's Wiglaf? W-where is our boy?"

"They took him..." Arminius struggled to get the words out as Sigrid began to break down in tears.

"No...No! Not my Wiglaf!!" She sobbed as she was held by her family.

"Wulfric what were those creatures?" Double Edge asked but was met with the same reluctance from before until Wulfric let out a deep sigh.

"Follow me, all of you." He gestured to Twilight and the others as they went inside the palace. They met in the palace guest living room where a fire had been lit and for a few brief moments, Wulfric stared into the flames before turning to his friends.

"I trust you all know what happened?"

"The soldiers told us everything, even Double Edge here showed us proof." Shining Armor referred to the claw marks on Doubles face.

"Wulfric, who or what are they?"

"....Long ago, there were these creatures that preyed upon our people." He began his tale, reciting everything he knew by heart.

"They were neither caribou, nor beast but something horrifying. They came in the mist, in the darkness of night as if they could see through it clear as day and when they attacked, no one was spared. Men were torn apart and fed upon by their bare hands, women and children butchered like animals before they too were feasted upon and any village they found was burnt to the ground leaving nothing but death and ash."

The fireplace popped, startling Pinkie Pie as she clinged to Applejack.

"But like all things, the land began to change, the mists were few and far between, the night gave way to the moon and stars and then the hunters became the hunted." Wulfric said while turning back to the fireplace.

"Our people hunted them across the north and did to them what they did to us, their stone weapons were no match for our steel. Guided by the will of the Allfather we hunted down every last one of them....or so we thought." His head hung low as he turned to his friends once more.

"They are The Wendol; The Eaters of The Dead."

"And they took Wiglaf..." Arminius began to grip his goblet to the point where it was slowly being crushed in his hands.

"We'll get him back, Ryu is personally following their trail as we speak but now all we can do is wait."

Hours went by with no word from Ryu as the friends tried to go about their routines with Double Edge being treated by Cherry Blossom as she inspected the cuts along his face.

"You're lucky, the cuts didn't go too deep." She said while turning his head slowly.

"Ow! careful they still sting." Double protested before she took a mortar bowl with a strange paste in it.

"What's that for?"

"To stop the puss from running, otherwise you'll get a fever." She said while taking a popsicle stick to spread it on his wounds.

"This will sting."

The moment the ointment was applied, Double Edge could swear the same claws that struck him were digging right back into his flesh as he did his best to stay still while some of the soldiers laughed at his expense.

"Glad to see they're in good spirits." Shining said when a guard suddenly came rushing in with all haste.

"My lord, messenger from Dainn Stonehoof at the gates. He demands that he sees you, Lord Wulfric and Lord Arminius as well."

"Does this messenger have a name?" Shining asked out of curiosity.

"Yes sire, he calls himself Flavus."

Palace Gates

The air grew heavy as the citizens stared at the tainted banner of the stonehooves being held by a former royal guard while escorting one who many considered to be the kings lackey.

When the gates opened, Shining Armor marched out with Wulfric and Arminius as well as Twilight and the others.

"Brother, how good to see you again." Flavus feigned a gentle smile but Arminius turned and scoffed in disgust at the very mention of being the traitors brother.

"Speak your piece lapdog and be quick." Wulfric demanded with his arms crossed as he stared him down.

"What's the matter? Have a bad winter?" Flavus chuckled before he was socked across the jaw by Arminius.

"I should've drowned you when you were a scrawny little shit!" Arminius roared before he was restrained by Wulfric and Shining. "Where is my son!?"

"Oh yes...the little turd who gave me this." Flavus chuckled while gesturing to the cut on his cheek.

"I think our new friends are taking good care of him but we will get to that later."

The lackey then cleared his throat and he unrolled the scroll and read loud enough for all who were gathered.

"By royal decree, Prince Vortigern Stonehoof son of King Dainn hereby challenges Wulfric Warborn of The Warborn Clan to single combat in a duel to the death."

"What?!?" Applejack protested as they were all taken aback by the challenge.

"No flippin way!" Dash agreed with her partner when Wulfric raised his hand for them to be silenced.

"And what if I refuse this challenge?" Wulfric asked.

Flavus smirked before rolling up the scroll. "Then the Wendol will have the little turd for a snack."

"You Illr argr-BACRAUT!!!" Arminius lunged at his brother, axe ready to chop him to pieces before he was held back by the guards.

"IF YOU SO MUCH AS HARM A HAIR ON HIS HEAD I SWEAR I'LL KILL YOU!!"

"Arminius." Wulfric called out to his friend and looked him sternly in the eye before turning back to Flavus.

"Tell prince Vortigern I accept and tonight, I will drink to his bones."

"I'll be sure to tell him." Flavus got up to leave, but not before saying goodbye to Arminius. "Till next time, brother."

"Pray I never see you again," Arminius threatened his treacherous kin.

Later

"You're really gonna go through with this?" Applejack questioned her lover as he carefully sharpened his axe.

"You do know this is a setup, that varmint's more sneaky than a fox in a hen house."

"Even so, I won't back down especially when one of my kin is held hostage." Wulfric replied as he gave the blade one last stroke of the whetstone.

"And my blade has been thirsting for that scums tainted blood."

"But there's no guarantee they'll hand over Wiglaf even if you win!" Twilight argued as Wulfric went to his armor rack to make some adjustments.

"There's got to be another way." Dash said before she grabbed his helmet.

"We're not letting you do this!"

"I didn't ask for your permission." Wulfric said as he took the helmet from her.

"Well I'm not happy about it!" Dash spat back as she took the helmet again.

"Well I don't see another way!" Wulfric argued as they began a tug of war over the helmet.

"We're just gonna have to FIND one then!"

"Well let me know if you DO!"

"Should we stop them?" Twilight asked Thora as the two of them continued to argue.

"No no, let them work this out." Thora said as their tussle got a little more heated with Rainbow using her wings to keep the helmet just out of Wulfrics reach.

"Now that's cheating!" Wulfric protested as she blew him a raspberry.

"Raargh!" Outside they could hear Arminius smashing practice dummies and small trees in his rage, stopping the fight between Dash and Wulfric.

"Another..." He huffed as the last practice dummy was hauled away in splinters.

"Sir maybe you should rest." A soldier suggested before Arminius glared at him like he was gonna murder him.

"ANOTHER DAMMIT!!"

Another dummy was brought out, this one resembling Flavus. Arminius foamed at the mouth before charging the dummy, impaling it with his antlers and launching it over the walls.

"He's been at this for the past hour." Double Edge said before a plume of green flames caught everyone's attention and saw Ryu had returned from his scouting mission.

"Forgive my tardiness friends but I had to make sure I wasn't followed." He said while dusting himself off.

"Did you find them?" Sigrid asked with worry.

"Yes."

All sighed with relief upon hearing the news save for Arminius who was still fuming at the loss of his son.

"And I already know about the duel and I believe it can work in our favor. If Wulfric keeps Vortigern busy long enough-"

"We can send a group to get Wiglaf out!" Twilight was able to guess the plan with ease as she squealed in excitement.

"It's not that easy." Wulfric said after finally getting his helmet back and placed it on the armor rack.

"This is an enemy our people haven't seen in over a hundred years, we don't know what we'll be up against."

"Well...there may be someone who can help." Sigrid said but looked a bit unsure of herself as she explained.

"She's been our clans advisor since my grandmothers time but I should warn you she's um...quite mad."

"Aw I bet I can turn that frown upside down!" Pinkie said while making a balloon animal.

"Not that kind of mad Pinkie, she means she's um...how do I put this?"

"She's a crone." Wulfric said, making his pony friends gasp.

"Now sugarcube that's just rude!"

"Crones are similar to our elders, they've seen much in their time but like Sigrid said they are known to be a little...insane."

"The perfect advisor..." Arminius sighed as they followed Sigrid to a tent just outside the city walls surrounded by a few guards. Once inside, they saw a withered old doe in rags huddled by a fire who seemed pleased by her visitors.

"Sigrid-Gasp! tut tut tut shame shame shame, it's a LADY Sigrid who confronts me now does she not?" The crone giggled to herself as Sigrid stepped forward.

"We seek your counsel madam."

"We? or he?" The crone looks at Arminius.

"Come closer Arminius." She beckoned as Arminius stepped into the light of her fire.

"Closer."

"You know me?" Arminius asked, surprised by the old womans knowledge of him as she snickered.

"I have ears. "Chieftain" Says the wind, "Warrior" says the rain but why seek you, me? Met you your match?" She asks aloud before grinning.

"Met you your match...with The Eaters of The Dead."

“Hmph, it deters me none,” Wulfric said.

“But…what is this?” Sigrid perked up. “I…I see another. But it is strange…”

"What do you mean?" Sigrid asked.

"To hazy to tell. But never mind that. You seek to find the Eaters of the dead." The old crone croaked out.

"We do. They have my son hostage," Arminius begged.

"Do you have a token? A thing. A thing of theirs." The crone held out her hand.

"Double Edge, the totem." Arminius gestured for his friend to give him the totem before handing it to the crone.

"Ah...they will show you the way, you will not see...slaughter them til you rot, it will accomplish nothing."

"Then what do we do?"

"This is the mother of the Wendol...she they revere, find the root, strike the will and your son will be saved."

"Where do we find them?" Wulfric asked as she began to drift off to sleep by the fire.

"They are in the earth, seek them in the earth."

As they left the tent, the group became more confused than before.

"The old lady speaks in riddles, I don't like it." Wulfric said, not trusting the word of the crone.

"Seek them in the earth." Twilight pondered the crones words when two of Wulfrics guards came to fetch him.

"My lord, it's time."

"Hmmm...Arminius, take our friends and a few guards with you and follow Ryu's trail. I'll keep Vortigern busy."

Without hesitating, the two friends gripped each others forearms in a firm handshake to strengthen their resolve as they prepared to depart.

"Get our boy back."

“I GOT IT!” Twilight suddenly yelled, startling everyone.

"What did you get, Twilight?" Sigrid asked.

“The Diamond Dog mines in Mt. Appleoosa! It’s known to the largest mine in all of Equestria and is the pride and joy of the Diamond Dogs!”

"Okay but what have to do with Wiglaf?" Hilda asked before Twilight rushed to get a map.

"Ryu show me where you picked up their trail."

Ryu nodded and pointed in the map.

“To the southeast,” Ryu said. “Reports indicate a large bog area with swamps and dead trees.”

"Also, one of our men found this." He then showed them a club made with bear skin and claws that seemed to make Double Edge's face sting with pain again.

"So this is what almost took my face off."

"We have our duties. May fortune smile on us and Rainbow?" Wulfric smirked to his mare.

"Yeah?"

"Come here~!"

Smooch!

"Aww!" Pinkie cooed at the display of affection as they broke the kiss.

"Mmm what was that for?" Rainbow purred.

"For lighting a fire in me but we'll continue later...just get back safe."

"Same to you big boy." Applejack smirked before giving him a kiss of her own.

Deep in the swamps, Arminius' group found themselves before a string of scarecrows lined up as far as the eye could see.

"From here, we could follow their trail easily. I suspect these were placed here as a warning." Ryu said as he pointed out a series of tracks leading past the scarecrows.

"I don't think they like visitors." Rainbow said when Double Edge remembered the crones words and began to piece everything together.

"The claws...the headdresses...bears." He said to himself as the answer came to him.

"They think they are bears...they want us to think they are bears! Arminius how do you hunt a bear in your land?"

"We chase it down but why does-"

"No, how do you hunt a bear in winter?"

"Go in its cave...with spears." Arminius smirked when he caught on to what his friend was thinking.

"And where is a cave?"

"In the earth." Applejack said in realization when one of the scouts from their party returned.

"The next glen, many fires."

"Is there a cave!?"

End.

Author's Note

in case anyone was wondering what Arminius was saying to his brother.

Loyalty

Trusting his friends to complete their duty, Wulfric met Vortigern on the outskirts of the city, escorted by Shining Armor and his elite guards. A ring of stones was laid out for the warriors to fight and Vortigern sat in his chair, grinning at his rival.

"You came, good." He said with glee as they dismounted.

"You didn't give me a choice." Wulfric said as he removed his cloak and retrieved his helm from the saddle.

"Where are your two bitches? Arent they usually by your side?"

"Your only concern should be me when I wipe that shit-eating grin off your face." Wulfric spat as he fashioned the shield to his arm and donned his helmet.

"Pity, I was hoping your women would get to see me kill you before I take them as my whores." Vortigern said with confidence as his servants gave him his sword and shield.

"Win or lose, I'm cutting out that tongue of yours," Wulfric promised as he banged his sword against his shield.

"We shall see..." Vortigern said as he banged his weapons and the two charged each other like wild beasts as their shields gave a loud crash with Vortigern staggering back as Wulfric went on the attack.

Arminius and the girls scouted the ridge overlooking the mine. There were many fires outside the entrance, but no Wendol. "They must be inside the cave." Arminius led the girls through the outskirts of the mine.

"I don't like this, it's too quiet." Double Edge said while keeping an eye out for any sign of movement.

"Hold up." Applejack whispered as she ducked behind a rockpile with the others following her lead.

"Up ahead, two lookouts."

"Allow me." Ryu took the form of a little mouse and crawled his way past the two guards who didn't seem to mind his presence as they were too busy chatting with each other in a strange language. Only after did the Orochi resume his original form did the guards react but were shot in the head by a pair of arrows before they could sound the alarm.

"Hide their bodies, quick." Arminius whispered as they took them behind a rock pile and snuck into the cave. Lead by one of their scouts, the group came to a small passage that seemed to lead deep underground but were told to discard their armor, all quickly obliged save for the other scout who kept his breastplate strapped tight.

"You'd have to kiss me first dearie. Let's go!"

The small group soon moved along the cave floor in a small trench. As they inched further along, they spotted the Wendol surrounding a campfire. They weren't wearing their skins, so they could see that they were Caribou, covered in filth, and had unkempt hair. They were eating something as the group kept moving along.

As the scout with the breastplate peeked up, a loose stone was dislodged and hit his armor. Everyone froze as one of the Wendol turned around. They all held their breath as every second could mean their discovery. After a few more seconds, the curious Wendol turned back to the fire, making everyone sigh with relief.

They made their way across a hastily built bridge across a cavern. "Wow. How deep are we?" Pinkie asked as she looked around.

"Deep enough to fall out the bottom," Dash joked with her friend as they made it across.

Once across, they came into a large dark chamber. The torch's light soon found what appeared to be a large statue. The Mother of the Wendol.

One of the scouts felt something crunch underneath his feet and when he shone light on the floor, he was beyond horrified. "Look at your feet!"

One by one, everyone looked down to see that they were standing in a room full of discarded bones, picked clean of any flesh. Pinkie was about to scream her head off, had Applejack and Dash not covered her mouth while they looked on in horror. In the center of the room was the most horrifying sight. A tower of skulls was neatly stacked on one another. At the bottom were the skulls of ponies, caribou, griffons, diamond dogs, and even dragons. further up, the skulls became smaller and smaller. It wasn't until they reached the top did they realized the skulls belonged to children and babies.

"The stories are true...they are demons..." Arminius said in horror when Twilight spotted a passage leading past the gruesome altar.

"This way." She said in a hushed voice as they went further down to hear the sound of running water followed by distinct chatter. They came upon an underground waterfall where the waters edge was lined up with numerous wendol soldiers meaning they were closing in on their destination but over the roar of the waterfall, they heard someone cry out.

"LET ME OUT! YOU CAN'T KEEP ME IN HERE!! HEELP!!"

"That's Wiglaf, we're close." Arminius did his best to hold in his excitement but could barely contain himself after hearing the sound of his sons voice.

"If we cut our way through them, we'll have the other lot on us." Double Edge said when Ryu noticed a ledge just behind the waterfall.

"Down the wall and we swim."

With the rescue mission well underway, Wulfric was busy tossing Vortigern around the dueling ring like a ragdoll as he sent him tumbling into the dirt again.

"That all you have? I expected more from the son of a king!" He mocked just as Vortigern wiped the blood from his nostrils.

"Careful what you wish for, you might get it!" Vortigern said just as the element of Loyalty began to glow and he suddenly vanished in a puff of dust.

"What in the Odins name?!?" Wulfric gasped before he was suddenly struck in the chest by a boot and sent rolling back in pain.

"I picked up a few trinkets on my way here. Lovely, these gems." Vortigern smirked as he showed off two of the elements of harmony now decorating his armor.

"Strange isn't it? These Equestrians had these things the whole time and never even thought of using them to expand their domain."

"Perhaps they saw there was no point in subjugating their neighbors." Wulfric said before ambushing his opponent with an ice spike that shot out of the ground.

"Then it's no wonder we took their lands so easily! and the campaign would've gone a lot faster if you and the rest of the norhtlands had joined us!"

"We would rather die than help you!"

The two clashed again with Wulfric seeming to gain the upper hand until the element of honesty began to shimmer and Vortigern felt a surge of power course through his veins.

"So be it." He whispered before sending Wulfric flying with a backhand.

"Want to know what I found laughable about these ponies? They say that "Friendship is Magic" BAH!" He scoffed while waiting for Wulfric to get up.

"I'll tell you what friendship really is Wulfric. Friendship is WEAKNESS!!"

While the duel continued, the rescue party were closing in on the lair of the supposed mother of the wendol where Wiglaf was being kept. Using a long rope, they tied off one end to a stalagmite and rappelled down one by one until it came for Double Edges turn.

"Everything alright friend?" Ryu asked when he noticed Double Edge trying not to look down.

"I don't enjoy heights..." Double said in annoyance before Ryu suddenly pushed his hand off the ledge and sent him swinging into Arminius who was waiting to catch him on the other side.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it-wait!" Arminius suddenly jerked Double Edge back up after noticing several torchlights coming down the cave path. For a few tense moments they waited until Double Edge nearly slipped but thankfully was caught in time before sliding down the rope with the others.

"Ahhh my hands..." he hissed in pain after feeling the rope burn through his gloves.

Using the sound of the waterfall to their advantage, the party snuck up to a group of wendol performing some kind of ritual as they stared at another makeshift altar of skulls and bones.

The group looked to each other just before Arminius brought out a second axe and immediately brought them down on two of the unsuspecting wendol while the rest moved in swiftly and caught the enemy off guard, Ryu shoved one onto a stalagmite while Applejack chucked a knife straight into the skull of another. The ambush caught the attention of the rest as they came rushing down the path with weapons in hand.

"GO! KILL HER!!" Double Edge shouted just before skewering another with his swords.

"Alright, Twilight with me!" Arminius pulled Twilight along as they left their friends to handle the enemy.

Arminius and Twilight traveled through a winding path of dirt and hanging roots. As they ventured further, they saw lumps in the roots, only to find out they were the heads of their fallen warriors. Twilight tried to keep her composure, but it was very difficult. "Calm yourself, Princess."

"Sorry," Twilight apologized as they saw a small fire through the roots. In front of it was a female caribou with bones braided in her dirty scalp, and a snake wrapped around her neck. Opposite her, a large caribou was eating what may have been a child's arm. "Oh no! Is that-?"

"Get me out of here, you crazy bitch!" They heard Wiglaf's voice at the end of the small room. When my dad gets here, he'll tear you all apart!" He screamed at his two captors, though they paid him little mind.

Realizing stealth was no longer an option, Arminius stepped out to catch the attention of the guard who immediately took notice and attacked only to be vaporized by Twilights magic.

"Dad!!" Wiglaf called out with joy upon seeing his father but noticed he was more focused on the wild female before him.

"Twilight, get him." Arminius said while carefully stepping forward as the mother dipped a claw bone into a bowl of strange black liquid while her pet snake slithered away into a corner.

The two of them began to circle each other as the mother snarled and hissed like some wild animal and when Arminius took a few swings at her, she lashed back narrowly missing his arms and neck while Wiglaf looked on anxiously unable to help.

"Come on bitch, make your move..." He taunted the mother, not caring if she could even understand him but on his next swing, Arminius failed to notice the roots hanging above as they caught his axe allowing the mother to scratch his arm before her head was sliced off its shoulders and sent tumbling to the cavern floor.

"DAD!!" Wiglaf cried out as he ran to embrace his father.

"Oh my little Drengr, thank odin you're safe." Arminius sighed with tears in his eyes when Twilight took notice of his arm.

"Arminius, she poisoned you! We need to get out before it's too late!"

"Let's go rejoin the others. Come son."

Upon making their way out, Arminius heard one of his men cry out in pain after hearing a loud clang before the wendol were forced to retreat, shouting through the whole cavern to raise the alarm.

"Dammit!" Double Edge cursed when he saw Arminius and Twilight with Wiglaf in tow.

"It is done?"

"It is..." Arminius said as he looked up to the enemy retreating back up the way they came.

"I'm not sure we can make it out of this."

"Now don't talk like that hon, there's gotta be a way." Applejack said when Pinkie noticed a small stream flowing behind the wall.

"Hey! I think we can get out this way." She said pointing to the tunnel before leading the way. As they made their way down the tunnel, one of their men suddenly fell on his knees with a painful grunt as he propped himself up against the rocks.

"I've run about as far as I've cared to..." he said before spitting out a good deal of blood.

"Today was a GOOD day! a good day..."

"Twilight can you help him?" Ryu asked as she used her magic to check his body.

"He's bleeding from the inside, I don't think I can heal him in time..."

"Just leave me..." The scout said when they heard shouts echoing in the tunnel.

"Go."

Against their better judgement, they left the soldier to his fate as he prepared to make a final stand while they rejoined the others.

"We'll just keep following this stream, it has to come out somewhere!" Pinkie said before they ran into a dead end with a small pool.

"Stream goes under the rocks..." Ryu said before Arminius suddenly collapsed and was held up by his son.

"Dad!"

"I'm alright son..."

Thinking fast, Double Edge took cover near the entrance while tossing aside his torch as he tried to think of a plan for their escape.

"We fight by twos, give the other pair a chance to rest."

"Here they come..." Rainbow Dash said as she readied her axe before a loud rumbling filled the cavern.

"Well as if it wasn't bad enough, now it's going to rain!" The surviving scout joked as they shared a quick laugh when Twilight realized something.

"Wait wait! Listen...." She said as they all quieted down to hear the rumbling again.

"That's sounds like...waves!"

"We must be near the coast then." Ryu said as he leaned an ear to the wall to listen.

"If there's a surf, that must be the way out!" He pointed towards the pool as the shouting grew louder.

"Whoa whoa whoa, we don't know how deep that cavern goes! We could drown." Rainbow protested.

"Better than dying in here!" Applejack argued.

As the sound of the Wendol kept getting closer, the group started getting in the water. "Dad, can you swim?" Wiglaf asked.

"Don't worry about me, son. I got ya." Arminius grabbed hold of his son as they prepped themselves.

"How will we know if it's far enough?" Twilight asked as she got in the water.

"If they don't follow us, then we'll know for sure," Arminius joked a little before signaling everyone to follow. "Deep breaths!" And just like that, they dove under the water.

As they had hoped, there was a large tunnel carved into the rock by the waters current as they swam through and found their way to the surface.

"We did it! We made it out!" Pinkie cheered as she did a celebratory splash.

"I knew we'd make it." Dash smirked while AJ rolled her eyes.

"Say Twilight, why didn't you just teleport us outta there?"

"I tried but something was interfering with my magic." Twilight explained when they noticed Double Edge and Ryu keeping Arminius afloat.

"Twilight he's getting worse, can you teleport us back to the palace?"

"I can, everypony stay close." Twilight then focused her magic as they were surrounded in a purple aura before vanishing in a flash of purple light.

The Duel

Wulfric had been beaten to a pulp throughout the entirety of the duel, his forehead had been cut and his face had been bruised with the rest of his body aching form being trounced by his rival who seemed to take pleasure in toying with him.

"I must admit, this was entertaining." Vortigern smirked at Wulfric who was barely able to stand.

"How pitiful. You speak so highly of your friends yet none of them are here to save you."

Wulfric would say nothing and just glare in defiance as he stumbled forward, dropping his sword and shield.

"Fear not, I'll put you out of your misery." The arrogant prince then grabbed Wulfric by his antler and forced him to look him in the eye while pulling out a dagger from his belt.

"Your loyalty to your comrades is admirable but in the end, we all die alone."

Just as Vortigern was prepared to plunge the dagger into Wulfrics heart, his arm was caught mid swing and could feel his opponent slowly getting stronger somehow.

"That's where you're wrong boy..." Wulfric said as he managed to find the strength to stand.

"None of us are ever truly alone."

"What is this? unhand me!!" Vortigern snapped as he tried to send him flying again only for his other arm to be caught.

"Our clans are bound by honor, tradition and loyalty! Something you and your ilk know nothing about. You wage war to corrupt and conquer, to bring those weaker than you under your heel and crush any who stand in your way!" As Wulfric spoke, the element of Loyalty seemed to glow brighter and brighter as if it was responding to his will.

"We fight to protect those we love, to defend those who cannot defend themselves and to destroy any who would see our way of life brought to ruin!!"

"The elements....they're responding to you! TH-THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!!" Vortigern began to grow desperate as he tried to wrench himself away while his arm was slowly being crushed.

"To fight in the name of justice and to protect the weak is what it means to truly be called-WARBORN!!"

With one twist of his hand, Wulfric snapped Vortigerns wrist and forced him to his knees in agony before pulling the bracelet off his arm.

"This belongs to my beloved."

Before he could retrieve the other bracelet, Vortigern ran like the coward he was. Wulfric tried to give chase but was too beaten up to go after him and could only shout and curse as he watched the prince slither away like the coward he was.

"COWARD OF COWARDS!!" He roared as the thunder rolled in the distance.

"BEGGARS BASTARRD!!"

After a few tense moments of anger, Wulfric fell into the snow as his vision began to fade and the last thing he saw was a flash of light and two winged figures carrying him off the ground followed by a few muffled voices while he held the element of loyalty tight in his grip.

End.

Journey To The East

For what only seemed like mere seconds, Wulfric stared up at a ceiling as he was rolled down the hall in a gurney with ponies in masks around him speaking in muffled voices while they removed his armor to check his injuries.

"Sir? Sir!" A doctor called out to him as his ears began to clear and he could hear the rattling of the wheels as well as the chattering of the nurses.

"Sir can you hear me?"

"Where...where am I?" Wulfric croaked out while trying to get up.

"You are in the hospital sir, please don't move." The doctor said while gently pushing him back down. As Wulfric took in his surroundings, he saw Arminius in the bed next to him being treated and tried to force himself up again after seeing his comrade.

"Arminius! What happened to Arminius?!"

"He's fine sir, we've already treated him now please sit still you have some fractured ribs." The doctor insisted while pushing him back down as they began to bandage him up.

"How...how did I get here?"

"My scouts brought you back." Shining Armor said as he appeared from behind the curtains.

"We couldn't take the chance that the duel was trap, I hope you understand."

"No, it's fine..." Wulfric panted as the doctors finished bandaging his arms.

"I don't think I would've made it either way....is Wiglaf..."

"He's safe." Shining Armor said with a smile that reassured his friend as he allowed himself to sink into the softness of the bed.

"Vortigern escaped...again."

"We'll get him, I promise but it's not a total loss. You got back one of The Elements of Harmony."

"You mean that gem?" Wulfric asked while the doctors finished their work.

"It's one of the kingdoms most prized treasures, we knew Dainn was trying to use them against us but I didn't think he'd succeed."

"It responded to me. That element." Wulfric confessed, surprising his friend.

"When I grabbed Vortigerns arm, I felt its power leave him and enter me as if it were calling to me, begging me to set it free...bah listen to me, I sound crazy."

"Not as crazy as you might think." Twilight chimed in as she appeared with some flowers and cupcakes for her friends.

"When the doctors told us what happened to you, I swear it sounded like you were hit by a wagon."

"A very solid wagon..." Wulfric said as she laid the flowers on his nightstand.

"I'm sorry I could only retrieve one of the elements, I know they're important to you all."

"It's a start but I still can't believe you were actually able to use them. How did you do it?" Twilight asked as Wulfric recalled the battle in his mind.

"During the fight, my thoughts drifted back to my homeland. The memory of how many we lost, how we were forced to leave our home and the destruction we witnessed of your land it just...it awoke something in me and before I knew it, I felt strong as Thor! It was incredible."

"The element could sense your devotion to your homeland, to your people. That's why it responded to you, this is amazing!" Twilight became giddy as she summoned a quill and paper with her magic to take some notes.

"Twilight you should know something, they gave Vortigern power as well." Wulfric said in a foreboding manner.

"When he possessed both elements, I swear it was like fighting a giant. Not even my ice magic could slow him down."

"So the element of Loyalty gave him speed while the element of Honesty made him stronger. This is both fascinating and a bit terrifying." Twilight admited before one of the nurses came in.

"Forgive me princess but the patients need their rest."

The others then left, minus Applejack and Dash, Arminius was tossing and turning in his bed. The anti-venom was doing its best to make him better. Sigrid and Hilda were doing their best to cool his fever. "Ugh! One little knick and I'm bedridden. This is a low point for me."

"Oh hush, dear. A little bed rest will do you good," Sigrid said while wiping his forehead with a cloth.

On the other side of the bed, Wiglaf was watching his father like a hawk. Arminius noticed this and chuckled a little. "You wear that long face for me?"

"I'm sorry, Dad. You're hurt because of me, and I couldn't do anything to help you," Wiglaf said as he started to sniffle a bit. "But no more!" He barked with conviction. "From now on, I'll protect you and my mothers from harm."

Arminius smiled before bringing him into a hug. "That's my boy."

Feeling more proud of his son than ever, Arminius hugged his son tighter as the little stags tears began to flow.

"That's it son, let it out." he smiled at his sobbing child while being held tight by him.

"Alright now my little drengr, we need to let your father rest." Sigrid said as Wiglaf was gently pulled away from his father.

"When I get out of here, we'll go fishing." Arminius promised with a smile as he ruffled his sons head.

On the other bed, Applejack was feeding Wulfric her signature Apple Family pie while Dash held his now bandaged hand and couldn't help but feel guilty for not being at his side when it counted.

"Some of us should've stayed with you, we could've helped." She sighed when Wulfric moved his hand to her cheek.

"You should see the other guy." He chuckled before finishing another bite.

"These last couple of months have been crazy, not like our usual adventures." Applejack said while putting away the pie unaware her lover was taking in the view of her backside.

"The doc says you should be out in three weeks so until then, no more duels to the death for you mister."

"But what am I supposed to do on Thursdays?" Wulfric joked.

"Ha ha, really funny perv." Dash smirked having taken notice of his lewd gaze.

"Oh, you want to go there? I see the way you stare at my ass on the field," Wulfric countered.

"Well maybe if it wasn't so huge." Rainbow stuck her tongue out as his cheeks turned pink.

"HEY!"

"Geeze, get a room you three." Arminius rolled his eyes at their little spat when another nurse arrived.

"Good news sir, you'll be moved to a new room today to continue your treatment."

As Arminius and Wiglaf were rolled out by the nurses, the two warriors exchanged a glance and a friendly smile before parting ways and Wulfric allowed himself to sink into his pillow again while staring up at the roof.

"Even with all this comfort, I can't relax." He admitted to his loves before letting out a short sigh.

"After what happened, how can I?"

"I think we can help with that." Rainbow smirked as she slowly began to remove her shirt while Applejack closed the blinds around his bed.

"If you're planning what I think you are, I'm against it." Wulfric tried to say with a straight face as they slowly took off their tops.

"Oh come on, like you haven't been wanting to get it on since you got back, we know you well enough to know you're dying for a piece of us~." Dash said while removing her bra slowly.

"It's only fair the big, strong hero gets a reward from his ladies~." Applejack added as she let her tits hang just inches away from his lips.

"Come on sugarcube, they're all yours~."

".....Maybe just a little fun," Wulfric said before suckling from Applejack like a newborn and fondling Dash.

"Mmm yeah that's it hon~." Applejack moaned while sharing a kiss with Dash.

"Let's see what he's got down here~." Dash smirked as she undid his pants to see him standing at full mast and eager to get started while she took off her pants and helped AJ out of hers.

"Mmm say sugarcube, you wanna bite me~?" Applejack grinned down at her lover still suckling her tits to his hearts content.

"That'll be hard to do given my condition my sweet~." Wulfric said after detatching from her breast while Rainbow began to stroke his rod.

"Don't worry, we'll be gentle~." The farm mare said as she carefully straddled her lover.

"You ready~?" She asked playfully as she prepared to smother his face with her rump.

"Like you need to ask." Wulfric smirked before she plopped her cheeks on his face and let out a small moan.

"Mmm dig in sugarcube~." Applejack hummed when Rainbow suddenly grabbed her chest and began kneading it like dough.

"You know cowgirl, for an apple farmer you got some pretty sweet melons and let's not forget that plump peach back there~." Dash said before giving her rear a smack.

"Mmm well yer not so bad yourself Dash, specially with them killer legs of yours~." Applejack returned the compliment by sliding her hand down her pants as they began to make out while Wulfric found his tongue way to her moist cunt and began servicing her.

"By the All-Father, enough foreplay!" All three of them heard Hilda from the other side of the door.

"Hilda?" Rainbow looked back with her pants halfway down as she stormed into the room.

"Sigrid and I are trying to cheer up Wiglaf after the shit he just went through. So either get to the fucking, or cover your mouths with the other." She then turns back around and heads for where Arminius is being kept.

"She always was the impatient type." Wulfric smirked before bringing his teeth down on Applejacks rear, much to her delight as she looked down at him with a hungry grin.

"I think she's right though hon, you look more than ready~."

"Damn right, I am~." Wulfric said as Applejack turned around and brought herself down for a full-fledged kiss.

"Mmm yeah give it to him cowgirl~." Rainbow began to play with herself as she watched her friend begin gently riding her lover, her every breath a sound of pleasure and love as her hips and chest bounced.

"Mmm if I wasn't so beat up, I'd fuck you like a bear in heat~." Wulfric complained as he restrained himself from going any further knowing it would alert the hospital staff.

"Don't worry, Wulfy. We'll take care of you, tonight~," Rainbow said while inserting another finger in her pussy.

"Ah...I swear-mmm-I'll get back your treasures." Wulfric huffed before having his face smothered by the farm mares bosom as she began to bounce her hips a little faster.

"Mmm you're sexy when you talk like that hon~."

Wulfric moaned into the tits while grabbing her ass. After a few more moments, Applejack let out a short yelp and quickly covered her mouth as she felt his seed flood its way into her womb. When the lover started catching their breath, Applejack kissed Wulfric once more and giggled as his hands playfully patted her ass before she dismounted, allowing Rainbow to take her seat when the pegasus did something a bit more daring.

"Hey big man, got enough juice in ya to do it while standing~?" she asked while patting her butt playfully.

"I think I can manage." Wulfric gave a slight grunt while getting up. Once he was on his feet, he walked up behind Dash and started trailing kisses along her neck.

"Mmm...you can put it anywhere, I won't complain~." Dash moaned quietly as his hands glided all over her body and wings. Even with his arms injured, she could feel his strength as he groped her chest and gently pushed her onto his hospital bed while brushing her tail aside.

"Anywhere you said?" Wulfric teased but Dash had a pretty good idea of what he had in mind when he suddenly pulled her mane out of nowhere and held one of her arms behind her back.

"Mmm, what did you have in mind~?" Dash asked before feeling Wulfric's tip poke at her backdoor.

"That I'm about to be a real pain in the ass right about now~!" He then thrusts forward.

Without warning, her head was suddenly shoved into the pillow as she gave a very loud grunt before feeling her flank getting ploughed roughly. Again, Dash had found herself in a position that made her feel disgusted with herself many times before but with her new lover it felt right, in fact it excited her as she tried to keep quiet each time she felt him slam into her with what strength he could muster.

"Mmm that's it big guy, gimme all ya got~." She encouraged as her arm was released and Wulfric grabbed her by the hips to steady himself as they kept going.

"I'm gonna tear that ass raw~!" Wulfric growled while plowing his rainbow love with what strength he had left.

The two nearly lost themselves in their primal lust when Rainbow managed to flip herself on her back and kiss her stag as she held tight to his antlers, listening to him breathing and grunting like he was doing an nonstop workout.

"Mmm come on Wulfy say it~." Dash hinted before licking his neck which seemed to rile him up more as he pushed deeper.

"Grr you're my little fucktoy~!" Wulfric hissed quietly into her ear while she held on tight.

Calling her that, sent a shiver up her spine and a tingle in her pussy as he kept plowing her. "Call me that again~."

"You're my little fucktoy~!" Wulfric said a little louder before smacking her rear.

Dash hissed in pain and pleasure while holding on as tight as she could.

"Grrr Dash I don't think I can hold it any longer!" Wulfric strained as he felt like he was ready to explode.

"Nnng me too~! switch holes now~!" Dash tried not to scream as she felt his cock push into her hot snatch while he gave her another kiss.

"Mmm the next time we do this, I'm not stopping til you're carrying my offspring~!" wulfric declared as he held her up by her flank and began bouncing her on his cock.

"Mmm buck yeah~! I wouldn't mind carrying a few of your brats~." Dash moaned before Wulfric exploded inside her. At the last second, Dash screamed her lungs out into the pillow with sweat dripping down her brow and her eyes rolling back as her lover filled her to the point it felt like she was ready to burst.

As the last of his stamina began to drain, the girls carefully tucked their lover back in bed and gave him a quick spongebath just as the nurse walked in to check on her patient, had it not been for the smell of the soap now filling the room she might have suspected something was going on.

"Alright ladies, once you're done you must check out. visiting hours are almost over."

"Shame, I was enjoying the special treatment." Wulfric said while slyly moving his hand on both his lovers flanks as they put away the bathing equipment.

"Later~," Applejack whispered before the two mares left the room.

The leaders of the resistance all sat in the conference room, while some who were away connected with the group via holo crystal. Double Edge sat at the head of the table with Cherry at his side while Queen Rain Shine sat close by.

“Members of this council,” Double Edge said. “I would like to start this meeting off by wishing Lord Wulfric and Arminius a full recovery.” Double nodded at the projection of Wulfric as he sat in his bed. “Second of all, I would like to address a new threat that I have been investigating with Cherry and Queen Rain Shine that has been brewing far to the eastern mountains.”

"What is this threat?" Chrysalis inquired while fanning herself.

“There is a band of Kirin mercenaries,” Double said, reaching into his cloak and pulled out a bloody rag with Queen Rain Shine’s royal sigil covered in blood. The sigil was crossed out as Double held it in front of everyone. “This band is in the midst of staging a coup.”

"There is more." Rain Shine added as she stood from her seat.

"We discovered that my kidnapping and this coup are intertwined. One of my council members has betrayed my kingdom to the Stonehooves so that he may take the throne for himself as its new emperor and to make matters worse, he is taking all of my kingdoms riches to fund our enemies campaign against us. We've had reports of starvation and disease running rampant."

To this, the council began talking amongst themselves as Cadence called them to order.

“Bastards…” Wulfric cursed.

“What do you propose we do?” Cadence asked.

“I will take care of the matter myself,” Double said and turned to Cadence. “I shall also request the aid…of the Crystal Zealots for this mission.”

"Who are they?" Marshall asked as he leaned on the table.

“An elite force of the Crystal Empire that is only second to that of the royal guard,” Cadence said. “But Double Edge, those crystal ponies are a tad brash.”

“The only thing those meat heads care about is a good fight,” Double scoffed. “Luckily, I’ll be giving them just that.”

"It's a long journey to the eastern mountains. Can we afford such a venture?" Luna asked, knowing the journey would be a long one.

"We may not have a choice." Shining said as he showed them a map of the territories.

"While we secured a victory in the myre, Dainn is already mustering his forces for another assault and thanks to the noble houses backing him up he's got no shortage of troops."

"There is one exception though." Twilight interjected while pointing to a certain area of the map.

"The Kingdom of Prance has actually started a resistance movement. They've been sending their best guerilla fighters to harass and disrupt his supply runs."

"They use Gorilla's in Prance?" Pinkie sounded confused as their was a mixed response to her question.

"Anyways. If we could get in contact with the queen, we might be able to secure an alliance but who could-"

"I'll go." Marshall sighed as he stood from my seat.

"I know of a secret road into the kingdom plus...I've been away from home long enough."

“Marshall…” Double said, with a stern expression. “Are you sure you…want to go back?”

“Go back?” Cadence perked up, along with everyone else. “You’re from Prance, Marshall?”

"Unfortunately, yes." The warden sighed.

"My full name is Marshall Avalon Chevalier."

"The Chevaliers? That's one of the most prestigious military houses in the kingdom!" Luna gasped.

"But that would mean..."

"I am the lost son of House Chevalier. The one who supposedly vanished in the civil war."

“But…Franz Chevalier did not have a son,” Luna said. “The last my sister and I saw of him was when his wife was pregnant with his two daughters.”

"I'm a bastard." Marshall said bitterly.

"Hidden in shame for fear of the scandal that would ruin my fathers status. He even refused to acknowledge me when I was held hostage...said he could make "Better Sons" even if I was killed."

"THAT LOWDOWN VARMINT!!" Applejack shouted, unable to restrain herself.

“Marshall,” Double said. “Didn’t you once tell me you would kill your blood father if you ever went back? What about your adoptive family? The Chandeliers?”

Luna spat out her water and coughed.

“THE CHANDELIERS?! THE ADVISORS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY?!” Luna shrieked.

"Auntie please. Compose yourself." Cadence scolded her aunt, much to the embarrassment of the others.

"I guess I could go to them but...if they found out what I did...what I was doing for the past year..."

"Hon, they're your family; yer kin. they'd understand." Applejack said, encouraging her friend.

"But you all know me, you know I served Blueblood. If they found out-"

"They would understand." Twilight said.

“What about your blood father?” Double pressed. “What makes you think he’d even consider lending his support?”

"If he goes against the crown, it'll be his final mistake." Marshall sounded hopeful when he said those words as his hand gripped his sword pommel tightly as if to keep the blade from springing out of its scabbard.

"Well then I guess we have a plan. I would join you friends but the doctor said I will be in this blasted bed for a month and even Arminius will take a few more days for the poison to work its way out of his system." Wulfric sighed with regret knowing he wouldn't be joining this new adventure.

"I think it's only right that my friends and I go with Marshall to Prance while Cherry and the queen go to the Kirin Lands." Twilight suggested her contribution to Double Edges plan.

"I also have something to contribute," a voice from Wulfric's line said and his friend, Surt, came into view. "Wulfric." He turned to his chieftain and pulled out a scroll that looked badly torn up and had a little blood on it. "This...this came from our homeland. Look at the sigil."

Wulfric arched a brow and took the scroll to look at the mark. He gasped when he recognized it as one of the other clans' sigil.

"It can't be..." Wulfric gasped, having recognized the symbol.

"Who's it from?" Rainbow asked after seeing his expression.

"Dotta of the Iron Horn," Surt said, placing a hand on Wulfric's shoulder. "If she lives, then perhaps the others too survived."

"From some friends back home hon?" Applejack asked after noticing a tear in his eye.

"I thought we were the only ones who made it...I...I have to go back!" Wulfric said, surprising everyone when he struggled to sit up.

"Hold up there pal, you just said no adventures for a month." Shining Armor reminded his friend of his condition much to the dismay of the eager chieftain.

"But...my firends-"

"Can wait a bit longer. Once you've recovered your strength we can help get you back to the northlands." Cadence said when one of the servants came into the room and whispered something in her ear.

"Oh already? I'm sorry everyone but Flurry has woken from her nap and needs me."

"Then before we go, all in favor of this plan raise your hands." Shining said as the council members raised their hands in a unanimous decision.

"Very good, council adjourned."

As the council dispersed, Double approached Marshall on the way out.

"Quite the gamble you've taken, friend," Double said. "I still remember the late nights overhearing you force your voice to hide your old Prench accent."

"Took me years to loose it but I still the know the ways of the court." Marshall winked before taking a deep breath.

"My only real problem is telling my adoptive family that Lightning Dust is almost a month pregnant with my first child...mother is gonna flip."

"Shame I can't come with you," Double said. "I've always wanted to visit, maybe interact with some of the locals?"

"Uh huh you mean see how many skirts will be lifted for you." Marshall scoffed before getting a friendly nudge.

"On a more serious note, I suggest showing the Kirin we are allies they can rely on."

"How?"

"When you defeated Red Hare, I had the men secure something of his." Marshall then called for two scouts to bring over a large chest to Double Edge and as he opened it, he found himself staring at Red Hares shattered armor.

Double picked up one of the pieces and examined it.

"Bastard got was coming to him for threatening my woman," Double growled. "And now there's another scumbag out there just like him."

"There are many just like him and they will fall." Marshall said as they went their separate ways to prepare for the journey. Days went by into preparing for the long voyage to the Kirin Kingdom with Rain Shine receiving a royal farewell from her subjects as well as her comrades.

As requested, The Crystal Zealots were assembled as Doubles personal fighting force and had already gathered on the ship as they were given a last minute inspection before departure.

Double stepped before the Crystal Zealots as they all stood before him. Each crystal pony wore heavy crystal armor, armed with various crystal weaponry, and looked they wanted to ger going on the fighting as soon as possible.

"Zealots!" Double shouted. "Hear me! I am Lieutenant Commander Double Edge! I am your commanding officer for this mission! If any of you have any questions regarding our quest, speak now!"

"Will there be fighting sir? We've been only the defensive during this whole war and my sword arm is itching for a good scrap!" One of them declared with a British accent while maintaining his forward gaze.

"You'll have plenty of battles to fight, I guarantee it," Double said. "These Kirin are almost as relentless as the Stonehoofs. They are not to be trifled with. Not only that, but we are trying to prevent a coup from happening."

"Are we doing this alone sir? Doesn't seem right we're not taking at least half the army with us." Another asked in a more serious tone.

"Much as I would want reinforcements, we're all that can be afforded to send," Double said. "However, reports indicate there is a small band of loyal Kirin who are holding back this coup as best they can. We are to rendezvous with them and join the fight. That way, we'll have more of a fighting chance."

"Sounds like it'll be a blast." One of them smirked as they shared a quick chuckle.

"Glad you feel that way soldier cause once we get there, not only will we have secured an alliance with this kingdom but we will show these bastards that we will not sit by and watch them destroy our home! We are gonna march over there, get that queen back on her throne and send a message to Dainn that his day of reckoning is coming! Hoorah?!"

HOORAH!!

"Dismissed."

Meanwhile

On the ship headed for Prance, Marshall was in the captains quarters writing a personal letter to his family informing them of his impending visit yet each stroke of the quill felt heavy as a brick as he struggled to write down the words explaining his situation.

"What am I doing?" He asked himself when Raven kissed his cheek from behind.

"Adding something to the logbook captain?" She teased while cuddling him.

"Just sending a letter to my family...it's slow going." Marshall ran his hand down his face.

“It’s been almost fifteen years since I left home,” Marshall said. “Father always told me to follow my own path but I fear my path will bear mixed feelings from my family.”

"Does that path include telling them you are bedding two beautiful slave girls?" Lightning asked while laying in the bed next to them.

"Oh hardy har har my love. Just wait til you meet my mother." Marshall shot back with an unamused look before picking up his quill again.

"I just don't know what I'll say to them."

“Tell us what your family is like,” Raven said as she traced her finger on his back.

Marshall's thoughts drifted back to the day he was taken in by the Chandelier family, their loving smiles, the days he spent growing up in their home but the one memory that stuck was the day he had to watch his adoptive mother shed tears as he left home.

"They...were wonderful." Was all he would say to Raven before kissing her hand.

“My mother was always doting on me, ever since I was a colt,” Marshall said. “She’d always take pride in adopting me by saying, those Chevalier were fools for giving up such a handsome colt! I dare say you’ll have mares clambering in by the dozens just to stand in your handsome presence when you grow up!”

To this, the girls laughed after imagining their lover as a colt being smothered by his mother. Before they could reminisce any further, a crew member came knocking on the door to inform the knight captain that it was time to depart.

"You girls rest, I need to finish this."

The girls nodded and laid back in bed while cuddling each other. As Marshall wrote the letter, a memory he had long-since buried popped in his mind.

Prance, Twenty Years Ago

The howling storm over the jewel city of Prance as the rain fell down and pelted the streets below. However, the city itself was in a state of utter turmoil. The citizens of Prance were at each other’s throats, the army could barely keep them at bay, and there were sounds of conflict in nearly every corner of the city. Near the Prench Palace, away from the fighting and death, a massive four-story estate sat proud as local security found cover under the roofs or in the barracks. Inside the estate, a stallion and a mare sat together by the fire with a few servants standing by. The couple were enjoying each other’s company with their two young daughters, until they heard the footsteps of a maid frantically running to address them.

“Monsieur and Madame Chandelier,” the maid said with a bow. “I just request your presence immediately.”

The noble couple looked at each other curiously as they both sat up and followed the maid. Their daughters followed close by as they made their way to the entrance. As soon as they rounded the corner, the couple gasped when they saw a young colt, completely drenched from the rain, standing in the entryway. His clothes were torn, his eye was swollen black, and the poor colt couldn’t stop sniffling and weeping to himself.

“Mon dieu…!” The noble stallion said. “Marshall?! Is that you, boy?!”

From head to toe, the boy was covered in mud and twigs yet this did not stop Lady Chandelier from looking at him with worry.

"Oh you poor dear, come warm yourself by the fire."

"I want our physician down here at once." Lord Chandelier commanded as they brought him to the living room.

The servants nodded and bowed as the Lord and Lady led young Marshall into the living room. The poor colt couldn’t stop crying as he was sat down by the fire.

“What happened, mon garçon,” Lord Chandelier asked. “Who would beat a helpless colt?”

“Mon…” Marshall spoke through his sniffles. “Mon père…”

"Your father?" Lady Chandelier reached out to comfort him when the little colt curled up in fear as if someone was about to strike him again.

“That damn salaud has gone too far this time!” Lord Chandelier growled.

“He said…he said he was going to kill me…” Marshall spoke. “He said…that he has the hammer and anvil…to make new and better sons.”

"Shh sh shh. Say no more, you're safe here." The lady said before giving him a kiss to his forehead. When the doctors examined him, it was discovered that he had been severely beaten in both the front and back of his body as well as getting that black eye when the servants came in with new clothes for the boy.

"We've also drawn a warm bath for him milady."

“Good, merci,” the lady said. “Come along, dearie, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The servants led the colt away so he could be cleaned and tended to. The lady and the lord watched him go as their hearts broke for him.

“I’ve always known Chevalier was scum. But to beat his own son and disown him so disgracefully…” the lord sighed.

"No doubt to preserve his already faltering reputation. Half the kingdom knows he's a Philanderer-Ptoo!" Lady Chandelier spat slightly before turning to her daughters.

"Girls, I need you both to do something for me. Look after this young man, play with him. I think he could use some friends after what he's been through."

“Okay, mama!” The girls chirped. They ran off to go find Marshall and up the stairs. They came to one of the many rooms where Marshall had just finished bathing and the physician was looking at his back.

"There we go. You'll be fit as a fiddle in no time after a good nights rest."

After some time had passed, the family came to check on the boy now sound asleep in their bed while their daughters watched over him carefully as if he were still an infant.

"Darling, for years we had hoped for a son. I think this child is the answer to our prayers." Lady Chandelier whispered while holding her husbands hand.

"I agree. While circumstance lead this boy to our doorstep, I think fortune has smiled on our family at last." The lord said while nodding to himself.

"I will make the proper arrangements. This night, Marshall Avalon Chevalier is no more. From this day forward he will be Marshall Chandelier."

After finishing his letter, Marshall applied a special wax seal to the parchment before setting it on fire and casting its ashes into the wind as the ship sailed out of port alongside the one with Double Edges crew. The two knights said a silent farewell to one another and the ships parted ways.

"Double Edge, will your friend be alright?" Cherry Blossom asked while clinging to him.

“I’ve known Marshall for a long time…” Double sighed. “I’m one of the few who knows his story. He once told me he never would go back unless he had no choice. Guess this war was as good of an excuse as any.”

"He will do what he must, the same can be said of our group." Rain Shine said with her eyes fixed on the horizon.

"The day I was taken from my homeland was the most terrible thing I ever experienced and after seeing what this...king has put my people through, I pray I can make things right."

Double Edge placed a comforting hand on Rain’s.

“Fear not, my lady, I swear that all of your people will be free once more,” Double proclaimed.

"My my Double Edge, you already have Cherry Blossom yet you are trying to charm me? Such a bold young man you are." Rain Shine teased while the rest of her servants began to snicker a little.

Double stood there for a moment before clearing his throat. “Please excuse my rudeness, my lady,” Double said with a bow. “I meant no disrespect to you or Cherry.”

"But I do thank you for your encouragement, I know that this war has been hard on your kingdom as well and that we are asking you to take a great risk in aiding us."

Using a smugglers route provided by the sailors, the ship sailed through the seas avoiding any contact with other merchant ships as well as the various sea monsters that stalked the oceans of Equestria while keeping a watchful eye on the horizon.

“What can you tell me about this usurper Kirin?” Double asked.

Rain Shine was quiet for several minutes before taking a deep breath.

“He is but a puppet, the real mastermind behind this coup…is my brother,” Rain Shine mumbled.

"Your brother?"

"Khan to be exact. When I was chosen to be ruler of the Kirin over him, he became enraged and as you know we Kirin undergo a transformation when we lose control of our rage, in that moment he attacked me during my coronation and so I was given no choice but to banish him."

“You left out the worst part, your majesty,” Cherry said.

“Khan’s anger was so great that his transformation ended up being permanent,” Rain Shine said. “Another reason why I banished him was because such a thing is taboo among the Kirin.”

"He's a Nirik?" Double Edge sounded shocked when he heard this.

"A demon and a disgrace to our people." Rain Shine said, trying to keep her composure as the ship sailed on.

As night gave way to the stars, the crew were safely tucked away in their cots save for Double Edge who took this moment to get some fresh air and stretch his legs while being accompanied by Cherry Blossom.

"The night sky is beautiful." Cherry said while looking at the stars twinkling like diamonds.

“Indeed you are,” Double said. “The stars are nice too.”

Cherry laughed at her lovers compliment before a strong gust sent chills up her spine and made her cling to her stallion for warmth.

"I forgot how cold the sea is at night." She shuddered while Double Edge held her close.

Double wrapped his arm around her and held her close. “Then perhaps I should warm you up~.”

"Double Edge! we're on a ship, someone might hear." Cherry protested as her cheeks flushed pink from his suggestion.

“Not if we’re quiet~,” Double whispered as he gently caressed her thigh.

"Double we can't..." Cherry tried to protest further as his hands began to work their magic yet the idea of being caught seemed to excite her more as her heart began to race with every second.

"Perhaps I might offer a solution?" Queen Rain Shine appeared from the shadows, her smirk hidden behind her fan as she stepped out in her evening robes.

"My personal quarters should be more than enough to suit your...personal needs~."

"Y-your majesty! please forgive us we-" Cherry was cut off when Rain Shine held up her hand.

"There's no need to be shy my dear, it's only right that two young lovers enjoy themselves on such a romantic evening aboard a ship under a starry sky."

"But..." Rain Shine snapped her fan shut to reveal her smirk as well as her voluptuous body.

"I request that I join you as well~."

A pin dropped as both Double and Cherry’s eyes twitched.

“WHAT/I BEG YOUR PARDON?!”

"Is it not surprising? Even an empress has to have a little fun now and then." With a clap of her hands, the two were immediately brought to Rain Shines personal quarters to find a lavish bedroom decorated with elaborate furniture as well as a few potted plants to make it look like a palace fit for royalty.

"M-my empress what is the meaning of this?" Cherry asked in a mix of shock and confusion.

"It's quite simple my sweet Cherry Blossom. I wish to join you two this evening." The empress stated while seating herself on the bed.

“My lady, no offense, but I’m not entirely sure about this,” Double confessed. “I mean, why me? I’m just a soldier.”

"That's why you're the perfect candidate~." Rain Shine began to show a predatory look in her eyes as she crawled forward, her chest practically exposed to the stallion.

"Every queen needs a consort don't you agree my sweet Cherry Blossom~?"

“You want me…to be your consort?” Double asked in shock.

“I’m both shocked and honored…” Cherry said.

"There are two reasons for this. The first is to mainly secure an alliance with Equestria so that we might better our relations with our two nations and what better way than by bestowing a hero with the highest honor a royal can give?"

"Hero? me?" Double asked when the empress slowly began to remove her top.

"The second is that as an empress I must have an heir but because of this war, no man has proven worthy enough to be my mate...that is until you came along and if you wish it, I will also allow Cherry Blossom to become part of the line of succession~."

"My empress that's too much!" Cherry protested as she knelt before her ruler.

"I am but a humble chamber maid, I am not worthy."

“You forget, Cherry, the Blossom clan has served the royal family for generations,” Rain said.

“Truly?” Double asked, sounding interested.

"Yes. We have always been loyal servants to the royal household but for a servant to become a royal is unthinkable! I am not worthy of such an honor."

"My dear Cherry Blossom you're like a daughter to me." Rain Shine smiled while making Cherry join her in bed.

"You have been a loyal friend and servant for many moons so it's only right I reward you for your loyal service." She said while undressing her in front of her lover.

"Also I am very interested to see what kind of man you bagged yourself. Hearing the two of you that night made me envious."

"You were...jealous your majesty?" Cherry asked before her chest was suddenly squeezed.

"Indeed. like you, I was forced to give my chastity to a disgusting lowlife but you were still able to find the man you love and that made me jealous~."

“Double?” Cherry said to her stallion.

“I’m at an impasse here,” Double said. “On one hand, it’s an honor, but on the other I’ll only do it if you consent to it.”

"Mm such a devout lover, he'll make a fine husband for you my dear."

"H-HUSBAND?!?" Cherry's face completely lit up at the mention of her and Double becoming newlyweds.

"And our children will be so lucky to have a father like him~."

"CHILDREN?!?" Double shouted in the same tone.

“Good stars, what have I gotten myself into?” Double said sheepishly.

"So my dear, what do you say? There are two lovely beauties who are just dying for your touch~." Rain Shine smirked as she hugged Cherry Blossom close.

"I don't mind being second if that's the issue~."

“Ahem…please excuse us?” Double said as he politely took Cherry aside, not bothering to cover her, so they could speak in private. “Well, this certainly is not what I was expecting. Only young colts dream of opportunities like this.”

"Um well if it's a command from my empress..." Cherry said shyly while twiddling her fingers.

"And I don't mind doing it if you don't..."

“Cherry, I don’t think this is supposed to be a command from Rain Shine,” Double said. “I think she’s testing you. She wants you to make a decision of your own accord.”

"But she is my empress and I have to obey her..." Cherry replied, her feelings completely mixed about the situation.

“But what do you want?” Double insisted.

Cherry thought long and hard about her answer as she took Double Edges hand and pressed it against her cheek.

"Well more than anything I want you to be happy and...if this is truly what most colts dream about then...I'd be happy to help make your dream come true." She said while bashfully looking away, making her appear cute in her stallions eyes.

Double kissed her cheek and nodded as they walked back to Rain Shine.

“Your majesty, it would be an honor to become your consort,” Double said.

“And…am okay with this,” Cherry said. “Including being part of the line of succession. I would be an equal honor as well.”

"Then what are we waiting for my dears? Lovers first~." Rain Shine scooted aside to make room for the couple as Double Edge guided his love into bed.

Double kissed Cherry deep as she removed his armor for him. Rain Shine then got a full on view of Double’s chiseled frame as his muscles flexed with every movement they made.

"My my Cherry, you certainly know how to pick em~." The Kirin empress complimented while watching the lovers.

"Don't think about blaming the candle this time~." Double Edge teased while kissing his way down to her waistband that was still tied in a neat little bow.

Cherry moaned as Double pulled the bow undone and left her bare. He laid her on her back and spread her legs so he could gently kiss around her sex.

"Mmm eee! Double Edge that tickles~!!" Cherry giggled while holding his head in place but her stallion would not relent as he began pecking his way back up to her smiling face and gently rubbed her thighs while holding her hand.

"Don't leave me out dear~." Rain Shine beckoned as she laid herself next to Cherry, her eyes smoldering with desire for Double Edge as she slowly pulled her robe aside to expose her royal chest.

Double had to look twice at the bountiful bosom that belonged to the empress. The size difference was staggering as Cherry had a double C-cup whole Rain Shine packed a pair of double I-cup breasts. Double smirked as he moved over Rain Shine and their lips were mere centimeters apart.

“May I partake in your luscious lips, my lady~?” Double asked.

"You may~." The empress played along with his act before they finally kissed. For Rain Shine, this was the first genuine kiss she had since her enslavement and savored every moment of it as Doubles hands explored her body.

"Mmm now let's see what we have here~." Double Edge smirked the moment his hands found their way to her royal rump and began massaging her cheeks like dough and giving each one a playful smack that made the empress giggle with lust.

"Mmm do it harder~." Rain shine murred as they kissed again.

Double obliged by rearing back and cracked on across her ass, making it giggle.

“My, my, Rain, what a wonderful flank you have~,” Double said as he groped both cheeks as she moaned into his neck. “I’m quite fortunate to claim this for my own~.”

"Oooh not just me my new lover~." Rain shine reminded Double Edge of his duty to Cherry Blossom who was eagerly awaiting her turn as she presented her flank to him with a playful giggle.

"Don't keep her waiting my love~."

Double nodded and left the empress to return to Cherry. Cherry had already spread her legs and Double positioned himself over her and pressed the tip of his cock at her entrance. Rain Shine got a close-up view of the stallion’s tool parting Cherry’s pussy as he slid inside.

"Ahhh~..." Cherry sighed as her stallion filled her and began to plow his way into her womb while the ship gently rocked against the waves. The lovers were distracted for a moment when Rain Shine used her magic to cast a spell around the room before opening the blinds.

"Now nobody will hear us."

“Much obliged~,” Double smirked and started thrusting harder.

"Ah! Ah~! H-hold me tighter~!!" Cherry said as she held her arms out as Double Edge began to go all out on her.

“That’s it, Sir Double~,” Rain moaned as she pleasured herself. “Buck my hand servant. Make her beg for your love~.”

Cherry was still bashful as she could feel her Empresses eyes on her while Double Edge kept up his pace and even bit down on one of her breasts to make her give out a loud squeak as her legs suddenly sprang up straight in the air.

"Oh my~." Rain Shine covered her smile with her hand as Cherry kept making loud squeals while clawing at her lovers back.

"Double Edge...ahhh~!!" Cherry's mane turned into pink flames as her emotions began to go out of control.

"This is...so embarrassing~." She moaned while Double Edge pushed deeper into her womb.

"I'm being bred in front of my empress~!"

The flames of her mane danced around but nothing was set ablaze, in fact they were warm and welcoming as Double Edge moved his fingers through them and felt like he was touching the purest silk ever spun before taking his lovers hand.

"Nnng Cherry I'm about to..."

"Do it, it's okay I'm safe~!" Cherry moaned as they held each other tight.

"I love you Double Edge~!"

The flames then erupted into a bright flash that lit up the entire room but surprisingly nothing was scorched and the furniture was left standing. As the lovers took a moment to catch their breath, Double Edge and Cherry Blossom exchanged a quick kiss before he was suddenly yanked off of her and thrown to the bed by Rain Shine.

"Now that you've warmed up, it's my turn~." The Kirin Empress grinned as she discarded her robe and pinned Double Edge down to the mattress.

Double Edge had to do a double take as he marbled at the empress’s flawless body. Her curvy hips, her slender midsection, her ample flank, and her very generous bust made her the ideal woman.

“It perplexes me how you don’t have a man, Rain,” Double said as he glided his hands from her back to her flank cheeks.

"I would've given you my chastity had it not been stolen from me but there was a benefit to being a slave~." Rain Shine smirked while reaching down to his crotch.

"Benefit?" Double Edge Questioned when she whispered into his ear.

"Now I can please you in ways you've only dreamed of and I won't stop til you are completely satisfied~."

“Rain.” Double cupped her cheek. “You don’t need to satisfy me.”

“Excuse me?” Rain blinked.

“If you want to be with me.” He smiled at her that made her blush. “Then just say so.”

"You are such a sweet man~." She purred before going down to give him a kiss as their fingers locked with each other.

She smells wonderful. Double Edge thought to himself as the smell of her hair caught his attention and he began to stroke it with his hand before they broke the kiss.

"Mmm touch me more~." Rain Shine moaned while guiding his hands all over her body.

Double entry glided his hands along her perfect body. He stroked along her waist, her stomach, her back, until he made it to her breasts. She flinched when he made contact with her bosom.

“Sensitive?” Double asked playfully.

"Mmm that's what happens when they're this size." She giggled before feeling them get massaged.

"Ohh I've never had my breasts massaged so gently~. Most of the time they were squeezed and sucked like some animal was trying to rip them off." She let out a sigh just before a small white droplet fell onto Doubles tongue and she began to lean more against him with her entire body practically blocking out the light.

Double smirked around her nipple and suckled gently. He continued to massage her breasts as more milk leaked out, to which he happily drank.

"Oooh." Rain Shine shuddered at the gentleness of his touch as his rod began to rise to full mast once more and bumped itself against her royal bottom.

"Mmm seems I have your little friends attention~." She giggled before raising her hips slightly.

"Show me what you can do sir knight~." She aims her pussy right above his shaft before slowly lowering her hips. The empress shuddered as inch by inch of his cock penetrated her until it managed to kiss the entrance of her womb. Something no other male who defiled her could even manage before.

"Nnng...you're highness-"

"Call me Rain~."

"Rain, you're so tight~!" Double Edge complimented as she began to move her hips. Rain moaned with Double as she lightly bounced on his shaft. Her back arched as he sunk his hands into her flanks.

Their pleasure would only increase when Double Edge managed to latch on to one of her bouncing boobs to replenish his energy as the bed seemed to rock more than the waves outside the ship and just like witch Cherry Blossom, Rain Shines mane began to flare up into a jade green flame as her emotions ran wild with her stallion.

"Mmm Double Edge, I want you on top~." She moaned while looking down at her nursing lover.

The knight happily obliged the queen by rolling on top while still keeping a firm hold on her tit as he began thrusting into her vigorously while Rain Shine gripped the sheets for fear of being pushed off the edge. Cherry who had managed to recover some of her stamina crawled to the other side of the kirin queen and helped herself to her remaining breast that was flopping back and forth like a glob of jello before being seized by her mouth.

"Mmm yes dear, suck your queen dry~!" Rain Shine encouraged her attendant by smacking her rear before feeling Double Edge pull on her with his teeth.

Double’s thrusts were more powerful as he ravished Rain Shine. Rain Shine wrapped her legs around him and her eyes rolled back while her milk poured into his mouth. Just then, Double felt tension build up in his groin as he continued treating.

“My flower,” Double grunted. “I am close! I will release inside you!”

"Mmm give me every drop~." Rain shine giggled as she locked her legs tightly around his waist.

The moment Double Edge released inside her, the queens mane erupted into a blazing inferno with a heat that seemed more intense than Cherry's and just as before the room remain untouched and Double Edge collapsed from exhaustion as he fell between her mountainous boobs to catch his breath.

"My my Sir Double Edge, you truly are incredible~." Rain Shine complimented while stroking his mane like a child.

"I don't suppose you have another round in you~?" Cherry asked as she looked down at his tired expression.

"S-sorry girls but I'm spent..."

“Fair enough,” Rain Shine said as they cuddled together. “Thank you for becoming my consort, Sir Double. Please take good care of me.”

As for Double, a stirring feeling welled up in his heart as the two mares smothered him on both sides. His love for Cherry was still strong as ever but he couldn’t shake the new budding sensation with Rain. Especially since they just made love. Only time will tell what else was in store for the lieutenant.

End.

Author's Note

Bit of an update on my personal life.

My grandpa's not doing so well as he's having a hard time getting around without a wheelchair, also I've had some personal stuff to deal with including the renovation for the kitchen I mentioned a while back. Rest assured I will try to update this story as much as I can so please be patient.

Homecoming

After months at sea, the ship Marshall was on had finally reached its destination upon the shores of The Riverlands. The bell was sounded and the crew scrambled to their positions as they prepared to dock while the knight captain slowly awoke to find his beloved mares sleeping soundly next to him.

Raven was sleeping peacefully with her long black mane hanging down and covering one of her eyes while Lightning Dust was laying on her side as her lover leaned down to give them both a kiss to gently rouse them from their slumber.

"Mmm...morning lover." Raven smiled while feeling his hand brush her mane out of her face as their lips met.

"What time is it?" Lightning grumbled before feeling his hand caress her belly before she too was given a kiss.

"We just pulled in, my family should be here to greet us." Marshall smiled at his mares before getting up to get dressed.

"So you think they'll be happy to see you after all this time?" Lightning asked while watching him put on a uniform as he strapped his longsword to his waist.

"Well it's not like I'm expecting a big homecoming." Marshall joked as he stepped onto the deck but the second the gangplank was lowered he was greeted by cheers and trumpets followed by a big banner that read "Welcome Home" as a crowd of familiar faces came to greet him.

"Welcome home young master!" A butler shouted with a gentle smile as he and a few others bowed their heads respectfully.

"What is all this?" Marshall asked in astoundment when he heard a familiar voice.

"Why it's your Welcome Home Celebration of course."

The moment he heard that voice, the knight captain saw a stallion much older than him with appeared and he immediately fell to one knee.

"Mon pere."

To this, the old stallion scoffed in disapproval as Marshall raised his head.

"Is that any way for a son to greet his father?" He asked while opening up his arms.

"Give your old man a proper greeting."

Marshall could only smile as he got off his knee and embraced his adoptive father in a firm hug that seemed to make him feel lighter as he was patted a few times on his back.

"Welcome home my son, welcome!"

"It's good to see you father. Is...mother here?"

"Ah well..."

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Suddenly, a slightly elderly mare came barreling towards Marshall, followed by a duo of younger mares.

"Oh boy..." Marshall braced himself as he was tackled into a pile of crates as the mysterious mare began hugging and cuddling him like a foal.

"Ohh my baby boy has finally come home!! Ohh we've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too mother!" Marshall grunted while trying to escape her embrace.

"Odette, Claire, good to see you two!" He groaned as her grip tightened.

“Little brother!” They both cried happily. “We missed you so much!”

“Ack! Can’t breathe!” Marshall gasped.

"Girls please! give the poor boy some space."

"Oh Jacque how can you be so cruel? Our sweet baby boy has finally come home and you would deny us this embrace?"

"Don't be so dramatic Vivienne and besides he has brought guests." Marshalls father pointed to Raven and Lightning Dust followed by Twilight and her friends.

Lighting Dust and Raven nervously approached Marshall’s family.

“Mother, father, my sisters,” Marshall said. “This Raven and Lighting Dust. They’re my two lovely mates whom I am in a herd with.”

"Oh my." Vivienne clasped her hands while examining them both.

"I promise to explain everything."

"Pardon the interruption." Twilight chimed in while waving hello to the family.

"I'm pretty sure you already know me but I am-"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle. Welcome to Prance." Jacque said as they become more polite and bowed respectfully to the princess of friendship and her friends.

"You all must be tired after such a long voyage. Let us return to my manor."

As the group made their way from the docks, Marshall noticed a wedding ring on his sister’s, Claire’s, finger.

“Claire, you’re married?” Marshall asked, surprised.

“Hmm? Oh, yes! I am!” Claire said happily. “And you’ll never guess who is my husband. Your old friend, Biscotti, who used to work for us in the kitchen with his father, Croissant. And who used to steal pastries when you were a colt.”

"SHHH!!!" Marshall tried to silence his sister before feeling the cold gaze of his mother upon him.

"So that explains why there were always a few pastries short at tea time."

"Uhh heh heh heh..."

The group mad their way through the busy streets of the city by carriage as Twilight and her friends took in the sights and sounds.

"This city is amazing! So many new things to see, so many shops."

"Wait til you try our cuisine." Jacque said as he twirled his mustache a little when Pinkie smelled something sweet in the air.

"Ooh is that a bakery? can we check it out? pleease?"

The door opened and out came a stallion with a curly dirty blonde mane and tail. His fur was chocolate brown, and his eyes were hazel. He wore overalls and a white apron as he carried a basket of baguettes. As soon as he laid eyes on the group, he froze when he caught sight of Marshall.

“…Mon dieu,” the stallion gasped. “Marshall…?”

"Biscotti?" Marshall was the first to step out and greet his old friend.

"Biscotti! It's good to see-!"

WHAP!

The group let out a gasp when the baker suddenly slugged Marshall onto the ground with an angry look in his eyes as he cracked his knuckles.

"You got SOME nerve coming back here! First you leave the mansion without a word and not tell your best friend?! Then you come home like it's nothing!"

"Why you!" Marshall growled as he returned the favor and socked him right on the nose before the two began grappling with each other like colts on a playground.

“Marshall!” Raven said, attempting to stop them but Jacques held his hand up.

“Let them be, my dear. This is normal,” Jacques chuckled.

“You were always so pig headed!” Marshall barked. “Even as colts! You insisted on filching the good croissants filed with jam!”

"Oh that's rich coming from the guy who ran away from home!" Biscotti countered while putting him in a headlock.

"Says the guy who couldn't find the nerve to ask my sister on ONE date when we were colts!!"

"Bastard!"

"Chicken!!"

"Doofus!"

"NIMROD!!"

"Alright boys, that's enough." Vivienne said with two claps of her hands as the servants pulled them apart.

Even though it may have looked like a harmless squabble, it became apparent that Biscotti held ill-contempt for Marshall.

“Why are you even here, Avalalon?” Biscotti asked. “Come to break more promises and end more friendships!”

“Biscotti! Don’t say such things!” Claire snapped.

“Why not?!” Biscotti said back, pulling his arms away from the servants. “This salaud has no idea the turmoil he put you and your family through when he just up and left without a word! Not even one letter made it to my mailbox! Not one!”

"I had my reasons." Was all Marshall would say as they exchanged glances.

"But that's not the worst of it! You never came to our wedding! I wanted you to be my best man!" Biscotti said, his voice a mix of emotions while pointing an accusing finger at him.

"Then my wife suddenly tells me that SHE got a letter saying her little brother-The big war hero was coming home!!"

"I didn't know-" Marshall tried to explain himself when he was cut off.

"Of course you didn't know! You practically cut us out of your life and after all we did for you!!"

"Biscotti, you've made your point." Jacque intervened as the baker began to calm down and take a few breaths.

"So umm how much for those pastries in the window?" Pinky asked while pointing to the display at the shop.

“But you want to know what the worst part is?” Biscotti said, ignoring Pinky. As if the timing couldn’t be worse, the door to the shop opened up to reveal a small unicorn colt with a mane and tail similar to Biscotti’s but his fur resembled Clair’s.

“Papa?” The colt said.

“You weren’t there for the second best day of our lives,” Biscotti sneered.

"Oh! perfect timing." Clair smiled as she picked up the colt and smiled at Marshall.

"Sweetie, this is your uncle. The one I told you about."

“Uncle Marshall?” The colt said.

Marshall had to collect himself as the colt stared at him curiously. “What’s your name, son?”

“Brioche!” The colt chirped.

"Brioche...that's a good name." Marshall smiled before Biscotti got between the two of them.

"Brioche, go inside. Your...uncle and I have much to talk about." He said while looking at Marshall.

"But Papa-!"

"Go son." Biscotti spoke more firmly before Brioche went back inside.

"So how old is he?"

"Seven. Like I said, you missed a lot while you were away..." Biscotti said bitterly before heading inside his bakery.

"The pastries are two bits each, three for the ones freshly baked. Finish your business and be quick about it."

“Would you please give me a moment, everypony?” Marshall asked and Twilight nodded. Marshall entered the bakery with only Clair. There were no customers at the moment as Biscotti just glanced at him. “Biscotti…Clair. I believe it’s only fair to tell you why I left.”

“More excuses?” Biscotti scoffed.

“No. The truth,” Marshall said.

"After I left the manor, I took a job as a mercenary. Anyone who had the bits for my services paid up front and I made sure to give them their moneys worth, it didn't matter if it was a bodyguard or an escort for a caravan but then I got an unexpected offer from the last pony I thought would ever need my help....Blueblood." He then took a small sip of coffee as he continued his tale.

"For a while the money was good until I got in deeper. He gave me not only gold but wine, food and eventually any women I could want, even offered up Princess Celestia's former secretary as a prize for me....at first I ignored it all, the enslavement, the atrocities but then I just couldn't take it but I also couldn't just leave not after what I did...I could never return home or...that's what I thought."

Biscotti and Claire were silent as they listened to Marshall.

“That’s…that’s a lie!” Claire said. “There’s no way my precious younger brother would become something like…a mercenary!”

"It's the truth...Raven is...was my slave but I grew to love her and she loved me. She was my light in that darkness and then Lightning Dust came along and well...let's say after a few drinks we got a little closer." Marshall smirked.

“If…what you’re saying is true,” Biscotti said. “Then confirm something with me. My father wouldn’t speak with me about it while we worked for the Chandeliers to build up funds for this shop. But I always had my suspicions even as a colt.” Biscotti looked into Marshall’s eyes. “You’re not really a Chandelier, are you?”

"....officially no." Marshall confessed.

"I am the bastard son of Lord Franz Chevalier. I was adopted by the Chandeliers when I was a colt."

“WHAT?!” Biscotti gasped. “CHEVALIER?! THE FALSE NOBLE?!”

"Yes...the very same..." Marshall sighed while his friend stood there in shock.

"Our father made Claire and I swear to only tell you when the time was right and well...now's as good a time as any."

“That pathetic excuse of a stallion was never the same since the war,” Claire informed Marshall. “I had heard he lost his noble status when several controversies about him came to light.”

"Guess karma finally caught up to him." Marshall said before finishing his coffee and leaving a few bits on the table.

"Thanks for the coffee...it's been a while since I had a taste of home." As Marshall prepared to leave, he felt something tug his cloak to see little Brioche looking at him with sad eyes not wanting him to go.

"Oh now don't be sad Brioche, I won't be leaving for a while and I'll be sure to come visit you again."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

“Marshall!” Biscotti said, making Marshall turn to him. “I…I may not fully understand why you left but I’m starting to understand. Perhaps I just need time to process everything.”

"Take as much as you need. I'm in no hurry." Marshall said before finally leaving the shop with the others.

Later

When the group arrived at the family manor, they were astonished. Out in the front was a garden similar to the ones at Canterlot with hedges cut into shapes of ponies and various animals and at its center was a fountain with lily pads and some frogs along with some fish swimming below.

"This is amazing!!" Twilight gasped as Marshall took a moment to breathe in the air and began walking around the courtyard like he was in a trance as a flood of memories came rushing back, memories of his childhood spent in his adopted families care as he was growing up.

"It hasn't changed a bit..." He smiled before seeing a tree with a rope swing tied to it.

"Brother." A voice called out when Marshall noticed his mother standing with a young unicorn mage with a snowy white mane and coat.

"Odette." Marshall smiled as the mare embraced him in a warm hug.

"Welcome home little brother."

"Good to be home sister." Marshall smiled as they were lead inside to find the entire mansions staff waiting in line to greet him.

"Welcome back, young master!" The servants shouted in unison as they bowed respectfully and presented their guests with an amazing feast prepared especially for them.

"Oh my." Fluttershy gasped at the illustrious gourmet dishes laid out while Pinkie started to salivate over the elaborate desserts.

"And of course I couldn't forget your favorite." Vivienne smiled while showing him a cheese wheel and some bread. While it seemed a simple dish to the others, to Marshall it was equal to the food of the gods as he took that first bite.

"My cheese..." He said before one of the servants poured him some wine.

"From your fathers personal stash young master. Saved for when you'd return home."

Marshall took one savory sip that seemed to lift his spirits before he took a piece of bread.

"My wine...my bread...I....I am home." He said with tears in his eyes before his mother embraced him once again.

"My sweet boy, we've missed you."

“Um…you really like cheese and bread that much?” Twilight wondered.

“We Prench ponies value cheese and bread as if they’re our greatest delicacy,” Odette said.

"Well that and they were Marshalls favorite snack growing up." Claire smiled as they gathered around the table for the meal.

"While I know this isn't a casual visit, I say we put all business aside and treat ourselves to a gourmet meal! And of course this calls for a toast." Jacque said as he raised a glass.

"A toast to my son for coming home and his friends who have joined us but most of all to the news that my wife and I will soon have another grandchild."

"Cheers!" The group clinked their glasses and began to help themselves when Twilight noticed something about the handkerchiefs decorating the table. Each one was embroidered with a flower and decorated with frills, somepony wanted to turn these simple pieces of fabric into works of art.

"Um excuse me, Lady Vivienne?" Twilight called out.

"I couldn't help but notice the handkerchiefs."

"Oh they're lovely aren't they? We recently ordered them from a new business associate of ours, I think you should meet her." To this, Vivienne gave a clever smile as if she were plotting something.

"What are you scheming mother?" Marshall smirked as he sipped some more wine.

"My dear boy I'm a mother, I'm always scheming something." Vivienne admitted while dabbing her napkin on her lips.

"Wow, I never thought I'd be eating grub this good!" Lightning Dust proclaimed as she enjoyed her meal while receiving a few looks from Claire and Odette.

"So Lightning Dust is it? what exactly is your relationship with my brother?" Odette asked while folding her hands.

"Our relationship?" Lighting inquired as both sisters shot suspicious glares at her.

"Yes. You and Lady Raven slept with him with the exception of you being drunk so what is our dear brother to you?"

"Now hold on this is going too far." Marshall objected before being seated back down by his father.

"Well if you wanna know, when he and I first met we tried to kill each other." Lightning seemed proud of that statement as she sat up straight with her nose in the air.

"But shortly after that we became partners and our relationship only progressed when we both got drunk and had a very passionate evening."

The air suddenly became tense as Vivienne strained a smile while doing her best to keep her wine glass steady as she slowly turned her head towards Lightning.

"So what you're saying is you got my sweet boy drunk, seduced him and lured him into your trap is that right?"

"Not exactly. He tried to let me sleep off the booze but the moment he put his hands on me, there was no way I was letting him go~." Lightning grinned at her lover who was starting to sweat as the gaze of his mother and sisters began to focus on him.

"So our dear brother got drunk and spent the night with a strange girl?" Claire asked with a damming stare.

"Nothing strange about her and I plan to wed her when this whole thing is over."

"Me and your new secretary." Lightning Dust smirked.

"My my son, you certainly have been busy." Jacque chuckled as they finished their meal and gave a tour of the family manor, while it all seemed new to Twilight and her friends it was all very familiar to Marshall as the memories of his childhood came flooding back.

"After twenty years this place hasn't changed...I once became lost in this hallway during a stormy night when father found me an over there, we used to sneak into the kitchens to see what snacks we could swipe.

"Yes and as I recall mother caught you and Biscotti one time and gave you an earful." Claire giggled when one of the servants whispered something in her ear that made her smile.

"Excellent. Princess Twilight, if you and your friends could follow me please? I think there's somepony I know you'll all be happy to see."

"If you don't mind sister, I'd like to join you."

"Of course. Now ladies, follow me!" Claire said with a more chipper voice as she lead Twilights group to the eastern part of the manor where they noticed several servants hauling out all sorts of dresses and suits.

"This is our closet, The Prench are also known to be entreprenuers of fashion as well as food and our most recent investment has put out quite the clothes line this season."

"No no NO! This fabric is absolutely horrid!!" A voice screamed from behind the doors that made the girls hearts skip a beat.

"That voice...it couldn't be..." Twilight gasped.

Unable to restrain herself, Twilight flung the doors open with her magic to see the face of somepony she recognized all too well.

"R...Rartiy?" She called out when who else but her friend Rarity turned to see her with a surprised face before opening her arms to embrace her.

"Twilight darling!" Rarity beamed with excitement as she squeezed Twilight who was still dumbstruck at the sight of her friend safe and sound.

"Oh darlings it's been far too long!" The fashionista smiled when she noticed the tears forming in Twilights eyes.

"Why Twilight dear, whatever is the matter?" She asked before suddenly being brought in for another hug as Twilight let it all out.

"It's you, you're really here!"

"Oh darling I'm so sorry to have worried you." Rarity said with a few gentle pats to her back.

"I would've written to you all sooner but the entire kingdom is on lockdown what with the war raging on."

"We're just glad to see ya Rarity and I see you've been busy as usual." Applejack said, having taken notice of all the dresses and suits no doubt designed by her friend.

"Oh yes. After losing all my stores to those horrid Stonehooves, I took what little bits I had and made my way here with my family. The only upside of all this is father is still the sweet stallion who married my mother and Sweetie Belle is safe and sound."

"And I see you got yourself some swanky new digs." Rainbow teased before she noticed Marshall giving her friend a suspicious look.

"Forgive the late introductions miss but I am Marshall Chandelier, son of Lord Jacque and Lady Vivienne. I have just returned home with your friends as my guests."

"Oh yes, I heard about you." Rarity said as she gave a curtsy to the knight captain.

"It is an honor to work for such an esteemed household as yours sir."

"The honor is ours, your designs are well known even here but I am curious as to how my family managed to recruit you into our service."

Sensing his suspicion, Rarity decided to humor him and brought her friends to the corner of the room for some tea.

"Well a friend of mine escaped with me and my family when Canterlot fell. For a while, we wandered the land aimlessly that is until we came to this city where many refugees had fled." Rarity explained while stirring Twilights cup.

"It was during that time I met your mother who saw me sewing up a poor childs clothes and as expected from any resident of Prance, she could tell my skill was superb and decided to hire me for my services. In exchange for room and board, I was to help provide her my best designs."

"But that was not all was it?" Marshall asked while calmly popping a cookie into his mouth.

"Indeed. As I'm sure you are aware, the Chandeliers are not your average noble household.'

"Uhh there something going on here?" Twilight whispered to Applejack who simply shrugged when she noticed Marshall making his way towards a set of sewing needles.

"You'll forgive me then if I have doubts about your benefits to our household."

Without warning he flung the needles at Rarity as the others gasped in shock only for the unicorn to stop them midflight with her magic before a dagger was suddenly pressed to her neck.

"Too slow."

"Oh contraire moinsure." Rarity smirked when Marshall felt another needle pressing against the back of his neck.

"Had you been any slower, I might have accidentally buried this in your brain stem." Rarity said with a smug grin as they lowered their weapons with a respectful bow.

"WHAT IN TARTNATION IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?" Applejack shouted angrily while getting in Marshall's face, her eyes staring daggers into him as he explained himself.

"Nobody joins the Chandelier family without learning a few of our tricks. It's required that each new employee or household member learns to defend themselves."

"He's right darlings and after what transpired at Canterlot, I refuse to stand by and be helpless, especially given my new responsibilities." Rarity said, catching her friends interests.

"New responsibilities? What're you talking about?" Rainbow asked when a knock came at the door.

"Come in."

"Hey Rares, sorry to interrupt but I-!! Twilight?"

Twilight instantly froze up when she saw a tall, purple winged dragon with green scales staring back at her in complete shock.

"S-Spike?" Twilight gasped as a flood of emotions overwhelmed her while Spike smiled sheepishly and waved hello to his old friends.

"Hey girls, long time no see."

“SPIKE!” Twilight flew straight at Spike and tackled him. “I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD! I WAS SO WORRIED! AND! AND!”

Twilight had to force herself to stop what she was doing when something felt off. When she first laid eyes on Spike, her mind made her see the image of the little dragon boy who always was at her side. But this felt different. Her arms weren’t completely around Spike’s torso. Instead, they barely wrapped around his frame. Next, Spike was much shorter than Twilight but for some reason this person felt very tall. Twilight blinked until she slowly looked up to see the very same Spike the dragon. Only…

“Spike…?” Twilight said flabbergasted. “Is…that really you?”

"Yeah I uh had a growth spurt." Spike admitted before adjusting a little bundle he was carrying in his arms.

"Oh and be careful, we're squishing her."

"Her who?" Fluttershy asked when they all leaned in to see a little baby dragon wrapped up in the blanket he was carrying.

"Girls, meet Cinder....Our Daughter."

“DAUGHTER?!” Everyone shouted.

"Shh girls! please don't shout." Rarity scolded her friends just as the foal began to whine and squirm.

"Ohh there there sweetie, we didn't mean to wake you. Come to mommy." Rarity cooed as she took little cinder out of the bundle and into her arms to show she was part pony as well as dragon; a kirin.

“I-I don’t understand!” Twilight said, her eye twitching. “How did-! When did-! What-?!”

“I think it’s best we explain properly.” Spike sat down in a chair and sighed while Rarity tended to Cinder. “It all started a couple months after the Fall.”

Flashback

WHAM!

Poor little Spike was kicked in his stomach and sent flying into a tree as Rarity watched in horror as she was cuffed. Stonehoof stags, traitor stallions, and brainwashed stallions surrounded the poor drake as he desperately tried to stand back up.

“You…won’t…take her!” Spike hissed as he glared daggers at the group.

"Aww the little dragon is protecting his lady!" One of them teased while they made Rarity watch.

"He's got balls I'll give him that but he should've just handed the girl over when he had the chance." Another said before ripping Rarity's shirt off and revealing her underwear.

"Whoa HO! Blue lace~! me likey~!!"

“Stop! Get away!” Rarity pleaded as they roughly groped her.

“She’ll make a fine brood slut~!” One of the stags grinned as he pulled his trousers down. “Hold her steady! I’ve been wanting to bust a load for weeks~!”

Spike watched helplessly as the stag loomed over her. He clenched his little claws as his anger boiled up inside him.

“No…” Spike snarled as his eyes shrunk to slits. “No!” His body heaved as his arms and legs slowly grew, along with the rest of his body. “NO!” Green flames escaped his nostrils and his fangs grew razor sharp.

"What the hell?!?" A stallion shouted as two wings shout out from the drakes back and began to grow almost as quickly as he did. Spikes muscles, fangs and scales grew at a surprisingly fast rate as his eyes blazed with anger and before anyone realized what had happened he had become a juvenile dragon in a matter of seconds.

ROOOAAAARRRGH!!

“What in Dainn's name?!” A stag cried before Spike lunged forward and bit his head off.

"Spike?" Rarity gasped as Spike went completely feral and began digging his claws and teeth into every one of them even as a few managed to plunge their spears into his hide but that only seemed to anger him more as he blasted them with a torrent of green flames.

Spike’s rampage showed no mercy to the group of invaders and traitors, not even to the brainwashed stallions as their blood spilled across the grass. Some tried to retreat but Spike quickly dispatched them by tearing their entrails out from their guts or sinking his fangs down on their scalps and crushing their brains out from their eyes and ears.

Only when the slaughter was over did Rarity approach, caring more for her friends state of being than her own safety.

"S-Spike?" She called out only to be shove back by his tail as his head darted around looking for more enemies to shred with his claws.

"Spike look at me!" She shouted, almost snapping him out of his rage when he turned to her.

Spike slowly approached the mare as blood dripped from his maw and claws. Rarity didn’t move as she gazed at Spike with fear and uncertainty.

"Spike...do you recognize me?" She cautiously reached out to his bloodied face, still hesitant that he could snap at a moments notice but the moment her hand touched his scales, his eyes began to lose all their fury and he began to regain a bit of his sanity.

"Rarity..." He called out in a deep voice when Rarity's family came rushing to her rescue.

“Rarity!” Cookie shrieked and Hondo grabbed a sword and got between Spike and his wife and daughter.

“Back! Back, you!” Hondo barked.

"No! Father! Mother! It's spike!!" She shouted as Spike prepared to defend himself.

"Spike?!? You can't be serious!" Hondo said as he looked at the massacre around them.

"Father please, you're only making him angrier!" Rarity begged when Sweetie Belle approached the feral dragon just as he was about to ready another fire blast.

"Sweetie no!" Cookie tried to stop her when Rarity held her back.

“Spike?” Sweetie looked up at the still enraged dragon. “If you’re really Spike, then you wouldn’t hurt me.”

"Sweetie...belle..." Spikes voice became more normal as he looked at the little filly and after a few brief moments, he finally calmed down enough to speak and think clearly but his transformation seemed to remain permanent.

"Ohh man...what happened?" Spike groaned before seeing the slaughtered men around him.

"Did...I do this?"

"No time to explain, we need to go now!" Rarity said as she took a blanket to cover herself and lead them out of town, in the dark of night.

They soon discovered they were not the only ones to escape the fall when they came across another group of refugees, one of them being Sassy Saddles who looked like she had barely escaped with her clothes all torn and her right eye badly bruised when she came upon the group. It wasn't long before they could see the brutes setting fire to Rarity's shop along with several others as they made their escape, everything they had worked so hard to build reduced to ashes in a matter of moments.

"Rarity, what'll we do?" Sweetie Belle asked as she watched the stags and traitors round up all the females in the town square.

"I don't know Sweetie Belle but I promise we'll figure something out." Rarity smiled and hugged her little sister. For months they traveled the roads and bore witness to the rise of Dainns twisted empire and each day became a struggle to survive before they finally found a ship to smuggle them to Prance but even after arriving there, life was a struggle.

Rarity's mother had managed to find a job at a small bakery but the pay was very poor while her father had managed to find a job at collecting the cities garbage, meanwhile the former fashionista had managed to open up a small sewing shop on the corner of a busy street near the upper district of the city.

It was here that she would have a fateful encounter. During a slow afternoon, Rarity was busy doing a patchjob for a customer when her doorbell rang.

"Coming! Welcome to Chique, Unique and Magnifique. How may I help you-!" Her introduction was cut short when she saw a high class noble standing in her shop with a friendly smile.

"Good day miss, I was wondering if you do embroderies? My usual seamstress is out sick today and I need it done before tomorrow."

"Oh but of course madam, what can I make for you?" Rarity asked as she began to assemble her sewing kits.

“I would like something modern, but eye-catching,” the noble said. “Something that will make me the center of attention but not so much that I must fight off the stallions. Does that make sense?”

"Hmm I know EXACTLY what you need miss, I'll only be a moment." With but a few simple spools of thread and a single needle, Rarity began to work her magic on the ladies handkerchief with razor sharp focus so that no mistakes were made.

“You’re quite skilled with sewing,” the noble noted. “How long have you been at this, madame?”

"Well before this whole war fiasco, I owned several shops. One in Manehattan, one in canterlot and of course my first shop was in Ponyville." When Rarity said this, the lady gasped and began to tremble for a moment before shakingly pointing a finger at the fashionista.

“Why yes, yes I am,” Rarity said.

“Mon dieu! I knew it!” The noble mare approached Rarity and held her hand. “I am a very big fan of your work! Everypony in Prance gushes over your dresses in the local magazines!”

"Oh well thank you." Rarity was surprised by her sudden enthusiasm as the lady continued.

"Oh forgive my excitement. Ahem I am Vivienne Von Chandelier of The Chandelier Noble Family. Pardon my earlier outburst but when we heard about the fall of Canterlot and Princess Twilight going missing, we feared the worst."

Rarity’s ears flattened and tried her best not to cry. “It’s…been hard not to think about it. I pray every day that she and the rest of my friends are safe.”

"Oh my darling forgive me. It must've been a difficult journey for you and your family."

“It has…especially for poor Spike,” Rarity sniffled.

"Spike? Princess Twilights assistant?" Vivienne was surprised to hear that Twilights number one assistant was in prance before both managed to regain her composure and went back to finishing her order.

"Let me just put on the finishing touches...done!"

"It's lovely!" Vivienne was completely stunned by the intricate patterns of the design and despite having very few materials, Rarity was still able to create something befitting of a noble.

"My dear, I insist you come work for me! You'll be the talk of the town, everypony in Prance will be ecstatic to know the top designer in Equestria is here!"

“Work for you?” Rarity said, sounding surprised. “Oh my, that is such an honor! I don’t think I’m worthy!”

"NONSENSE!! you were the number one Fashionista across Equestria and with my families backing, you can be again! The world must know that your genius still thrives!" Vivienne was determined to get Rarity to work for her unaware her family and Spike were watching from behind the door until they stumbled out.

"Were you all eavesdropping?!?" Rarity was outraged by this sudden surprise.

“Ehehehe…sorry, dear,” Cookie said.

“But to work for a Prench noble family? What an opportunity!” Hondo said.

"Yeah and if Twilight finds out you're okay then maybe she won't be worried!" Sweetie Belle added.

"And given our financial circumstances, we could use the bits." Spike said as he reminded her of their current living arrangements.

“Well…” Rarity contemplated the offer and thought about how designing clothes for one of the most prestigious noble families in Prance was one of her biggest dreams.

In just a few months, Rarity was able to remodel her shop into something more extravagant and was able to acquire more materials for her craft and soon line after line of lavish dresses were pouring out her door with the help of Spike and Sassy Saddles. The number one fashion designer in all Equestria had finally made a comeback.

All the while, Spike was tentatively helping Rarity whenever he could. However, even though Spike was more than willing to help Rarity and her family whenever possible, there was something missing in his new life in Prance. He missed Twilight dearly, and worried about her every day. Spike wished he could return to his home to find her.

One day, like any other, Spike was ringing up a Prench stallion with a smile. However, the stallion arched a brow as if he could see through Spike’s fake smile.

“Why the sad eyes, young lad?” The stallion asked.

Spike let out a short sigh after handing the customer his order and explained the situation.

"Oh yes, Princess Twilight. I heard she barely made it across the border when the Yaks finally got her to the empire and now with those northern scum dotting the landscape, it's dangerous to go anywhere these days."

“Really?” Spike said, sounding relieved. “That’s good to hear.”

“But I can tell there’s something else bothering you,” the stallion said. “Perhaps…it’s about a mare?”

Spikes scales turned pink for a second, making the customer give a short chuckle.

"Ah to be young and in love. She must be quite the gal to catch your eye my boy."

"She is..." Spike sighed.

“Then why are you sitting here like a barrel of fish?” The stallion asked. “If you fancy her, tell her!”

"I CAN'T DO THAT!!" Spike blurted out as his tail became straight as a spear.

"She only sees me as little brother!"

"And she'll only treat you as such unless you make a move. Food for thought my boy." The customer said as he left the store.

Spike’s mind was now in turmoil as he blushed like a fool. As he rubbed his temples with his claws, a couple Prench mares were watching the whole spectacle.

“Aw, look at him.” one of the mares cooed. “He’s such a cute little drake!”

“And so innocent~.” the other mare purred.

"I heard those Stonehooves experimented on him and forced him to grow that size." Another whispered as rumors began to murmur around the shop.

"The poor dear must be traumatized after all that."

“Hey, what if we go and…comfort him~?” The first mare whispered.

"Mmm I like that idea~." The second said when they both suddenly felt a chill crawl up their spines followed by a murderous intent when they turned to see Rarity herself staring down at them with a cold glare.

"Can I help you girls with something?" She asked calmly, her expression unchanged.

The ladies looked at Rarity like she was a towering figure, her gaze unflinching as they made their purchase and left the shop while Spike sat there at the counter, completely oblivious to what had just transpired.

“Hard at work I see?” Rarity said as she approached Spike.

"More or less. Seems the customers just wanna chat with me rather than shop." Spike said as he took inventory of their supplies.

"And I could swear one lady left the curtains to the fitting room open on purpose while she was standing in front of the mirror."

“Hmm, it would seem the ponies of Prance don’t just come here for the clothes,” Rarity teased.

“They can flirt and try to woo me all they want,” Spike rolled his eyes. “I’m not interested.”

Rarity paused and then pulled a strand of her hair to the side.

“Then…what exactly are you interested in?” Rarity asked.

"The only thing I'm interested in is finding Twilight and the rest of our friends!" Spike said, feeling frustrated.

"We haven't had word about ANY of them since this whole mess began."

“Spike…” Rarity gently put her hand on Spike’s hand, making him perk up at her. “What I mean is…who are you interested in?”

It was only then did Spike realize his current situation, the mare of his dreams was holding his hand and technically he was now old enough to start dating yet despite all that his face began to turn bright pink as steam shot out of his ears while he stammered for an answer.

"Kn-know what?" Spike began to sweat as she leaned closer.

"Darling while you did your best, I could tell you've had the biggest crush on me for some time but I didn't want to spoil it for you since you were doing your best to impress me." Rarity leaned forward, showing a bit of the lace from her bra as Spike froze up.

"But since you're not a baby dragon anymore, I don't think there's any need to hold back~."

"Oh Celestia, if this is a dream don't wake me up." Spike gulped before her soft lips found their way to him and his tail instantly became straight as an arrow.

Rarity broke away just as soon as it started to speak. “But it’s more than that. When those brutes were about to defile me, my life flashed before my eyes. I was so terrified that they would warp my mind and body into a sex-crazed harlot.” She frowned and held onto Spike’s hand tightly. “I…I didn’t know what to do. Until…you saved me.”

"R-rarity what are you saying?" Spike asked when she used her magic to slowly close the curtains and put up the "On Break" sign before locking the door.

"What I'm saying my dear Spikey Wikey is that I want to thank you." She said with a sincere smile as she began to unbutton her blouse.

“Th-Thank me…?” Spike gulped as she unbuttoned the last button and pulled off her blouse. Her lace bra was on full display as she sat on the counter in front of him.

“Spike. Tell me how you really feel,” Rarity said. “I want to hear what your heart is telling you. Not as a young drake, but as a man, what do you think of me?”

Spike could barely think straight as he struggled to find the right words to describe her but no amount of praise could give justice to the beauty standing before him and without thinking, he let his instincts take over and pinned her to the counter.

"Rarity!" He called out as their lips met again but their kiss was more aggressive, more passionate as Rarity allowed him to take her and even began undoing his shirt for him.

But what was most impressive was his wings as they fanned out to give them shade while Rarity continued to decorate his face with her lipstick.

"Mmm Spikey darling, could you un-clip my bra for me~?" She flirted after they had calmed down for a bit.

"It un-clips from the front~."

"Uh...okay..." Spike gulped as his hands reached for her bountiful breasts.

He found his goal between her bra and unclasped the garment. Spike had to suppress a nosebleed as her glorious bust was freed. Her dark purple nipples stood erect as his hands moved on their own and gently clasped each soft orb of flesh.

"Mmm yes Spikey wikey, touch me~." Rarity moaned as he nuzzled her chest to feel her soft coat all the way down to her belly.

"You're so beautiful Rarity." He huffed as he kissed his way back up to her breasts.

"Mmm you want to suckle them don't you~?" Rarity giggled, making him blush.

"Nothing to be ashamed of Spike, it's why we women have these~."

Spike looked down at her nipples and it was as if they were staring back at him. He licked his chops and opened his mouth a little to begin gently sucking on her teet.

"Mmmm~!" Rarity bit her lips as she could feel the tips of his fangs digging into her tit as he began to pull on her breasts one after the other and even began kissing her in between fondlings when Rarity could feel something poking her panties from below.

"R-Rarity you should know it's-"

"Shh. It's my first time as well darling."

Rarity got up from sitting on Spike’s lap knelt down between his legs. Her eyes lidded at the tent pitching in his pants and brushed her hand along the fabric.

"This is so embarrassing..." Spike blushed as she undid the belt buckle with her eyes fixed on her prize.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about, darling~,” Rarity cooed as she pulled down his pants. “We’re newfound lovers indulging in our passionate pursuit of love~.”

As soon as she pulled down his boxers, Spike’s dragon cock sprung out over her face. It was long and pointed at the tip with small ridges on the sides.

"Oh my..." She said aloud, not expecting such a shape while Spike blushed.

"Yeah I did some research and dragons tend to be...rough with their mates.'

"Mmm is that so~?" Rarity seemed enticed by the idea as she stood up to remove her panties slowly in front of her dragon lover.

Spike caught a whiff of her womanly scent as she knelt back down and gently grabbed his dick. Her hand went up and down, making Spike groan softly.

Rarity had also caught whiff of his musk and found herself breathing heavily as she stroked the rugged shaft in front of her while reaching down to finger herself.

"Rarity..." Spike stopped her before pulling her in for another kiss.

"I love you." Hearing this made Rarity's heart soar now that he finally said it.

“I love you too, my dear Spikey Wikey,” Rarity purred and went down to lick the tip of his dick, making him flinch.

"Don't worry Spikey darling, I won't bite~." She teased before kissing the tip and wrapping his cock around her supple breasts.

"Mmm I read that this is the best way to arouse a man~."

"W-what kind of books to they sell here?" Spike huffed as she gave him a teasing look while watching him squirm.

"Even when fully grown, you're still so cute~."

Rarity leaned down and licked the tip of Spike’s cock as she rubbed her breasts up and down. Spike was on cloud nine as he leaned his head back and groaned from the sensation.

"Ahh Rarity..." Spike moaned as he looked down at his beloved, he had been dreaming of this moment for years and now it was finally happening and as the feeling began to grow his claw slowly reached out and grasped her head and without thinking, he shoved her down to the base of his shaft with a feral growl.

"MMM!" Rarity yelped in surprised but did not resist as she adjusted herself to take in his full length.

"Mmm~."

"Sorry Rarity but...I can't hold back anymore!" Spike grunted as he grabbed her head and began ramming into her mouth forcefully.

While Rarity was taken aback by his sudden dominance, she did not resist in the slightest. In fact, she was hoping to bring out his latent dragon might and claim her. After all, it’s what her dearest Spikey Wikey deserves.

Once he was good and aroused, Rarity bent herself over and presented her luscious flank to him with a cute blush in her cheeks.

"You can...do whatever you want but please be gentle?" She asked just before Spike dove in and buried his muzzle into her now soaked pussy while his claws gently glided across her flank.

"So...so soft~!" he growled before slapping both cheeks.

“Hey now~! I said be gentle, Spike!” Rarity scolded. “You must know how to treat a lady when making love. Especially during foreplay.”

Spike seemed to ignore her complaints as he began to grope her breasts hard while licking her neck as his instincts slowly began to take over.

"Rrrr...Rarity, mine!" He said with a bit of a growl in his voice as he gave her neck a sensual lick.

“Ah~! Oh my~!” Rarity moaned. “Does my Spikey Wikey want to claim his mare~?”

Spike would only snarl in response as he got her on the counter , at first Rarity seemed eager to get started but when she looked down at his nethers she was met with a surprising sight.

"T-two?!?" She gasped as her dragon loomed over her, panting heavily before nuzzling her chest.

"Rarity..." He said with a low growl as he held her hand.

Rarity gulped at the sight of both his dicks. On the one hand, she never took two at the same time. On the other, she didn’t want to disappoint Spike at this moment. Steeling her resolve, Rarity took a breath and positioned one dick in front of her back door, and the other at her pussy.

"Take me Spikey Wikey~." She said in her most gently voice as Spike finally made his move and gently pushed into his mare.

"Ah...Rarity you're hot inside~." Spike hissed while she clawed at his back, feeling her hymen about to break.

Rarity whimpered as both his dicks entered her ass and vagina and she gasped when her hymen was broken. Rarity could feel immense pain in her loins but steeled herself for Spike.

Sensing her pain, Spike kissed her gently on the lips and began to caress her body before slowly moving his hips as she continued to hold onto him.

"Ah...ah...oooh Spikey wikey~!" Rarity cried out as the pain slowly turned into pleasure.

Spike moved his hips back and forth as he penetrated her womb and asshole. Rarity moaned loudly and gripped onto Spike’s frame as they made love and she moaned loudly.

"Argh! but Rarity the shop?" Spike panted while keeping pace.

"Nnng the customers can wait~! Make me yours, hump me, break me, make me never forget you~." Rarity said before surprising him with a french kiss and wrapping her arms around him tightly while her legs dangle in the air.

"I don't mind being humped into submission if it's by you my dear little dragon~."

Spike snorted through his nostrils and began to pick up the pace. His carnal instincts began to take over as he grit his teeth and humped her harder.

“Spike…WANT!” Spike barked.

Rarity threw her head back with a loud moan as her eyes rolled back and she allowed him to completely dominate her holes as his cocks plowed her to oblivion.

"Spike brutal! Not gentle~!! Spike make Rarity mine~!!"

"Augghyes~! Rarity is Spikey Wikey's forever~!" Rarity screamed in the same speech pattern as her mind started to go blank.

Spike then hoisted his mare up and pinned her against the wall where she had sun dresses hanging. Rarity didn’t care that her clothes were getting wrinkled or fluids were spraying all over them. All she could think about was Spike and his two dicks going in and out of her marehood and ass.

During the commotion, Sassy Saddles came down from upstairs after hearing one of the mannequins fall over and thought they could use a hand when she saw Rarity's legs pointed straight in the air with one foot missing a shoe and the other barely hanging on by the tip of her toes.

"Mmm Spikey wait, if you do it inside I might-AH~!"

"Spike breed Rarity, make babies~!" Spike growled with determination as he hilted both cocks inside her, making the mares eyes roll back as she grit her teeth baring the girth of both rods.

“Oh…oh my…” Sassy gasped as she hid behind the corner. “I knew they would eventually become a couple but…wow~.”

She then peeked around the corner to see the dragon about to finish the job as he pulled his cocks out halfway and slammed them back down with great vigor, letting out a primal roar that combined with Rarity's scream as she felt his seed flood into her.

"My busselles and bows!" Sassy gasped after seeing Rarity's face now aflood with messy mascara and sweat her mane looking like a rats nest. As if to assert his dominance, Spike bit down on her right breast and began suckling hard making her give out a weak groan as her body went limp.

"...Mmm I love you my Spikey Wikey." Rarity smiled as she let him play with her.

"Rarity? Rarity? RARITY!!" Twilight called out, snapping her friend out of her daydream.

"Oh. Um sorry darlings, I was lost in thought but as I was saying. Once we confirmed our love for one another, we got married and shortly after this little darling was born!" The fashionista beamed as she held up little Cinder to her friends.

“And it’s been a dream come true,” Spike smiled as he gently patted his daughter’s head.

“I wonder how he’ll be when she discovers boys?” Rainbow muttered to Applejack.

"And what about you darlings? I heard rumors that you are actually...allies with some Northlanders." Rarity said with concern while bouncing her daughter.

"More than allies Rarity, they're our friends." Twilight then began to explain the circumstances that lead to them becoming allies with those who were meant to be their enemies and as expected she was shocked but even moreso when she learned that two of her friends were lovers with their leader.

“My word! What an unexpected surprise!” Rarity said. “And here I thought all caribou were uncouth brutes! To think, there are some with actual class.”

"Hey! that's our man you're talking about." Rainbow Dash scolded her friend.

"Oh apologies darling but it's just so surprising but it also explains your new attire." Rarity said while looking over Rainbow's new outfit.

"You know, you girls came at a most opportune time. As it so happens, the royal family is hosting a grand ball to discuss the war efforts and while I'm not supposed to say this, there are rumors that the queen wishes to ally herself with The Crystal Empire."

“That would certainly be beneficial,” Marshall said. “We need all the help we can get. I hate to admit it but Dainn is more cunning than any of us care to give him credit for. It’s almost as if he always has a secret card hidden in his sleeve to play.”

"There's more to it I'm afraid." Rarity said while handing Cinder to Spike.

"The members of the noble faction are considering joining the new "King" on account of his influence."

"Does that mean He will be there?" Marshall asked, referring to his bastard father.

“I’m…I’m afraid so, my son,” Lord Chandelier sighed.

Marshall would say nothing and bowed his head to his friends before leaving to prepare for the ball.

"Well now that business is out of the way, let's get you all settled in. I'm sure you must be tired from the journey." Lady Vivienne smiled and ordered her servants to show the guests their rooms.

“Ladies?” she said to Lighting Dust and Raven. “A word?”

Once everyone was out of the room, the three sat around a small table where some tea and snacks were prepared as Lady Vivienne poured for her guests.

“It gladdens me so very much that my boy has you two looking after him” Vivienne said as she eyed Lighting Dust with a smile. “Do you plan to have children?”

"No. Well not yet at least." Lightning said while Raven sipped her tea.

"And you. Raven is it? You are no longer my sons slave yet you stay with him. I must know, why is that?"

“Because…he saved me,” Raven said. “Had he been any other traitor stallion, I would’ve been tossed around like a slab of meat.”

"Then you know what he did as a mercenary I take it?" Vivienne asked while helping herself to the tea.

"Yes we know of that. There is very little a son can hide from his mother."

“And…what do you think of it?” Raven asked.

Vivienne placed her teacup back on the table and gently folded her hands on her lap as she calmly looked down.

"To be honest, I was heartbroken. While we did allow our son to strike out on his own rather than relying on us, we did not think he would end up in such a dreadful line of work. We sent him letters saying he could come home when he was ready but each reply insisted that he was fine but it takes more than some ink and paper to stop a mother from worrying about her child."

“Did you ever think about going to him directly?” Lighting asked.

“Once. With my husband.” Vivienne said. “It…didn’t end well.”

Flashback

“Marshall, please!” His father begged as Marshall seethed at him. “I only wish to talk! That’s why I came out here!”

"I told you not to come father! You know what will happen if they find out who you are?!?" Marshall said angrily while pacing back and forth in a panic. His father had barged into the merc camp unannounced with his mother in tow but thankfully the rest of the mercenary company were busy feasting with Blueblood in the fortress.

“We just could not stay away!” Vivienne pleaded. “You’ve not been home for almost a year now! Your sisters miss you! We miss you!”

"You know I can't go home!....not after what I've done..." Marshall said as he grabbed a wine bottle chugged it down in front of them.

“You succumb yourself to drink?” Jacque gasped.

"It helps..." Was all Marshall would say as he wiped the wine from his face.

"You should leave while you still can...I can get you to the border before you're noticed."

"We're not leaving without you!" Vivienne scolded when her son suddenly slammed the table in anger.

"Do you know....WHAT I'VE DONE?!?" Marshall snapped at his parents, his face hot with wine and rage.

“No! We don’t!” Jacque barked.

"But that doesn't matter, you're our son and we want you to come home!"

"You don't get it...men like me can't change...we...are KILLERS!"

“Marshall!” A voice from outside barked. “Are you done visiting with your guests! We got new orders! Wrap it up!”

Marshall then grabbed the bottle and greedily drank down the remainder of its contents before stumbling his way to the exit.

"Leave....now..."

As he left, Vivienne wept as Jacque consoled his wife.

“Just remember, son,” Jacque said, making Marshall pause. “You’ll always have a home in Prance.”

"I've been worried sick ever since that dreadful day but seeing him now, the man he has become...I've never been more proud to call him my son even if he is not of my blood."

“I’m surprised you didn’t lay into him for being so disrespectful,” Lighting Dust commented.

“Do you think he’s been carrying this guilt all this time?” Raven wondered.

"Perhaps but enough of that. Rest tonight, these walls are well protected."

Meanwhile in another part of the mansion, Marshall stood with his father in front of the fireplace admiring the family portrait while enjoying a night cap.

"Ah aged for twenty years. A fine vintage." Jacque said when he noticed his son had barely touched his glass.

"Is it not to your liking son? I could find something sweeter."

"Why?" Marshall asked cryptically as he put his glass down.

"Why are you so welcoming towards me? after everything I put you all through....why?"

“You are my son,” Jacque said straight away. “And as my son, I will never turn you away. Not like your father did. The night you came to us covered in mud and drenched from the rain, I swore on the Chandelier name that no matter what you chose to do in life, I would always be there for you.”

"But...father-"

"Hush my boy, there is no need to be ashamed." Jacque said as Marshall tried to fight back the tears.

"But I did so many terrible things..."

"You were lost but you have found your way again." Jacque said as he wrapped an arm around his sons shoulders.

"I'll admit, I feared the worst when we found you teetering on the edge and feared you would fall so far that not even we could save you but I thank Celestia each day that it never came to pass and no matter what anyone says, I will always be proud of you my boy."

Marshall couldn’t hold it in any longer as small tears leaked from his eyes.

“Please…forgive me, father,” Marshall wept.

"My dear boy, I already have." Jacque smiled as he held his boy close and let him cry into his shoulder just as he did the night they brought him into their home.

End.

Author's Note

the first chapter I've posted in a while. Things have been hectic since my grandfathers passing but rest assured, I will update when I can

Element of Generosity

Marshall laid in his bed still sound asleep when two figures loomed over him. Both leaned down to kiss his cheeks as his eyes slowly opened to the morning sun peeking through the curtains.

"Good morning darling."

"Hey stud~."

He opened his eyes to see both Lightning and Raven staring down at him with warm smiles before rising out of bed.

"Oh man...I must've passed out from the wine..." Marshall groaned, feeling a headache coming on.

“Maybe you should try going cold turkey indefinitely?” Lighting suggested.

"Says the mare who almost drank me under the table that one time." Marshall countered when the door suddenly burst open to reveal his sisters coming to greet him.

"Rise and shine little brother!!"

"It's a beautiful day!"

"AGH!! CLAIRE! ODETTE!! A little privacy please?!?" He protested while covering himself with the blanket.

“Oh come now, little brother,” Claire rolled her eyes.

“Yeah! It’s not like we haven’t seen anything new since we were foals,” Odette teased.

To this, the girls couldn't help but laugh as their lover scrambled to get his pants on despite the headache and quickly composed himself as the servants opened the curtains for them.

"So. What's on the agenda today?" He asked, knowing they had a full schedule before the ball.

"Well it seems we must meet with a few of mother and fathers associates before the ball to settle some matters of state. This is the perfect opportune time for your friends to tour our lovely city and give us some much needed quality time with our dear little brother." Odette smiled before having the servants drag him out of the room.

"Hey hold on!"

"We must have you dressed properly if you are to mingle with the nobility again."

“The same goes for you two,” Claire said, pointing at Raven and Lighting.

“Oh no! Uh uh!” Lighting protested. “I don’t do dresses.”

"Nonsense, no future sister-in-law of ours is going to dress like a tomboy!" Odette said firmly as they escorted the girls out of the room.

“Hey! Let go! I’m a soldier! I have rights!” Lighting yelped.

After getting dressed and having some breakfast, the group met at Rarity's shop to find her and Spike waiting with little Cinder in a stroller.

“There you go, my little fire ruby,” Spike said as he gently put a little sweater on his daughter. “Nice and warm.”

Cinder giggled and flailed her arms about as she was tucked in while her mother hugged each of her friends.

"Darlings, so glad you could make it. Now we have much to see and very little time to see it."

"Huh, always wondered how fancy this city was. Guess I now know." AJ said when she saw some of the locals giving her odd looks.

“Forgive them, darling, they’re not quite used to seeing non-Prench ponies walk amongst them,” Rarity said.

“You think that’s bad, imagine being a dragon in a country with no dragons in sight,” Spike said. “There was a time a crowd of ponies came to the shop just to see me, and not buy anything.”

"I don't think that's the real issue." Twilight said when she pointed out AJ's new northern attire.

"I think they might mistake you for a spy."

"Well I guess I have gotten a little too used to my new drawers." AJ admitted while looking at her reflection in the mirror.

"Shoot, I barely recognize myself without my hat."

“Come come! Let us be off!” Rarity said.

“I hear the Prench academy of Science is open for tours, Twilight,” Spike said, knowing her reaction.

"I know! I went there once as a filly but never got to actually take part in the lessons! this is so exciting!!"

Throughout the day, the group enjoyed visiting the many wonderful sites of Prance. Even though there was still a war raging back home, they wanted to at least enjoy this moment they had together. They visited popular landmarks, ate yummy food, and Spike had to pry Twilight away from the Academy of Science so they could move onto the next activity.

"So many wonderful places! The labs, the classrooms and especially the library!"

"Yeah, yeah, books and beakers. They got any place that's more action packed?" Rainbow asked while hovering next to the group despite the onlookers.

"Dash darling, must you fly on a busy street?"

"What? It's not like anypony can see anything. I'm in shorts plus walking takes FOREVER!"

“Always in the air, as per usual,” AJ rolled her eyes. “Feels like we’re back in Ponyville.”

"YEAH! now all we need is some crazy adventure where we go on an epic journey and save the day!" Pinkie cheered before realizing they were in that exact situation.

"Oh wait, we already are."

"So Twilight, you've met these warborn right? What are they like?" Spike asked as they continued down the street.

“I was honestly afraid of them,” Twilight admitted. “When the Yaks took me in, I thought that’s where I’d remain for the duration of the invasion. Until one day, Wulfric Warborn himself came to meet Prince Rutherford.”

"What was it like?" Rarity inquired when their friends recalled the two leaders literally butting heads with one another before getting stupid drunk to celebrate their newfound friendship.

"WE'RE BROTHERS NOW!!"

"YAKS AND NEW NORTHERN FRIENDS! FOR A THOUSAND MOONS!!"

"It was...eventful." Was all Fluttershy would say.

“But I’ll never forget that night when he sat me down,” Twilight smiled.

Flashback

Twilight sat in the corner of her room, covered in blankets, while the Warborn chieftain calmly sat on a chair by the nightstand. Neither had said a word for a straight five minutes as the fire crackled in the fireplace. Every time Wulfric glanced at Twilights, she shied away from his gaze.

"Were you expecting me to be surrounded by half-naked women? A pile of gold sitting behind me while I drink from a skull?" Wulfric teased.

“Um…n-no?” Twilight said shyly. “I just wasn’t expecting…um, well…”

"I understand. Our kin haven't made the best impression on you." Wulfric said as he poured them something to drink.

"Juice? I'm not exactly fond of...tea. Too much like medicine."

Twilight looked at Wulfric as he gave her a welcoming smile. She hesitated but stood up from her corner and slowly made her way to the empty chair beside him. She sat down and took the cup in her hands before taking a sip.

“Thank you…” Twilight said. “I guess…you are completely different than the Stonehoofs.”

"There was a time when our people plundered and stole from others to survive but no more." Wulfric said as he took a swig.

"We changed our ways when the land itself began to change for us but some refused to give up the old ways."

“Dainn?” Twilight said and Wulfric nodded.

"Him and his whole clan long for battle, they crave it like a wolf who hungers for fresh meat but can never be satisfied, they live for slaughter and plunder and are a dark reminder of our past." Wulfric said before pouring himself a bit more for his mug.

“What made you and the other clans change?” Twilight wondered.

"After generations of bloodshed and killing, we grew tired of the repeated battles and longed for peace and as I stated before, the land changed and answered our prayers. Crops became plentiful, the seasons more peaceful and our clans lived in harmony...it was beautiful until the clan wars."

“Clan Wars?” Twilight perked up.

"Mm. It began with Orm The One-Horned." Wulfric said as he stared into the fire, the dancing flames seemed to come to life as they formed the images of a horrific battle. The flames flickered and he saw stags fighting stags, blood spraying everywhere from horrible wounds, and a lone larger stag with one horn leading a great army.

"He was the founder of our clan, an outcast sent to wander the wilderness to die alone but on his journey, he found others like him who had been left behind or cast out. At first they started in a small village getting by on what little they had but overtime, their community grew as did their reputation." Wulfric said while tossing a log on the fire while Twilight rubbed her arms to warm herself.

“How did he lose his horn?” Twilight wondered.

"The clan he was originally from decided to cast him out when proposed peace with one of their rivals and as punishment, they cut off one of his horns and threw him out to die in the wilds but he was strong and knew the land well. He survived and took care of others like him who were thrown out."

“How awful,” Twilight said with a frowns

“It was when I was about six years old did my father tell the revelation Great Orm discovered that’s been passed down from generation to generation of Warborn,” Wulfric said. “And it all stems from Tyr.”

“Tyr?” Twilight repeated. “Who’s that?”

"The god of war, wisdom and justice. It is said his blood runs through our veins." Wulfric smirked with a hint of admiration in his voice as he explained.

“Huh?!” Twilight gasped. “H-How is that possible?!”

“According to Orm Warborn’s writings, he had discovered a shrine high in the northern peaks where a shrine of Tyr sits,” Wulfric said. “Orm discovered it by chance while hunting, and transcribed the ancient text carved along the shrine. As Tyr looked over our lands, he caught sight of a young doe whose beauty was unlike any he’d seen. The old god was so captivated that he came down from his realm and took the form of a stag. They fell in love, and had children together.” Wulfric pulled out his family crest to show Twilight. “This crest isn’t just the crest of the Warborn, it is also Tyr’s crest.”

"That's amazing." Twilight now began to see her friend in a new light and could also see why Rainbow and Applejack fell in love with such a man.

"That's enough for tonight, the hour grows late and the cold is setting in. Best you return to that stallion of yours and warm his bed eh?" Wulfric winked.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Twilight yelped with a bright blush, making Wulfric laugh.

Present

"You two really have found a good man." Twilight said with a genuine smile to her friends when they noticed some of the shops were putting up banners and decorations.

"Ah yes, whenever the royal family throws a ball the merchants always do crazy things to sell their products." Rarity said when she saw a surprising sight. A northlander with a merchant cart.

“Well how ‘bout that,” Applejack said and approached the cart.

The stag in charge was elderly but seemed sturdy enough to pull the cart on his own. He sat on an old chair as he stroked his long grey beard and had a pair of small reading glasses.

“Scuse me, mister.” Applejack called out. “Whatcha sellin’?”

"Only what you see. Furs, leathers, spices and a few tools here and there."

"Tools huh?" Twilight said when she noticed a few axes and swords on display.

"Not many customers though."

“Eh, a customer or two a day,” the old stag shrugged. “I don’t mind. I mostly prefer observing the passing crown anyway.” The old stag then adjusted his glasses and squinted at Applejack. “Say, you’re a pony but you wear clothing from my homeland. Why is that?”

"Oh well...um..."

"We're dating a chieftain." Rainbow said proudly before showing him her necklace.

"He told us to wear these so that everyone knows what clan we belong to."

“A chieftain?” The old stag perked up. “But…that’s impossible.” Both mares looked at the old stag curiously. “The storm…I had heard it was catastrophic.”

"You know about the Warborn?" Twilight asked, looking surprised as the merchant nodded.

"I was from the Ghost Clan. A merchant who was supposed to be part of the trade fleet coming to Equestria but then the troubles began..."

The mares all looked at each other before looking back at the stag.

“Do you know a stag by the name of Arminius?” Rainbow said.

“BY THOR’S BEARD!” The stag jumped up. “YOU MARES KNOW MY GRANDNEPHEW?!”

"Nephew?" Applejack asked when the stag suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders, pleading for an answer.

"Please! Please tell me he survived and he's doing well! I've been searching this land for moons when I heard his clan arrived here but I've had no luck finding him! If you know where he is, I beg you to tell me!!"

"Hey easy old timer!!" A guard intervened as they gently pulled him back.

"Apologies miss."

“To answer your question, sir, he’s alive,” Twilight said. “Him and his wife and son.”

"Oh thank Odin..." The stag sighed with relief as he was sat down.

"Forgive me, It's been ages since I've had good news. If possible, I would like to see him."

"He's in the Crystal Empire with Wulfric." Applejack smiled at the old man who gave another look of surprise.

"Wulfric? So...the lad finally became chief. That could only mean....Hjalmarr my old friend, I'm sorry."

The old stag took off his glasses to wipe his eyes. This made all the mares frown pityingly at him.

“Did you know Wulfric’s father?” Twilight asked.

"He was a good friend of mine. We used to drink mead together when the boys could barely stand." He chuckled fondly at the memory.

"Thank you once again for giving this old stag hope."

The girls nodded in appreciation before an elite from the noble houses approached the old mans cart with a small group of what appeared to be his followers.

"Ugh distasteful." He scoffed at the old mans goods.

"Since when did they let trash into the city?"

“Trash?! How dare you?!” Rarity snapped. “These are authentic northern goods being sold by this sweet old man!”

"Ah miss Rarity. I didn't think I'd see you associating with these savages."

"Watch yer mouth partner or I'll watch it for ya." Applejack said, cracking her knuckles making the noble look at her.

"Oh joy a country bumpkin how droll..." He said with disgust before looking her over.

"What a moment...You're Applejack so that must mean-! Princess Twilight." He suddenly became more respectful as he bowed to Twilight and the others.

"An honor to meet you all."

“I wish I could say the same,” Twilight said, crossing her arms. “You owe this man an apology.”

"Oh contraire, it is he who should apologize to us." The noble shot back.

"His kind have done nothing but bring suffering to our fair nation and now one has the GALL to sell his goods here while his leaders decieve the crystal empire into thinking they are our allies? Shining Armor certainly has become foolish as of late."

"Watch what you say about my brother..." Twilight warned as her horn flared up with magic.

“And why should I, princess?” The noble scoffed. “Now that I think about it, why is it a mare so young attained the rank of princess so soon? There are plenty of other more qualified ponies who are more deserving of a royal status.”

"That. Is. Enough." Rarity said with a cold glare.

"Twilight earned her position through hard work and study whereas you had everything handed to you by mommy and daddy. You may have the title of noble but you are more of an entitled brat."

This of course made the stallion seethe with rage but when he saw the signet ring on her finger and his blood instantly grew cold.

"Now I suggest you leave so that we may continue our day." Rarity said with a hint of warning in her voice.

The noble wanted to retort but knew he couldn’t and just scoffed irritably before storming off.

“Thank you, little miss,” the old stag said with a smile. “Not many show me as much kindness as you or your friends.”

"Our pleasure. Now please show us what you have."

"I am Skeld, and my cart is open to you always." He introduced himself as he showed the friends his goods and soon the crowd took notice.

"Oh my," Rarity said as she picked up a necklace that had a beautifully carved wooden wolf's head.

"Ah that is a totem necklace. This one offers protection for ones family." Skeld said while Rarity marveled at the craftsmanship.

"It's marvelous!" Rarity beamed.

"I carved it myself," Skeld said.

"You did?" Rarity said.

"Yep. In fact, everything here is handmade by yours truly," Skeld said proudly as he took a sip from his small flask.

"Hmm," Rarity hummed and smiled. "I'll take it all!"

This offer made the old stag sputter his drink after hearing such a declaration and even the crowd was surprised.

"B-but miss that's far too generous and it'll take me months to restock!" Skeld tried to get her to reconsider despite the generous offer but Rarity was having none of it.

"There is another reason why I am buying you out, my good sir," Rarity said and gently took Skeld's hand. "How much do you want to see your grandnephew again?"

Skeld then realized what she was trying to do when Rarity gave another genuine smile.

"You'll need funds for your travel to the Crystal Empire."

"I...I don't know what to say," Skeld said, unable to hold back his tears.

"Just tell the boys we said hi." Applejack winked as the crowd began to applaud Raritys generosity.

"That's my Rarity for ya." Spike smirked proudly as he gave her a peck to the cheek.

“I can’t thank you enough,” Skeld said as Rarity handed him a huge bag of gold for the amount that was owed for his merchandise. “I shall set sail first thing tomorrow!”

"I got this honey." Spike said as he took a deep breath and set the cart ablaze with his magic fire as it disappeared from sight.

"Those should be safe in our warehouse."

"Thank you! thank you miss! Gods be with you!" Skeld eagerly left to make preparations for his trip across the border leaving many of the nobles in the area astounded and impressed with some giving looks of disapproval.

"Wow Rarity, that was mighty neighborly of ya." Applejack said with an approving nod as they continued their walk.

"Even in times of war my dear, it always helps to show generosity to those in need plus I think some of those furs will look astounding on my next line!" Rarity squeaked with excitement while Cinder giggled in her stroller.

"Now come along darlings, the party is just around the corner."

End.

Author's Note

Apologies for the long delays but as you all know, my grandfather recently passed away and things have been kinda hectic around here. I already have some great material lined up for upcoming chapters so bare with me until then.

Party Crashers

After returning to the manor, the girls were immediately brought to the dressing room to be outfitted for the ball with Rarity leading the seamstresses as they carefully took measurements and made adjustments.

"Step lively ladies, my friends must look fabulous for tonight's event!"

"Yes mistress rarity!" The maids replied in unison while continuing to work.

"My my Applejack, your breasts certainly have gotten rounder than the last time we saw each other."

"Hey watch it!" AJ snapped at her friends remark.

"Oh no offense meant darling in fact I think it's one of your more redeeming features."

"Ain't she lucky..." Rainbow grumbled when Rarity began measuring her waist.

"My goodness Rainbow, you've grown too and in one of the best ways possible~."

“That’s what dating a caribou and fighting on the front lines does for ya,” Rainbow smirked.

Rarity then got an idea in mind that made her had to suppress the urge to lick her lips. She quickly glanced at the maids and signaled them to give them the room, to which they obeyed and left in a hurry.

“Where’re they going?” Rainbow wondered.

“Oh, just to fetch more supplies,” Rarity said as she purposely pushed the tape against Rainbow’s firm flank.

"H-hey! What're you doing?!?" Rainbow squeaked.

"Well you didn't hear this from me but..." Rarity gestured for her friends to lean in closer.

"The queen herself invited the leader of the northern rebels to the party as Shining Armors guest. She wishes to meet with him."

It took all of Twilights willpower not to have one of her signature freakouts as she stiffled her mouth and took a moment to calm down.

"Is that a good idea?" She whispered to Rarity.

“Trust me, darling, I’ve met the queen before,” Rarity said. “She’s wonderful.“

“I suppose,” Twilight relented but smiled. “I just…can’t believe we get to hang out together again!”

“You know, Rainbow,” Rarity said as she moved the tape up to measure her torso. “I still recall the old tomboyish mare who used to boast being the fastest flier in Equestria.”

“Still am, I say,” Raimbow said proudly.

“You were so cute~.” Rarity cooed. “And now…I dare say you’ve become quite alluring~.”

"What are you getting at Rarity?" Rainbow raised a brow before feeling Rarity squeeze her flank.

"Well if the stories of your lover are true, then you're going to need some special clothing tonight~." Rarity smirked as the maids returned with an entire cart of lingire, each more revealing than the last.

"So to get his blood really boiling, I'm going to equip the both of you with the best ensemble I can design!"

"Uh that's great and all Rares but I don't think it's necessary." Applejack said as her friend continued taking her measurements.

“…you both recall our spa day~?” Rarity suddenly said, making both mares blush when they remembered what happened in the steam room.

"But what about Spike?" Rainbow asked.

"Darling, we're in Prance. Romance comes in all forms and seduction is part of my spywork."

Before Rainbow could retort any further, the fashionista quickly planted her lips on hers, stealing a sensual kiss.

“Shall we get to planning for a big surprise for our men~?” AJ asked as she walked up and smacked Rarity’s flank.

"Indeed and how about you Twilight? How are things progressing with Flash now that you are reunited?"

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked while the maids picked out her dress.

“She means have you two boned yet?” Rainbow asked bluntly.

Twilights wings flared up upon hearing the question as she stammered to answer.

"W-we haven't gone that far in our relationship yet p-plus you really should wait til you're married."

"Oh that is absolutely precious!" Rarity smiled while helping Fluttershy get dressed.

"But in all seriousness darling, you need to commit to this relationship. Show him you really care."

"She's right and we're in the middle of a war right now, never know when the next night might be your last." Applejack said.

"And it'll help when you two wanna have babies!" Pinkie added when Twilights thoughts began to drift.

"B-B-BABIES?!?" She gasped.

“Oh, stop teasing, Pinkie!” Rarity giggled. “Our dear friend is still a virgin after all! She’s inexperienced!”

"NOT HELPFUL RARITY!!" Twilight snapped when Lady Vivienne entered the room.

"Good evening ladies, I trust you are all looking forward to this evening?"

“Indeed we are!” Rarity beamed. “I’m just about finish up Rainbow’s measurements.”

“Wonderful! I cannot wait,” Vivienne beamed back.

"Let's make this a night worth remembering!" Rarity cheered with excitement before whispering to Rainbow and Applejack.

"On a scale of one to ten, how rough is your lover?"

“First time I couldn’t sit right for a week,” Rainbow whispered.

“He’s so good, I got something very special planned when he gets here,” AJ smirked.

The day of the royal ball was a day of excitement as the citizens of prance gathered outside the royal palace to see the various suits and dresses the nobility chose for the ball. Most of which were designed by Rarity.

Marshall and his family were also in attendance along with Twilight and her friends who seemed eager to get started, completely forgetting about the war altogether and were more focused on the fun to be had and this grand event.

"Just like the Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight gasped as a squad of pegasus guards flew overhead.

"Uhh Sassy is watching Cinder tonight right?" Spike asked, looking a little flustered as he fiddled with his bowtie.

"I've arranged for everything darling now stop worrying, this is a night meant for us." Rarity said while readjusting his tie and collar to make him look presentable as the carriage came to a stop.

"Shall we girls?"

As the girls stepped out of the carriage, they were met by flashing lights and snapping camera's like they were movie stars walking the red carpet but that was to be expected now that news of Equestria's chosen saviors were once more reunited.

"Oh my, so many." Fluttershy felt nervous as she walked along the pathway with her friends.

"What do you expect? We're awesome!" Rainbow boasted while striking a few poses for the cameras. Marshall's family came up in the next carriage and were given the same treatment as they strode out of the carriage together, Jacque and Vivienne were well dressed for the occasion along with their daughters while Marshall seemed more like a bodyguard than a party guest as he walked behind his family and kept an eye on the crowd.

"Now dear, don't look so broody. Smile." Vivienne whispered to her son as she turned to fix his necktie.

"This isn't my sort of thing mother." Marshall said when Lightning Dust finally appeared in a cocktail dress making her look like a movie star.

"Remember my boy, these gatherings are just as dangerous as any battlefield and your only weapons are your wit and your tongue." Vivienne winked as they proceeded into the palace.

"Dammit, all these ponies are staring..." Lightning grumbled just as Raven joined them in a black dress with a white shawl.

"Don't be so fussy Lightning, it's a party."

As both mares linked arms with their man, some of the cameras immediately began snapping pictures before they vanished from sight and entered through the palace gates.

As expected, the entire palace was packed with fine tableware and cuisine along with guests from distinguished backgrounds, all of whom Marshall's family was familiar with as his father pointed them out.

"Seems we've quite the gathering, over there is the minister of defense, the queens financial advisor as well as a few well known merchants."

"Is that Fancy Pants?" Twilight asked after noticing a familiar face in the crowd.

"Yes, he and his wife Fleur fled here from Manehattan after the initial invasion and have been very influential in Prance, especially with the common folk. Now over there...is the noble faction." Jacque sighed as he pointed out the group of stallions dressed in frilly suits and sipping wine together.

"Now ladies, let the games begin." Vivienne said as she linked arms with her husband and the herald announced their arrival.

"Lord and Lady De Chandelier, Ladies Odette and Claire and Lord Marshall De Chandelier."

The crowd turned to see the family walk down the steps, exchanging a few friendly smiles and raised glasses as the couple gave each other a quick kiss and left to mingle before Twilight and her group were announced.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle and her guests. Lady Rarity and Lord Spike, Ladies Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."

The girls made their way down the staircase and were greeted with more smiles and applause, to the guests it seemed like the saviors of Equestria had returned to save them once more while others simply saw them as a chance to gain better social standing and some leverage against the royals.

"I see smiles but the air here feels tense." Rainbow whispered to Twilight while waving hello to some admirers.

"It's all part of the game darling. As you would say, just play it cool." Rarity advised when they saw the queen herself standing atop the staircase on the opposite end of the ballroom.

"Announcing Queen Antoinette of Prance."

The crowd gave a round of applause as the queen stepped down to join them and immediately went to greet The Chandelier family.

"Lord and Lady Chandelier, I'm so glad you could attend this year and with your son finally returned home." The family bowed their heads in thanks to the queen who then took notice of Twilight and her friends.

"And Princess Twilight, I am glad that you and your friends are now safe."

"Thank you, your majesty." Twilight said with a curtsy.

"And Rarity, once more you have graced our event with your beautiful dresses."

"You flatter me your highness." Rarity said with a humble smile.

"I hope you all enjoy your evening, there are some...special guests who will be arriving soon."

"Strange, seems everyone of note is in attendance." Marshall smirked as he played coy with the queen, no doubt a part of his etiquette lessons he learned growing up.

"Let's just say these surprise guests will cause quite the stir. Enjoy yourselves."

After the queen went to take her seat, the group dispersed to enjoy the festivities with Pinkie making a beeline for the dessert table while Applejack and Rainbow began gathering as much food as they could fit on their plates which seemed to shock some of the party guests.

"Sheesh, it's like they never saw a hungry party guest before." Rainbow scoffed before a unicorn wearing military attire stepped in front of her.

"Forgive me for saying so my dear but not many have an appetite like yours." The stallion seemed polite as he smiled at both mares but his eyes told a different story as he seemed to stare at them with a desire one they had been all too familiar with.

"Ah where are my manners? I am Franz Chevalier, formerly lord chevalier." He introduced himself as he seemed proud to announce his former status as a noble before taking the hand of Applejack.

"And all of us know you Lady Applejack. Must be a relief to be back among...civilized folk."

"Yeah...nice to meet ya." Applejack pulled her hand back just as he was about to kiss it.

"So what can we do for ya?"

"Well I was hoping for a chance to have a chat with one of Canterlots great heroes though it seems Princess Twilight is...preoccupied." Franz's gaze then turned to Twilight with that same look in his eye and right in front of their eyes, he licked his lips as if savoring a meal about to be served.

"Ladies." As if on cue, Marshall appeared, a full wine glass in his hand as he stepped between the three of them to create a barrier while striking up a conversation.

"I see you've met Lord Franz."

"Is that any way for a son to greet his father?" Franz seemed offended as he looked at Marshall who gave what was perhaps the most coldest response ever.

"My father is over there." Marshall said while pointing to his parents talking with some of their friends, as Marshall calmly sipped his wine he could not help but smirk as the stallion in front of him shakily held his glass while forcing his smile.

"I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening." Franz said before he stormed off, much to the relief of the two mares.

"Thanks for that hon."

"Yeah, I was ready to slug him one." Rainbow grunted in annoyance as she cracked her knuckles.

"I almost beat you to the punch. Pun intended." Marshall chuckled.

"So that was yer old man huh?" Applejack was careful when bringing up the subject but her friend didn't seem to mind as he let out a sigh and took a huge swig of wine before setting the glass aside.

"Yeah that was him. Old snake could never resist a pretty face."

"Well good thing Wulfric's not here then, he'd kill him." Rainbow stated when a fanfare suddenly caught the attention of the crowd.

"In honor of tonight's party, the queen has invited some special guests." The herald announced before stepping aside.

"May I present Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence of The Crystal Empire!"

At the Threshold, Shining and Cadance came in, looking regal as all hell. Before they made it to the party, Cadance whispered something to the herald before they joined the others.

"And their special guests, Lord Wulfric of The Warborn Clan and Lord Arminius of The Ghost Clan!"

The crowd was a mix of shock and surprise as the two stags stepped forward in their signature royal attire. Both wore fur cloaks decorated with golden clasps while wearing what looked like casual clothes to the nobility as they stepped in with their shieldmaids who wore nothing but their armor.

"Northlanders? here?!?" One whispered as both chieftains handed their cloaks to the servants.

"What kind of game is this?" Another whipsered just as Rainbow and Applejack ran up to give their lover a kiss in front of the whole crowd.

"Forgive me gentlemen but this is a formal affair, I'm afraid you and your entourage must leave your weapons behind." The herald said to the guests after pointing out the nervousness of the crowd.

"Understandable." Wulfric said as he removed his axe and took the dagger out from his boot while the rest of their group simply piled their weapons to the side before joining their friends.

"Wulfric, Arminius! I'm so glad you two could make it." Twilight smiled as she gave each of them a hug.

"And miss a party with friends? We'd never think of it." Arminius gave Twilight a side hug while Sigrid and Hilda joined his side.

"Your brother wanted it to be a surprise." Wulfric said before yanking Rainbow into his arms.

"And I was eager to see my she-wolves again. The nights have been cold without you two~." Wulfric flirted with Dash as he held her chin up with a smoldering look in his eyes.

"My word, northmen are so...bold." One of the mares in the crowd whispered before seeing him squeeze Rainbows flank in front of everyone.

The men in the crowd however were not amused as they watched what they considered a vulgar display when Wulfric gave Applejack a similar greeting and wrapped his arms around both mares.

"Now I know how you two normally behave but try not to cause too much of a stir? This is an important event." Cadence requested as the party resumed and the guests went back to mingling.

"Depends on them." Wulfric said after noticing some of the guests giving them odd stares.

"I can smell their bloodlust from here."

"Easy friend, let's not spoil the evening." Arminius advised, ignoring the stares and focused his gaze on the buffet laid out for them.

"Introductions first." Shining suggested as he lead them away from the table and to the queen.

"Lady Antoinette, this is Lord Wulfric and Lord Arminius."

"Ah. So you are the rebels we've heard about, I must say I didn't think the rumors were true when we heard of a rogue band of raiders plundering the kings resources."

"He's no king of ours, I can assure you that." Wulfric scoffed while crossing his arms.

"First chance I get, I'll use that bastards antlers for a coat rack." Hearing this made the crowd give a collective gasp but the queen seemed amused at the chieftains boldness and could not help but laugh.

"Your people truly do speak their minds."

"A gift and a curse, your highness," Arminius added, earning another fit of laughter from the queen and more scoffs from the stuffed shirts surrounding them.

"I am pleased that Shining Armor and Princess Cadence invited you both, it is an honor to meet you."

"The honor is ours dear lady." Wulfric smiled before he and Arminius turned back to the table and began filling their plates to the brim while the guests just watched.

"So uncivilized..."

"And the way he treated those mares? No restraint."

"Those does however~." One of the stallions in Franz's party eyed Sigrid and Hilda from top to bottom.

"I hear Northern women are fierce in bed as they are on the battlefield."

"Bah, an exaggeration. Once you force them down, they'll do your bidding." Another said when he noticed Hilda was stepping out for some air.

"Excuse me gentlemen."

The Nobel stepped away and tailed Hilda to the balcony. When it was just the two of them, the Noble cleared his throat. When Hilda didn't respond, the Noble huffed and got in front of her. "Excuse me."

"You're excused," Hilda responded before turning her back on him.

Never being rejected before, the Noble was in shock before stopping her from leaving as he tried to introduce himself once more.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am-"

"I don't give a damn who you are. If you want to bury your dick in something go find a chamber maid, I hear you fancy types do that." Hilda said with a disgusted look as she turned to leave before he suddenly grabbed her arm.

"Don't turn your back on me! I should have you collard like the rest of you cows!" That outburst was the biggest mistake of his life.

"Two things. One: You're being very rude." Hilda jutted her hand out and grabbed the stallion's balls.

"And two!" She started squeezing them to the point his balls were like squished raisins.

"Lay your hands on me again and I'll rip it off!"

The stallion let out a squeal that one could mistake for a pig when two guards came rushing out along with some party guests.

"What's going on here?" One guard asked as Hilda released her grip.

"This...THIS WITCH!! assaulted me!!" The stallion shrieked while holding his balls.

"Only because this pig tried to force himself on me." Hilda shot back while shaking her hand free of the tension.

"And I think he pissed himself when his balls were about to pop."

"Hey! What's going on here?!?" Arminius stormed past the crowd to see the guards restraining Hilda before getting them to back off.

"This pig threatened to collar me if I didn't give myself over to him."

"What else are you sluts good for!" The stallion recomposed himself before marching up to Arminius in an attempt to intimidate.

"I suggest you collar your whores sir. Is that not what you savages do with your women?"

No sound came out of Arminius's mouth, they could only see his eye twitch before he grabbed the Noble by his shirt collar and gave him a hard punch. He then dragged him over to the main room.

"Here! Let me show you the dessert cart!" He then smashes the smug asshole's face into the various pies and cakes.

The crowd was in a state of shock as Arminius threw him into the middle of the dance floor now covered in icing and filling and was now sporting a black eye.

"Insult my woman again and I'll do far worse." He threatened just as the queen marched over with her guards.

"What is the meaning of this?!?"

"Your majesty! This...BRUTE and his woman insulted my honor! No good can come from allying with such filthy savages and if The Crystal Empire wishes for ANY support in this war then I suggest they cut all ties with them at once!"

"That's a lie! he tried to assault my wife!" Arminius countered while being held back by Wulfric.

"Do you really think anyone here will take the word of a savage over the word of a noble? Your kind no only violence and debauchery, the whole world would be better if you all just vanished from the face of Equestria!"

"You insolent piece of-!"

"ENOUGH!!" Antoinette shouted using the Royal Canterlot Voice, silencing everyone.

Antoinette glared at the nobles and even at Arminius for ruining the once peaceful social event.

“If you are to bicker in such an uncivilized manner like foals in the schoolyard, then I suggest you instead do it like adults,” Antoinette advised.

“Hmph! I couldn’t agree more, your majesty,” the noble scoffed and took off his glove to slap Arminius across his face.

"What the hell's this suppose to mean?"

"Means the gloves are off." Shining Armor said while Cadence clinged to him.

"It means he's ready to fight you."

Arminius brushed off the slight slap before taking a gauntlet from one of the guards. With the piece of armor in hand, he slapped the Noble across the face, hard. "I accept."

"So much for a peaceful evening." Cadence sighed as they stepped out to the courtyard while the music resumed playing. The stallion then called for his servants to bring him his saber while Sigrid handed her husband an axe and dagger which seemed to amuse some of the guests.

"An axe and a kitchen knife? your insults to me never cease to end sir."

"Don't kill him, we're trying to make a good impression." Sigrid said before giving her husband a peck to the cheek.

"I'll do my best." Arminius kissed Sigrid before giving one to Hilda. "I know you can handle yourself, but I need to draw blood."

"Give him a good one for me." Hilda smirked as they stepped onto the dueling field.

"Finished saying your goodbyes?" The stallion smirked as he showed off by twirling his sword around.

"I must warn you, I was ranked tenth in last years fencing championship."

"And I should warn you." Arminius tossed his dagger up high before twirling his axe all around him before going into a stance and caught the dagger in his teeth. "I have no fear of death, and I fight like it!"

"Begin!" The moment the signal was given, both combatants charged forward as Arminius' opponent struck first with a lunge and began swinging wildly uncaring for the bystanders around them.

"Ha ha! what's wrong savage? afraid to get a little cut?" The noble said with a hearty laugh while Arminius rolled his eyes, unimpressed by his technique.

"My son has more discipline than you." He said before dodging a thrust and making his opponent slide into the dirt.

"And your footing is terrible, you're like an infant learning to walk."

The Noble was in a blind rage before he rose and started swinging wildly again. "You savage bastard! I'll slice your horns off and display them on my wall!" He roared before Arminius batted his sword away with his dagger.

"This is pathetic. Should've picked a fight with someone who knows what he's doing," Arminius said in a bored tone.

"This is too good." Wulfric chuckled as Arminius continued to play with his opponent before finally disarming him and putting the dagger to his throat and raised his axe for the killing blow.

"Yield. Now." He spoke in a voice that sent chills down his opponents spine.

"I won't ask again..."

Reluctantly, the noble conceded his defeat and dropped his sword giving Arminius the victory.

"Now let us consider this matter settled." The queen said before leading her guests back into the palace to resume the festivities.

"Well so much for this being a regular party." Twilight sighed as she sat with her friends and enjoyed what desserts weren't destroyed by Arminius' earlier rampage.

"On the contrary dear, that little spat may have worked in our favor." Rarity said before pointing to some of the nobility actually talking to Wulfrics group.

"Now that they've seen who they really are, many of those in the noble faction are reconsidering their allegiances and it seems our new friends are surprisingly well versed in trade."

Twilight then took notice of Arminius and Wulfric talking with some guests who appeared to be merchants.

"I just hope nothing else happens this evening." The princess sighed before finishing her dish.

As the evening began to draw to a close, many of the guests left the party to turn in for the night until only Twilight and her friends were left.

"The queen has invited us to stay the night here in the palace." Rarity smiled as she surprised her friends.

"A night here in the palace? We're honored." Twilight said before noticing some of her friends were missing.

"Um where's Applejack and Rainbow Dash?"

"I think I saw them enter the gardens with Sigrid and Hilda earlier." Fluttershy said with her hand slightly raised.

"Oh I think I already know what those four are up to." Rarity smirked, making Spike blush.

Palace Gardens

Under the shade of a willow tree, Rainbow and Applejack had joined Sigrid and Hilda for some alone time with their lovers and while still relatively new to the lifestyle, the girls still felt unsure about sharing their lover with other females even if they happened to be their friends.

"Alone at last~." Arminius smirked as he trapped Sigrid between himself and the tree. "Finally~." They start making out. "Seeing you defend Hilda turned me on~."

"As did seeing you trounce that prick~." Hilda purred with a lick to his cheek.

"This still feels kinda weird." Rainbow said while watching Wulfric grope Hilda from behind and began feeling her up.

"What's wrong girls? Don't like sharing~?" Thora smirked as she began to fondle her chest and butt before moving to her wings.

"Mmm well our first experience wasn't exactly pleasant." Applejack hummed as Luta kissed her neck and slid her hands down her dress.

"With a bunch of assholes with limp dicks. But here~," Luta pointed over to Arminius and Wulfric who were already making love to Hilda and Sigrid. "you have two studs that care about making you feel good as well~."

"And one particular stud who missed you terribly~." Wulfric said as Hilda began rubbing the bulge in his pants.

"We'll go on guard duty to make sure nobody disturbs you. Have fun~." Luta gave Applejacks rear a hard smack to send her stumbling into her lovers arms before leaving.

"Mmm seems I've got me a plump, juicy piece of fruit~." Wulfric smirked and began massaging his farm mares body from head to toe before gently laying her on the grass.

"Mmm, ya gonna savor that fruit, or dig right in~?" Applejack asked with lidded eyes.

Wulfrics response was to simply caress her body and kiss her while holding her hand, unlike their previous sessions where he was rough and wild, this time he was gentle to the touch and even sat her up as she reached down to undo his pants all while under the light of the moon.

"I've missed you so."

"Sugarcube we were only gone a few days." Applejack giggled before getting a grasp on his hard shaft.

"A few days too many, my love~." Wulfric started kissing along Applejack's neck.

over by a hedge, Dash was watching the whole thing and was internally debating on joining, but was also nervous on being naked in front of Arminius and the girls.

"Mmm Dash come here~." Sigrid beckoned her over while Arminius slowly began to hump her from behind.

"He can be gentle if you want~."

"That's not the issue." Dash said while watching Applejack and Wulfric.

"It still feels kinda...wrong for me to be doing my boyfriends best friend in front of him."

"Hmm you truly are the Element of Loyalty~." Hilda said before moving behind her.

"But you don't need to worry, it's not considered cheating if there's trust and Wulfric trusts my husband like he was his own brother."

Dash was still uncertain about the whole thing, so Hilda smirked and went over to Wulfric. "Here, let me take the first step~." Hilda got behind Applejack and helped undo her bra.

"Much obliged~." The farm mare grinned before feeling her lover jam his rod into her with full vigor, not wanting to wait a second longer.

"Mmm that's it hon, give it to me~." Applejack moaned while being laid back down on the grass with Wulfric gently squeezing her hand while Hilda turned his head to kiss him.

"Ahn~! Mmm Arminius~." Sigrid panted as Arminius got rougher with her and began grunting like a beast each time his hips slammed against her.

"Uh should you really be so rough? She's carrying your kid." Rainbow reminded them of her pregnancy but Sigrid didn't seem to mind as she leaned back to kiss her beloved.

"Mmm it's fine Rainbow, so long as he remembers I'm carrying precious cargo~." Sigrid giggled as Rainbow turned to see Applejack getting plowed into the ground by Wulfric while Hilda held her legs open.

"Grr if we keep this up, you'll probably end up with twins~!" Wulfric teased before dumping another load into AJ'S womb but after the initial reaction, the farm mare grew quiet while catching her breath.

"Sugarcube...I need to tell you something." Applejack gave a slight moan as Wulfric began feeling her up again.

"What is it my love?"

"I...I'm not able to have kids..." The moment she said those words, Wulfric stopped and looked at her confused while she held his cheek and looked away.

"Years ago, I thought about starting a family of my own so I went to the doctors to get checked but then...he..."

"You can tell me anything Applejack." Wulfric said with a warm smile.

"He said my chances of having a foal were slim...so I gave up..."

Wulfric saw how heartbroken she was about not being able to have a child yet still he did not stop worshipping her body and gave her a gentle kiss to the lips as they held hands.

"Didn't you hear me hon?" Applejack moaned as he squeezed her breast.

"The doctor said your chances were slim so all that means is that I just have to keep humping you and humping you til you're carrying an army of my little bastards~." Wulfric growled as he bit down on her nipple.

Dash seeing Wulfric continue to love Applejack, despite her revelation, gave her a little more confidence and went over to Arminius and Sigrid. "Come here. sexy~." She grabbed Sigrid hy her antlers and stuck her tongue down her throat.

"MMM!!" Sigrid was caught off guard by her sudden change of heart and slowly got enveloped in their kiss while both stags gave a toothy grin to the spectacle and decided to up their game.

"Hope you girls don't mind us joining in~." Wulfric smirked as he groped Sigrids tail.

Arminius crept behind Rainbow and slowly reached for her firm flank, licking his lips as he did so.

"Mmm almost as fit as my lovely Sigrids~." He said before putting his hands on her chest, making her give a short moan. After a few minutes of teasing, both ladies got on all fours and presented their hind quarters to their lovers eagerly awaiting entry when Rainbow let out a cute yelp the moment Arminius penetrated her rear.

"Nnng~! I can see why Wulfric favors this flank~." Arminius growled before giving her cutie mark a hard smack.

"Ahn! easy big guy, there's enough of me to go around~." Rainbow boasted as both of them began to feel their lovers thrusting into them.

"Nnng s-so do you guys do this often?" She asked Hilda while trying to keep focus.

"Mmm not all the time, only when we all feel like it~." Hilda moaned as Wulfric kissed her neck. After an hour or so, the two stags filled their lovers once again but were far from satisfied and in Rainbows eyes, it looked like they were trying to outlast one another and this gave Rainbow an idea.

"Mmm Wulfy?" She beckoned her lover as he caught his breath and spread her legs for him.

"Come here~."

Both stags were surprised by her boldness and at the same time aroused as the pegasus gave her lover a hungry look and curled her finger at him.

"Sure you can take us my rainbow-haired valkyrie?"

"I can take it~."

Wulfric smiled before facing his love and spearing his rod up her pussy. "Nnng~!"

Arminius returned to the tight ass he frequented not a minute ago. "Fuck yes~!"

Rainbows eyes rolled back as the feeling of both stags overwhelmed her and she gripped Wulfrics shoulders tight as her body was rammed over and over.

"I see why they made you a black collar~." Wulfric gave what seemed like a compliment to the mare who only gave him a scolding look before kissing him.

"Just shut up and buck me~."

"With pleasure~!" Both Wulfric and Arminius roared before drilling Dash faster and harder.

"That took courage you know." Hilda smiled as she handed Applejack her clothes.

"Telling Wulfric that you may not be able to give him children despite knowing he might leave you. Even I don't think I could do something like that."

"To be honest, I'm still shocked about what he said." Applejack smiled before Rainbow let out another scream.

"I gave up on the idea about finding myself a good man but...I guess that good man found me."

Just as the girls finished redressing themselves, Rainbow was filled to the brim by both stags as she clung to Wulfric and sunk her teeth into his shoulder while enduring every last drop being pumped into her.

"Mmm you truly are amazing my valkyrie~." Wulfric complimented his lover despite the stinging pain in his shoulder.

"Almost as wild as Sigrid." Arminius huffed before pulling out to let the two cuddle and relax on the grass.

Dash was in pure bliss as she and AJ snuggled beside their lover who seemed more satisfied than exhausted.

"We better get back to the party, Twilight will be wondering where we are." Applejack said while letting Wulfric cop a feel on her flank.

"I suppose we should." Wulfric smirked before giving her a kiss to the forehead.

"Go on ahead. We'll catch up," Arminius told them before Hilda mounted him again.

"Not if we have anything to say about it~." Sigrid grinned before planting her reat on his face and held him down by the antlers.

After returning to the party, Dash and Applejack returned to their friends while Wulfric went to join Marshall at the balcony where he had been discussing something with Shining Armor.

"I trust you blew off some steam?" Shining asked as they stood together on the railing.

"More or less. So when do you think the queen will hear your proposal?" Wulfric looked down at the rest of the party guests in the courtyard below.

"She has arranged a council meeting tomorrow, you and Arminius are to attend so try not to go too crazy tonight?"

"I'll try. Though my brother-in-arms might be doing something crazy in the garden as we speak," Wulfric joked as they heard a loud moan come from the garden.

"Anyways, how's Flash's recovery going?"

"He's getting there but he still has a long way to go, my sister has been helping with his recovery."

"Has she now?" Wulfric smirked as he gave a slight chuckle.

"I hear they were both quite close before the invasion. Better start planning the wedding soon my friend."

"Ha ha, very funny." Shining deadpanned before spotting Lord Franz and the noble faction mingling in the garden below.

"Tomorrows meeting could change our fortunes in this war and if everything goes right, we'll finally be able to push back. No more skirmishes or striking from the shadows."

"Now that I can look forward to." Wulfric gave a quick toast before gulping his wine down in one gulp.

"Well the night is young and I got a belly to fill." With that, Wulfric departed to return to the festivities all while Marshall and Shining Armor kept watch over a certain group of nobles chatting in the courtyard below.

"He's up to something, I know it." Marshall said as Franz talked with his cohorts.

"He will be at the summit tomorrow along with the other lords. If he truly intends to oppose the alliance then be ready for anything." Shining advised as they returned to the party to enjoy the rest of their evening.

Author's Note

I'm back!! Sorry for the delay all but I've been dealing with some stuff IRL and this took way longer than I expected to edit. I'll post again soon so have some patience.

The Myre

Far off in Equestria

Far away from the capital City of Canterlot, far from any cities or even small towns there lies a land untouched by ponies of any kind for it holds many dangers. The eerie swamps, a place home to vicious, massive cragadiles, venomous snakes, poisonous mushrooms and plants, but despite these dangers two ponies were daring to take their chances here for freedom and survival.

Running through the marshes of the swamp two mares could be seen, an earth pony and a pegasus. The Earth pony had pink fur and a pink mane and tail, they were straightened but was clearly shown to have been crudely cut as she wore tattered rags to cover her breasts and plump rear, but her body was shown to be very malnourished as she also had scars on her thighs and back.

The pegasus had yellow fur and light shade of pink mane and tail, her wings were broken as they were poorly wrapped in dirty, bloodstained bandages. She too wore tattered rags to try and hide her voluptuous, but malnourished body

"Come on, Fluttershy! Keep going!" The Pink one told Fluttershy

"I-I'm trying, Pinkie!" Fluttershy panted heavily as shouting could be heard not too far from the two running mares

"Which way did that go?!" A voice shouted from the swamp

"Look! This way!" Another voice rang out as more shouting could be heard. Footsteps could be heard as about a dozen men were seen running after the two mares. They were large, upright standing canines covered in metal and wooden armor brandishing weapons such as swords, axes, and spears. Diamond Dogs.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie both kept running as the sounds of chasing dogs and shouting became louder as they grew closer. The two ran and soon saw what appeared to be some sort of town

"HELP US! PLEASE, HELP US! SOMEPONY! ANYPONY!" The two mares cried out and pleaded as they ran towards the town, but it was... Abandoned. There were empty, deserted buildings, broken boats, and empty booths and stalls.

Exhausted from the long run, the two hid in one of the nearby houses as the slavers came into view with their hounds.

"What is this place?"

"Looks like an abandoned trading post."

"Those bitches are hiding here somewhere-FIND THEM!!"

Fluttershy and Pinkie did their best to stay quiet as they began smashing down doors and overturning stalls, hoping to flush them out with a scare while their dogs sniffed around.

"When I get my hands on that pegasus slut, I'll make her my Gulltoppr's breeding partner." The lead tracker said while looking through the windows of a rundown house.

Fluttershy and Pinkie were hiding inside a large cabinet peeking through a small cut inside, watching as two Diamond Dogs burst through the door of the house they were hiding in. The two covered each other's mouths to keep quiet as the two Dogs sniffed the air, searching for the two runaways. The wooden floor creaked with each step they took as they grew closer and closer, the two mares tried to back away as much as they can in a feeble attempt to hide. But then...

"Peekaboo." One of the Dogs then tore open the doors of the cabinet and pulled the two quivering mares out. They screamed in terror as they tried to run away but the dog quickly grabbed them by their necks

"Slaves make Masters tired! Slaves pay now!" The dog said as he carried them out towards the others. The dog threw them both down on the ground as they were surrounded by their masters, they all cackled in sick glee. A perverted glint in their eyes as they stared them down, a large Diamond Dog reached out to grab them until an arrow had suddenly pierced right through his skull making him drop dead a split second later.

"Crash!" One Dog cried out as they all turned to see where that shot came from. They all soon saw somepony standing over a small bridge connecting two buildings holding a massive bow. Another arrow soared through the air as it pierced through another dog's heart.

"Kill him!" They all charged while one stayed back to keep the slaves from running away. The warrior wore a helmet with small spikes and a strange emblem on the front, it was similar to some sort of bug. His wooden armor was of a light blue and brown color with sharp spikes along his shoulders, arms, and chest. He had on a green mask of a demon with sharp fangs. On his waist he had two swords, a long katana and a wakasashi. On his chest he had a symbol of a green and black diamond.

The warrior jumped down from the bridge and crouched down as a Diamond Dog charged at him with a spear, the dog thrusted his spear forward but the warrior quickly moved to the left and, in a flash, drew his katana and sliced off the Dog's head in one, clean move before sheathing his blade again. Another dog swung his axe at the warrior, drawing out his katana once more as he used the Dog's momentum against him to move the axe down and get stuck in the ground, the warrior then slashed at his leg dropping to one knee before thrusting his sword into his chest.

Kicking the dead body off his sword the warrior jumped over another Diamond Dog as it tried to slash off his head, coming down the warrior slashed at his back with a deep gash. He then turned his sword around and stabbed another dog in the stomach that tried to sneak up on him. He twisted the blade in his gut before pulling it out, the Dog gasped and tried to reach for him but dropped back to the ground. The other dogs all gasped in shock as they tried to surround him, but they were all too scared to actually fight him after he had killed nearly all of them with such ease. The warrior eyed them all and let out an ear ringing war cry, the sudden noise made all the dogs whimper in fear as he suddenly charged at one. Brandishing his katana as he slashed at a Dog, the two traded blows but the warrior quickly pushed down his opponent's sword and slammed his fist into his face. The Dog staggered back and gasped as he was suddenly stabbed in the chest, the warrior smacked him with his palm and then sliced his head off. The warrior then kicked the decapitated head at another dog to distract him as he rushed him, slashing at his side and getting behind the Dog, he then slashed at his back left knee. He quickly spun back around the Dog and sliced his throat, making him choke on his own blood. The last dog charged at him with a large battle axe and swung at him, the warrior jumped back to gain distance as the dog chased after him.

"Come back here you coward!"

Just as the thug raised his axe for another swing, the warrior zipped past him in the blink of an eye leaving only a small cut as the diamond dog laughed.

"That it? A little cut?!" He mocked his opponent.

"Omae wa mo shindeiru..." the masked warrior finally spoke before sheathing his blade.

"What the fuck was that supposed to me-Ack..." The diamond dog stopped mid sentence as it suddenly became hard for him to speak and he began seeing spots as the veins around his cut turned a sickly purple.

The blade was poisoned.

He tried to charge at him but his vision became red as blood streamed down from his eyes and then his nose. He gasped as he lifted his weapon only for it to fall as he lost feeling in his arms. The Dog started coughing up blood and his eyes rolled back, foaming at the mouth until he dropped to the floor. The warrior walked up and stabbed him in the heart just to be sure he was dead. He then started at the Diamond Dog that was left to watch over the slaves, his legs were shaking and there was a yellow puddle slowly forming where he stood. He held up a sword in unsteady hands as he stepped back as the warrior marched towards him.

"S-S-Stay back!" The Dog demanded but the warrior kept marching towards him. The Dog tried to run, attack, anything but his legs were frozen in fear. Then all he saw.... Was the warrior walking past him. A warm feeling ran down his neck as he choked, holding his now sliced open neck as he fell to the floor.

Fluttershy and Pinkie held each other, trembling in fear thinking they were next as they saw two familiar glowing green eyes beneath the mask.

"CHANGELIIING!!" They screamed at the top of their lungs when to their surprise, the warrior sheathed his blade and knelt down to their level.

"Are you alright?" He asked in a calm voice.

The changeling had black skin, sharp fangs, and dark green eyes. Removing his helmet he also had a pair of insect wings and a horn, although it had holes and looked more like a sharp rock. He also had an X shaped scar on his right cheek and short black hair.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie both backed away and tripped, falling down on their backs

"P-Please! Don't hurt us!" Fluttershy begged. The changeling hummed in thought before removing his sword and wakasashi, still sheathed he laid them next to his side and got down on his knees, sitting.

"I mean you no harm." He told them

"W-w-what do you want?" Pinkie stuttered as the warrior slowly placed his helmet to the side.

"No pony enters these swamps without us noticing, but still, no pony dares enter these lands. So I ask you this, why are you here? And why were these dogs after you?" The warrior asked.

Fluttershy held Pinkie tight as she did her best to answer.

"They were going to sell us again...make us do things we didn't like..."

"DISGUSTING THINGS!" Pinkie shouted before cowering back in her friends embrace.

"We just ran the moment we saw our chance to escape...we thought we were done for..."

The warrior nodded his head as he looked over at the Dogs, eyeing them before turning back to the two mares

"I would advise you both follow me. If you don't know your way in these lands you will die before the sun even sets." He warned them as he already saw a venomous spider crawling on a wall.

To his surprise, Fluttershy saw the little creature and allowed it to crawl onto her hand as it gave her a gentle nuzzle before she set him down on a dusty counter and waved goodbye as they left.

"So who are you?" Pinkie asked as he lead them through the maze of thickets and bogs while avoiding the more dangerous areas.

The warrior was too busy baffled at the sight between Fluttershy and the Spider but shook his head

"My name is Ryu Senshi." He bowed his head as he introduced himself "Who are you two? I've never seen anypony like you two before."

"Oh um...I'm Fluttershy and this is my friend Pinkie Pie."

"Hi!" Pinkie waved hello as they trudged through the mud before coming up on a bridge with stone lanterns leading to a strange arch.

"Good, we made it."

"Made it where?" Pinkie asked as she looked around but saw no buildings anywhere.

"Wait here while I secure us safe passage." Ryu said before going through the arch and suddenly vanishing before their eyes.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie both looked at each other and grew more and more concerned with each passing second, until suddenly they saw a light appear and more and more lights appear from the fog that was surrounding the bridge. There they saw Ryu walk back over to them

"Follow me." The two quickly followed him through the fog and were amazed by what they saw.

an entire city thriving in the middle of the swamp with Changelings everywhere, going about their daily business as Ryu lead them straight to the palace.

"What is this place?" Fluttershy asked as she watched some children run around holding up these little toy dragons that flew after them with a wind up gear on their backs.

"This is the Imperial capital, our home." Ryu said, greeting the other changelings they passed by, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie would both notice that everyone around them all bowed their heads whenever Ryu walked by, all of them looking at him with great admiration.

"Wow, these changelings are different from the ones we met last time." Pinkie said before smelling something sweet.

"Ohh what is that?"

"Red bean buns! Get your fresh bean buns here!" A vendor shouted as Pinkie eyed the golden balls of sweetness he placed on the counter of his cart.

Ryu caught Pinkie Pie eyeing the food and chuckled, walking up to the vendor as he spoke in an unknown language with the man. The two exchanged a bit of small talk before the vendor handed him a small basket, bowing his head. Ryu bowed back and handed him some money for it

"Try it." Ryu said as he opened the small basket, steam coming out from the freshly made Red bean buns.

The moment Pinkie took that first bite, her tastebuds were sent on a rollercoaster of new flavor since she had been eating nothing but scraps and stale bread and she let out an excited squeal before giving one to Fluttershy who had a similar reaction as they were lead into the palace.

Ryu chuckled as he watched their reactions as he continued to lead them to the palace, giving them more of the Red Bean Buns. Soon they entered the main palace and watched as two large changelings that wore white and black armor used their immense strength to open a large set of iron and wooden doors. Inside was perhaps one of the most elegant and beautiful interiors as the floor was made of marble and there was a engraving of changelings made of hold on the ceiling. And sitting on a large throne sat a Changeling with black skin, long, slick dark green hair and dark green eyes wearing an elegant dark green and gold lining kimono. Ryu got down on one knee and bowed

"Bow." Ryu told Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie as they both quickly followed Ryu's lead.

Despite her new appearance, Pinkie and Fluttershy instantly recognized Queen Chrysalis laying back in her new throne and enjoying some fruit while two of her servants fanned her.

"My sweet Ryu it is good to have you home again." The queen smiled as she sauntered over and saw her two new guests.

"Well well this is a surprise. The elements of Kindness and Laughter in my home."

"You... Know each other, Empress?" Ryu asked as he looked down out of respect. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie both gasped as they looked up at Queen Chrysalis and immediately stood up, stepping back out of fear but also standing their ground, although their legs did shake.

"I-I found them in the swamps near one of the old abandoned fishing ports. They were chased down by slavers. I thought it was best for them to come here for sanctuary, my Empress." Ryu quickly explained in hopes to avoid any conflict

"You dare bring outsiders into our home?" A warrior wearing dark purple armor spoke up. He had a helmet with a crest of an Ursa Major and had spikes along his chest and shoulders, his armor made of metal as he had a sword on his hip, the sheath was a dark orange color with red flames along it while the hilt was a mix of red and orange with an Oni head at the bottom of the hilt and the guard was also in the shape of an Oni.

"Phryanx" Ryu muttered under his breath with a hint of venom.

"Your highness I apologize for my brothers lack of judgement, I'll see to it these intruders are escorted out of the city."

"Now now Pharynx, let's not be hasty." Chrysalis smirked before getting a good look at Pinkie and Fluttershy.

"It's very clear these poor dears have been through a great ordeal, we should offer our hospitality and your brother was right for bringing them here."

"He was?" Pinkie asked.

"Indeed, you two can fill us in on what's been happening this past year. You will stay as my guests for as long as you desire."

With a clap of her hands, the queen summoned her servants to take the mares to be bathed and fed while gesturing for both Pharynx and Ryu to come closer.

"Double the border patrols and notify me of anything suspicious."

Ryu and Pharynx agreed, although Pharynx was a bit reluctant to help his brother as the two bowed their heads and hurried off to follow her orders. When they were out of earshot of the Empress Pharynx grabbed his brother and forcibly turned him to face him

"You fool! How dare you bring those outsiders into our lands? They have no right here!" Pharynx was furious at his brother's actions

"They needed help, if I didn't step in they would've been killed, if they were lucky!" Ryu defended his actions as he glared at Pharynx. "You may be able to leave others to die, but not me. Now, follow the Empress's orders." Ryu said as he bumped against his brother and headed off to gather more men for patrolling the borders. Phryanx growled and tightened his fists as he watched his brother leave.

The Myre

The longships came to a stop at the same abandoned village Fluttershy and Pinkie took refuge in as Arminius and Wulfric took some men to patrol the area in hopes of looking for some supplies but came onto a more gruesome scene as they came upon the slaughtered diamond dogs.

"That's just barbaric..." Wulfric said when Arminius shot him a deadpan look.

"I've seen you collect scalps."

"T-that's different..."

"Sure it is," Arminius said before getting a better look at one of the bodies. "Hmm, looks like they were killed by a long curved sword. And it looks like it can do some damage," He said before looking over at a dog that had its head cut off. "The cut's very clean."

"Look at this guy." Wulfric said as he stood over the slaver who was poisoned.

"The blade was poisoned, see the cheek?" He asked while pointing to the cut and purple veins on the victims face along with the bloodshot eyes and foaming mouth.

"What you boys find?" Asked Applejack now sporting a raiders attire while carrying her own hatchet and shield.

"Looks like there was some kind of ambush here." Wulfric said when Dash appeared in a similar outfit.

"Tch. These creeps deserved it if you ask me." She spat before spotting a single strand of pink hair caught in one of the doors.

"This...this is Fluttershy's hair, I'd know it anywhere!"

"HYAAAAAAAA!" A shout rang out as Wulfric looked up and brought up his axe just in time to block an incoming sword that would have cut him in two had he not reacted in time. Another shout came as Phryanx came charging at Arminus, four more warriors showed up. Two seemed to be females by the body structure and wore a white mask that only showed their black eyes wearing blue robes, black as armor, and a folded hat while wielding two Naginatas. The other two warriors wore black garments and had masks that sealed their faces but only showed their eyes, they wore very little armor and wielded small scythes with a small black metal ball chained to it.

"Must be the welcoming committee." Wulfric said while brandishing his axe.

"Take the females alive, kill these stonehoof scum." Ryu ordered before taking a fighting stance.

"Stonehooves? Friend I think you have us confused with-YIKE!" Arminius jerked his head back as his blade came swinging at him.

"Save your breath savage, you'll need it for when I cut you down to size."

Phryanx swung his blade at Arminus, pushing him back towards the murky waters to try and get him eaten by either the cragadiles or by the large anacondas.

Ryu charged at Wulfric and threw a kunai to throw him off balance while he turned to the left to slash at his side.

"Please wait!" Wulfric said while blocking each strike.

"We are not your enemy!"

"He's telling you the truth!" Applejack shouted over the clashing steel as Pharynx was thrown back by Arminius.

"So you brainwashed these mares into defending you huh? Nice try!" Pharynx spat as they prepared to do battle.

The two Shinobi swung their chained balls at Rainbow Dash as they wrapped around her torso and legs to try and subdue her while the two Nobushi leaped into action to defend Phryanx, using their Naginatas to attack Applejack and keep her at bay.

Ryu stared at Wulfric in his eyes as he steadied his katana. Stepping forward only to step back with his blade hung high, dashing forward with a downward slash.

Wulfric was quick enough to block the sword with his shield, though was quite surprised that the sword was stuck in his shield a good three inches in. Wulfric pushed back and threw the samurai across the dirt before throwing the blade and shield behind him.

On the other side of the field, Arminius charged at Pharynx with a crazed yell, no doubt after taking the Berserker herb, and flung the Changeling into a nearby building with his antlers. "If violence is all you can answer to, then let us exchange pleasantries!" He roared before charging at the Shinobi warriors.

"You are disarmed." Wulfric said to Ryu as he brought out his axe.

"Surrender now and I won't have to kill you."

Ryu pulled out his wakasashi, a shorter katana, as he glared at Wulfric. Getting into a more defensive stance as he prepared for battle.

The two Shinobi released their chains around Rainbow Dash to defend themselves. One of them threw the ball at Arminus while the other circled around him and swung his scythe at him.

The two warriors were kept on their toes as they had never faced a fighting style like the shinobi's who seemed to move like leaves in the wind each time they struck.

"Damn it! Stand still and fight ya little jackrabbit!!" Wulfric shouted as Ryu began cutting him to the point where he could barely stand.

"Wulfric!" Arminius shouted as he moved in to defend his friend when Rainbow and Applejack finally got the drop on Pharynx's two bodyguards and knocked them out before putting their shields between them and Pharynx.

"That's enough!" Applejack said while raising her axe.

"We're not Stonehooves. We're the clans Warborn and Ghost. We're here to destroy that clan," Arminius explained.

"More lies." Pharynx accused when suddenly more ponies and caribou came rushing to their aid.

"It's not a lie! These guys saved us and the other ponies from Ponyville!"

"Ponyville?" Ryu stopped to take a better look at the mares standing before them and realized who they were.

"You're Fluttershy's freinds."

"Fluttershy? She's here?" Applejack asked as Wulfric let out a painful groan and passed out.

"Dammit, he's lost too much blood!" Arminius said while trying to keep pressure on one of the wounds.

"Hmmm...bring them to the palace, all of them." Pharynx said while sheathing his blade.

"The empress will know if they're lying."

"Splendid. Will there be more blades at our throats?" Arminius asked.

"Depends on your attitude." Ryu replied before signaling two of his guards to take Wulfric away.

"Our healers will fix him up."

"I'm going with them." Applejack said while pushing past him and to his surprise, she held Wulfrics hand as he let out another pained grunt.

"I'm here sugarcube."

End.

Slaughter Swamp

In the captains quarters of the fort, the sounds of a bed creaking and a mare moaning could barely be heard just outside the halls. In his room, Marshall rutted Raven like there was no tomorrow with Lightning Dust enviously waiting her turn as she fiddled with her red collar.

"Rrrg say it Raven~." He purred into Ravens ear while taking her on all fours.

"I want a baby~!" Raven moaned loudly as her red collar jingled with each thrust.

“How bad you want it~?” Marshall said and smacked her flank.

“Fill me to the brim~!” Raven bleated. “I want to hold our little one in our arms~! Fill me, master~!”

With one final push, Marshall blasted her womb with his sperm as her entire body trembled from overstimulation.

"Ahhh Marshall~!! breed me~!" Raven cried out before slumping to the bed in a hot sweaty mess as her stallion called Lightning dust over for her turn.

Lighting straddled over Marshall and kissed him.

“Still can't get enough~?” She asked as they nuzzled each other.

"Of you girls? Never." Marshall said as they began to make love with Raven moving aside.

"Mmm so how did you like that little "Gathering" we had with the guards last week?" Raven asked her new herdmate while Marshall began to take her.

"Ahn~. If you mean that crazy orgy, it was a blast~." Lightning moaned.

"Especially when the boys made it a stamina contest~."

"My back was sore for a week." Marshall chuckled before kissing Lightning.

"I love you girls."

“We love you too, stud~,” Lighting moaned while riding him.

Raven gently held his head to give him a kiss when one of the guards began knocking on the door rather urgently.

"Sir you need to come see this!" He shouted through the door.

"Can't it wait?" Marshall shouted back before kissing Lightning's neck.

"Sir please! It's an emergency!!"

Letting out an annoyed sigh, Marshall gave both lovers a kiss and dressed himself before storming out the door.

"This had better be good soldier."

"Sir. One of the lookouts spotted something from the western tower, said it looked like an army."

"An army?"

As the warden was lead to the western tower, the lookout handed him a spyglass and pointed to a spot on the horizon where a string of campfires had been lit.

"What do you think sir? enemy attack?"

"No. I don't see any banners." Marshall said as he glassed the area when he finally realized who was approaching their stronghold.

"Those aren't soldiers, they're refugees. Send men to escort them here now!"

The moment riders were sent out, the refugees grew fearful until they saw them flying the colors of The Crystal Empire. The first of the knights dismounted and told them that the fort was offering shelter to any who were seeking refuge, much to the relief of the fatigued travelers as they began moving towards the stronghold while the warden kept watch from the wall.

"Bless you sirs, Celestia bless you all. I thought we had lost all hope!" an elderly mare said while holding the hands of one of the knights.

"You all look like you've been through quite the ordeal. What happened?" The knight asked as they made way for the rest of the crowd.

"As the winter began to set in, the kings men came and took our supply for the winter months. Our men tried to oppose them but they were executed, my husband among them..."

"I am sorry for your loss."

"Soon as we were able, we set out for the Crystal Empire but when the nobles caught wind of this they sent their mercenaries after us! Money grubbing dogs, every one of them!"

"Mercenaries?"

"Yes, they've been harassing us all along our journey. Picking us off one by one in the night without a moments rest."

Just then, the group began to hear the rumbling of cavalry moving at great pace before spotting a dust cloud coming from behind a nearby hill before several minotaurs atop wargs appeared with heavy axes in their hands.

“Good gods, Flash was right!” Marshall cursed. “That madman hired Minotaur mercs to fight his war for him!”

"DEFENSIVE PERIMETER! Protect the refugees!" An officer in the squadron called out orders as the citizens began running for their lives.

"Our wargs will feast well tonight!" A raider grinned before leading the charge as the mercenaries came baring down on the defenders.

"Shields up!!" The knights braced themselves for impact as the wargs came snarling at them with their riders shouting like madmen as they swung around their axes wildly.

The raiders easily smashed through the wall of shields as they poured past the first gate. Just as they were about to start hacking and pillaging all they saw, three bulls’ heads were sliced clean off in the blink of an eye.

"Men reform the wall now!!" Marshall barked from under his visor as he appeared in full battle gear and marched out the gates with another squadron.

"You heard the captain! On your feet lads!"

"Archers provide cover and watch the refugees!"

The chaos of the attack grew with intensity as more raiding parties appeared from behind a hill on the western front, attempting to catch the fleeing refugees in a pincer attack.

"Mages! blast em!!" Marshall called out as he pointed towards the second attack force.

The battle mages bombarded the enemy with a volley of arcane missiles as their troops were in disarray and their attack began to falter while the remainder of the refugees managed to make it through the gate.

"Seal the gate behind me!"

"What?!? But sir-!"

"DO IT!!" Marshall commanded in a stern voice as the enemy began to recover.

Only twenty of the original raiding party were left to deal with the captain as he calmly marched forward, his sword gripped tightly in his hand as he scanned the battlefield through the narrow vision of his helmet.

"This is your only warning." His voice sounded metallic and almost machine-like as he stood firm in front of the enemy.

"Leave this place now and you will keep your lives, stay and you face death."

"Shut your mouth..." The minotaur leading the raiders hissed as he shambled towards the knight with his nostrils falring from anger.

"If we run now, we'll lose face and the king will have our heads!"

"So be it."

Without further hesitation, Marshall took a fighting stance as the raiders charged him from all sides and as the first raider struck at him, his axe was parried and he was pierched through the heart by the tip of the wardens sword before the second had his face smashed in by the pommel and was sent staggering back in pain with blood gushing from his nostrils.

Even when surrounded on all sides, the lone knight seemed to move as freely as air and was able to parry and dodge every blow while his foes were cut down one by one.

When Lightning Dust heard the commotion, she rushed to the top of the wall to see a horrifying sight. The bodies of the raiders were strewn across the field, some were missing limbs while others were cut to pieces.

"What...happened?" She gasped while watching Marshall carve his way through the others.

"No wait! PLEASE!!" A mercenary begged for his life as the wardens sword came down and cleaved him in two, leaving only their leader who was completely horrified by the carnage he had just witnessed.

"Those were my elite troops and he wiped them out..."

As a strong wind began to blow in from the east, the wardens eyes locked onto his remaining target and he marched forward with purpose as his boots clanked with each step all the while his sword and tabard were stained with blood.

"Wait! you don't have to do this!" The merc captain said as he dropped his axe and backed away.

"I-I yield! you hear me I give!!"

"It's too late for that..." Marshall's voice was cold and heartless as his gaze made his enemy freeze up in complete terror.

"Just let me go please! I'll leave these lands, I'll quit being a merc! I'LL GO WHEREVER YOU WANT ME TO GO!!"

"How about...you go to hell?" Marshall then raised his sword to deliver the killing blow as the minotaur tripped over a dismembered arm and looked into the eyes of his executioner.

"NO DON'T!! PLEASE!!"

Lighting kept her eyes on the scene, watching as her lover slowly turned into a monster right before her eyes. When Marshall made the lead Minotaur swallow his sword, she broke into tears.

Even as the men and civilians cheered and gave him a hero's welcome, Lightning kept her distance and watched as he marched triumphantly through the gates and removed his helmet. His face drenched in sweat and a few bits of blood that sprayed through the visor.

"Hear me men!" Marshall yelled over the applause as they settled down.

"This was only the beginning, rest assured the enemy will come in greater numbers when they learn what has transpired here so be ready! Today they gave us a skirmish but the next time-WE GIVE THEM WAR!!"

YAAAAA!!!

"Have a portal ready to take the civilians to the empire and refortify the outer wall at once."

"Yes sir!"

As Marshall handed his sword and helmet to one of his men he made his way to the barracks, Lightning followed him from a distance out of curiosity. Perhaps she thought he was going to celebrate with a stiff drink or a hearty meal but to her surprise he rounded the corner and fell to his knees as he began to heave and groan in frustration.

"Fuck! She saw me...SHE SAW ME!!" He cursed while pounding his fist on the dirt. He knew she was watching the battle the whole time.

"How can I look at her now...she'll hate me..."

Once he managed to settle his nerves, Marshall slowly got to his feet when he turned to see Lightning staring at him. Her face a mix of horror and sadness.

"Lightning...I-I..."

"I know." was all Lightning would say as she approached him and placed a hand on his stained face and could see the regret in his eyes as the tears fell.

"If you want to leave...I understand."

Slap!

Marshall backed up when he felt Lightning smack him across the face. "Don't you ever say that." She then brought him into a hug and wept. "Don't you dare send me away."

"But...you saw what I did...what I became..." Marshall said as she squeezed him tighter.

"I know..."

"Then why-"

"Because I love you idiot!" Lightning shouted while looking up at him.

"You said that you would never leave me! well it's the same deal for me, I don't care if you're a murderous killing machine! You're still my stallion so I'm not going anywhere!!"

"Lightning..." Marshall was at a loss for words as he stared into the teary eyes of his mare and gently wiped the tears from her face. As the two of them settled down, Lightning Dust took a second look at her stallion and saw him covered from head to toe in muck and took him by the hand as she lead him back to the keep.

"Let's get you cleaned up."

Once he was back in his personal quarters, the warden began to remove his armor and each piece felt as heavy as a brick. Perhaps it was the fatigue from the battle or the weight of the guilt he carried from having been seen as a monster by the one he loves yet as the last bit of plating was removed, he felt relieved and was lead to the showers to find both his mares waiting for him in nothing but bath towels.

"Welcome back my love." Raven smiled as she pulled him in and turned on the showerhead to wash his body. Across his arms and chest, Marshall was decorated with many scars, some were small while others looked like they were fatal wounds. As the water rushed over him, the bits of muck and blood that remained slowly slid off his body while Lightning gently scrubbed him down and pecked his chiseled frame before working her way up to his lips.

"You're still tense." She smirked while rubbing his shoulders from the front.

"I can't help it." He sighed as Raven joined her from behind.

"You know darling, we didn't get to finish our session this morning and you look like you could use some relief~." She teased while leaning against his back.

"And I hate to see you in such a state."

"Hm. How did I get so lucky to land you two girls?" Marshall asked as they took turns kissing while they lathered each other up, their hands exploring each others bodies with nothing but the sound of the cascading water to drown out their lovemaking.

Once they had finished drying off, the girls gently pushed their stallion onto the bed, their bodies concealed only by their towels as they each gave him a loving kiss before Raven straddled him and bent down to kiss him while his hands found their way to her tail.

"Just relax and let us to do all the work~." Raven whispered while rubbing his sheath to slowly arouse him.

“You would still lay with me after what you saw?” Marshall asked.

"I have seen worse." Raven said before Lightning came over to kiss him.

"Mmm how's about putting that mouth to better use~." Lightning smirked as she stood over him and placed her athletic flank right above his face with a mischievous smirk.

"Ready~?" She asked while moving her tail aside.

"Like you need to ask." Marshall smirked before she sat on his face while Raven kissed her way down to his crotch.

Marshall poked his tongue out and began licking Lighting’s pussy like ice cream while Raven made it to his cock and took a deep sniff.

"Mmm you really needed this, I can tell~." She said as his rod slowly stood to full mast, making her lick her lips in anticipation as she positioned herself.

"Make sure he can breathe lightning." She said while rubbing the tip against her folds to get him going.

“Mmm…I think it’s time you told him, Raven,” Lighting moaned.

Marshall let out a noise as if asking what she meant.

“Marshall…” Raven said as she lowered her hips. “I…I want a foal.”

All the stallion could do was give a muffled groan as he felt her warm cunt wrap around him while Lightning just tilted her head back with an aroused sigh before getting off.

"That'll do for now stud. Give it to her good~." She said while giving him another kiss.

"Well to be honest we've-mm-been trying~." Marshall confessed as Raven began moving her hips.

"Our original plan was to ditch Blueblood when I had amassed enough wealth for the both of us so-rrg-I had to make sure none of those bastards knocked her up."

Raven rocked her hips gently as they held each other close and kissed while Lightning watched and played with herself and began to feel envious.

"Having kids doesn't sound like a bad idea but I'll wait." She said while fondling her breasts.

"Don't force yourself now dear, you've had a rough day~." Raven moaned as she moved her hand across his pecs and kissed his neck.

"Raven what if-mm-it doesn't take?" Marshall grunted while adjusting his position.

"Then we'll try again~." Raven moaned while gripping the sheets.

"And again and again and again until I'm carrying triplets~."

"Whoa girl that's a bit much." Lightning said while watching her get pinned down as Marshall arched his back and let out a lustful moan.

"I'd be happy either way if it means I get to have a family with you two." He said before finishing inside her as her legs wrapped around his waist and she squeezed him tight to get every last drop of his seed in her. Raven was a hot and sweaty mess like always whenever her stud finished with her.

While she was recuperating, Lighting took this chance to show her bold side and leaned herself against the wall with her taught ass hanging out while barely concealed by her tail but what came next took her knight by surprise as she reached back to spread her cheeks and revealed her rear entrance with a hungry look.

"Take me here~!" She growled with a wild grin.

Marshall happily obliged his mares request as he held her flank in position and began teasing her with his rod as it rubbed between her cheeks.

"Didn't think you were this wild my sweet." Marshall smirked while listening to her moan in anticipation.

"But we shouldn't go too hard~."

"I can take it, I'm a black collar after all~." Lightning said with confidence before being pulled back by her mane as Marshall let out a growl of his own.

"And what a fiery mare you are~."

The two shared a very passionate kiss before he finally rammed into her ass and held her in a full nelson position while her wings fanned out and her moans began to echo through the fortress.

The only one who was not amused by this turn of events was Short Fuse who despite being locked in the dungeons could hear everything going on and was none too happy about it.

"HEY KEEP IT DOWN UP THERE!!" He screamed to the roof of his cell as he tried to get some sleep.

"Can't an impotent stallion get some shut eye here?!?"

By the time morning came, all three were on the bed in complete bliss but despite their expectations, Raven was without her lovers mark branded on her belly once more and all the warden could do was give his love a comforting kiss to her forehead and allowed her to sleep.

"Mmm morning stud~." Lightning said with one eye open as she cuddled against her pillow.

"Have any good dreams?" Marshall asked while holding her hand.

"Don't need em, I got you." She smiled when they heard the fluttering of small wings approach their window and turned to see a lone pigeon with a scroll tied to its leg.

"That's from one of our scouts." Marshall got up to retrieve the message and rushed to his desk to pull out a magnifying glass to read the contents written in the scroll and a chill was instantly sent up his spine.

"Dainn has dispatched a large army heading towards the changeling forest"

"Everything okay?" Lightning asked as he quickly gathered some ink and paper.

"I need this message delivered to the Crystal Empire with all haste." Was all her lover would say as he finished applying the wax seal to the message and handed it to lightning.

"Think you can fly after a night with me?"

"Babe please. That wasn't even a warmup." Lightning said with a proud smirk before giving him a kiss as she took the scroll.

"I'll be back, I promise."

"Be careful, even the skies aren't safe from the kings lackeys."

Once they had prepared for the journey, Lightning and her best fliers took off towards the Crystal Empire with all due haste while Marshall began preparations for what was sure to be a lengthy siege.

"Lightning dust, over there in the distance." One of her flyers pointed to a set of smoke stacks in the air as they hid behind a cloud bank to get a better look. Using a spyglass, Lightning saw row upon row of soldiers pitching tents and making more fires, all while under the banner of Dainn Stonehoof and the clans that followed him.

"Sweet Celestia...how many are there?" The second flyer asked while looking through her own spyglass.

"Gotta be over a thousand down there..."

"And they're heading for us."

Deciding not to waste anymore time, the group doubled their speed towards the empires borders until the beacon of the Crystal Heart was in sight.

Upon their arrival, Lightning urgently requested that she deliver the message to the princesses in person before being lead to the throne room where Princess Luna and Cadence awaited her.

"Lieutenant Lightning Dust, surprised to see you so soon." Luna said in jest as Lightning knelt before her and showed her the wardens message.

"Your majesties, I bring news from Captain Marshall."

Cadence then took the message just as Shining Armor and his personal guard marched in with haste.

"Cadence what is it?"

"There's trouble. Dainn has sent a massive force against the changelings. Seems they plan to eliminate Chrysalis first then make their way towards us."

"But the forest is a maze of swamps, how do they plan to find the city?" Luna asked when Lightning chimed in.

"Your majesty, we saw the army on our way here. Seems they have magic users as well as war machines to burn the forest down."

"They don't just plan to invade...they're going to destroy the Changelings..."

"Not if we stop them." Arminius spoke up as he marched towards the throne.

"Does the message say who's in command of this army?"

"According to Sir Marshall, it is most likely Olaf." Cadence replied, making the chieftain smirk.

"Finally." Arminius turned to one of his men and nodded. The guard nodded back and went out the door. "We'll have our forces ready within the hour." He then grabs his ax and pulls his bear hood over. "Let's unleash hel."

"You will not be alone. Summon Sir Bulwark at once!" Luna commanded one of the guards as he ran off to fetch the black prior.

Not too long Bulwark entered the throne room and immediately took a knee before the princess.

"You summoned me your highness what task do you wish for me to undertake?" Bulwark asked.

"Fate has smiled upon us, assemble your army and join our allies in the upcoming battle." The night princess commanded as she immediately dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

"These invaders will pay the price for taking our home."

"Aunt Luna, you surprise me." Cadence said with shock, having never seen this side of her aunt before.

"Dear niece you were born in an age where survival was not something that had to be fought for everyday but I did not grow up with such luxuries. My sister's focus and mine was on building a kingdom that would be a safe place for our subjects even if that safety meant at the edge of a blade." Luna grimly stated.

Word of the invading force began spreading around the city like wildfire as the citizens watched the armies assemble beneath the crystal palace where a magic portal was being prepared to take them to the changeling kingdom. Presiding over the battle plans were Wulfric, Arminius, Shining and Bulwark as they looked over the map of the swamps.

"From Marshall's report, it looks like they're taking this old trade route here." Wulfric dragged his finger along the map.

"Once they're in deep enough, we'll catch em in a three pronged assault. Bulwark, you take the front while Arminius and I will flank them from the sides.

"The terrain works in our favor. The road is narrow so they'll have to walk in a straight line." Arminius added while pointing out a few areas on the map.

"If we can push them to the fire geysers, they'll be sitting ducks."

"This time, Olaf won't get away." Shining said with his arms crossed.

"We've been on the losing side of this war long enough, it's time to show them we won't sit by any longer."

"Well said brother and Bulwark." Wulfric looked the black knight in the eyes and said something that seemed to lighten his mood if only a little.

"Olaf is yours."

"I thank you...permission to speak freely?" Bulwark asked.

"Amidst friends always." Shining responded.

"I have been waiting for the day I hold the life of that wretch in my hand." Bulwark said as he curled his fingers into a fist as if he were crushing something in his hand.

"When the time is right, we'll signal each other with these." Wulfric then called for two scouts to bring something wrapped in a shroud.

"I commissioned the smiths to make these ahead of time, they just finished."

"What are they?" Shining asked after looking at the strange objects.

"Carnyx horns, we used them a lot back home." Arminius answered just as the portal opened.

"Wait. Where's Ryu and his troops?"

"They portaled home ahead of us to prepare their defenses in case the enemy breaks through. May the gods be with us friends, this will be a fight worthy of saga and song."

As per their custom, the northlanders made their war preparations by decorating their bodies with war paint and ash before downing the berserker brew to get them into a frenzy, Bulwark and his men sharpened their swords and polished their shields and alongside them were the soldiers of the Crystal Empire lead by Shining Armor and Twilight now dressed in her own suit of armor as she was followed by Rainbow and Applejack.

"You ready Twi?" AJ asked after seeing her friend was nervous.

"I don't know Applejack." Twilight admitted.

"Stopping evil villains is one thing but helping fight an entire war? I don't think I can do this..."

"You have to Twily." Shining Armor said with encouragement.

"The kingdom looks to you for hope."

"And hope is what we need in these dark times." Luna added just as Wulfric and Arminius roused their men into a thundering cheer as they cried out.

"VALHALLAAAAA!!"

"VALHALLAAAAAAA!!!!!" The gathered army roared back in preparation.

As they stepped through the portal, they were greeted by a forest so thick, the sun was barely able to pierce the canopy and the leaves that fell seemed to give the place an almost mystical feel to it.

"Only in my dreams have I seen such a place..." Wulfric said in astonishment before noticing several of Ryu's shinobi descend from the treetops.

"My lords, welcome to the changeling forest. Lords Ryu and Pharynx have asked us to guide you to the battlefield.

"And Ryu?" Wulfric asked while twirling a dagger in his hand.

"He has been ordered to remain at the city should the plan fail. Apologies my lord."

"No arguments from us. I trust you were all told about our battle plan?"

"Yes my lord, each of us will guide you to the ambush site when you are ready."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Double Edge asked while placing a hand on one of his rapiers.

"A moment Double Edge, there's something we wish to give you." Arminius said as he handed his comrade a totem necklace.

"A symbol of Tyr, God of War and Justice to protect you in battle. Carved it from the tooth of a sperm whale myself."

"I'll keep it safe." Double Edge placed the totem around his neck before shaking hands with his comrades before departing for battle. All the forest was quiet, not even the insects dared make a noise as the bloodlust of the opposing armies hanged thick in the air.

Only the sound of clanking boots and rattling wagons could be heard as Olaf marched at the head of his army, leading them deep into the treacherous paths of the forest.

"I heard tale, these woods are cursed. Any who come in here, never return." One of the soldiers said while keeping a watchful eye on the trees for any sign of movement.

"Oh they return but in pieces." A second corrected the one standing next to him while keeping pace with his unit.

"These bugs, they like to watch their victims fall prey to their poison or chop them off limb by limb so their screams could echo through the forest and when they're found there's not left but a hanging corpse."

"Silence you dogs!" Olaf barked before hearing a rustling in the bushes only to be startled by a family of rabbits running for cover.

"Bah just some forest critters!"

"I'm telling you sir, we're being watched..." Olafs lieutenant whispered before being shoved back.

"Then they're cowards, they know they can't fight us and that's why they hide."

The generals confidence was rattled when a single changeling scout suddenly dashed from cover and disappeared into the treetops without a trace.

"That was one of them! That was a changeling, I swear by me own eyes!!"

As they pressed further into the woods, they began to smell the wreak of sulfur before spotting the spewing flames of geysers erupting from the swamp.

"Bog ahead, watch your footing men." Olaf said while carefully trudging into the swamp.

The bog was thick with the stink and smoke from the fire geysers and the troops also noted that fog was as red as blood but the force still did not stop their march.

Suddenly one of the commanders felt his foot get tangled in something and when he lifted his leg something rose from out of the bog water and doused the commander and when he looked he and his fellow commanders were mortified for the thing was a board with large wooden spikes upon it but impaled on the spikes was a decomposing caribou dressed in Stonehoof armor.

Suddenly the army's surroundings were eliminated by fire and more corpses on spikes rose up from the water like grisly scarecrows and corpses dropped from trees and dangled from ropes and the army could see each corpse was once a Stonehoof soldier.

Then there was a metallic thump followed by a another somewhere within the fog and as the thumping continued it sounded like it was getting louder as if there was more then one thing making the noise.

"Look!" One of the soldiers shouted as he pointed towards the red fog to show a singular figure carrying a sword and massive shield and the figure was banging it's sword onto the shield which was what was creating the sound.

Soon more figures appeared out of the fog like phantoms from oblivion each of them carrying sword and shield and banging their weapons together.

"Keep your composure!" Olaf shouted despite how he too was sweating with nervousness.

Soon enough the Stonehoves realized they were surrounded when suddenly the figures in the fog stopped banging their weapons.

Olaf watched the figures closely till suddenly another one joined the ranks and he noted that this one wore a crown of spikes atop it's head and he could feel it's gaze upon him a gaze that made chills go down his spine.

This figure wanted his life he knew it and it did not matter who or what stodd in it's way it would have it and suddenly the crowned figure raised it's blade above it's head and Olaf realized what was about to happen.

"Ad Profundis!" The figure roared as it brought it's blade down to point at Olaf.

Suddenly massive wooden spears like those fired from ballista were fired into Olaf's ranks killing many soldiers before the figures began to fade back into the mist.

"FORM RANKS!!" One of the officers shouted as the figure vanished into the smoke like ghosts, leaving the men shaking in their boots as they tried to see past the dangling corpses and plumes of fire.

"What was that? A ghost?!?" A soldier shrieked before they began hearing a series of horn calls blaring around them.

All around, the sound of footsteps and screams could be heard. The Stonehooves knew they were soldiers, but the way things were going, they might as well be surrounded by ghosts and demons.

"They're toying with us..." A soldier whispered before noticing a bright light coming towards them and before they realized what happened, giant balls of fire began rolling downhill and smashing their defense line apart leaving them wide open as the Ghost warriors and Warborn charged in, screaming like savages.

"REFORM THE LINE!" Olaf shouted before the black priors made another appearance, this time marching as one in a shield wall to prevent any escape.

The entire line of his forces was completely shattered and were desperate to keep the enemy back but as the battle grew with intensity, he saw his line beginning to crumble bit by bit but then in the midst of the chaos he saw Bulwark staring down at him like a reaper.

At first, the general did not know what to make of this ghostly figure before him, at first he thought he was just another mercenary hired by his enemies until he saw the badge of the border guard on his cloak and a chill crawled up his spine.

"You..." He whispered in a mix of anger and fear as Bulwark approached him.

"So you do remember me...good." Bulwark said before taking a stance.

"I beat you before, this time won't be any different!" Olaf said as he drew his sword and tossed aside his scabbard, when Bulwark noticed this he stared at his rival saying in a cold tone.

"You've lost this fight."

Without another word, Olaf lunged forward with a downward swing in an attempt to cleave Bulwark in two only to be sidestepped and slashed on his arm while the battle continued to rage around them.

"I saw you burn!" Olaf roared with anger as he lashed out only to have each of his blows parried away while Bulwark continued to step back, leading him away from the main battle.

"And I returned from hell just to kill you." Bulwark remarked as he simply maneuvered his shield to block each strike.

Olaf was in a difficult spot each strike was a drain on his stamina but the shield his opponent carried was sturdy and made it impossible for any of Olaf's attacks to connect and the worst part is Bulwark didn't seem to even be breaking a sweat.

"This time, I'll mount your head on the wall-MYSELF!!" The general charged in to attack again only to be met with a plume of flames that came bursting out of the ground when Olaf realized he had been lead into the geyser fields and was completely surrounded by the mist but when he turned around, Bulwark was gone again and only the sound of his armored boots could be heard clanking around him.

"COWARD!! Come out and fight me!!"

"I'm right here fool." Bulwark spoke and when Olaf spotted his opponent he charged him intending to deliver a strike so powerful it would knock the warrior down so he could finish him.

Bulwark remained still as his Olaf charged him while his fingers tensed around the grip of his weapons till finally he tucked behind his shield while Olaf made to strike with his blade.

Olaf was surprised as he missed his mark with his attack before he felt Bulwark's shield press against him and suddenly he found himself thrown over the warrior and landed in the bog and as he moved to get up he felt a sharp sting atop his head just as one of his horns fell into the bog before him and when he looked up he saw Bulwark standing over him with his sword aimed at him.

"If I must I will take you apart one piece at a time." Bulwark said.

Growing more frustrated, Olaf continued to attack recklessly as Bulwark continued to toy with him through the entirety of their duel all while his army was being slaughtered, desperately trying to escape the forest.

"You think this changes anything!?" He shouted after receiving another cut on his chest.

"It doesn't matter how many of us you defeat! This whole kingdom is under Dainns iron fist and soon, very soon he will come for you rebels next and fuck each and every one of your women in front of you before chopping off your heads!!"

"It's not my head you need to worry about." Bulwark said as he saw Olaf move to take another swing.

However unlike the previous attacks when Olaf swung Bulwark managed to parry the strike but also deliver a powerful counter attack to his opponent which left a massive slash across Olaf's chest.

"AAAGH!!" Olaf screamed before feeling Bulwarks shield shatter his right knee as he was sent tumbling to the ground in agony. The prior proceeded to stomp on the generals chest and pinned his shoulder with his sword before stepping back as if waiting for something.

"What are you waiting for?!? FINISH ME!" Olaf dared as Bulwark continued to stare at him through his mask.

"I already did." Was all the knight would say when they heard a feint hissing coming from the ground.

"No..." Olaf soon realized he was pinned to a geyser and tried to reach for the sword only to have Bulwark stomp on his hand and stand over him.

Bulwark wasn't done he then stabbed Olaf in the chest right where his wound was and proceeded to drag Olaf across the ground to where a series of bubbles were appearing and held Olaf's head over them like how one would hold a marshmallow against a fire.

"This is for The Storm Wall." Bulwark said in a murderous tone as the hissing grew louder.

"DAMN YOU!! YOU BASTARD!!" Those were Olafs final words as the geyser erupted into a pillar of fire, scorching his head down to the bone as his screams echoed across the marsh and bringing the battle to a standstill as his men heard him cry out.

All eyes were on the spot where the screams originated when suddenly through the crimson fog came Bulwark and when he saw his audience he held up his right hand to reveal a charred caribou skull that had only one antler upon it and the Stonehoof's knew that the skull belonged to their commander.

Dismayed and horrified, the soldiers broke ranks and began to retreat with some being taunted by the heads of their comrades being held up by the warborn and ghost clan warriors as they shouted like beasts to send them running.

"Yeah! YEAH RUN!!" Wulfric laughed as the last of them tripped over the bodies of the slain and vanished down the forest path while they cheered.

"By the All-Father that felt good!" Arminius shouted as he tossed a soldiers head into one of the geysers. "Fuck. I need a drink."

"Gather our fallen, tend to the wounded. We'll celebrate at the city." Double Edge said while cleaning off his blades and as the mood died down, they took into account how many of their comrades were lost in the battle as they helped gather the fallen.

"Rest kinsman, you now feast in the great hall with our clan." Wulfric placed a hand on a dead soldier before loading him onto a wagon with many others.

"What of the enemy soldiers my lord? Will we be burying them too?"

"No, leave them for the scavengers but salvage their weapons and armor."

The troops set about collecting what gear they could salvage from the battlefield while looking for any signs of friends they had lost in the battle and despite the success of the ambush, no war is without its casualties.

Arminius had taken notice a soldier from Double Edges unit presiding over the body of another and noticed that the arms were folded over the chest.

"Everything alright soldier?" He asked when the soldier gave a loud sniffle and wiped his eyes.

"He was my brother sir...we enlisted together at the guard academy when we were cadets..." The mourning soldier answered before the cart came over to retrieve the body.

"Carefully now, these men died with honor. Let us treat them as such." Double Edge said as they carefully loaded the body onto the wagon before heading to the portal.

"How many did we lose?" Wulfric asked after trudging across the field of corpses.

"Not many. But one is far too many in my opinion," Arminius answered.

Soon they could hear the crows cawing overhead, attracted to the smell of scorched flesh and carrion hanging in the air and their numbers grew by the second.

"Let's get out of this foul place."

Meanwhile

When news of Olafs demise reached the kings ear, Dainn was beyond furious and began tossing around the furniture in the throne room all while screaming like a madman.

"Sire please compose yourself!" His advisor said before narrowly dodging a bust being thrown at him.

"COMPOSE?!? THIS LOOK LIKE THE TIME FOR COMPOSURE?!? I LOST AN ENTIRE LEGION!!" Dainn roared angrily before smashing a window open with a flower pot.

"Can't believe this is the king," One of the younger advisors muttered.

"I want you to hire every cuthroat killer out there! I want every merc guild from here to the sea after those rebels!!" Dainn commanded as he stormed back to his throne and slumped down as a massive migraine began to assault him.

"B-but sire we've spent so much on the mercenaries already under your employ and those who aren't well..."

"Speak."

"They've...enlisted with the enemy-YIPE!!" The advisor ducked down once more as a wine bottle was sent smashing into the pillar behind him.

"I'M SURROUNDED BY FOOLS!!"

"Father." Prince Vortigern called out to his fuming father, his stubs now replaced with antlers made of iron giving him a crude appearance as he walked past the advisors.

"What is it boy? I'm in no mood for games." Dainn said while looking at his disgraced offspring.

"I am pleased to tell you that our research has yielded exceptional results." Vortigern smiled while leaning towards his father who seemed excited at the news.

"You mean those gems from that crystal tree?"

"Yes. The elements of harmony as the ponies call them are conduits for incredible magic power and this whole time, Twilight and her friends seemed to be the only ones to wield them...until now."

Vortigern then rolled up the sleeves of his robe to reveal he was wearing both elements of Honesty and Loyalty upon his wrists while his father looked at them with envy.

"With these gems at our disposal, we could finally crush the rebellion."

"And subjugate this whole land to my rule....this pleases me my son." Dainn said with a grin of anticipation, knowing his son had more to say.

"There is more father, I have a plan to bring our enemies to us but unfortunately we must employ help from...Them."

In that moment, a chill gripped the entire throne room as Dainn slowly stood up from his throne and marched up to his son as if to murder him when they stood face to face.

"You know what you speak of boy?"

"I do father and I think it's time our enemies remembered why our people once feared the dark."

End.

Author's Note

thank you to WurkyWilk358andGhost Warriorfor helping me write this.

to our fellow readers. We will update as much as we can but we cannot rush each chapter, thank you all for your continued support and patience.

Warborn

My name is Wulfric of the Warborn clan and this is my story.

My people and I lived peacefully in the northern mountains, completely isolated from the modern world. My father was the chieftain of our clan and a great warrior. He taught me how to survive in the wild and what it means to be leader of the clan and he was proud to have me as his son. For a long time, my father and my people were happy but one day all of that changed when a warrior from one of our neighboring clans came to us with a declaration of war against a far-off kingdom known as: Equestria.

His name was Ragnar of the Stonehoof Clan, he came to us with word from his chieftain: Dainn Stonehoof. Dainn had heard of Equestria and how it was ruled by four princesses and to him this was an abomonation against nature.

Ragnar then began to spout nonsense about how it was our sacred duty as men to put these women in their proper place; however my father would hear none of it and before long argument sparked between the two, out of arrogance, Ragnar challenged my father to single combat for leadership of the tribe. My father had easily defeated Ragnar but spared his life and ordered him to deliver his message to Dainn. It would have been better if he had killed him that day.

I stood on the cliffside, overlooking my village. The winds blew to the south, which I always saw as an omen since I was a young buck.

“I thought you’d be here, young master.”

The voice I heard from behind was a comfort as I looked over my shoulder. Walking towards me was one of my long-time friends, Surt, who has been by my family’s side since my ancestors time.

“You come here whenever you wish to ponder something quite serious,” Surt said. “What troubles you, my lord?”

"It's the Stonehooves." I said while overlooking the village.

"You know they won't give up that easily. How long before they come looking for a fight?"

“I’m more concerned with what that Ragnar said about the land beyond the sea, my lord,” Surt said. “What he said about those princesses, surely it’s nothing but rubbish?”

"Of course it is! They think more with their dicks than with their brains!" I spat in frustration as we made our way back to the village.

"But I am curious about this place, the cities, the land, these princesses. Just think of the possibilities if we established relations with them."

"You are an ambitious one young master...just like your mother. All father rest her soul." Surt sighed with a content smile.

"Now we must hurry back, your father has called for an assembly of all our allies. I'm sure you'll be glad to see Arminius after all this time."

Hearing the name filled me with joy. Arminius and his family had been away further north on business, and it has been some years since I had seen my other close friend. As we made our way back, I couldn’t shake the feeling that those ponies at least deserved some kind of warning.

“Surt, how far can our message ravens fly?” I asked Surt.

“A day, perhaps two if we sent one of our best ravens, why?” Surt asked.

“Go to the raven coop and write a message to send to that pony land. Use our best raven. Call it a gut feeling, but that Dainn sounds committed to doing something drastic that would be catastrophic,” I ordered. “Don’t worry, I’ll excuse you at the meeting. Now go.”

While Wulfric kept thinking about the land to the south, he was brought into a hug by a very large caribou wearing a bear skin cape and headdress. "Hey there, shrimp. Been a while since we last saw each other."

"Arminius, chieftan of the Ghost Tribe." Wulfric landed a gut punch on Arminius, making him let go so he could put him in a headlock. "It's good to see you, old friend."

"Likewise." The two let each other go before heading for the great hall. "You know, my son Wiglaf has been wanting to meet you for some time." Arminius looks around before whispering in his ear. "And Sigrid has been wondering when she can get the two of us to bed her."

"How you managed to bed such a woman is beyond me..." He said with a raised brow as we entered the hall to find an elderly stag sitting at the head of a large table.

"Chief Hjalmarr, your son and Chief Arminius have arrived." A shield maid announced before the old stag let out a few coughs.

"Father?"

"I'm fine m'boy." Hjalmarr said after clearing his throat.

“Where is Surt?”

“Oh, he’s off running an errand for me,” Wulfric said, knowing that he was doing the right thing.

"Hail, chief Hjalmarr," Arminius greeted before sitting next to him so the meeting could begin.

"Now I suppose you all got the same message as we did not too long ago?" The old stag asked while leaning back on his throne.

"Yes. My brother of all stags, wanted us to follow Diann and his crazy scheme. I told him if he wanted to throw away his life, then go. Still haven't heard back from him," Arminius said before taking a draught of mead.

"They have been getting far too bold these past few months something must be done!" Another chief shouted.

"Our main concern is what their next move is. We've had no word from the settlements down south for some time."

"We've also had reports of his clan felling entire forests and stocking up supplies for a long voyage there is no doubt, the stonehooves are on the move!"

"I say we challenge Diann, see what mettle he actually has!" An old Chief said.

"Aye it must be war!"

"War? Have you all taken leave of your senses?" Wulfric asked the council.

"The last civil war nearly destroyed our clans. Several generations were lost in that conflict!"

"But what this lunatic is spouting is pure madness! We go against one tribe led by a madman, we can save the others," Arminius proposed.

The council members began arguing with themselves on what to do before my father ordered them all to be silent.

"This is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves. Now what Arminius said is true, we cannot allow Dainn and his followers to bring war to another nation however my son also makes a valid point." My father stopped to catch his breath.

"Therefore, I propose a new solution. WE will go to this new land ourselves."

The crowd began to murmur just as Arminiu's wife appeared to greet her husband.

"We will sail to Equestria ourselves not to conquer but to trade."

The council saw the brilliance of my fathers plan and began to nod in agreement. If we established relations before Dainn could make his move and appear as a united front, his forces wouldn't dare try to invade.

"Everything going well my love?" Sigrid asked quietly while my father discussed the details of the plan.

"I believe so." The two shared a kiss before Sigrid joined her husband. "The spring thaw is in two weeks. We should prepare our ships as soon as the ice gives way."

"Then we are in agreement then?" My father asked as the council members cheered in agreement.

"Very good, in two weeks we sail for Eques-COUGH!!"

"Father!" Wulfric rushed to his fathers side as the crowd became worried after seeing him collapse from his throne.

"COUGH!! cough! cough! cough!"

"Get him to his chambers now!" The prince ordered two of his guards to take him to rest after he managed to catch his breath.

"Don't worry-cough!-about me boy. Your old dad still has strength in his old bones." Hjalmarr told his son before leaving for his chamber.

Wulfric felt a hand clasp on his shoulder. "He'll be fine. He's too stubborn to be led up to Valhalla," Arminius told his friend before getting up with his wife. "Tomorrow we make the journey back home to ready ourselves. But tonight," He picked up his wife who let out a squeal. "I make love to my wife."

"Hmm you spoil me dear but have you seen Wiglaf?" Sigrid asked while tickling his chin.

"I thought he went to go play." Arminius said before setting her down.

"He did and he said he'd be at the hall with you when he was done."

"Rarrg!" Behind a chair, a small caribou buck came out and leaped onto Arminius, making the three of them laugh. "Did I scare you, Papa?"

"A little. But you have your dear mother shaking in fear," Arminius joked, earning him a slap on the chest from Sigrid. "Come, meet my friend, Wulfric."

"Well well you must be little Wiglaf." Wulfric smiled while looking at the little buck in front of him.

"Uh huh! I'm gonna be chief like my papa!"

"Mmm and a strong chief you'll be. You remind me of your father when we were your age." Wulfric smiled as Sigrid picked him up to cuddle him.

"He's our treasure but we're still trying for more aren't we darling~?" She purred to her husband.

"Oh yes. I believe we agreed on, what was it, twenty?" Arminius asked while getting closer to his wife.

"Nine," Sigrid corrected before they came into a kiss with Wiglaf smooshed between his parents.

"Last time, it was three," Wiglaf groaned while trying to escape.

"Wiglaf dear, why don't you grab some cakes." Sigrid smiled as she let him go to the feast table.

"Oh boy!"

"And Wulfric, our offer still stands~." She moaned while carefully bringing his hand to her tail while her husband groped her rear firmly.

"You know, most husbands would've chopped off a mans hand for such a bold gesture."

"Well most husbands don't have a woman as fiery and wild as her do they?" Arminius growled to his wife as he brought her in for a passionate kiss.

"Mmm~, tonight, I want you both after the feast~," Sigrid said before kissing Arminius' neck.

"As my queen wishes~," Her husband said while rubbing his hand along her belly.

"Sigh...I envy you." Wulfric sighed while watching them cuddle.

"You're my age and already have a wife and son, meanwhile I'm lucky to get a few flings every spring."

"Ah you just gotta find the right girl is all." His friend said, waving off his worries.

"Oh believe me old friend, when I find her I'll know. Without a doubt it'll just...BAM hit me! Like lightning." Wulfric said just before they heard rolling thunder in the distance.

"A storm this late in the winter? Odd." He said while looking out to see the clouds forming in the distance.

"It's just a small storm. What harm could it possibly do?" Arminius asked, not knowing what fate awaited them.

As the sun began to set, the great hall was filled with laughter and song as the clans joined together in a great feast around a roaring bonfire.

"A toast! To King Hjalmarr and our new venture to Equestria!" A warrior shouted with his mug raised high.

"TO THE CLANS!!" Wulfric shouted even louder, earning another rousing cheer as the musicians played.

As the music played and the mead was drained, Sigrid came up between Arminius and Wulfric. "You know. Wiglaf is distracted with cake and the other children." She soon rubs both their inner thighs. "What say we have a romp in the sheets~?"

And you're an expert at that my love~." Arminius kissed his wife deeply before getting up and heading for their room. "Wulfric! Get your ass in gear. My wife needs satisfaction!"

"Announce it to the whole village why don't ya?" Wulfric smirked while following the married couple to the guest room.

Sigrid laughed as her husband felt her up while she turned her head to give Wulfric a kiss and guide his hand to her breasts.

"Mmm you boys aren't getting any sleep tonight~." She moaned as both men disrobed her and began taking turns kissing her.

"Ohhh~."

"Mmm Sigrid my love, you are as beautiful as a Valkyrie~." Arminius said while squeezing her left breast.

"Mmm get on the bed and I'll send you to Valhalla~."

Keeping hold of her hands, Arminius dropped down to the bed with Sigrid landing on top of him. "I love our trips there~," The two started making out while Arminius' cock rubbed against Sigrid's pussy.

Through the moans and smacking lips, Sigrid shook her ass toward Wulfric. "Come here and enter my backdoor~."

"Mmm not quite yet." Wulfric smirked as he pulled her away from her husband.

"Ohh~! so assertive." Sigrid giggled before being shoved onto his hard cock in front of her husband.

"Less talking, more sucking."

"Mm~! mmmmm~."

"Odin's beard. Watching you suck cock gets me really hard, darling~," Arminius said before getting behind Sigrid and ramming his cock right up her pussy.

"MMM~!" Sigrid smiled as her eyes rolled back and popped off Wulfrics cock with a satisfied grunt.

"Mmm there, all nice and wet~." she panted managing to turn over to expose her back entrance.

"I'm ready for you my lord~."

"Mmm come here~!" Wulfric growled as he rammed her ass.

"NNgaaah~! Ohhh yes~."

"Ohh you are such a whore my love~." Arminius said as they humped her in unison.

"If I recall, that's what caught your attention in the first place~," Sigrid smirked before moaning like a whore.

"No." Arminius slowed down a little before moving a bit of Sigrid's hair away from her face, revealing her perfect blue eyes. "It was your eyes that drew me in."

"Ohh not my soft breasts, my delicious ass or my tight holes~?" Sigrid moaned just before Wulfric spanked her.

"Nnng~! Make sure you both fill my womb~!"

"Pardon?" Wulfric grunted as they changed their rhythm.

"What are you, deaf? My wife wants two cocks in her hen house." Arminius picks Sigrid up and places her pussy on both of their cocks. "So let's give it to her~!"

"AUGH! Warn me next time!" Wulfric grunted while Sigrid began to moan louder.

"Crap she's a tight fit! you sure you want her ending up with my kids?" He asked while spanking her again.

"Ha! That's a good one. My lovely Shieldmaiden is on a safe day. So let's flood her till she looks pregnant with twins~," Arminius said before doubling his efforts.

"Ohh I don't know my love, if the gods will it I might just end up with both of your children~." Sigrid moaned before whispering in his ear.

"Would me carrying your friends child excite you or fill you with rage~?" she murred before kissing Wulfric in front of him.

"You know the answer to that. Friend or not their ass will be met with my boot," Sigrid giggled at her husband's reaction before lifting her breasts.

"Don't worry. My womb is yours and yours alone~," She then looks back at Wulfric with a smirk. "Spank me~."

"What do you think I've been doing?" Wulfric grinned before biting her shoulder and spanking both her ass cheeks hard as both men drove her to the brink without noticing the howling winds outside.

"Ahhhh~! Ohhhfffuck fuck me boys~! Fuck me til I can't walk~!" Sigrid howled with pleasure.

Over in the far side of the village, Surt was wrapping a message on the leg of one of the larger ravens of the coop. Once the message was secured, he carried the bird out to the edge of the hillside. He sighed as he looked down at the bird and it squawked at him.

“It’s a long journey, little one,” Surt said as he brushed his thumb along the bird’s soft feathers. “I pray to All-Father for your safe flight.” He nodded and tossed the bird in the air. The raven squawked out loud and flew towards the vast waters of the sea. Surt kept his gaze where the raven flew until it was out of sight.

“Odin preserve us…” Surt sighed and made his way back to the village.

End.

A Bitter Spring

The next morning, Wulfric awoke to find himself freezing as if someone had let a blizzard into the hall before looking out his window to see the entire village covered in ice.

"What in the all fathers name is going on here?" He asked himself before getting dressed and rushed out the door.

Wulfric was met with an unsettling sight. Snow and ice everywhere, howling winds whipped up in all directions, and the farms in the distance were so buried in snow, they had perished in an instant.

“Is this some kind of wrath from Aurgelmir?!” Wulfric said and was forced to shut the door.

“My lord!” Surt came running down the hall. “This storm is unnatural!”

“Unnatural? How so?” Wulfric said.

“There hasn’t been a blizzard of this magnitude in days gone by! And it isn’t even the winter season!” Surt said. “Something is terribly wrong!”

"What's going on?" Arminius asked, coming out in only his bear cape covering him. "The fuck? It shouldn't be this cold."

"Papa..." Little Wiglaf came up to his father, shivering in the cold.

"I'm cold..."

"Ohh my poor little Wiglaf. Come here, mama will warm you." Sigrid said as the villagers began to come out of their huts to see the sudden snowstorm.

"It's as cold as Helheim! what happened here?"

"I thought all the snowstorms were over."

"Something's not right..."

It was at that moment when King Hjalmarr stepped out the door, his eyes filled with rage as he came out to see his village frozen.

"Father what's happening?"

"Treachery! That's what!" The old king shouted in anger.

"This is an ancient spell our ancestors created to hide us from the rest of the world when we settled in these lands. To think Dainn would use it against his own people...I'LL HAVE HIS HEAD FOR-COUGH!!"

Wulfric rushed to his fathers side to help him stand as he entered another coughing fit.

"Father take it easy, this cold is not good for your old bones. Guards, take my father back inside and see if you can't warm the hall up."

As the guards escorted Hnalmarr back inside, Surt and Arminius watched the winds blow more as if they were getting stronger as time went by.

“Dainn…” Surt growled. “Even for him, not even I would think he’d stoop so low and pull this crap. He dishonors our ancestors!”

"Arminius, go with the villagers, gather what supplies you can from the farms. You three!" Wulfric pointed to three fisherman."

"I wanna know how far this storm stretches, sail out and see if we can escape by the sea."

"Come on, Wiglaf. Let's go help daddy," Sigrid told her son before heading to the farms with Arminius.

On the other side of the northern continent, the mad chieftain Dainn Stonehoof sat on his chieftain’s chair while a doe sucked him off. The doe wore a red leather collar with a leash ring attached in the front but nothing else.

“My lord,” a Stonehoof stag approached his chieftain and bowed. “The spell was a success. The Warborn Clan and their supporters have been completely entrapped in the blizzard.”

"Good, I never liked that old fart Hjalmarr anyway-Ohhh good girl." He growled while petting the head of his new slave.

"What about his son? he could be trouble."

"Hmph. What can that young buck do?"

back in the village, the clans had gathered in the main hall with what little supplies they could salvage while doing their best to stay warm against the bleak blizzard.

"We gathered what supplies we could find milord. At most, they'll last us a few months."

"We may not have that long..." Wulfric said when the three fisherman he sent out earlier came rushing into the hall, wrapped in frost from head to toe.

"Odins beard! That blizzard is surrounding the whole port, there's no way out!" One of them said while throwing off his cloak.

“That is the point…” Surt said, keeping his cloaks on him. “As the king mentioned, this spell was only to hide us. But Dainn altered the spell and made it into something disastrous! He wants to keep us trapped here. No doubt to both starve us and get a head start on the pony nation!”

“The pony nation?” Arminius said. “Why would he go so far just to conquer that land?”

“You don’t understand, he doesn’t just want to conquer them, he wants to subjugate them,” Surt shook his head. “Dainn is nothing short of a mad stag, ever since he was a buck. I shudder to imagine what he has in store for those poor pony souls. And that goes double for the princesses.”

Arminius shuddered while holding his wife and son close. "We're heading back to our clan. We need to do what we can to save them," He then nods to Wulfric. "We'll be back."

"Good luck." Wulfric said as Arminius and his clan made their way back home. As expected, the blizzard covered the entirety of the land, freezing most of the trees and water along with some of the animals.

"Poor souls..." Sigrid said after passing a beast frozen in the ice.

"How you doing son?" Arminius asked Wiglaf who was clinging to him for warmth.

"Cold. I wanna go home," Wiglaf said while shivering.

"Don't worry son. We'll get a fire going once we get back," Arminius told his son while covering him with his cape.

"That bastard will pay for this," Sigrid said while doing her best to keep her son warm.

"We're coming up on the village!" One of the guards shouted from up ahead.

"Hear that son? We'll get a fire going and fix you some nice hot..."

The Ghost clan stooped when they saw that their home was burned to the ground and covered in snow. The ground was littered with the bodies of the farm animals, the dogs, and their friends and neighbors.

"Dear gods...what happened here?"

"MY LADY!!" A shield maid called out to her from atop a small hill as Sigrid ran over to find the remains of a large battle and at the center of it was the stonehoof banner.

It wasn't long before survivors came rushing out of the burned out huts covered in soot and weeping as they clinged to the guards and Arminius.

"What happened here?" Arminius asked an elderly woman as she bawled her eyes out.

"The...the stonehooves came and they...they took everything! And your brother...HE STOLE MY DAUGHTER!!" The elder screamed with tears in her eyes.

"Which way?" Arminius asked. The elder doe pointed off in the direction of the sea. "My love, take the survivors back to clan Warborn. Men!" He ordered his warriors. "We hunt my treacherous brother and bring our clan back!"

"Be careful." Sigrid said while kissing him goodbye.

"Papa don't go..." Wiglaf said as his father held him tight.

"I'll be back my son, I promise."

Arminius led four of his best warriors on the hunt for his brother and the Stonehoof clan. It was touch and go for a bit. The snow both helped and stopped them from tracking their hunt. Soon, they had reached the sea and watched as the Stonehooves supplied their ships.

"My lord, they have my little girl," One of the warriors pointed over to where a young doe was being stripped of her clothes and was about to be laid on the ground to be used.

"Then what the fuck are we waiting for?" The warriors took out a herb and started chewing it. Soon, foam frothed at their mouths and they shared no fear of death. They were no longer men but savage beasts ready to kill and without hesitation they struck.

"Raaaargh!!!" They soon charged down the hill and laid waste to all in their path.

"GHOST WARRIORS!!"

"ARM YOURSELVES!!"

The stonehooves scrambled for their weapons as Arminius came barreling towards them like a rabid boar as he used his antlers to impale two of their warriors and sent them flying across the field.

The massacre quickly ended as soon as it began with only a few ships escaping, among them was the traitorous brother they had come to slay waving at them with a smug grin.

"Smile while you can bastard..." Arminius huffed as the effects of the herb wore off.

Once the Berserker herb wore off, the warriors helped their clan to their hooves and back to their burnt village where already, they gathered what they could scrap together and head for the Warborn clan.

"They took most of the food and weapons with them, the bastards..." One of the guards grumbled while hauling the wagon.

The blizzard got worse as they drew closer to the village and little Wiglaf's cough seemed to be getting more severe with each passing minute.

"Arminius, I think something's wrong with Wiglaf..." Sigrid said while pressing the back of her hand to his forehead.

"He's burning up, I think he has a fever!"

"We need to get back to Wulfrics village! Double time!" Arminius commanded as the clan doubled their efforts to get out of the storm.

A while later

After returning to the village, Arminius brought his people to the great hall to tell his friend of what transpired and needless to say, Wulfric was furious.

"Traitorous BASTARDS!!"

CLATTER!!

Some of the crowd flinched after he threw a chair into the wall.

"Mark my words my friend, they will pay for this in blood."

"Both of you hush!" Sigrid scolded Wulfric while tending to her child.

"Wiglaf needs his rest."

"Cough! cough! Mmmm..."

"Forgive us, my love," Arminius went over to his wife and held his child. "Don't worry, you have my strength and your mother's stubbornness. You'll be better in no time." He then pats the boy's chest "Respect and honor."

"Respect and honor," Wiglaf said in a weak tone before going into another coughing fit.

"Alright, I'll get you some soup," Arminius got up and went to get his son something to eat.

But Wiglaf was one of many victims as the elderly and young ones had grown sick from the cold weather.

"All father, please help us..." Wulfric prayed while clutching the totem around his neck.

Soon the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months and with each passing day, the surviving clan members had to bury their loved ones in the ice cold ground and it seemed like Wiglaf would be joining them.

"Arminius?" Wulfric called out to his friend who was standing at the doorway to the main hall.

"How is your boy?"

"He burns...but he's strong." Arminius said while watching his wife dab a cold rag on his head.

“I just hope the message reached them in time,” Surt said.

“Message? What message?” Arminius asked.

“I had Surt send a message with one of our best ravens,” Wulfric confessed. “It was meant to warn the pony nation, but I don’t think they would’ve lasted against Dainn.”

"One can only hope."

"My lord, your father needs you." A shieldmaid said in a somber tone as he followed her to find his father resting on his bed with his eyes closed.

"Father?" Wulfric called out quietly to his father as he knelt by his bedside.

"Son...my axe." Hjalmarr pointed to the clan axe resting above the fireplace.

"No... father you're not-" Wulfric tried to protest.

"Bring! Me! My! Axe!" Hjalmarr used the last of his strength to order for his weapon.

Reluctantly, Wulfric brought the axe over to his father and placed it on his bed before his hands were suddenly placed on it.

"Father please...you can't..." Wulfric begged as his father looked at him with a weak smile.

"My saga is at its end my son...but yours is only beginning." Hjalmarr said before taking a deep breath.

"Oh how I wish your mother was here...seeing the stag you have become....Our clan will look to you now."

"No...father..." Wulfrics tears began to shed as his father held his cheek.

"Do not feel sad my boy. I go now to Odins great hall and from there, I will watch over you always." Hjalmarr smiled while helping his son grip the axe.

"Remember what I taught you. Your clan is your family so no matter where you go, you are never alone." He then turned to Arminius with the same warm smile.

"Arminius, look after my son. He will need your help now more than ever."

"Of course, he is more of a brother to me than my own kin."

"That is all...I could ask for...farewell my son...fare...well..."

Wulfric held onto his fathers hand until he felt the last flicker of life fade from him and soon he was no longer able to hold back his tears as he clinged to his fathers body before being gently pulled back by Arminius.

"It's alright my friend. Let it out," Arminius said to Wulfric as he kept crying over the loss of his father. Just then, Sigrid burst in. "What is it?"

"It's Wiglaf! The fever is gone!" The two stags looked at the doe before rushing to follow her.

When they got to the room, Wiglaf was sitting upright. "Mom, dad."

"My boy!" Arminius ran forward and hugged his son.

"Wulfric," Sigrid came up and hugged the stag. "I'm very sorry to hear about your father's passing."

"Thank you..." Wulfric said when they suddenly began to notice the sunlight coming through the window.

"It's the sun!"

"All father be praised, warmth at last!"

Even as the villagers celebrated, Wulfric felt only rage in his heart even after walking out to see the ice melting away.

"....prepare my fathers funeral pyre." He ordered the guards that followed him.

"And begin preparations for a long voyage. We sail to Equestria."

An Hour Later

A single ship, piled with treasure and a stack of stakes made into a pyre, sailed in front of a massive fleet of battle-ready ships. On that lead ship, laid to rest the body of the chief of the Warborn clan, dressed in his armor and holding his weapon.

On the ship behind it, Wulfric sailed in his armor, holding a bow with a flaming arrow knocked in its string. He soon took aim and fired the arrow right onto the pyre. Soon, a flaming arrow from each ship fired onto the ship, setting it ablaze.

As the ship was engulfed in flame and started to sink, the fleet kept going on the warpath toward Equis. To destroy the Stonehooves and right a terrible wrong.

A Pegasus stallion clad in armor ran with a mare through the forest. Smoke billowed in the air from whence they came as they kept running through the trees.

“This way, your majesty, quick!” The stallion said.

The mare was dressed in a dark blue skirt, white button up blouse, and a magenta sweater vest. Her fur was light purple like her eyes, her mane and tail were dark navy blue with a two-toned pink streak. The mare also had a horn on her head and pretty wings on her back, signifying her alicorn race. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the armored stallion held her hand and refused to let go. The mare suddenly tripped and fell to the ground, making the stallion stop and go back to her.

“Princess Twilight! Are you okay?!” The stallion asked.

“Why…” Twilight whimpered. “Why did this happen…Flash?”

The stallion called Flash Sentry frowned and looked back where the smoke trails raised in the sky.

“Those…monsters. They destroyed everything!” Twilight cried, banging her fist in the dirt.

“I know, your majesty, I know, but we have to keep moving,” Flash said. “I promised your brother I’d protect you! I swore on my life!”

"But my friends! We can't just-" Twilight argued as Flash pulled her back and forced her to look at him.

"TWILIGHT!" He shouted.

"They gave you time to escape, if you go back their sacrifice will be for nothing!"

Twilight wanted to protest, but she knew she was right. Everything fell apart so quickly, despite their attempts to prepare for the arrival of this enemy. The message sent by the raven from the north failed to mention just how merciless these Stonehooves could be.

“Where can we go…?” Twilight said. “What can we do? Celestia, Luna…they’ve both been taken prisoner. I just don’t understand how!”

“We can’t dwell on that right now, Twilight,” Flash said as he helped her up. “All we can do now is get out of Equestria. We have to make it to the border to Yakyakistan. I have a friend who lives there, he’ll provide a place to stay.”

Suddenly, they heard the sound of distant voices and barking hounds closing in.

"They have our scent, come on!" Flash said in a hushed voice as he lead her through the forest until coming to a boat hidden under a tarp and some leaves.

"Just as Celestia said." Flash smiled as he pushed the boat into the river.

"This way princess, hurry."

"THERE THEY ARE!!" A stag shouted after spotting them from the slope above the river.

“Flash!” Twilight yelled when Flash turned around and gripped his sword as the boat was carried away by the rushing water.

“KEEP MOVING, TWILIGHT! DON’T LOOK BACK!” Flash screamed and turned around. “YOU WANT HER?! YOU’LL HAVE TO KILL ME FIRST, YOU SICK BASTARDS!”

"No! NO FLASH!!" Twilight screamed as he turned back to her with a smile.

All Twilight could do was watch as Flash was overwhelmed and taken prisoner by the stonehooves and traitor stallions as the river carried her downstream.

Twilight curled up in the boat and cried. She cried and cried as the memories overwhelmed her. She felt so powerless as her friends, her mentor, and now her own protector were taken from her. The day soon turned to night as Twilight kept huddled in the boat. She didn’t know how long she was carried down the stream, but at least she was far away from the Stonehooves. Twilight’s tears kept streaming down her cheeks and dared not lift her head up from the confines of the boat as she then drifted off to sleep. Just as the day began to rise again, she felt the boat land on shore. Twilight was awoken from her slumber. The mare slowly raised her head to see that she was in an entirely new area. Patches of snow within the trees spread around and she rubbed her arms to try to keep warm.

“Pony princess?”

The sudden gruff voice startled Twilight and she hid back in the boat. After a few minutes, Twilight poked her head out again to see a few cloaked yaks standing beside her boat.

“Yaks get soldier pony message,” one of the yaks said, holding up a small note. “Yak sorry for what happened to pony home.”

"Thank you..." Twilight sniffled as they brought her a warm blanket and took her to see prince Rutherford.

As she was lead through the city, she noticed many of the residence were up in arms as if expecting an attack while others began to close up shop and board their homes.

"Is something happening?" She asked one of the soldiers escorting her.

"Stag come with message from king of invaders. Say we join them or be slaves-BAH! Yaks bow to none but Prince Rutherford!"

End.