Fall of Equestria: For Honor (revamp)

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.