Fall of Equestria: For Honor (revamp)

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.