Summoning: Republic of New Mareland

by bloodpressure11

Ch 2 - Aftermath (Last edit: 17/2/2025)

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Author's Note

Woops, forgot to add this, thanks for reading my fanfic!

Please provide feedback on grammar, errors or anything that you think can be improved in the fic. Thanks! (Please)

Changes log:

Ch 2 - Aftermath (Last edit: 17/2/2025)

1257 Hour
Thursday, 10th of March, 1012 ALB
Downtown, Western harbor industrial area, Sunset City.
Sunset County, New Mareland

It was a tranquil night over Sunset City, a rare sight since the start of the Changeling invasion of New Mareland. The city lays in various states of disrepair and or ruins from constant air raids from Changeling heavy bombers across the Celestial sea.

Complete darkness engulfed the city, following the strict orders of New Mareland Military High Command. Not a single light flickered except in bunkers or underground covers, and the once familiar glow of urbanization and the enchanting glow of the high-life entertainment and shopping districts had vanished.

With light pollution reduced to zero, the stars and distant galaxies shone brilliantly and beautifully, casting their radiant mesmerising glow upon the residents of Sunset City. Despite the looming threat of war, the residents walked quietly with their loved ones beneath the starry sky, savouring what little peace remained.

The tranquillity was shattered by the sudden, ear-piercing wails and shrieks of air-raid sirens blaring across the city, their intensity growing with each passing second. Ponies on the streets of Sunset City paled with fear and uncertainty as panic took hold. Luckily, it was stopped by local enforcers before it resulted in stampede.

Under the guidance of the police officers, the ponies scrambled to follow evacuation routes, rushing toward the nearest bomb shelters or underground train stations to weather through the upcoming storm.

Less than a minute later, several spotlights swept the sky in a grid pattern, searching for the incoming Changeling naval bombers reported approaching Sunset City earlier.

The violent roar of spinning aircraft engines in the distance soon filled the air, drowning out the wailing sirens. The shrill whistle of diving bombers followed, and then, with ear-shattering force, the explosions began like drums across the city. The booming thunder of anti-aircraft guns echoed across the city. Tracers streaked upward like shooting stars as the gunners tried their best to thwart the bombers.

The distant horizon lit up in a fiery hue from the fires burning the city, turning from yellow to bright red, hiding the stars and contrasting the now pitch black night sky as firestorms that started in the aftermath of the bombing raged on burning anything flammable in its path.

"Lad! Bit' more to the right!" Yelled the firefighter pony with a thick accent standing to his left.

Brightfeather silently clenches his talon on the firehose as he stood on his hind paws. With a grunt he lurches it over to the right as instructed by the pony, the blazing fire inside of the building growing dimmer as he did.

He furrows his brow in annoyance. Being instructed to roleplay fire fighters was the last thing he'd thought he would be doing in the Military. 'I swear to Boreas....' He muttered to himself before letting out a muffled sigh.

"Good job! You're on point," The pony said with amusement in his tone. He then cantered over to Brightfeather's left, assisting the other volunteer and soldiers acting as fire fighters, currently trying to save the industrial district.

Brightfeather has recently answered the call to fight released by the New Mareland Government to its citizen. Having to say goodbye to his beloved mother and tribe in the New Hoofington Griffon Reservation was gut wrenching to say the least.

He, like many griffons who chose to answer the call has had their fair share of disagreements with the ponies in power. But being ruled by the Changelings would bring more harm to them than the ponies ever would, especially after learning of the 'love-extraction' pods being used on Ponies and Griffons (Nova Griffonia) alike in Mainland Equus. Not to mention the amount of atrocities being committed.

"Bright, we need' move this hose to the right." Said the uniformed 'pony' behind him, his accent like a lilting brogue.

Brightfeather spun the valve, ending the stream of water as he prepared to move. "Alright, alright."

If he wasn't much brighter, he would pass the Black-furred 'pony' as any other, but it is in fact a Changeling. Sometimes ago in 998 ALB the Changelings got into a small Civil war, where a bunch of them became refugees. Who knew Chrysalis had a sister named Eyrinn?

Long story short, Eyrinn in disguise went to Equestria, learned about Harmony and its principles, started a rebellion which failed and later got executed on a hill near Vraks. Her followers eventually fled to Equestria with Princess Celestia's permission. They then immigrated to New Mareland under Princess Celestia's order, after they faced significant racism from ponies. Well, it was mainly the nobles who pressured the Princess to do so. Anyhow they are here.

Brightfeather looked behind him as he tried to coordinate the movement with the Changeling. His sharp cat-like eyes and sharp fangs protruding from his upper jaw sending a shiver in the Griffon's spine. "Has anyone told you look creepy as fuck?"

"You mean buck? Come on now, its not hard to say." He poked fun at the Griffon. "I've been told numerous times now, its got pretty bland."

Brightfeather exhales with amusement. "That so? When are you stabbing my back Bug?"

"You want me to stab you in the arse? I don't swing that way Bright, you're out of luck." He quipped back. The two briefly chuckled at the banter before continuing their job.

The duo then quietly moved the fire hose to the next position. Brightfeather quickly spun the valve again, a jolt of force pushes against him as the water burst out of the fire hose toward the fire in front. A question came to mind as they fought the fire. "Say, how do you have fur like the ponies? Don't your Mainland cousins have holes and smooth carapace or something?"

"The brains in Equestria told us its because Magic of Harmony or something along the lines. We look just like an Earth pony, just with all-black fur, except we have fangs, sometimes a protruding horn or fish-like dorsal fins. Those brains also said we're weaker than Earth ponies since we don't have strength magic, but I'd reckon I can beat them and you in a boxing match."

"Hah, as if. I'd crack your carapace with a single swing." Brightfeather rebutted before going silent in deep thought. Though he is knocked out of his thoughts the moment he felt the sweat welling up under his uniform and feathers, making him extremely uncomfortable with how sticky it was. The searing heat of the fires is finally catching up to him.

"Hey, Mirage? Do you creatures not feel disgusting under these garbs?" Brightfeather asked with irritation in his voice. "I'm sweating bullets under these." He hadn't seen the necessity in wearing the surplus olive uniforms considering Griffons already have feathers, but he followed the orders trying not to piss off his superiors.

"I don't know about ponies, but us bugs don't sweat." Mirage replied with a teasing tone. "Too bad you have a second uniform under those. You might want to look like a featherless chicken next time, eh?"

Brightfeather sighed with irritation. "Lucky you bug." The duo would be interrupted in their banter, as the distant sound of what seems to be the thrumming of propellers got louder and louder each passing seconds.

"Buck—Bomber!" Mirage bellowed behind Brightfeather, followed by other soldiers. Hearing this, he instantly shut the valve, ending the jet of water. The duo dropped the fire hose, followed by the other Pony, Griffon and Changeling volunteers in the area.

The faint whistling of a Changeling bomb filled the air—several of them—which made the strike audible to the volunteers instilling fear in their hearts. This proved effective as most of the volunteers are gripped with fear, sowing panic and chaos as they tried to scramble for any cover they could find.

Brightfeather scanned the night sky as he and Mirage waited on the curb due to the wave of fleeing volunteers. Then he briefly saw the unmistakable silhouette of a falling bomb against the moon. It was heading straight for him and Mirage.

"TAKE COVER—!" Bellowed Brightfeather. He instantly grabbed his friend by the torso and dived for cover as he had his eyes close shut. The volunteers and fire fighters in the area also scrambled for cover as the bombs hurdled toward the ground.

But before falling on the hard asphalt, a bright blinding light engulfed Brightfeather and Mirage whilst they were in air—overwhelming their senses in an instant. Then an oppressive force, like that of a speeding truck, slammed into him from behind, launching Brightfeather and Mirage a few meters forward before they painfully tumbled to the ground.

The deafening blast rang in his ears as he struggled to recover. Smoke, soot, ash, and embers filled the street, reducing visibility to less than five meters. He coughed out several whiffs of soot and ash which filled his lungs and blinked hard, his vision still blurry.

"Buck—You good?" Asked Mirage next to him on the curb. He struggled to stand up onto his hooves after being launched along with Brightfeather.

"I'm fine bug—cough—you? What in tartarus was that flash?" Brightfeather said the moment he regained his composure. He scanned around, checking for any injuries on himself and Mirage. But soon the duo noticed a significant change in their surroundings.

The Night had turned to Day. Mirage and Brightfeather hadn't seen the sunlight in weeks due to Queen Chrysalis's stolen powers. Soon the other soldiers in the area got out of their cover, also bewildered at the sight. They also noticed the lack of crater from the bombs dropped earlier.

"What's going on?" Asked Mirage with confusion laden in his voice.

Brightfeather briefly glances at him, then toward the street, and then the other soldiers, choosing to stay quiet. He also noticed that the fires are still raging on in the various buildings. Wait.

"THE BUILDINGS ARE STILL ON FIRE!" He bellowed to the entire street after realization. Instantly the volunteers noticed—they then rushed back toward their dropped equipment to fight the fires.

1405 Hour
Thursday, 10th of March, 1012 ALB
Governor's House, Eastern Goverment District, Sunset City.
Sunset County, New Mareland

Three sets of knocks echoed inside the room.

"Come in," said the black-maned pony. The wooden door creaked open, and a unicorn pony in a black suit entered, levitating an unmarked file onto the table.

"Mister President, I’ve compiled the report about the 'anomaly' from various departments," the pony stated, then stood silently, awaiting a response from the pony in front of him, who seemed busy.

The President, a stallion unicorn with a black mane and pale whitish-blue fur, wearing a pince-neigh glass and a brown checkered suit which is unkempt, quickly turned his head from the paperwork on the table toward the messenger. He gave him a slow, scrutinizing look before meeting his eyes, maintaining an intimidating silence.

A hint of nervousness welled up inside the unicorn. The President furrowed his brow, then took a deep breath before replying professionally, his voice echoing in the large room.

"...Thank you, you may leave."

The pony nodded respectfully and turned to exit, closing the door behind him. The President was now alone in his office.

”Sigh…” Jet Set huffed once the pony had left.

From being appointed Governor of New Mareland by Princess Celestia herself, to being held at gunpoint by Wingbardian invaders, leading a rebellion, becoming the first President of New Mareland for two terms, and rebuilding the country from the ashes of revolution... now he is a wartime leader. He certainly had his fair share of adventure.

His wife, Upper Crust, had been the one to suggest and encourage him to take the Governor position when it was offered by Princess Celestia, saying it was his chance to prove he was more than just a socialite. And prove himself he did, but now... now he was an old, tired pony.

He briefly wondered where she was before focusing again on his work.

Retirement had never seemed so alluring. He still had two years left, though. He would finish his duty, then retire with his wife in a quiet part of New Mareland. He wants to at least spend some time with his foals but he's getting busier and busier each day.

Jet Set levitated the paperwork he had reviewed to the left side of his table, adding it to the growing—towering—pile. Then he picked up the file, rolling his eyes before flipping it open to read the detailed report.

“So, apparently, all the Changeling forces just disappeared into thin air? And the night turned to day?” Jet Set muttered, trying to make sense of the baffling news. The report described a giant, blinding white light that had emerged across New Mareland and the fleets stationed around Discovery Coast.

He had been in the presidential bunker when the event occurred and had only felt a brief earthquake-like tremor. Reading the reports now, it all seemed like a fantasy—but it was real. Thousands of witnesses backed up the story.

What had happened? He had no idea.

Did Celestia free herself and regain her powers? He wondered as he continued reading. Naval Carrier Taskforce, ‘Lunar,’ was missing from radio contact and radar? He would need to send orders to Fleet Admiral Grey Shore to deal with that.

Now for the hardest part of his job: writing tomorrow’s address to the nation in Congress.

Jet Set shuddered at the thought of Congress. He loathed it, especially the 'Republican Fascists Party' or RFP, with its two most prominent figures, Duke Haygle and Picket Fence, constantly criticizing him over mundane issues to make him look bad. Whenever he pointed out the flaws in their logic, they accused him of slander. How had they gained enough support to be there? He didn’t know.

Jet Set especially disagrees with their constant racism, whenever he brings up the Civil Rights bill which is currently in the works, those two always tries to start a debate, conflict or a shouting match with him, which he would usually use as munition against them.

One time after the revolution in 1005 ALB, Picket Fence spent over NINE WHOLE HOURS, doing an entire speech about how Jet should not trust the Harmolings and Thestrals and how they should be exterminated.

Excuse me? Again, who voted for these stallions? Jet Set muttered under his breath after recounting the memory, barely containing the frustration present on his face as he multi-tasked. Debating them always led to more media coverage, which only resulted in more paperwork than he had time for. At least the Socialists, Democrats, and normal Republicans were more tolerable.

That young unicorn mare dabbling in politics—Lufty Star, wasn't it? She was far more respectful and logical than those RFP buffoons. She was part of the Socialist Democrats of New Mareland Party, or SDP. Jet Set preferred to use their official name, not their other, less favorable nickname: the Communist Party of New Mareland.

Recently, the SDP had experienced a falling out with a faction led by a mare calling herself 'Big Sister'—if she even exists. That faction had broken away, forming the 'Marelandian Socialism Party' or MARESOC. They were a more extreme bunch, forcing Jet Set to assign several Mareland Intelligence Agency agents to keep an eye on them and the stalliongrad refugees.

As for the Democrats, or the 'New Mareland Democratic Party,' they were led by Gladmane, an earth pony stallion, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was popular in New Manehattan and respected as a businesspony, now dabbling in politics.

Interestingly, Gladmane had once wanted to join the 'New Mareland Freedom Party'—the Republicans—but changed his mind due to differences in opinion. Jet Set respected the Republicans—more so than the other parties, especially one of its member; the young earth stallion pony, King Fisher.

He had fought alongside Jet Set during the rebellion. After the war, King Fisher had left the Harmonic Party to form the MFP. If Jet Set had lost the election to him, he wouldn’t have minded—King Fisher was a good stallion at heart.

Jet Set levitated a blank sheet of paper from his cabinet and placed it next to the report. Unscrewing his fountain pen, he began drafting his address for tomorrow’s session.

The door creaked open again. He looked up, pausing. A small smile formed on his muzzle—it was the yellow-furred, shaded pink-maned unicorn mare who had captured his heart—Upper Crust.

"Hey, honey," she teased with a playful smile as she entered, levitating a hot cup of coffee onto the table. "Don’t work yourself too hard, okay? I’m off to the market with our colt, we’ll be back by six for dinner. Make sure to pick up our filly from the Kindergarten."

She used her telekinesis to lift the towering pile of reviewed paperwork to his left.

She gave him a quick peck on the muzzle before leaving, carrying the paperwork with her and closing the door quietly behind her. Jet Set smiled in bliss.

He took a small sip of the coffee, savouring the warmth, before returning to his work.

"Mr. President? Jet? Hello—o?"

Jet Set almost jumped in his seat after hearing his Secretary's voice—Juniper Montage, a light-yellow Earth pony with a teal-coloured mane tied in a bun, she dons her standard black suit with a suit-skirt with a thick-frame magenta glasses.

She is also standing in front of his desk facing him, whilst also carrying the tower of paper he had on his desk, on her back.

"H-hu—ahem. Yes, Jun?" said Jet Set after almost choking on his coffee. He carefully set the mug back onto the table before looking up again at her.

"I said I'll be taking these papers," she replied before going silent with a contemplative look on her face, "Are you good? You're not seeing any hallucinations again are you?"

Jet Set didn't really listen to what she said and briefly wondered where his wife went, the feeling of the soft peck on his muzzle was gone. What's going on? he wondered, sliding his right hoof against his muzzle in confusion before replying to Juniper.

"Ye—yes! Everything's fine," He said frantically before giving her an awkward smile. "Do you need help with those?"

"Thank you, but there's something for you to tend...." She raised an eyebrow at him before going back to a neutral expression, adjusting her glasses with her right hoof. "Excuse me."

"Enjoy your coffee, I think Bane's coming here to discuss something with you, I'll be here after I deposit these papers."

She coughed into her right hoof once before quickly turning tail for the office door.

Was I hallucinating.....? muttered Jet Set to himself. He shook the weariness out of his head before continuing the work on his concurrent task.

Six minutes later

Out of nowhere, the door to his office slammed open. His defense minister, Bane Shield, escorted by two Military Police officers, stormed in. Jet Set put his pen down and turned toward him, noticing the seriousness on Bane's face.

"Jet, you’re not going to believe this—but the Equus Volunteers, you remember them? The ones stationed on the border with Wingbardy?"

"Uh-huh? Continue." Jet Set replied, puzzled.

During the retreat from Equestria, Jet Set had allowed his admirals to rescue Equestrian Armed Forces personnel and United Pony Alliance civilians, those military personnel eventually formed the 15th Infantry Regiment, 'Equus Guards,' in agreement with New Mareland until they could return home.

The unit is made up of formerly Royal Guards, Marines, Military Police, Hoof Infantry, and sailors rescued during the evacuation. But what did this have to do with them?

"Well, they reported Griffonian knights—like, knights of old, carrying spears and wearing medieval armor. They tried crossing the border but were told to turn back. There was a brief alleged exchange of words which made one of the pony border guard faint, but they agreed to leave."

"What?" Jet Set stammered, absolutely flabbergasted. "You don’t think they’re hallucinating, do you?"

"No, Jet. They’re telling the truth. They also sent these pictures," Bane Shield said, laying out several photographs taken from the outpost towers along the border. The images showed Griffonian knights of old in full armour, approaching the tower. One even showed the regiment commander, wearing a red Equestrian beret, speaking with the knights.

Genuine Griffonian Knights, just like the ones told in old Griffonian stories, but without colourful plumes sticking out of their helms. What is Wingbardy doing? Why are there knights approaching our border? Countless questions ran through Jet Sets mind.

"...What do you want me to do with this information?" Jet Set asked, still confused on the entire ordeal.

"Well, after checking in with our geologists, biologists, thaumaturgists and other specialists across the border..." He paused briefly. "I can tell you with eighty percent confidence that..." Bane Shield paused again, taking a deep breath. "..And also with an envoy sent by the king of those knights..."

Jet Set’s anxiety grew as he anticipated the news.

"...We might've have been teleported into another reality. Judging by the large amount lingering magical radiation near the border."

"..."

"Dear Lord...."

Jet Set is pretty sure more of his jet black mane turned white at the news. He also threw the address he wrote into the trash to start anew. That address can wait on Monday.

1325 Hour
Thursday, 10th of March, 1012 ALB
North of Hoovesplain, Outskirts near the border of Wingbardy.
Hoovesplain County, New Mareland

More than an hour ago.

"Princess Celestia probably freed herself from Chrysalis. Any thoughts?"

"Might be a thingamajigs from the thaumaturgy department. Who knows, they might've figured out a way to control the sun without Celestia's flank-magic."

"Quite possible, but a huge stretch considering we've barely able to produce telekinesis using machines, no?"

"Fair... Buck, I am bored to death here, let's speed up the game."

Two Earth ponies stationed in a outpost tower along the Wingbardian border were passing the time playing cards as they shared their thoughts about the mysterious flash. Their guns—‘battle rifles’ as New Marelanders call them—sat beside the table. A small camera was also present on the table, marked with the name 'Comet' drawn roughly on the side with crayons.

New Mareland's advancements in weaponry were significant, a result of learning from both failure and successes on the battlefield and its unparalleled industrial might compared to other nations of the time. The Haysaght Bronco SA-BR (Ponified tanker's M1 Garand chambered in 7x40mm) with eight rounds capacity was born from these factors.

In late 1009 ALB, when Chrysalis’s blitzkrieg was initially halted by reinforcements from the United Pony Alliance, New Mareland Military finds out that, its main bolt-action rifle—the Rose Rifle (a Jungle Enfield Carbine chambered in 7x40mm)—lacked the firepower and speed needed to counter advancing Changeling infantry squads.

The Changeling infantry squads not only carrying bolt action rifles, but also carrying other form of weaponry like Submachineguns and Light Machineguns boosting their offensive capabilities. They outperformed and outgunned the under-prepared and under-armed UPA ponies.

As a result, the Marelandian Military-industrial complex was tasked with closing the capability gap, resulting in weapons like the Sunset Arms F1 SMG (Ponified Owen SMG w/o the front grip, chambered in 11x23mm), the Coltstone Automatic Light Machinegun (ponified Bren LMG chambered in 7x40mm), and of course the Bronco SA-BR.

"Celestial Flush, you owe me ten bits."

"Blast, you've won thrice already."

"A deal’s a deal. If you don’t pay up, I’ll tell the colts to never gamble with you."

"Buck off will you? I'm already broke you damn skank."

"If I'm a skank you sniff manure on a daily basis."

The Earth pony on the left side of the table wore a wide-brim slouched Studson hat (Stetson), while the one on the right has a New Mareland-issued Equine M11 helmet (Stahlhelm), a thin steel helm design inspired by the Changelings. Both, despite being Equestrian Volunteer members, are particularly dressed in surplus New Mareland Ground Forces olive drab uniform and ammunition rig that carried six pouches, with pairs of black military rear-hoof boots.

He looked toward the other pony with an amused smile. "You're projecting on me, shrewd pony?"

"As if, pay up already." retorted Solar Comet whilst extending his right hoof. The Earth pony sporting his usual Studsons gave his friend a stabbing stare that conveys seriousness.

Brisk Strike sighed, clenching his teeth before letting out a huff. He reluctantly pulled out exactly ten bits in paper money and promptly handed them to Comet, who wore a smug smile on his muzzle.

But something caught Brisk Strike's attention out of the corner of his eye, toward the Wingbardian side. After 'The Flash,' the grass on both sides had taken on an unmistakable contrast—the Wingbardian side was noticeably more vibrant, almost cartoonishly green. The dirt road that had led into Wingbardy also noticeably disappeared.

New Mareland's Military Command had long suspected that Wingbardy might attempt a second invasion in the future. Thus the reason why the Equestrian Volunteers are stationed at the border, ready to act as a reactionary force. Their primary purpose it to slow down any potential Wingbardian advance until the main New Mareland divisions could retaliate with Quick Reaction Forces.

Brisk Strike couldn’t help but prepare himself for the worst. His stomach growled and ached as his anxiety began welling up.

"Formation, Comet—Formation!" Bellowed Brisk, both of the pony scrambled to grab their rifles, before standing guard near the railing of the tower. Solar Comet had grabbed his cracked binocular before scanning the hills for any movements.

Brisk did the same. Though unlike Solar Comet, he scanned over the area where he had spotted the movements and saw something. 'A Griffon Knight?' he said to himself in bewilderment.

"One' O clock, Northeast," muttered Brisk Strike. Solar Comet flicked his binocs over toward the direction, spotting the strange sight.

"Seeing what I’m seeing?"

"Ehyup."

"Oh good, I’m not going crazy."

Suddenly, ten more knights emerged over the hill, making their way toward the tower, stepping over the barbed wire as if it wasn’t even there, though some of them briefly got stuck. Solar Comet rested his rifle on the edge of the guard tower and switched it from safe to semi-auto, his hoof hovering near the trigger in anticipation

"Hold your fire. I'm going to... Try and talk to them, yeah?" Brisk Strike suggests, seeing as his partner's grip on the trigger of his weapon get tighter. He's not going to be responsible for a diplomatic incident.

Comet glances at him. "If you want to get stabbed, be my guest?"

"Comet, cover my flank. And tell my dam I love her." Brisk Strike said with a smirk before descending down the guard tower spiral staircase. "Radio the Commander too. He might want to see this." The Griffon Knights had already spotted him, and the air grew tense as he approached them.

Solar Comet cantered over to the Radio, laying his Battle rifle against the rail. Arriving at the table, he quickly flipped the electrical switch, the display showing a bunch of numbers representing the frequency of the Radio.

"Baltimare Three reporting to Sire Foal, how copy?" He spoke into the microphone hooked up to the contraption.

"Sire Foal h—s you loud and clea—r," the pony on the other side responded. "Send your tr—fic, over."

"Baltimare Three has spotted dozen or so, Wings on hoof arriving from Wingbardy direction and has trespassed. My partner is approaching them to warn before conducting any forceful actions. They are also wearing.... Knight armour. How copy?"

"...Ov—r? Why are they wearing Kni—ght armor?"

Solar briefly huffed. "Unknown to me, requesting reinforcement. Possibly Commander Erwin for interdiction and communication. Possible diplomatic route. How copy?"

"Wilco, I am alerting Com—ander Erwin. Stand by and po—sibly tell the Talons to march back to the b—rder. Over and out."

Solar then grabbed his camera sat on the table that they were gambling on. He went back to his position, slung his rifle over his head and took a picture of Brisk approaching the Griffons.

"Turn back! This is New Mareland soil, you are trespassing!" Brisk Strike shouted in Griffonian, wincing inwardly. He was fairly certain he had butchered the pronunciation.

The senior-looking Griffon at the front stepped forward, his armour clinking with every movement. He raised his visor, revealing a weathered face with a prominent scar running over his right eye. The knights following him also had stopped in their tracks, just about 20 meters from the tower as they met face to face with Brisk Strike.

"You ponies are far from Equestria or the Riverlands," the Griffon replied in a deep, almost regal tone. His eyes gleamed with curiosity, but there was no immediate hostility in them. "Your Griffon tongue is fairly good though you need to improve on your pronunciation. Say, why has your land appeared off the shore of my Kingdom?"

Brisk Strike froze in place like a deer in a headlight. He partially understood what the knight said. Nervously he thought about his next course of action.

"Uh, I don't understand Griffonian. Do you speak Equestrian?" Brisk Strike asked the knight, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Hah, I knew thy well. You ponies don't waste a sliver of thy time to practice Griffonian," the older Griffon replied with a arrogant-like regal tone, seamlessly switching to Equestrian before giving Brisk an advice. "Use thee free time to practice Griffonian, understood?"

As he spoke, the younger-looking Griffon knight beside him lifted his visor and gently tapped the older knight on the shoulder.

"Sir Griedlin, I believe it prudent that we cast aside the 'Canterlotian' accent, for we are not discussing with Monarchs," the younger knight suggested, his voice more respectful but firm.

Sir Griedlin regarded his companion with a raised brow, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his beak. "Aye, young Kaldrik, you are right. We are not here to talk like nobles. What brings your country to be teleported over the western Wingbardian coast, pony?"

"What do you mean by 'teleport'?" Brisk Strike asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"Over an hour ago, a bright blinding flash was seen by local villagers who live near this area, where I am standing, is on a cliff facing the southern Aquillan Sea. We are a scouting force sent by His Majesty Gumberto II to investigate," Griedlin, the elder Griffonian knight explained.

"...You're kidding me?"

"Pony, I would have never obtained the rank of Knight Captain if I were constantly lying, would I?"

"Say, what's the date?"

"27 years after the fall of the Griffonian Empire. Or 1002 ALB in your Calendar. Why do you ask?"

"Sweet Celestia."

Brisk Strike fainted before collapsing onto the ground with a thud. Solar Comet, who had been listening the entire time from the tower, rushed down the stairs toward him. The knights were stunned by the pony's sudden collapse, briefly exchanging confused glances.

"Knights, I suggest you step back over the barbed wire. My Commander—I am his subordinate—will arrive in a couple of minutes to speak with you," Solar Comet said professionally, locking his piercing gaze onto Griedlin's eyes. "We don't want any problems, do we?"

"Alright, alright," Griedlin replied without resistance, turning to face his fellow knights.

"Kaldrik, contact the King with your magic crystals. Knights, we're marching back past the wires," Griedlin called to the knights, who immediately began walking back.

"This is going to be a long day," muttered Solar Comet before turning his attention back to the unconscious pony in front of him.

Using his muzzle, Solar Comet bit down on Brisk Strike's uniform and began dragging him toward the Guard Tower.

1300 Hour
Thursday, 10th of March, 1002 ALB
Royal Carriage, on a train toward Manehattan
Somewhere in Equestria

"Sister, we feel as if a large amount of magical energy has appeared somewhere to the east."

"Luna, you're probably just nervous about the events in Manehattan. Take a rest, will you?"

Princess Luna rolled her eyes at her older sister, Princess Celestia, who is lounging on a couch in a corner of the carriage, engrossed in a newly released Daring Do novel.

The two alicorn diarchs of Equestria were currently on the Canterlot train, heading toward Manehattan in eastern Equestria for a grand ceremony to open the new harbor, to which they had been invited.

The Element Bearers were also following them in another carriage because Celestia's unicorn student, Twilight Sparkle, had begged to join her. Celestia, the ever-benevolent ruler she is, agreed, still charmed by the cute antics of her student.

"Sister, we are being serious. Perhaps we should investigate it ourselves?" Princess Luna urged.

"I would prefer if you didn't, Luna. We have a lot to do tomorrow," retorted Princess Celestia, setting the novel aside on the couch, her expression now stern. Celestia looked directly into Luna's eyes, her piercing gaze sending a shiver up Luna's spine.

Luna furrowed her brow in protest but ultimately relented. "Fine."

Princess Luna promptly retreated to her quarters in the Royal Carriage, slamming the door shut in protest with her telekinesis.

Sigh... Celestia huffed, still very concerned for her sister. Helping Luna assimilate into modern Equestria was one thing; dealing with her antics was another. Celestia felt a deep sense of guilt for having banished Luna to the moon all those years ago.

From Celestia's perspective, as the older sister, it was her duty to protect Luna, but she had failed over a millennium ago. She is determined not to fail again. While Celestia had worries about the future, she remained hopeful that it would turn for the good.

Rising from the couch, Celestia approached the desk beside it and lifted the letter of invitation from the Mayor of Manehattan once more, rereading it.

It was going to be a long day tomorrow; hopefully, nothing too major would happen. Hopefully.

Next Chapter