(4 hours later)

Dark Star woke up feeling groggy and tried to get up only to fall on his face.

"Ow." He looked down to to see his hooves were tied together making him grunt and gathered his magic cutting the ropes.

"Now where is my gear?" He asked himself walking out of the hut after he search it only to come up empty hoofed.

"Hmmm. 3,2,1." He ducked a spear that was aiming for his head before grabbing it and breaking off the tip spinning and throwing it into the leg of another zebra that was charging him from behind.

"Stop please! I dont want to hurt anypony!" He cried making them pull back for a second and gather their forces and tend to the wounded zebra.

"Please all I want to do is talk to Lady Fluttershy that's all. Once she answers my questions I will leave I have no ill to you or your people." He said sincerly as the village and war boss walked through the crowd.

"And why should we let you, unicorn see our leader?" She asked making him sigh.

"Please all I can offer is my word and a warning to Fluttershy. A great uprising will be taking place soon from the shadows, please the Earthborn didnt listen to me I want to at least let one of my old friends know what's coming adn taking the proper steps to protect her people." Dark said while they smirked.

"And what would this uprising be?" The zebra asked mockingly making Dark grit his teeth.

"The Cult of the Laughing Mare, I have alreay encountered them numerous times they are demons and I am here to stop them along with finding Pinkie's body and taking her home." He explained while they laughed at him.

"HAHAHAHAHA! You think some cult of crazies will take the forest!? Nothing can tame the beasts of Everfree." The zebra said while Dark narrowed his eyes.

"Only a fool is so sure of victory before its made zebra." Dark said while they narrowed their own eyes.

"Big words coming from a unarmed pony in the middle of a zebra warcamp." He growled.

"I dont need my weapons to face fools like you." He said

"But it does make thing easier." He smiled when his eyes flashed as a explostion went off making them turn their heads to see the warhammer rocketing towards them making them duck and heard the slap of metal to flesh.

"Do not be a fool and attack me again, I will take my leave all I require is my things and I will be on my way." He stated letting the hammer thud on the ground.

"Fine be gone then once you have your things." The boss said getting a nod while some other zebra's left to fetch his things. He stood glaring at the boss silently daring him to steal anything of his, once the the zebra's brought his things to him he went through it and found everything to be there.

"Thank you I will be on my way then." He said sheathing his short swort and sliding the hammer in the holster on his back while he pulled his cloak over him.

"Farewell and goodluck in your futrue, may Luna smile on you in death." He said walking away leaving a cold chill running down the zebra's spines.

Dark Star was seething with rage making even the most dangerous of animals stay far from his with the power he was letting out.

"Fucking zebra's and mares, damn Equestria full of nothing but savages and war mongers." He growled to himself stomping down a path leading outside and back into Eartborn lands. He groaned knowing that he was going to run into some meat headed racist earth pony when he got there when all of a sudden the path was blocked by trees.

"It's good to see you again Dark Star." He heard Fluttershy speak from the darkness as the mare stepped out of it with two ents beside her, nothing had really changed about her besides her eyes and the strange markings on her legs along with the even stranger crown like thing that looked more like a bugs antennas than anything else.

"Oh my, you look good Dark Star." She smiled at him getting one back as he sat down and sighed.

"You look good yourself Shy I like your eyes." He said smiling getting a blush from her.

"Um thank you Dark Star, but what are you doing here in my forest?" She asked.

"Listen Flutters I want to know if you know anything about The Cult of the Laughing Mare?" He asked as she thought for a minute.

"Hm Ive heard whispers through the forest about strange unatrual creatures roaming around near the warcamp not to far from here, but I didnt really think is was much of a threat." She said as he smiled and shot up.

"Is there anything else you know anything at all?" He asked as she shook her head.

"Sorry that's all I know when it comes to them, why are you so interested in them Dark?" She asked getting a sigh from him.

"They took Pinkie's body from the Imperium, and I dont know where they went or why they took her. All I know is that we lost the trail at Equestria and I couldnt spare the ponies to find her since some of the cult tried to convert my people to the maddness that runs deep in these ponies minds." He stated

"The things they are able to summon Shy are things of nightmares. Children laughing as they stab their parents and sibling over and over, dead walking the streets and demons roam the lands here Fluttershy. I just want to find Pinkies body and go home." He groaned as she walked up beside him and put a comforting hoof on his shoulder.

"If it helps there is a place I heard of between Moon and Star and Whitegold houses, there is talk about a evil city breming with monsters and the undead." She said as he whipped around to look at her with hope in his eyes.

"Where please tell me." He said getting a smile from her.

"After you leave the forest head to Whitegold or pass through Whitetail Woods, you can resupply at Redhearts Refuge. Go through the woods to Whitetale Village they wil tell you of the this dark city, with any luck you may be closer to finding Pinkie." She said and was surprised when he pulled her into a tight hug and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Remember Fluttershy you may have lost the girls but you never lost me or my family, you will always have a friend in me." He whispered in her ear as he felt her wrap her arms around him and sniffle.

"Shhhhh, its ok Flutters just let it all out." He cooded as the mare finally caved and cried long and hard, 15 years of heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and war. She hated it all but she had her own goals to achieve for the her people and the Everfree, after a long while she pulled back looking at him with her beautiful blue eyes like she had before all this started.

"You know you have the most beautiful eyes Fluttershy, your new ones are pretty but I think I like the original eyes better." He said pecking her on the forehead and pulling her up with him.

"It was nice to see you again Fluttershy, if you ever need anything dont be scared to ask me all I am is a letter away." He said smiling before starting to leave again.

"WAIT!" He stopped and turned to her as she rubbed her leg and was blushing hard.

"Um why dont you come stay in the ruins with me as my personal guest tonight, its getting really late and gets dangerous after dark." She offered as he looked up and sighed before smiling.

"I'd like that Shy, besides I want to catch up a little before I have to leave again." He said making her frown a little bit.

"Do you have to leave right after you get Pinkies body back?" She asked as they fell in step together.

"Yeah once I have her body back Im going to have one of my ships to come and collect her and myself before heading home to my family. You remember Vinyl and Stardancer?" He asked making her smile.

"Of course I remember all my friends from Ponyville, do you have a picture of them?" She asked making him smile and pull out a photo of his family letting her take it and look at it. She smiled looking at the picture till she saw the colt beside Stardancer.

"Um Dark who's this colt with you guys?" She asked making him give a proud smile.

"That's my son Avitus just had his 15th birthday about two weeks ago." He grinned at the shocked look on the mares face.

"He's yours and Vinyls son? He's so cute." She said with a look of longing on her face.

"Shy you ok?" He asked as she looked away.

"Um yeah Im ok just (sigh), Im sorry its just that Im lonely here all the zebra's do is talk about the forest expantion and things while the ponies here go nuts or they die in battle. Not only that but everytime I see somepony I think would be good to me they cower away because Im Lady Fluttershy." She groaned getting a chuckle from him.

"It will be fine Fluttershy, your a beautiful mare and hopefully soon a stallion will come in and sweep you off your hooves. Who knows he or she might not be a stallion have you tried to date one of the zebra?" He asked as she looked down.

"Yes, and then they get cold hooves talking about they're not worthy." She sighed as they came into the ruins making him look on it awe.

"Wow you guys really sprused up the place Flutters, this place looks awesome!" He said as she giggled at him.

"Yes over the years we have been restoring the old castle and its the most guarded place in the forrest." She grinned with a squee.

"I can see that Shy it looks really great, hey you remember when you and me went camping here back in the day? I remember you got scared and stayed with me that whole night when it started to rain." He smiled thinking of the days past as they came across a large wooden bridge.

"Hehehe, I remember that I was such a scaredy filly back then. But you never complained even when I was all wet from the rain that night and you just snuggled up to me to keep me warm till morning." She smiled fondly at the memory of happier times.

"Yeah and Pinkie complained about not taking her on the if I remember right, the super scary fun time camping trip in the Everfree camping PARTY!" He yelled making her laugh.

"Oh I remember that she also threatened you with no sex for a week afterward." Fluttershy said smiling as he nodded though he was kinda shocked at her change to mention sex so casually while the old shy wouldnt be able to even get the word out without becoming a babbling mess.

"True but she never could go through with it when Lightning got a hold of me." He said looking over at her and seeing her blush making him grin.

"Oh my." She squeaked making his grin wider.

"Yeah but unfortunately those happy days are over." He frowned thinking of Pinkies death and Lightnings leaving getting a sigh from him as tears started to spill from his eyes as he was pulled into a loving hug.

"Shhhh its going to be ok, come on not here lets go to my personal cottage." She said leading stallion over to a large home and leading him inside and closing the door sending one of her animal friends to let all the leaders know that she was not to be disturbed.

She looked over at the stallion who had a tired and worn look on his face, she came in front of him and saw a vacant look on his face as she pulled him into her chest.

"Dark I know I wasnt there for you when you needed your friends the most but Im here now, its ok let me help you." She urged him as the first choking sob escaped him before the dam burst all the hate, anger, sorrow, and stress of his poured from him in waves as Fluttershy joined in his sorrow. She could feel his large arms holding her tight to him as she leaned up to him.

"Please let me help you Dark." She whispered pulling him into a deep kiss as he stiffened at first before pulling her closer to him and returning the kiss making her moan into his mouth.

"Mmm Dark Star." She moaned as they fell back onto the small couch letting their hooves roam the others body while she took off his cloak and saddle bags while he set his hammer on the other end of the couch.

"You wear to much Dark Star." She said with hooded eyes while he gave a small smile until she pulled him into another kiss making him groan and take her crown off setting it on the table as she moaned loudly when he bit her neck working his way down.

"Dark I dont know how long I can MRAHHHHHHH!" She yelled in passion while her wings snapped out in the mother of all orgasisms rocked her body while he nibbled on her clit prolonging the feeling for the mare who was at the moment seeing spots and was having a hard time remembering to breath.

Fluttershy never experianced something like this before in her life, it was usually her they brought all her pleasure to herself even during the heats they they would get. She finally came down from her bliss looking down to see Dark Star smiling at her with some of herself on his snout.

"Um Dark got a little on your um nose." She said blushing hard when he licked it off.

"Did I get it?" He asked as she started to pant.

"Upstairs now and this is not up for debate. Its my heat cycle and over 34 years and Im still a virgin and I plan to end that tonight Dark, Im a mare with some serious need right now and your gonna help me now MARCH!" She said pointing to the upstair bedroom while he jumped up and trotted up the stairs with a nearly drolling Fluttershy behind him.

(3 days later)

Fluttershy snuggled up to Dark Star during the early morning satisfied beyond her expectations as she looked over at the exhausted stallion who was in a deep sleep. She smiled at the peace on his face as she stroked the side of his face lovingly and started to nibble on his ear.

"Mmm Shy stop Im tired I give up you win for now ok? Let me rest and then Ill put you back to sleep like yesterday."He said smirking while she smiled and blushed hard giving him a playful shove as he turned and pinnned her to the bed as her wings started to spread out while he got closer and closer.

"Lady Fluttershy! Are you ok in there? Its been a few days now and some of the people here are getting worried." They heard as the two sighed.

"Well I guess you better get that, I have to pack and get ready to continue my trip." He sighed and started to get up but felt her grab his tail.

"You'll come back right? After you get everything situated at home when you take Pinkie back you'll come back to see me right?" She asked getting a smile from him.

"Of course Shy, I planned on coming back within the next month anyway. So you'll see me soon." He said giving her a deep kiss making he rmoan and pull him in deeper before there was another knock at the door making them sigh.

"COMING!" She yelled as he grinned.

"Why does that sound familiar?" He said making her turn cherry red.

"Ssshut up." She stamered getting a laugh out of him while he went to his gear and she went to the door to see one of the village guards were standing there.

"Oh hello, Im sorry for worrying everypony I just had a friend come over after so long to catch up with." She explained as Dark moved past her.

"Well Shy Im heading out thanks for letting me stay with you." He said before grabbing her and pulling her into a deep passionate kiss making moan and pull him into her before they pulled back for the much needed air as he turned and smirked at the zebra.

"See you later Shy, I should be back within a month or so ok? Ill be coming in from the Earthborn lands so look for me." He called back seeing her smile and nod.

"Wow have I scored or what?" She mumbled to herself plopping down watching her new stallion walk into the forrest heading back into Earthborn lands.

( A few hours later)

Dark finally came out of the forrest after getting directions from the nearby scout camp and almost went over the edge of Ghastly Gorge.

"WHAAA! Sweet Luna that was close." He sighed and flashed across the gorge and into another small forest and out to a road.

"Ah finally something other than trees." Dark sighed and followed the road East to see a village sign.

"Welcome to New Ponyville? What happened to the old one? Hmph better stay clear of that if I dont want to be delayed." He said going across a field and two rivers finding himself in a open field.

"Man I hope I get to this refuge that Shy was talking about soon, I dont like being so exposed." He mumbled to himself making sure to watch the ground and sky for any Earthborn, he could see another large forest across the field as he picked up the pace watching the sky as he went to the forest.

As he got closer he could see a small band of Earthborn that had stopped a caravan from the looks of and they were arguing over something with a white mare, as he got closer he could hear them shouting at each other.

"I DONT CARE WHO THESE SUPPLIES ARE FOR THEY ARE EARTHBORN'S NOW!" A mare yelled as she waved a few of her comrades to take the wagons.

"NO YOU CANT DO THIS! THERE SICK AND INJURED PONIES THAT NEED THIS. NOT TO MENTION THE FOOD FOR THE LITTLE ONES!" The white mare yelled but was shoved to the ground and had a spear put in her face.

"Dont get in our way House Earthborn needs these supplies more than some refugee camp." She growled.

"Step away from the wagons all of you Earthborn." They heard as they turned to see a lone stallion unicorn with a cloak on.

"Damn unicorns sticking their noses where they dont belong, you must have a death wish coming in our land unicorn." The mare said while he smirked.

"You know I thought that the valley was a nutral ground mostly for refugees, your land earth pony only goes as far as New Ponyville I believe." He grinned as they growled at him.

" Shows what you know our land extends all the way up to the refugee camp near the Northgate." She said as he smiled.

"Thanks for the info Ill have to remember that, now get away from these ponies that a a important delivery to make to more needy people that to a squad of highway bandits." He ordered as they all started to advance on him.

"You must have a deathwish if your gonna order me around unicorn." She said and saw him taking out a warhammer.

"Id advise you to do what I saw and walk away, or are you disobeying Big Mac on purpose?" He asked making them stop.

"I believe general Macintosh told the Earthborn to keep its distance from a certain unicorn stallion?" He asked while they took a step back.

"And why should I believe you? You could be a random unicorn trying to make a name for himself." She said but stopped when his eyes started to go black.

"It would be wise little mare to leave my sight, I have business with these ponies and you will not rob them of their supplies to fuel your own war effort."

He said making them back up feeling the killing intent rolling off him as the hammer sparked with power.

"Oh so big and mighty, I think Ill take my chances with a fake like you." She said only for that to be the last thing to say as the heavy warhammer crushed her skull in and the battle was on.

"GO TAKE THE SUPPLIES AND GO! I WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM GO!" The stallion yelled knocking a stallion and crushing anothers chest as more came from the wagons that were going to loot it.

The mare nodded and whislted as the drivers jumped up and took off down the road much to the Earthborn soldiers.

"Damnit! Those supplies could have helped us out alot here on the front!" A stallion yelled lundging at Dark swinging a axe that was blocked by Dark who bucked one trying to get him from behind before japping his hoof in between the stallions eyes making roll back in his as his eyes, nose and ears started to bleed.

"What the hell did you do!?" A mare yelled jumping back as the stallion swung at her before jabbing another stallion in the leg making him scream as Dark swung his hammer down on his head in a shower of gore.

"Its call the Light Touch, its a style I invented the harder the touch the more damage it does and after the last 15 years I've profected the style and put more into it." He said as his hooves had a light shade of magic on them as he advanced on her.

"What house are you from? Is this something from Moon and Star?" She asked watching him stop with a look of rage in his eyes.

"House Moon and Star will burn when I put my plan into action, to bad you wont be there to see it." He coldly stated flashing away reappearing to her side and slamming the hammer down crushing her spine in the process, he pulled the hammer out and turned to see a young stallion and mare shivering in fear.

"Hmph 10 down 2 to go." He said flicking the blood off the hammer.

"Please have mercy!" The mare yelled dropping her lance while he dropped his sword and shield.

"And why should I do that hm? Give me one good reason why I should spare you lives when you would have taken mine without a care in the world." He stated as they started to cry.

"Please we got cold hooves when the battle started honest! We were scared ok, we just got out of basic training a few months ago." The stallon said while his eyes turned to pin pricks whlie the huge stallion loomed over the two.

"So your rookies all the better to kill you now so dont become pros." He sneered while they wimpered.

"No please Im begging you we were forced to go! Its the way of the Earthborn we go to basic training at 12 and put into a unit around 15! I dont want to be a soldier, I just want to stay home with my parents and little sister! I dont care about this war or unicorns or the stupid forest ok!" The crying mare yelled making him drop his hammer and them shriek in surprise.

"Your only 15? Is Applejack crazy!? Even my own son is just starting basic and wont be out till he's at least 20! How old are you two?" He asked while were huddled close together.

"Um Im 15 and he's 16 he just turned this last week." She said getting a nod from Dark Star who was looking around and spotted a pegasus on a cloud watching them.

"What would happen if your ponies knew that I let you go and you didnt put up a fight?" He asked as they looked down.

"We would be killed and our family shamed or killed since they would see us as traitors." The stallion said while the mare sniffed.

"Hm what about capture?" He asked making them both look up at him in shock.

"Um I dont know most Earthborns captured are killed after some information is taken from them." She said nervously.

"Ok look I have to go to this refuge so I can head to and this dark city that Lady Fluttershy told me about." He said getting gasps from them.

"You got to talk to Lady Fluttershy!? How did you do that?" They yelled making him smile.

"Believe it or not I was once a long time friend of all the house leaders! Though I dont claim her anymore, my sister is Twilgiht Sparkle." He said making them glare.

"That witch has a lot to answer for." The stallion growled getting a nod from Dark.

"Indeed she does and I will be getting them very soon. Look I have to get to Redhearts refuge so unless you want to die by the pegasus scout in the cloud over there I suggest you march ahead of me and act like prisoners." He advised making them start to turn trying to find the pegasus but he smacked them both.

"ARE YOU STUPID!? IF YOU SPOT THEM THEN THEY WILL KNOW I DIDNT REALLY CAPTURE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IS DOOMED!" He yelled kicking the stallion up and grabbed the mare pushing her in the direction of the refuge.

Lightning Dust sighed as she watched Dark Star take a couple of some new recruits hostage and begin to walk them to the forest before she flew towards New Ponyville to make her report and send out a part to gather the bodies. She felt bad for the kids though since Dark Star methods were, less that pleasing when he wanted information.

"May the gods take better care of you than we did." She said praying for the kids but something wasnt right about Dark Star being here, she could understand wanting Pinkies body back but something just didnt feel right like there was more to it than him being here than Pinkie. She just couldnt put her hoof on it.

(With Dark, Moondancer, Earthshaker)

The three made it to the refuge without further problems until they were stopped by the white mare from earlier.

"NO! You cant bring them in here!" She cried running up them trying to push the pegasus and earth ponies out while the unicorn stepped up to her.

"Ma'am please we just need some supplies to get to Manehatten so I can send these two to the Imperium for the next coming months." He said smiling back at the shocked look of the kids before he turned to see to his shock Nurse Redheart herself.

"Redheart? Nurse Redheart?" He asked as she shook her head from the shock as the stallion pulled his hood back and smiled at her.

"Dark Star? Is, is it really you?" She asked slowly walking towards him before slapping him hard across the face.

"YOU STUPID FOOL! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS HUH!?"

"Redheart please let me-

"PONIES ARE KILLING EACH OTHER LEFT AND RIGHT EVERYDAY WHILE YOU SIT BACK IN YOUR NICE LITTLE CHAIR IN THE IMPERIUM GETTING FAT WATCHING US KILL EACH OTHER AND-

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" He roared glaring at her.

"Do you know for the past 15 years I have been running my own nation! I had to step up and take charge when the sisters vanished, I had to make sure that my people were not put in a panic! I had to make sure that my nation came before my family Redheart and Ive lost just as much as you!" He yelled at her while the kids stepped back.

"Ive lost Pinkie and then I loose Lightning and in the coming months I might just have to kill her with my own hooves! You think I dont know about your suffering here HUH!? Where do you think that you get these supplies from anyway cause if you look closely Redheart some of those supplies are only found in the Imperium! The wagons and fish, along with the instant meals and food for the animals that your people have all came from the Imperium and some from our allies House Whitegold! So dont you sit there and tell me I dont know suffering." He glared hard at her as she cried.

" Look Redheart I just need to get some fresh supplies from the wagons for me and the kids here before I ship them off." He said passing her as she looked down while the kids followed behind him in their armor as she sniffled before slowly trudging behind them.

After a few hours later and the teens were all preped and ready while they took off their armor putting it in a bag to throw away when they were far enough away from the refuge. As the trio made it out of the camp they heard a someone calling Dark Star's name.

"Dark wait!" He turned to see Redheart running up to them making him frown.

"What do you want Redheart? Im kinda on the clock here so make it quick." He growled watching her sigh.

"Look Im sorry ok? Ive just been so stressed out with trying to keep everypony save here so Im really sorry that I flipped out on you and hit you." She said down before being bopped on the head.

"OW!"

"Next time you want to throw things in ponies faces that you dont know about stop and think Redheart, but it's good to see that your still alive in all this hell. Can you tell me which way to the nearest village is?" He asked getting a smile from the mare who was rubbing her head.

"Yeah just head Southeast from here and you'll come up on Whitetail village, but be careful Ive heard some really weird thing about that village and the city beyond it, if you dont want to go there go to Flim-Flam's Folly and from there to Happy Trails. But watch out for diamond dogs not all of them are under House Whitegolds banner." She warned getting a nod from him.

"Very well, come on you two lets go we got a long road ahead of us." He said getting nods from the kids as they headed out through the forest.

(2 days later)

Dark Star and the teens walked out of the forest coming out onto a road and from the looks of it some kind of factory.

"HALT!" The three turned to see Whitegold Militia troops coming towards them.

"State your name and business." A mare ordered while Dark smiled.

"Calm down, my name is High Lord Dark Star ruler of the Imperium." He stated pulling out the Imperial crest making them gasp.

"M,my lord Im so sorry please accept my apology." She stated as he grinned.

"No need to my dear all is forgiven." He smiled getting a sigh from her.

"Now ladies we must be off Im sure that Mistress Rarity will be surprised to see me."He said getting nods from the mares.

"Of course my lord please allow us to be your escort." She said getting a nod from him.

"Thank you ladies that's very kind of you but I dont want to impose on you, Im sure you have somewhere more important to be than guarding an old stallion like me." He chuckled as they giggled and laughed.

"No sir it would be our honor to escort you three there." She stated proudly.

"Of course and thank you ladies for your help." He said getting a smile from them.

"MARES ATTENTION! PARADE FORMATION AROUND THE HIGH LORD! MARCH!" She called out as they began to walk to the capital.

"You didnt tell us you were THE ruler of the Imperium?!" Moondancer said while he smiled down on them.

"You never asked." He said as they facehoofed while the Militia mares laughed.

"So tell me my lord what brings you to our lands?" She asked.

"Believe it or not Im on a personal mission right now and once we get to the next village these two are going to be going on a boat trip to Pearl Grotto and then to the Imperium." He said as she whistled.

"You kids are lucky, I always wanted to go to the Imperium for a few days but I never have the money to go after I pay my taxes and bills." She groaned.

"Well tell you what here take this, on your next time off I want you to come and be my personal guest till you come back to duty. Im sure my wife and especially my son would like to hear your stories." He smiled at her handing her a parchment as her eyes lit up.

"Oh thank you my lord! A thousand times thank you!" She said giddy as all the others crowded around her congradulating her and say how lucky she was.

After a few hours of walking they came to Happy Trails and some of the mares smiled.

"Well my lord here you go. We will wait on you till you get a ship to Pearl Grotto for the kids." The captain of the outfit said as they broke up enjoyed their break.

"Thank you Diamond Dusk, I want to talk to you for a little bit after a send the kids off and have them deliver a message for me to my wife. Im sure she and the family are worried so dont go to far." He said getting a big smile from her and a nod.

"Of course my lord please take your time." She stated walking away letting out a giddy squeal when one of her friend grabbed her a pulled her away as Dark chuckled and payed for a express trip to Pearl Grotto before handing the teens the tickets.

"Ok guys look your almost there Ill be right back and let me write Lady Vinyl a letter ok?" She's gonna be letting you two stay at my house till you start your training." He said confusing them.

"Training? For what?" The stallion ask as Dark smiled.

"For whatever you want. Once you get there and find something you want you will have to go to school for maybe a few more years to learn what you want. Unless you want to serve the Imperium with my son?" He asked as they looked at each other.

"Lord Dark what are you plans for Equestria? I heard you say something about House Moon and Star burning to Sargent Groundbreaker before you killed her." Moondancer asked as he sighed.

"Tell me what towns do your parents live in?" He asked getting strange looks from the two.

"Um both of us grew up in Green Fields near the border of Zebran Desert." Earthshaker said getting a sigh from him.

"Ok look you two in about two months time the Imperium along with the changelings and Griffon armies are going to take and purge Equestria and start over and if I can get her on my side House Everfree will be helping and I even have Whitegold helping us in tunnel networks that are all throughout Equestria." He smiled at them.

"This land has seen war for to long as it is and the longer the houses are up and running the wars will never stop and Equestria will be seen as nothing but a barbaric land." He said as they gawked at him.

"D, do you really think that you can do it? Can you really free us from all this?" He asked getting a nod from Dark.

"I dont think I can son I know I can, we will bring peace to Equestria again weather they want it or not." Dark said smiling before he was pulled into a group hug by the teens.

"Thank you Lord Dark Star." Moondancer said shedding a few tears hoping against hope that the wars would be over as Dark pulled them closer to him in a hug.

"No problem kids." He said walking off to get his letter to his wife.

An hour later the boat came up as Dark walked the two teens to the boat watching them smile at Dark and wave at the soldiers.

"Bye guys bye Lord Dark and thank you!" They shouted after he handed them the letter and whispered in Moons ear making her smile and nod before pulling him into another hug before stepping back.

"Be safe and tell my son I said hello for me and he better be practising!" He called out to them while they waved.

Dark turned and motioned for the mare to come with him as the others giggled and shooed her off.

"Tell me Diamond what do you know of the Dark village and city?" He asked watching her go stiff.

"My lord please I hope you are not planning to head there of all places. The village was lost to us some time ago to a strang cult and everytime we tried to retake it we encountered horrible beings not of this world and even the undead. Mistress Rarity has forbade us from going near the town and as for the dark city, all Ive heard is rumors and tales of demons and other things of dark magic." She said worried for him.

"Hm then that's where she will be, or where I can find some answers to her whereabouts." He said as she looked at him in worry.

"Lord Dark please dont go there its to dangerous." She pleaded while he smiled at her.

"My dear I have been on the battlefield since I was 10 years old, I can handle my own in a fight. Plus they have something that is very important to me and my family and I plan to get her back." He stated

"Who my lord?" She asked

"My wife Pinkie Pie." He stated as she went wide eyed.

"But Lady Pinkamena died 15 years ago my lord." She stated confused.

"Let me ask you Diamond, do you have a husband or child back home?" He asked as she nodded.

"Yes I have a 5 year old daughter back home." She stated still confused.

"Now tell me if your daughter died, gods forbid and you buried her how would you feel if somepony came to dug your little girl up and her body away to Luna knows where to do with only Luna knows what. You would want you daughter's body to back wouldnt so she could be layed to rest right?" He asked as she shook her head looking down.

"You see where Im coming from? My wifes body the mare that I loved with all my soul was disturbed and taken somewhere in Equestria and if I have to tartarus to get her back I will to bring her home and put her to rest." He stated as she sniffed and nodded.

"Of course my lord." She said in sorrow before he brought her head up to look at him.

"Now why dont you tell your friends you got hit on by the High Lord of the Imperium." He said making her gawk at him.

"But, but you didnt sir and, and, and, it would be wrong to lie to my friends." She stated making him smile wider.

"Well why dont we make it the truth how about you and me find a nice resturaunt to have dinner at once we get to Manehattan." He asked as her eyes widen and her mouth dropped.

"Ill need to find a babysitter and oooooohhhh!" She flushed bright red with a huge smile on her face.

"Why dont you bring your daughter with you to, Im sure that Mistress Rarity can make some room for another pony at the her table." He said watching her eyes roll into the back of her head and faint.

"Yep still got it." He said putting the soldier on his back and went out to see 14 mares huddled by a news stand with the listening in but quickly acted like they were trying to by something.

"Ladies come lets get to Manehatten before to long, Ill even buy you all dinner before your next shift." He said as they all squealed and went to get on a private boat that Dark called from Pearl Grotto.

(7 hours later)

15 gigging mares got off a boat with a large stallion in the middle of them laughing.

"Im telling you ladies if you want all you have to do is send me a letter and I will let the captain know that troop D of Company B is a permanent guest of the Imperial family. Now I and your lovely captain must be off we have to prepare for our date." He said as all the soldiers groaned.

"Now, now, none of that you still have a house to protect and Im sure that there as some Earthborn running a muck somewhere." He said as they sighed.

"Yes my lord." The sargent of the group groaned.

"Oh and Crystal Shimmer I expect you to train on that style I showed you and when you come to the Imperium I'll personally teach you the final part of the lessons." He called to one of the rookies who blushed and smiled.

"Yes sir I will!" She called back getting back on the boat so they could head back to Happy Trails as Dark looked down at the nervous mare.

"Now Diamond my dear I believe we have some shopping to do." He stated as her eyes went wide.

"You mean like past The Wall shopping?" She asked as he nodded.

"No other place my dear and tonights occation is on me." He said while she beamed up at him.

"Oh um why dont we head to my home its just down the lane her and straight shot to The Wall." She said as he nodded.

"Well lead the way dear Im at your mercy when it comes to the outer walls." He stated.

"O,of course." She stammered leading him to her home while he took in the sights.

'Once the plan is in motion these slums will be a thing of the past. I will not have these ponies living in these places unfit for a diamond dog to even rest.' He thought following her for quite a while till they were very close to The Wall before she turned down a small alley and to a small cottage that looked a little run down.

"Well this is it my little home." She said opening the door and holding it of him.

"Oh no Diamond ladies first." He said waving his hoof and bowing making her blush as others looked on.

"Thank you my lord." She said going in with him behind her.

"Please just Dark Star will be fine or Dark." He said as she nodded.

"Ok um Dark." She smiled when he nodded as she went to go and get her daughter.

"Miss Diamond? Are you home early?" Dark turned to see an old mare walk out of a hallway and stop looking at him.

"Hello who are you and why are you in my daughters home?" She as he smiled.

"Im sorry if I alarmed you ma'am my name is Dark Star and your daughter invited me to lunch after she escorted me to safety." He said holding out his hoof while she took it.

"Well your certainly a very polite stallion, my name is Sparkling Fields a pleasure to me you." She smiled as Diamond came in with her daughter.

"Oh hey mom I was looking for yooooou! Oh hehehe I see you met Lord Dark Star." She said very nervous as the old mare looked back at the stallion.

"Well honey I believe you got yourself a nice catch now dont loose him." She said patting her on the back.

"Now you take care of my little girl Mister Dark Star, lord or not I will make you regret hurting my baby." She stated while he smiled and nodded and looked over at Diamond who was nearly having a nervous break down.

"Of course ma'am I would never lead your daughter on, she's a very brave mare coming to my rescue like she did today." He said making her look back at Diamond.

"Diamond you better not be getting into any trouble while out on your patrols." She scolded her daughter.

"No momma Im not he was lost out by Flim-Flam's Folly is all I swear." She reassured the old mare who nodded before smacking Dark on the butt.

"He's nice and built to dear reminds me of your father when he was working the fields.

"THANK YOU MOTHER ILL SEE YOU LATER!" She yelled as the mare laughed while the mare closed the door on her.

"Im so so so sorry Dark Star she's getting old and well you saw it and she comes from the old days." She sighed completely embarrassed.

"Hm I wonder if that is how Vinyl will be when she gets old. Man I wonder how Im gonna be when I all old , slow and angry at kids being on my yard talking about nothing anypony cares about anymore." He mussed making her laugh as he looked at her and then the little filly by her leg.

"Oh hello sweetheart what's your name?" He asked but the girl just hid behind her mothers leg making them laugh.

"Come on sweetums tell Mister Dark your name." She coaxed her daughter but she just shook her head and stayed behind her mothers leg.

"Can she have sweets?" He asked as Diamond nodded.

"Hey do you like ice cream?" He asked as she looked at him with one eye while the other stayed behind her mother.

"What's ice cweam?" She asked as he looked back up to Diamond.

"Down here in the outer city they dont really sell candy or toys for the children that much." She said as he looked down saddly at the filly.

"Well its the most sweetest piece of frozen flavored milk you'll ever have and do you know where to get some?" He asked as she shook her head coming out to look at him.

"No mommy never told me about ice cream." The little filly stated as he smiled.

"Hey tell you what if you tell me your name Ill go and get you some candy and ice cream after you eat your dinner, hows that sound?" He asked as the filly looked up at her mother who smiled and nodded to let her know it was true.

"OK! Im Ruby and Im 5 years old!" She stated proudly getting a smile from him.

"Ruby huh? That a pretty name for a pretty cute filly and since you told me your age I have a surprise for you." He said looking at the giddy filly while he pulled out a small bag of his favorite flavored candies.

"This is a special candy that was made especially from a very special mare back home ok. It has every yummy flavor you can think of." He said pulling out a small rainbow colored ball.

"Ok when you put it in your mouth dont swollow it ok just suck on it till it goes away ok?" He said as the filly opened her mouth and he popped the candy in while her eyes whent wide and she started to drool.

"Mommy its soooo goood!" She sighed making the two adult smile.

"Ok so lets go shopping ladies I think its gonna be a very good day." He said smiling at the girls who grinned while Ruby slurped on her candy and headed to The Wall.

Dark Star had a deadpanned expression on his face watching the mare trying to find his name on the list to let in.

"Um sir I dont see your name on the list to-

"Ok you know what how bout this, tell Rartiy that if she dont get her flank down here in the next 15 minutes her appointment with Dark Star is going to be postponed for a month." He growled at his whits end while the mare nodded and sighed and sent the letter.

"Very well sir but whatever appointment she had in not so impor-

"HE WOULDNT DARE!" They heard the shout before a unicorn flashed to the gate and threw a scroll into the mares face.

"LET HIM IN NOW!" The mare yelled in the others who paniced fumbling with the gate controls as it slid open.

"Thank you Sapphire." He smiled at the mare who winked at him.

"Anytime sugar, when are you going to come visit me again?" She asked walking with the three as he gulped.

"Um well Im sure that Vinyl wouldnt be to happy if I stayed here all the time." He smiled as she pouted.

"Well when you feel like you need a break honey you just come let me know." She said turning to head back to the tower letting her tail flow across his face as he shuddered.

"That mare is something I dont think even I can handle." Dark sighed as he looked back at Diamond.

"Sorry about that ladies Sapphire Shores is a old friend of mine back before the sisters vanished and I did a few favors for her." He said scratching his neck.

"What kind of favors?" Diamond asked.

"Um lets just say it was a you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours thing she was a client back in my mercenary days." He chuckled.

" You were a merc?" She asked surprised as he smiled.

"Yep ever since I was 14 going from one battlefield to another." He stated as she looked down.

"Sounds like a horrible life." She mumbled.

"It was but I learned to deal with it. Put food on the table and paid whatever bills I had at the time." He stated as they continued to walk down the cobbled stoned road towards the Artisan District while a smile started to go across his face.

"What are you so happy about?" Diamond asked smiling with him.

"Well I have a friend here that is a famous singer and patron of this district I just got to remember where her- ah ha there it is." He said going to large building with the girls in tow with him when the bell hop stopped him.

"Im sorry sir but ponies from the undercity are not allowed in the ahem nobles offices." He spoke as Dark growled and looked back at Diamond.

"Is that how they treat the ponies in the undercity all the time? Like ponies under their hooves?" He asked as she sighed and nodded before he turned back to the boy.

"Listen little colt if you dont let me in the five seconds inside that penthouse to see Sweetie Belle Ill make sure the only job you have in your life will be a dishwasher." Dark threatened just when Sweetie Belle came out.

"Is there a prob-DARK STAR!" She screamed running to the large stallion pullling him into a hug.

"Hey Sweets! How you doing?" He asked as she beamed up at him before looking over at the mare and filly and looked at Dark confused.

"Who are they and why are you dressed like that? You look like your gonna rob somebody or something?" She asked as he laughed and followed her inside with the other two.

"Sorry Im trying to find Pinkie and I cant really go out as the High Lord of the Imerium, and this is Diamond and Ruby. Diamond saved me while coming out of the woods." He stated making Sweetie Belles eyes widen as they got into a elevator.

"Really!? Thank you so much for that. I dont know what we would do if we lost this old stallion." She said giggling as he grunted.

"Im not that old." He grumbled as she bumped his side.

"Aw dont worry we like you old." She said as he grumbled again making them laugh.

"So what can I do for you Darks?" She asked as he smiled.

"Well I was wondering if you could tell me the fastest way to the tower so I can ask some advice from Rarity." He replied getting nod from her.

"Sure we can take my private sky carrage, it goes straight to the tower." Sweetie Belle said getting a nod and looked back at Diamond.

"Come on Diamond you guys are gonna love this." He stated as they followed Sweeite out to the landing pad to see four stallions ready to go.

"Ok boys Im heading to the tower with my guest and make it fast." She said getting a grin from them.

"Yes ma'am." They said while they all climbed in and got comfortable before they took off to the Ivory Tower.

"So how has your trip been so far Dark?" She asked as he sighed.

"Well I saw the Apple family, Applebloom was really happy to see me and after a fight with Big Mac he was happy to see me, Granny smiled at me, and Applejack yelled at me and tried to kill me." He sighed as Sweetie Belle gasped.

"What did you do?" She asked as he smiled.

"I bucked her into the wall around her capital in front of her family and people." He chuckled as they all smiled.

"Well serves her right." Sweetie Belle stated with a huff.

"Yeah well I did destroy one of her watchtowers, and like three towns along with her soldiers nearly burning down another one and it didnt help that when she saw me I was in the middle of a circle of dead Earthborn soldiers." He said as she looked at him wide eyed along with Diamond while Ruby rolled the candy in her mouth around.

"Why did you do that Dark?" She asked as they landed.

"The towns and its people along with the watchtower were all taken over by the Cult of The Laughing Mare." He stated when the door opened while they all gasped.

"We have arrived Ms. Sweetie Belle." The stallion stated while holding the door open for them as they all climbed out.

"Thats terrible! You did the right thing Dark Star, the cult have been giving us trouble even here in the city with sleeper cells and agents." She stated while Diamond gasped.

"Really my unit and I have only been patroling the outskirts of the house, I never knew they were here to." She stated while Sweetie nodded.

"Yes even here in the capital they are here but we're slowly weeding them out." Sweetie smiled getting a nod from the captain.

"What of the Undercity?" She asked as Sweetie Belle bit her lip.

"The Undercity will be cleaned out as soon as things are taken care of in the Innercity." Sweetie said looking down.

"I see." She said nervous while Dark growled a little.

"Tell you what Diamond how bout you and your famliy stay in my personal home I have here in the Innercity till things cool down in the Undercity." He offered as they all looked at him surprised.

"Are you serious Lord Dark?" She asked while he narrowed his eyes at her making her smiled sheepishly.

"Yes Im serious, I want my savior protected and with me purging the filth from around here hopefully when I take down the cult village and city I can get you some info on your own cult problem." He stated as they nodded.

"Thanks Dark that would help us out a lot when the Operation New Horizon starts." She said as he nodded while Diamond looked at them confused.

"What's Operation New Horizon?" She asked as they looked at her.

"Sorry but you will get the final details of from your commanders." Sweetie said as Diamond nodded.

"YOU! HOW DARE YOU THREATEN ME LIKE THAT!" They turned to see Rarity stomping her way up to Dark Star glaring at him.

"Why would you say such a thing darling!? That is a very mean thing to do to a friend knowing that I look forward to those visits with you and my appointment." She said stomping her hoof to drive her point home as he smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry Rarity, but I knew that it would get the gate open for me and why isnt my name on the list?" He asked as she glared.

"And thats another thing darling why would you use the Undercity of all places to come in? I have your own private carriage waiting for you when ever your near the city." She pouted dramaticly.

"Well if it wasnt for this mare right here I would be lost and would have been heading to White Tail Village." He said as Rartiy whipped her head to Diamond who smiled and waved nervously.

"Is this true?" She asked as Diamond nodded.

"Yes mistress." She said at attention.

"Your one of our soldiers?" She asked getting a stiff nod while the filly slurped on the candy in her mouth loudly.

"Well thank you so much darling, Lord Dark Star is a very dear friend to my family dear you have done a great service to not only Whitegold but also the Imperium." She stated as Diamond puffed her chest out a little while her daughtered did the same making Dark and Sweetie Belle smile.

"Name your reward and I will do my best to grant it." Rarity stated.

"I need none mistress I live to serve." She stated making Rarity smile.

"Oh Rarity I do have a reward for her and you since I will be healing your arm to do it, I want you to make her the finest dress that only you can do spare no expence since Im paying for it. Ill even come back after the operation is done early to heal you." He said making her eyes sparkle.

"DEAL!" She said looking back at Diamond with a fire in her eyes that havent been there in 15 years.

"Meet me in my chambers darling in 10 minutes so I can measure you and your daughter." Rarity said while Diamond mouthed thank you to the mare and took her daughter with her following Sweetie Belle as Dark followed Rarity.

(Rarity's chambers)

As Dark Star opened the door for Rarity she smiled at him walking inside as he walked in behind her passing her by the door frame.

"So where to you want to do this Rares? On the bed or- WHAAA!" He was taken by surprise when the diva threw him on the bed and jumped on pinning him to the bed.

"Uh Rarity?"

"I heard of what you did with Fluttershy Dark Star, very bad on your part." She stated slyly as he smiled.

"What jealous?" He joked but the look on her face told him she was.

"YES OK! Yes Im jealous, Ive been jealous since you and Pinkie got together! Then you begin a herd with Applejack and Lightning Dust and even brought in Vinyl Scratch one of your fellow students!" She yelled rolling off the bed and him.

"Well why didnt you say anything Rares? If you had said anything and been a part of my herd would you had moved with me to the Imperium along with Sweetie or would you leave her here?" He asked a she glared at him.

"I would have moved and taken Sweetie Belle with me in heart beat darling." She said moving over to him running her hoof over his face.

"Ive wanted you since the very begining but I knew that you were the right stallion for Pinkie when I saw the happy look on her face and when she would go on and on about you and then I had to hear it from Applejack and the other mares. I mean for the gods sake Dark, Vinyl wouldnt shut up about what a stud you were in bed or how you were the greatest thing that ever happened to them." She groaned plopping down in one of her chairs.

"I, I was green with envy of those mares Dark Star and when you left I was devistated, but seeing you again in your armor after so long my heart soared seeing you so handsome and I was so upset and angry at Applejack for leaving you the way she did all those years ago. But I thought that I would finally have a chance to tell you have I felt but then the war with Shining and Chrysalis started and you had to leave again." She said looking up at him with tears flowing.

"Then you and Gilda started to date, I was heart broken again falling back into the background as your supportive friend." She stated hugging him close to her.

"Then this happened and Twilight tries some kind of dark magic nearly killing Rainbow and then killing Pinkie and I was there for you but I couldnt act on my feelings for you when you needed comfort from a friend. Then Lightning left you and I dropped everything as soon as I heard and came as fast as I could to see you, and then the war broke out and I just havent found the right time to tell you how I felt when either we're never alone or something always comes up stopping me." She stated crying taking a tissue and dabbing her eyes and looked up at him and his shocked exprestion.

"Raity Im so sorry." He said pulling her close to him.

"Am I to late?" He asked as she gave a choking laugh while he wiped her tears away.

"No you stupid stallion, now come here." She smiled pulling him into a deep searing kiss making them both moan before they pulled back.

"I expect on of those each time we see each other from now on good sir as soon as you tell your wife about us." She smiled as he nodded.

"Oh yes mistress." He said as she pushed him against the bed frame."

"Mmmm and you better remember or I'll have to punish you." She giggled nibbling on his neck before she pulled back.

"Now darling your date will be here soon so please work your magic." She said as he nodded and got to work on her making her moan when he would kiss his way down her body claiming it as his on each part he kissed making her give a happy smile.

After he was done he pulled her into a deep kiss making her give a happy moan before he pulled back.

"Ill see you later beatiful." He said winking closing the door waiting for a few seconds before getting a big grin on her face.

"YES! HAHAHA!" She cheered dancing when the door opened to see Diamond come in with her daughter.

"Something good ma'am?" She asked while Rarity nodded.

"Oh yes dear the best thing Ive heard in 15 years darling." She said humming getting her old glasses on and setting in a chair she longed to sit in for a long time.

"Just give me a moment darling its been a long time since Ive done this with my condition so let me get back into the swing of things." She said running a hoof over the sewing machine that Dark got her just before he shipped off for the final battle with Shining and his forces.

"Mistress are you ok?" Diamond asked as Rarity turned back to her and smiled.

"Better than I have been in a long time darling now hush and let me think." She said said taking their measurments and thinking what would go good with them. Diamond was and all white mare with a black snout and her daughter was just the opposite.

(6 hours later)

Diamond and a sleeping Ruby on her back walked out of Rarity's chamber with a tired sigh before looking back at Rairty who poked her head out.

"Now darling if I know Dark Star and I know I do he will be waiting for you at the main lobby on this floor ready to take you to his home here, now dont be back for another three days and I will have your dress ready for you. Now shoo shoo I must CREATE!" She said giggling closing the door as they sighed.

"Mommy can we go home now?" Ruby asked getting a smile from her mother.

"Ok baby girl come on we're gonna be staying with Mister Dark Star tonight at his house." She said as the filly snuggled into her mane as they walked around the corner just when the elevator dinged and outstepped Dark Star.

"Well ladies are you ready to go?" He asked letting the mare lean on him when she got in making him smile at her.

After a few minutes and a short walk to Darks Embassy he had his staff to feed the two girls and send them off to bed as he sat down with his general that was stationed in Equestria.

"Gentalmen first off how have you been? I hope that things have been quiet for this corner for you stallions."

"Unfortunatlely my lord yes nothing really to report in our little corner of the world. I cant wait to start the operation sir is all." The old general said as Dark smiled.

"I know Im sorry but until the operation please try to enjoy yourselves here while you can, remember in a few months time we will begin the crusade and the even the heavens will be in awe at our might." He said getting a cheer from the stallions and mares.

"Now tell me about how our sleeper cells in Earthborn and Stormwing?" He asked as they all straightened up.

"Sir the spies we have are good to go along with the cells in Earthborn. The cells in Moon and Star report that the house is having finance troubles and are starting to overtax the people along with starving the slaves to death or working them to it." The old general said as Dark grit his teeth.

"Twilight is going to-

"Mister Dark? I have to pottey." They turned to see the door open and Ruby standing there with a stressed look on her face.

"Ok ok come on sweety lets get you to the pottey." He said guideing the filly to the bathroom down the hall.

After he brought her back to her mother and tucked her in giving her a small kiss on the head.

"Now go to sleep ok and Ill get you your ice cream tomorrow ok?" He said as she smiled and layed down as he covered her up and walked out the door leaving the door cracked so some light could come in and she wouldnt be scared.

As he came back into the meeting room he saw them all smiling at him making him sigh and smile himself.

"What? I cant help it, its a dad thing ok?" He said as they laughed.

"We werent making fun my lord just smiling with pride that our ruler has a heart." The general said making him chuckle.

"Well lets get on with the meeting Im sure your all tired, now tell me about the refugee camps around here and the towns." He said.

"Sir most of the towns that arent taken by a house are controlled by the cult and those that arent are raided by rebels and bandits." A young mare spoke up as he sighed.

"Very well lets help those that we can right now and hope the others last for another 2 months." He said yawning as he ended the meeting heading to bed.