Fallen Eagle

Chapter 58: Change in the Air

Hello all my loyal readers! Thankfully I got this chapter done in a more respectful amount of time than three weeks. I don't have much to say in this author's note, except there's a LOT that happens in this chapter, and I hope you guys like everything I've added. Plus, we're only 9 reviews away from 700, can we make it happen this chapter?

Nostalgia Cop: It's my story, and of course I have a say in the matter. We find you in contempt of court; you're sentenced to reading nothing but Cupcakes and Rainbow Factory for the rest of your life *bangs gavel*

WarHusky2000: I do try to update at least twice a month if I have time, but since I review new episodes of MLP on my YouTube channel, I lose weekends for writing :/

Monkeyboy0118: Oh man, sorry to hear about the flooding. Hope everyone's okay bro!

SquirtlePWN: Thank you very much! Though I didn't want him to automatically be okay with it; he needed to think about it first, mainly because he was concerned for Flash and Twilight's feelings. But I'm glad you liked how I wrote it anyway!

Sassymouse: PERISH THE THOUGHT! There shall still be Twilight/Spike mother/son moments! And I wanted Twilight and Flash to approach Spike like this because I HATE movies and TV shows that just have the mom butter the son or daughter up and then their new parter just comes right in as if nothing's wrong.

SkullCrusher550: Thank you!

headreviewer mk2: Oh trust me, I have HUGE plans for the 4th of July!

ShiningShadow1965: Well I actually don't hate Flash, but he was just given NO personality whatsoever. He plays the guitar...that's it. When I chose to get Flash and Twilight back together, I wanted to take the opportunity to give Flash a personality and make him a likable and relatable guy. And as for their breakup earlier in the story, I wanted to have it where they BOTH had a part in why their relationship failed. I'm tired of stories where it's all on one member of the party. EVERYONE makes mistakes, and I just wanted to showcase that.

Caleb200888: If the app finally integrated the PM feature, I'd use that instead of using the internet on my phone.

Furi-Schtiff-Poi: Sometimes I like mini chapters :/

Dixie: I guess the writers of Season 6 saw how I was using Spike lol

uss71832: Exactly! I just HATE how in movies/tv shows a single parent butters up their kid so they'll like their 'new parent', and the new parent just waltzes right in like nothing's different.

OBSERVER01: Yes sir!

All right guys, please read and review this chapter; a LOT happens, and hopefully some people flip out!

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(Friday; Ivan's POV)

"I wish I had a Delorean," I grumbled, crossing my arms as I stared at the clock in AJ's bedroom. The past few days had thankfully been calm and peaceful so we could get situated back into our normal routines. That's not to say nothing interesting happened; Twilight called all of us over to her castle the day after we returned home to make an announcement. Turns out that she and Flash are giving their relationship another go and that Flash would be living in the castle with her and Spike. Myself, AJ, and Spike were the only ones that weren't surprised. Flash and Twilight told Spike the night before, and AJ and I figured out they were together again back at Celestia's castle.

"A De what?" Applejack asked as she smoothed out her stetson. As for now, myself and the Apple Clan were getting ready to meet up with the rest of our friends to head to Canterlot. Today was the day of the ceremony Celestia planned for those of us that risked our lives to save Luna, and I was not looking forward to it. Although I promised AJ that I'd work at getting better of publicly recognizing my military accomplishments, it wasn't something I could shake away in one day.

"A time machine, hun," I replied, staring at my reflection in her dresser mirror. Rarity had spent yesterday making an 'outfit presentable for such an honor' for me to wear at the ceremony. Thankfully it wasn't anything over the top like a tuxedo; a dark tan colored button shirt and matching colored pants worked enough for me.

"Aw, don't tell me yer gettin' cold feet already Sugarcube?" The mare sat down next to me on the bed, curling a foreleg around my midsection. Ever since my arm was free of its sling, I took every opportunity to hug Applejack with my left arm. "It's not like yer gonna make a grand speech or anythin'. All ya do is listen ta Celestia talk, 'n then she might give ya a medal or somethin', Ah'm actually not quite sure," Applejack snuggled against me.

"Didn't you and the girls get a special ceremony for beating Discord?"

"Yeah, but we got rewarded with our own stained window in Celestia's castle," Applejack explained. "Ah'm not too sure if she'll give you 'n everyone else yer own window; she might wanna give one ta Princess Luna, Checkered, 'n their colt when it's born. Otherwise she might run outta windows," she chuckled. I grimaced at the thought of Celestia rewarding us with that. A constant reminder of how good I was to everyone didn't sit too well with me.

"I think I can live with a medal," I grinned, gently removing AJ's stetson so I could rest my chin on her head. The mare sighed contently, nuzzling her golden blonde mane against my neck.

"There ya go, Ivan. Just one step at a time," AJ's lips lightly grazed against my neck, causing a shiver to run up my spine and all over my body. The mare sensed the tingling in my body and chuckled again. "Sorry there Sugarcube, didn't mean ta get ya all excited."

"Y-yeah," I stammered until the tingling sensation wore off, "w-we should save that for tonight, right?" I winked. I was caught off guard when Applejack pulled away from me, looking like she had something serious on her mind. Sighing, Applejack put a hoof on my shoulder and stared directly in my eye.

"Sugarcube, Ah've been meanin' ta talk ta ya about that…." The fact that she trailed off worried me a little. "But not now," she quickly added before I could even think of a response. "It's best ta talk about this when yer not anxious about receivin' an award in front 'o hundreds 'o ponies."

"….Okay?" I replied, a little confused. I mean I was the one who brought it up, but I was just joking. Did we have to make special accommodations for tonight? If she wanted to talk about it later, then we'll talk about it later.

"Besides, Applebloom might hear if we discuss this now," she added. Just as she finished her sentence, the door swung open, surprising the both of us.

"Applebloom might hear what?" The yellow filly in question cocked her head to the side as she held the door open. "Ah was just wonderin' when we're leavin' is all," she added when AJ nor I could come up with anything to say to Applebloom.

"Uh, nothin Bloom. It was older folk talk," I blatantly lied to the filly. I didn't want to, but I was NOT about to admit to her that her older sister and I were talking about having sex. With my arm on AJ's back, I lightly pinched her fur to try and get her to go along with the fib, even if it made her feel worse than I did.

"Y-yeah," Applejack pursed her lips and looked away from her little sister. I wouldn't tell it to her, but good God Applejack had the worst poker face I've ever seen. Although it still looked cute how she tried to keep a straight face whilst lying.

"Hmph!" Applebloom looked extremely frumpy from our bullshit explanation. "Ah am a big pony!" She grumbled under her breath.

"Look Sugarcube, we'll be leavin' once Twilight 'n Spike get back from their little presentation in Canterlot," Applejack cleared her throat.

"Ugh, but when's that gonna be? Aren't we on a tight schedule with the princesses anyway?"

"Just be patient, Bloom," I replied sweetly, standing up just to ruffle her mane. "Twilight and Spike just need to drop off some of their presentation equipment at their castle so they can safely store it for this weekend," I explained precisely what Twilight told all of us the same day she and Flash revealed they were a couple again. "Flash is just gonna stay in Canterlot as extra security for the ceremony."

"Well, Ah guess they can't start the ceremony without ya," Applebloom sighed.

"Trust me, we'll know when it's time ta leave, Applebloom," Applejack reassured her little sister, reaching over and hugging her.

"All right," the filly conceded, returning AJ's hug if only to be released from the older pony's grip. "Y'all just better hope we can wake up Granny Smith when it's time ta leave," She remarked as she trotted away and shut the door. Both Applejack and I breathed a sigh of relief as I returned to the bed, running my hands through my hair.

"That was a lil too close."

"Eh, she seemed to buy it," I held Applejack around her waist and pulled her in close, trying to get adjusted back to our previous position. Though, I couldn't help but think of something that had been bugging me for a good few days. Luna and Checkered, though it was more than likely Luna, announced at breakfast the morning of the reunion that they planned to get married two weeks from Friday. Which meant that it was now two weeks from today that they would become united under Celestia as a married couple. And since AJ wanted a change in the conversation for a more appropriate time, I decided to ask her. "Hey Applejack," I gently shook her to get her attention.

"Whatcha need, Sugarcube?" She looked up at me with her big green eyes.

"I didn't want to question Luna and Checkered's timing, but don't you think she's letting the excitement of marrying Checkered get to her? I mean two weeks from today? That's cutting it a bit close don't you think?" I questioned, hoping she might have an answer for me.

"Hmm," she began to chew on her cheek to help her think. "Well, Princess Celestia had all of us pretty much plan Cadence 'n Shinin' Armor's weddin' a few years back. An' back then we only had a few days ta do it," she explained. 'A few days?!' I thought to myself.

"Talk about last minute right?" I snickered, raising an eyebrow at the sheer absurdness of the idea.

"Actually, none of us really minded all that much, Ivan," Applejack shrugged. "Ah had ta cook the food, Pinkie had ta plan the reception, Fluttershy had ta get her bird choir all practiced up fer the weddin' march, Rainbow had ta do a Sonic Rainboom, Rarity had ta make the dresses fer Cadence, us, AND the bridesmaids, 'n Twilight, well she just had ta oversee everythin'," she replied with a smile at the memory. "'Course it wasn't really Cadence that we were plannin' the weddin' for. When we did have ta re-plan everythin' for the real Cadence, that was really last minute, but it all worked out."

"Heh, well, fair enough. I guess two weeks isn't too bad. Back on Earth, engaged couples usually took a year to a year and a half to plan their weddings. Adam and Emma took about a year after they got engaged to plan everything out."

"Well, Ah'm sure Cadence 'n Shinin' Armor were engaged a lil longer than the few days we had ta help with their weddin'," Applejack chuckled at my concern, adjusting her position by shifting up onto her haunches. I suppose it was a little uncomfortable for her to sit with her hind legs hanging over the edge of the bed for a long period of time. Though I didn't mind; she still had her foreleg curled around my torso. "But hey, at least we all got the same jobs as last time, 'n Luna got you a job for the weddin' so yer not left out!" She pecked my cheek, forcing a blush to my skin.

It was true. That same morning at breakfast, Luna requested that everyone take the same jobs as during Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding. Well, all except for Rainbow Dash who'd be grounded from Wonderbolt activities for about three weeks at the least. And due to my taste in music, especially my performance with Vinyl at the Gala, the Princess of the Night and Checkered Flag asked me to take one of the most important jobs. "Hey, at least we get to see Vinyl again, but I'm glad I don't actually have to perform this time."

"An' YOU get ta pick out the song that Luna 'n Checkered get ta dance to for the first time as husband 'n wife. That's a pretty honorable responsibility there, Sugarcube," Applejack exclaimed. "We all trust ya, but Ah hope y'all pick a good one fer them." A cocky smirk spread across my face, confusing my girlfriend.

"Oh, don't worry about that, AJ. I picked it about five minutes after Luna and Checkered asked me," I said teasingly albeit a little hint of smugness.

"Five minutes?!" She pulled away from me in shock. "Ivan, Ah'm not Twilight, but even Ah think that's not really a fair try. Y'all told me that phone thing 'o yers has hundreds of songs ta choose from," she reminded me.

"Hey, besides you AJ, Luna's my best friend here," I replied with a smirk, cupping her cheek with my left hand. I could barely feel her cheek tingling from my touch. "Don't you trust me to pick out a good song for her and Checkered to dance to?"

"That depends, hun," AJ snorted, the air from her nose tickled my wrist.

"….On?"

"What song did ya end up pickin'?" AJ narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously. I gently massaged her cheek, knowing she wouldn't be too pleased with my answer.

"Sorry AJ, but that's classified. I want it to be a surprise for everyone; I don't even plan to tell Vinyl or Celestia what it is." I had to bite my tongue to keep a pretty hearty laugh from escaping my mouth at the mare's reaction.

"Really?" She questioned with a deadpanned face.

"Fine. I can tell you that it's a country song at least." Her expression softened up a bit at that nugget of information, but she was still none too pleased that I had to keep the song a secret from her.

"Well….all right then," she paused, still eyeing me suspiciously. I just loved how tough this mare was, both physically and emotionally. She could be loving and playful, but also rugged and serious at the same time. "But," she continued, her hoof poking at my chest ripped me from staring at her, "it'd better be a damned good one for spendin' just five minutes-" Applejack squeaked as I cut her off, gently planting my mouth over hers. It didn't take her long to cup my cheek in return with her hoof and kiss back.

"Did I ever tell you I love it when you talk like that?" I asked when I pulled away from the mare.

"W-what?" She was still blushing.

"When you talk like a boss or a hard nosed cop," I explained, stroking the back of her mane. "It's sexy," I winked and leaned back closer to the mare. I placed my other hand over her chest, feeling her heartbeat rising from the praise I gave about her personality.

"I-Ivan!" She giggled nervously, yet gladly welcomed my lips back to hers.

"Thanks for helping me keep calm today," I thanked her as our lips touched again. AJ moved her forelegs around my neck to pull me in closer while I hugged her torso. Since we weren't alone in the house and we could be leaving any minute now, we made sure things didn't get too heated. Just as we both opened our mouths, there was a terrible crash in the room followed by my pet phoenix freaking out.

CRASH

Fawkes began squawking and flapping about like mad, trying to scare off whatever had broken into AJ's room. Thankfully, both of us pulled away and didn't bite down on the other's tongue, jumping up to see what was going on. A mass of pink fur and hair lay sprawled below Applejack's broken window where Fawkes as trying swipe down at the intruder. "PINKIE!" Applejack exclaimed loudly. "What in the good name 'o Celestia are ya doin' sneakin' in like this?!" She demanded, stomping over to her party loving friend.

The party mare looked up at the two of us and shook her head, presumably to clear her eye sight, hopping up to her hooves. "Cougar, AJ! You gotta come back with me!" She grabbed Applejack's shoulders, hyperventilating from running from wherever she came.

"Woah, just slow down Pinkie," AJ advised as I held out my arm for Fawkes to land on so he'd calm himself. "What the Tartarus is going on?" Applejack nodded in agreement, trying to pry Pinkie's hooves from her shoulders. Pinkie then quickly cupped Applejack's cheeks, slamming their faces together so she could stare directly into my girlfriend's eyes.

"It's Twilight and Spike; they might be in trouble! I was just taking a normal stroll around Ponyville with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity to pass the time when a huge burst magic shot out from the castle!"

"What? Did anyone else notice?" I asked, waiting to see when Pinkie would release Applejack from her hooves.

"I'm not too sure!" Pinkie looked back at me, her face somewhat deranged. "Me and the girls just hightailed it over to get you guys! NOW MOVE IT!" She suddenly slipped behind me and Applejack, shoving us toward the window.

"Hold on there Pinkie!" Applejack dug her rear legs into the floor. "How about the door?" She asked as we could see Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all waiting for us down below in front of the house.

"We can't waste time using doors, silly! Twilight and Spike might need our help!"

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(Twilight's Castle; Ivan's POV)

As soon as Pinkie forced myself and Applejack to jump from the lower roof of the Apple family house, the six of us jogged our way through town to get to Twilight's castle. Well, Fluttershy kept Rainbow Dash company in the air as they flew above us. The latter mare grumbled along the way because of how slow she had to fly due to her leg. We didn't even stop once we reached the main doors of the castle; they were left ajar and we pretty much plowed right through, expecting to see either Twilight and Spike or an intruder. Alas, we were met with the mere emptiness of the castle foyer and no sign of anyone. With adrenaline still pumping through my veins, I kept my eyes and ears peeled, searching for anything out of the ordinary while we journeyed through the corridors. Despite it being early afternoon and the sun was seeping in through the windows, being in a huge and seemingly empty building where every little noise bounced off the walls was unsettling. "Pinkie, are you sure Twilight just wasn't doing an experiment?" Rarity questioned, being the first one of us to speak since we entered the castle.

We were moving at about half the pace that we traveled just to get here. Despite wanting to find Twilight and Spike if only to make sure they were okay, running in without a real plan wouldn't have been smart. The six of us had to pretty much act like police investigators looking for clues and staying quiet for anything suspicious. With Rarity's keen eye for detail, my pilot's alertness and reaction time, and Rainbow's incredible multitasking, the three of us took the lead to look for clues and watch out for danger.

"Uh-uh! I know when Twilight experiments with spells; this was something bigger than Twilight's ever done!" Pinkie shook her head.

"Well, didn't she tell us that she was just dropping some of her presentation junk off before coming to get all of us?" Rainbow Dash replied, looking back.

"Yeah, I don't recall her ever mentioning testing out a new spell or anything," Fluttershy nodded. "Oh, I hope she or Spike aren't hurt." All of this information left a sinking feeling in my gut. If all Twilight was doing was dropping some stuff off, and Pinkie witnessed a huge surge of magic shooting out from the castle, then what if someone was waiting for Twilight and Spike to….I didn't even want to finish that sentence in my head.

"Isn't Flash s'posed ta be livin' here too?" Applejack added as our pace slowed down so we could survey the area better. "He is a guard fer Twilight after all."

"He is, but Twilight told me that Celestia wanted him to stay in Canterlot after Twilight's presentation in the library," Rarity explained. This all started to become weirder and weirder. While the girls talked about what could have happened, I was looking around at everything in the large hallways, scanning for any signs of damage, forced entry, or possible burglary, but the castle was just as pristine as the last time we were here. I've seen some instances where magic will burn some surfaces, but there wasn't a scratch on any of the floors or walls.

"Uh Pinkie, I'm not doubting you at all, but this place looks as neat and orderly as Twilight always leaves it," I remarked, turning around. "It doesn't look like anything happened." The five mares stopped moving and took a look around like I had done. However, upon everyone coming to a halt, something just….tingled in the back of my skull. I whirled around just as Fluttershy screamed, and saw a huge wall of magic surging through the hallway directly at us! "GET DOWN!" I tackled all five mares, holding them down on the ground as magic seeped over us. The wave of magic now sounded like a distant freight train while Fluttershy and Rarity screamed bloody murder from the suddenness of getting tackled to the ground.

"What in Equestria was that?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed once the magic was gone. "And let me up!" She snorted in my direction, pushing me away. Somehow her leg wasn't further injured, but she still wasn't pleased that I yanked her to the ground.

"Sorry girls," I apologized, rolling over to let the girls stand up. "Hehe," I nervously chuckled after realizing that Fluttershy was pinned to the ground directly below me. The yellow mare's cheeks blushed from how close we were, so I pushed myself away as quickly as possible. I threw in another apology to the meek pegasus after helping her up, but she didn't mind too much. I quickly helped the others to their hooves, trying to shake off that little embarrassing moment while dealing with some pressure radiating through my ribs.

"I-It's okay Cougar," she squeaked as Rarity fixed up her own mane.

"First 'n foremost, everypony okay?" Applejack questioned. Everyone sounded off that they weren't hurt, just shook up.

"You girls sure I didn't hurt you?" I questioned just to be safe. AJ, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie all assured me they were okay and thankful for my quick reaction. Although Rainbow attempted to remind us of her broken leg again.

"Besides my-"

"Not now Rainbow, please," Rarity rolled her eyes. "We do feel sorry for your injury, but we could do without the constant reminders." The Wonderbolt grumbled and scowled, walking forward as fast as she could on three legs. I could not pinpoint how in the hell I could feel the wall of magic heading for us. As a pilot, having heightened perception to the environment around me was a huge requirement to fly a multimillion dollar jet at twice the speed of sound. Yet, I've never had perception that good in my life.

"You all right there, Sugarcube?" Applejack nudged my elbow when I drifted off into my own little world.

"Yeah, I just didn't want you girls to get hurt."

"Well, it doesn't seem like that did anythin' ta us, but it'd sure be nice ta know where it came from 'n who cast that spell," Applejack muttered, taking another look around the hallway.

"SHHH!" Pinkie Pie loudly silenced all of us, putting her ear to the ground. "I hear voices," Pinkie talked out of the side of her mouth. I tried to listen as best as I could, but even with the vast corridors, I couldn't hear anything. That's not to say no one else could, however.

"Ah hear 'em too," Applejack took a step forward, her right ear twitching like crazy. "Just barely though."

"The throne room!" Rarity gasped.

"You can tell where that's coming from?" I questioned in disbelief. I didn't care how good of hearing these mares have; there should be no way they could tell where the voices were coming from since they could barely hear the voices to begin with.

"Well, the throne room is the pivotal room in any castle, darling," Rarity raised an eyebrow, probably displeased with my tone.

"Not to mention it's where the Cutie Map is," Fluttershy added with a gulp.

"Then there's no time to lose! To the throne room ladies!" Pinkie declared, jumping to her hooves dramatically. "And Cougar," she added with a giggle. Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack all took off ahead of us like race horses bursting from the starting gates, leaving me, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash behind.

"Need some company, Rainbow?" I asked the pegasus, starting off with a jog. The cyan mare mumbled something under her breath, but my best guess was she said, 'Bite me.'

"Wait up girls," Fluttershy attempted to call out.

"All right then," I shook my head before slipping my arm around Rainbow's torso, lifting her up with ease.

"HEY! PUT ME DOWN!" She fought, trying to squirm around in my grip without hurting her leg.

"I'll put you down when we get to the throne room," I replied, beginning to run as fast as I could to catch up to the other three ponies.

"Oh my, oh my. Don't hurt her!" Fluttershy landed on the ground and ran beside me. We were on the move in no time, playing catch me if you can with our friends. The three mares were pink, white, and orange blobs from how far behind we were, but we were closing in. Rainbow grunted with each hard step I took, but she never yelped or cried out in pain. I swore to her that if she felt pain I would slow down running. We eventually caught up with Pinkie, Rarity, and AJ as they had slowed down once they approached the throne room doors.

I skidded to a halt and nearly slid into Rarity as we reached our destination, gently dropping Rainbow to the ground. "OW!" I seethed when she punched my arm with her good leg.

"Warn me next time you do that!" She growled with a snort.

"Hush up you two!" Applejack snapped. "Okay Pinkie," she took in a deep breath, "one, two, three," she counted off, pushing the doors open with Pinkie Pie. Even with my throbbing arm, my muscles tensed up, preparing for whatever would meet us on the other side. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all gasped simultaneously the instant we got a clear view into the throne room. Standing next to the Cutie Map, Twilight and Spike whirled around at our sudden appearance, looking stressed and exhausted. And yet, they weren't alone in the throne room.

"Ah!" A purple unicorn mare standing next to Twilight yelped. The unicorn was a lighter shade of purple than Twilight, had a large curled mane and matching tail that was dark purple with a streak of light purple and mint green, and a cutie mark of a purple four cornered star with what appeared to be a mint green colored wisp of smoke or magic coming out of the left side of the star.

"Guys!" Spike exclaimed happily.

"Um, uh, hello," the mare stuttered uncomfortably, looking scared. Even though I had no clue who she was, I didn't blame her for being scared. Everyone in the room besides her, Twilight, Spike and myself were either growling or glaring daggers at the unicorn. Applejack's expression reminded me of Sarah Connor's from T2 when she attempted to kill Miles Dyson. Or the unicorn could've been startled by my presence.

"Woah girls," I called out calmly, taking a step forward and turning around to face them. "Can't we get an introduction before we kill someone with our eyes?" Rainbow Dash proceeded to gingerly fly up so that she was eye level with me, continuing to glare.

"That," she spat out, pointing behind me, "is the bitch that stole our cutie marks!" It took me a quick second to understand what she was getting at, but it soon clicked. Turning to the side to give Rainbow another view, I looked between Twilight and the mare. Something was definitely wrong when Rarity didn't try to correct Rainbow's language.

"Sunlight, if I'm not mistaken?" I remarked in a gravelly voice, taking my own step forward.

"S-S-Starlight," she corrected in a heavy sweat. "Starlight Glimmer."

"Are you two okay?" I asked, turning over to Spike and Twilight after glaring at Starlight for a good minute.

"Was she the reason your castle was throwing up magic earlier?" Pinkie Pie added, taking a step closer to Starlight. Before anyone else could say or do anything, Twilight stepped in front of Starlight, even unfurling a wing to block her. Starlight looked uneasily between us and Twilight, looking confused and afraid.

"Look guys, it's kind of a long story," Twilight exhaled, giving us a pleading look to listen to her.

"We're willing to listen darling," Rarity replied, "do go on." Twilight sighed and removed her wing from in front of the timid unicorn. "Starlight, do you mind giving me and my friends some time to talk about this?"

"Uhhh, sure," the mare nodded feverishly once she saw all of our distrustful expressions. I held the door open for the unicorn as she took a walk of shame in between all of us, looking as timid as a Walmart employee on Black Friday. With another exhausted sigh, Twilight trotted to her throne and took a seat, looking relieved to sit down.

"Are you sure you trust her not to run off?" I voiced my concern while everyone copied Twilight, sitting down in their respective thrones. I on the other hand was hesitant to join them at the map, not liking the idea of leaving someone alone who was practically a Nazi and Stalin rolled into one.

"I kind of agree with Cougar here," Rainbow Dash concurred. "What was she even doing here in the first place?" She demanded, slamming her one good foreleg onto the surface of the map.

"Ugh," Twilight rubbed the sides of her head. "If you girls would just let me explain as quickly as I can. We don't have much time before Princess Celestia's ceremony starts. Thank you," she added once none of us had any other oppositions. "Now then, I know and understand all of your concerns, but I don't think Starlight will be our enemy from now on."

"What makes ya say that, Twilight?" Applejack questioned.

"I'll level with all of you," the alicorn replied and spun her yarn. Even with her abridged version, we were all shocked. What she told us would've sounded like a nice time travel film with elements of Back to the Future and The Terminator, but none of us could believe what she told us. Fighting Starlight across different timelines thanks to an old spell she'd resurrected, only to try and get revenge on Twilight for 'taking away her village of equality and tranquility,' sounded like a madman's plot to an insane time travel film. Spike unfortunately was just along for the ride. Surprisingly, everyone took it better than I thought anyone could.

"Wow," Rainbow Dash whistled when Twilight was finished. Spike at one point had to run and get his mom a glass of water so she could finish. I guess traveling through time was more exhausting than Marty McFly made it look. "I mean, I knew my sonic rainboom was awesome, but I didn't know all of Equestria depended on it," she bragged. I found myself narrowing my eyes at Rainbow Dash. Sure, I expected her to brag her ass off about how important her breaking the sound barrier was, but did she not hear that Starlight tried to fucking alter time?!

"Or on us!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"I think it's more than that," Twilight corrected. "Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful."

"Ah can't believe y'all were able to travel through time like that," AJ rubbed the back of her head. 'Not you too, Applejack,' I thought, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

"That Starlight must be pretty magical!" Pinkie pointed out.

"She obviously has more talent for magic than almost anypony I've seen," Twilight admitted. "My magic couldn't stop her; I had to convince her to stop on her own. Once I realized that, everything fell into place."

"But, if she's as powerful as all that, we can't just send her on her way, can we?" Applejack asked hesitantly. Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, I raised my hand if only to show I was willing to keep my manners no matter how bad I felt about this.

"Oh, yes Cougar?" Twilight acknowledged my wish to speak. "Sorry I never really gave you a chance to talk earlier. What's on your mind?" With all eyes turned to me now, I felt a little guilty for thinking what I was thinking, yet I had to say it.

"Guys, before you castrate me for what I'm about to say, I want to remind all of you that I believe everyone deserves a second chance," I announced. "But….."

"But what, darling?" Rarity looked at me quizzically.

"I feel you guys are taking this too easy. I mean look at what she did!" I gestured to the door. "Pretty much brainwashed an entire village and stole their identities; then tried to do the same to you guys! And now she tries to manipulate TIME of all things to ruin each and every one of your lives which almost doomed your homeland for eternity, and you automatically want to offer her forgiveness?" Everyone stared at me, wide-eyed at my outburst. And yet, I wasn't finished. "I feel bad for what happened to her as a filly, I really do. But you all seem a little too eager to have her around you," I admitted.

"Holding grudges aren't healthy Cougar," Fluttershy replied softly, tracing her hoof around the map after a brief moment of silence from everyone.

"Cougar," Twilight stepped up from her throne, "I understand your distrust of Starlight, but she knows the grave mistakes of what she's done. She's just a confused mare who needs the help and wisdom of friendship to set her on the right path. Who knows what she might end up doing if we just send her off."

"Without anypony to hug her!" Pinkie added.

"Or anypony to care about her," Rarity agreed.

"Anypony to cheer her up," Fluttershy said.

"Without somepony to have her back when she's in trouble," Rainbow nodded.

"Or anypony ta talk to 'bout her problems, Sugarcube," Applejack gently laid her hoof onto my hand. To be honest, I was afraid she'd tear me a new one for my opposition to the sudden approval of Starlight entering our circle.

"Guys, I'm not saying we need to toss her out like garbage, but I'm a little uncomfortable just blindly giving her all my trust. I mean if you all automatically want to be her friend and trust her with learning what you know, that's fine. And I'm willing to be her friend too if you guys seriously want to put forth the effort to befriend her. It's just going to take me some time to give her my trust. I hope you understand."

"That's fair enough to me, Cougar," Twilight rewarded me with a smile and a pat on the back. "I suppose it was unfair of me to just assume you'd be okay with this," she sent me an apologetic look. I only nodded in return, letting Twilight know we were on the same page now. "But I am glad you told us how you felt about this now instead of faking your feelings later on." The other five mares and dragon all nodded in unison while AJ lightly squeezed my hand with her hoof. "Now then, Spike!" The purple alicorn exclaimed. The dragon nodded and jogged over to the door, opening it just a crack and motioned for Starlight to come in. The room became eerily silent again as Starlight timidly trotted back inside.

Despite my low levels of trust for the mare, I had to admit I felt a little bad for her; she looked like she was about to vomit everywhere. "Everypony, I know there's no excuse for what I did, but I'm ready for whatever punishment you think is fair," she gulped. Well, at least she had guts to face her consequences head on.

"Well, I've been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends," Twilight began as Spike nodded in agreement. "Because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous."

"I-I know first hoof how true that can," Starlight replied dejectedly, hanging her head low. Twilight sprang from her chair and trotted over to the downtrodden unicorn, lifting her chin up.

"And that's why I've asked you here," she said with a smile. "If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know." Starlight's face suddenly lit up in astonishment. Everyone around me offered up smiles for the former dictator, except for me. I could only give her an uncertain stare for how she could earn my trust for what she did. "You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place!" Twilight exclaimed happily.

"But uh, how do I start?"

"Starting is easy," Twilight giggled. "All you have to do is make a friend; and you have eight of them right here," Twilight said as everyone surrounded Starlight in a hug. However, the unicorn knew who Twilight had included from that count. Starlight looked over at me with an indiscernible face. I couldn't tell if she was afraid of me or if she was just surprised I was willing to be friendly with her.

"Come on, Sugarcube," AJ waved me over. I thought about it for just a brief second before conceding in. With at least the smallest of smiles on my face, I walked over and extended my hand to Starlight, encouraging her to take it.

"Hey Starlight, I'm Ivan, but most everyone calls me Cougar," I tried to widen my smile, but I couldn't. Starlight blinked a few times, studying the exoticness that was my hand before she snaked her foreleg out of the group hug and placed her hoof in my hand.

"I've uh, actually wanted to meet you since I heard about you on my travels," she revealed. "So what do we do from here, Twilight?" She asked.

"Actually, there's a special pony we were about to go and see, Starlight," Twilight replied with a grin. "And I think it'd do you good to meet her."

---

(Canterlot Castle; Ivan's POV)

"Oh my, don't all you boys look handsome?" Rarity gushed as she smoothed out a fancy jacket Spike was wearing. Although formal attire wasn't required, all of us who were being honored today felt the need to at least where something presentable. Even Rainbow was wearing her exclusive Wonderbolt's jacket. Flash, Glock, and Bat Fang all were allowed to keep their armor on for the ceremony, so at least they didn't have to change.

"Hehe," Soarin chuckled at Spike's scarlet face from Rarity's praise.

"Eh," Bat Fang shrugged, standing near the throne room doors. He was still so in tune with his job that I'd forgotten he was to be honored as well until Celestia and Luna spoke up about it.

"Ah have ta agree with ya, Rare," Applejack concurred, taking the opportunity nuzzle my side and hold me around my waist.

"Thanks AJ," I smirked, scratching behind her ear. Twilight had already introduced Starlight to Luna and Celestia a few minutes ago; luckily the sisters were extremely supportive of Twilight's desire to teach Starlight about friendship. That's not to say Flash wasn't pleased, but for a different reason.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there, Twily," he apologized for about the fourth time while Twilight inspected his armor for him.

"Flash, I've already told you that it's all right," Twilight sighed. "I had Spike with me, and you had obligations for Princess Celestia."

"Plus she's one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria!" Pinkie exclaimed from behind Flash, startling him.

"Ugh, be that as it may," he straightened his helmet, "I still want to do my best to protect you two." Twilight bent back up to look at Flash in the eyes, an appreciative smile on her face.

"And we're grateful for that, Flash," she kissed his cheek.

"Totally!" Spike patted Flash's armor. Twilight then cupped her hoof around Flash's ear, whispering something to him. The stallion's face suddenly lit up red and his eyes about popped from their sockets as he nodded feverishly.

"Glad to see you're okay with that," the alicorn giggled while Flash gathered his composure. Spike, however, frowned and took a step away from his mother and her coltfriend.

"I don't wanna know what you two are talking about," Spike shuddered. Twilight simply giggled at the dragon and grabbed ahold of him with her magic to hug him.

"So," I said to break up the now awkward conversation, "how do these things usually go, Luna?" I asked. The midnight blue alicorn and her fiancee were waiting with us as well while Celestia and Glock went to fetch a surprise for all of us.

"Oh, it's simple really, Cougar. Once my sister and Glock returns, those that are not being honored, such as myself and Checkered, shall venture to the front of the throne room if they are related or friends with the honored ones," Luna explained. "Then, Celestia will lead all of you inside with the Canterlot Elite watching while she presents you with medals for valor. It shouldn't be too quick," she assured us.

"Don't forget our little announcement, Lulu," Checkered rubbed her baby bump lovingly.

"How could I?" Luna blanketed a wing over his back. "I won't say what it is, but my sister does also have a special gift to bestow upon you personally, Cougar," she added. My hand immediately went up to my forehead, rubbing at it to prevent a headache from forming. "I-Is everything all right?" The alicorn questioned with worry.

"He's fine, princess," Applejack covered for me, squeezing my waist a little tighter. "He's just a lil self conscious 'bout gettin' rewards in front 'o others."

"Oh, I didn't mean to upset you!" Luna exclaimed. "Perhaps when she returns, I can tell Celestia to hold off on the gift for another time?" She looked behind all of us down the hallway. I removed my hand from my forehead, holding it up in the air for her to see.

"No, you don't have to do that, Luna," I inhaled through my nose. "I-I'd hate to disrespect you and your sister by denying her gift. Looking better than everyone just makes me feel bad," I explained with a shrug. "But I promised everyone to work on acknowledging my deeds."

"Come on bro," Soarin shook his head. "You deserve whatever the princess got for you. It's not gonna bother any of us; you were the one that found Luna and defended her," he waved it off.

"Mhmm," all of the other honored ones nodded in agreement which honestly did make the idea a little bit better. Though, part of it still didn't sit well that I was getting something that was possibly better than they would get. I thought Rainbow should get her own statue in Celestia's private gardens just for her leg injury.

"I assure you, Cougar," Luna gently touched her hoof to my cheek, "that if you're uncomfortable receiving a special gift, you won't be disrespecting either myself or Celestia if you wish to pass on it."

"Thanks Luna," I smirked. "But it's not necessary to pull it from the ceremony. I need to work on this anyway, so a little something extra could help," I shrugged. The mare slid her hoof off my cheek before throwing her forelegs around my shoulders, hugging me. "Oh, well okay," I reached around and patted her back.

"Sorry, but I am still forever grateful for your actions, and we cannot thank you enough," Luna said sweetly before pulling away as Checkered rejoined her.

"Uh princess," Applejack garnered Luna's attention, "not ta sound impatient or nothin', but do y'all know when Princess Celestia will be back? Ah can't speak fer the majority 'o the ponies in there, but Ah'm pretty sure a few 'o them might be gettin' pretty restless," she explained.

"If you're talking about our sisters, then I can't argue with you there, AJ," Rainbow said, opening the door a crack and taking a peek inside. "And I hate to keep my dad waiting too," she added. While I haven't met the guy yet, he wasn't the only parent of my friends to show up. Twilight's parents lived in Canterlot anyway, so obviously they would show up since Twilight raised Spike; Fluttershy's mom and dad came all the way from Cloudsdale because she and Rainbow were friends as kids, and they liked the rest of Fluttershy's friends; the Cakes and their babies were of course here as well since Pinkie lived with them and worked in their bakery, and Pinkie's family couldn't make it here and back in time for the Estrus; and since Rarity's parents and the Apples all lived in Ponyville as well, they accompanied us on the train ride over. Hell, even Lyra, Bon Bon, and Dr. Whooves wanted to tag along as well. Though, he just wanted a chance to speak with Twilight before she would be preoccupied for the weekend.

"Hmm, she should be just a few more minutes."

"Which reminds me," Pinkie slipped in between myself and Luna, "what is this other surprise you and Princess Celestia have cooked up for us? I mean isn't it amazing that we bring you a surprise and then you drop the ball that you have a surprise for us?!" She exclaimed excitedly, holding Luna's neck and my neck with her forelegs.

"Heh, yeah," Checkered snickered, "it really is a great coincidence, Pinkie Pie. It even surprised Lulu and Celestia," he added.

"Oh, can't we at least get the teeniest hint, princess?" Pinkie begged. "I LOVE guessing!" the mare clapped her front hooves together after releasing myself and Luna.

"I hope you're not spoiling anything, dear sister!" A soft voice called from down the hallway. We all looked up to see Celestia and Glock trotting their way down the hallway with a third pony following behind Celestia. Rarity, however, gasped as if she were watching the Empire Strikes Back for the first time as soon as the third pony made his appearance.

"Him?" Rainbow whirled around to Luna.

"Prince Blueblood is the surprise?" Rarity questioned horrifically. I couldn't blame her; after he attacked her at the Gala just because she wouldn't dance with him, I doubt any of us could trust him again.

"Yeah, what a rip!" Pinkie shouted.

"Uh, what did Celestia's nephew do?" Starlight spoke up for the first time since Celestia left.

"That jerk shoved Rarity to the ground just because she wouldn't accept his offer to dance," Misty Fly explained, flaring her wings angrily. All of us, with the exception of Luna and Checkered, silenced ourselves as the trio grew closer. The only thing we could do now is just send a visual message to the spoiled prince that we wouldn't tolerate anything snobby nor condescending from him.

"Now, now, everypony," Celestia said once she, Glock, and Blueblood arrived, taking note of our soul piercing glares toward the unicorn. Our plan seemed to work, however. Blueblood appeared to be freaked out a little by our eyes which the ponies made scarier since their eyes were about three times bigger than mine. "Please, at least let my nephew explain himself before you wish to string him up the castle flagpole by his tail." Celestia kindly smiled at us. Upon closer inspection, I saw that Blueblood's mane was styled like that of a Marine in boot camp.

"Or we could skip right to that!" Rainbow Dash growled. Luna outstretched her wing and gently pushed Rainbow back, allowing Blueblood space to enter our circle. I could tell Rainbow still wanted to rip Blueblood to shreds, but her loyalty to Luna and Celestia held her down.

"Go on, Blueblood," Luna granted. The stallion had a bit of trouble looking at any of us, even his aunts, in the eye. He never even once tried to look at Spike. That was to be expected since Spike threatened to eat him if he so much as sneezed in Rarity's general direction. Speaking of which, Spike put his arm around Rarity's shoulder, appearing to shield her from the royal prick.

"M-my aunt's f-friends," Blueblood swallowed, "E-Elements o-of Harmony?"

"Yes, Blueblood?" Twilight looked sideways at her related by marriage cousin.

"These past six months have gifted me the time to contemplate my actions at the Grand Galloping Gala," he admitted, finally gathering the courage to look up at all of us. "Not only insulting my loving aunts, but also treating you like a common wild animal," the stallion pointed to me. "And, without a doubt, the worst act I have ever committed: Striking you, Ms. Rarity because of my selfish and spoiled antics." I was honestly shocked, not because of what he said, which wasn't much, but how he sounded. The snobbiness in his voice was completely nonexistent, he didn't have any condescending attitude, and he didn't have a hint of sarcasm. The stallion didn't sound monotone, but he sounded more…disciplined and respectful.

"And, have you come to any conclusion, nephew?" Celestia gently traced her wing over his back. The white unicorn sighed heavily, looking up to his aunt for possibly encouragement.

"Yes….yes I have, Aunt Celestia," Blueblood nodded, turning his head back to face us. "That I am truly an awful stallion," he admitted shamefully. "I-I wish I could go back to the past with my current knowledge of treating others with the same amount of respect, no matter their status. I just….I just want to take my younger self aside and speak some sense into him. I was nothing more than a spoiled, stupid, selfish brat that treated everypony like garbage. And despite the attitude adjustment that King Gryffindor and his army beat into me, I know that what I've done is close to unforgivable, and I do not blame anypony if you do not forgive me. I'm truly sorry for demanding my aunt's to put you in a zoo, Cougar," Blueblood looked me straight in the eye. "And Ms. Rarity?" The stallion slowly sulked his way over to Rarity.

"Y-yes?" The seamstress replied cautiously. Spike tightened the grip from his arm around Rarity's shoulder, still distrustful of Blueblood.

"Spike, let him through darling," Rarity patted the dragon's side.

"But-"

"Please, Spikey." Hesitantly, Spike slithered his arm off of Rarity's shoulder, straining himself from leaping in between the mare and Blueblood. "Ahem," she cleared her throat once Blueblood stood in front of her.

"Ms. Rarity," the stallion's ears shamefully hung loosely on the side of his head, "I know there is no excuse for how I treated you at either the last Grand Galloping Gala, or the one where we first interacted. However, I now know that I was nothing more than a self-centered monster and not acting like how a nephew of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna should. And I am deeply sorry for using my title as an excuse for my actions back then. I know there isn't much I can do to repent for my actions, but I can offer you a sincere apology," He held out his hoof to Rarity. "I'm not expecting forgiveness, but I can assure you that if you and your friends present me with a chance to redeem myself, I will do whatever I can to make this up to you."

The suspense was getting heavy. All of us were standing there, watching Blueblood standing as still as a statue, waiting to see if Rarity would accept his apology. Truthfully, he acted and sounded like he was really regretful of his actions and truly wanted a chance to prove how sorry he was. Obviously he had a mountain to overcome like Starlight did with me, but I was pretty sure that everyone would give him another chance. Hell, if they gave Starlight one, then giving Blueblood one should be easy!

"Why Prince Blueblood-" Rarity began before the stallion in question held up a hoof.

"Please, I do not deserve that title, Ms. Rarity. Just refer to me as Blueblood," he explained with a soft smile.

"Ahem, Blueblood, I did not know you knew what an apology was," she stated with a slow head nod. "Forgive me if I am a little hesitant about this, but I cannot reject an apology such as that," she gladly accepted his hoof and shook it. "However, I cannot speak for my friends, yet I have a good feeling that they too shall accept your apology," she grinned.

"R-really?" The stallion's eyes lit up like a child's in DisneyLand.

"Wwwweeeelllll," Pinkie droned, "you might have a bit of work ahead of you, but I forgive you too!" She beamed. Blueblood looked all around at us, his look of surprise growing as each one of us nodded in agreement, though Spike was the one that took the longest to agree. Unsurprising since it was Rarity that Blueblood had shoved to the ground.

"Blueblood, we understand how sorry you are and of your desire to make it up," Twilight started, "and we want to help you like we're helping Starlight make up for her mistakes," she pointed to the light purple unicorn. If you have any questions for us, please don't hesitate to send us a letter or come see us if you have the time," she smiled.

"Oh thank you cousin!" Blueblood shook her hoof.

"We are so proud of your progression, nephew!" Celestia said proudly as she and Luna blanketed a wing over his back. "The first step toward repentance is admitting your mistakes and your willingness to fix them."

"I do believe special thanks are in order for King Gryffindor, sister," Luna added as she nuzzled her nephew. "Welcome back, Prince Blueblood." Even though the unicorn looked happy to be in his aunt's and our good graces again, he wiggled away from them quickly.

"Aunt Celestia, Aunt Luna, please. Like I've stated many times today, I do not deserve my title nor the royal blood within my flesh. I want to apologize to you two as well."

"T-to us?" Celestia did a double take.

"Yes. For years as I roamed this castle, you and eventually Aunt Luna attempted to teach me diplomacy, true leadership, and treating every citizen fairly, but I ignored them in favor of basking in the glory of the royal family, and I am terribly sorry," he wiped away a tear. "I have much to learn; I know that now. A-and if you're still willing to teach me, I-I'm willing to listen to every word."

"Of course, Blueblood," Luna threw a foreleg around his neck and pulled him close.

"You may have made mistakes, nephew, but we so proud that you're willing to admit them and learn from them," Celestia added, laying her chin on top of Blueblood's head. "Even if we had to take extreme measures to get you to listen…."

"I thank the both of you for your help. I love you both," Blueblood replied, taking the opportunity to hug his beloved aunts.

"This is kinda creepy," Rainbow remarked, turning to us uncomfortably.

"It is an odd feeling to witness Blueblood acting so humble and regretful, I admit," Rarity nodded. "However, as Fluttershy stated earlier, holding grudges is not healthy. And the poor stallion had to spend nearly six months with the Griffon army, that cannot be an easy accomplishment."

"Sometimes the military is someone's only option," I added. "It can build up people who want to be stronger, or it can completely turn their lives around. I've gotta commend the guy for coming out on a better path."

"Huh, very inspirational, Cougar," Starlight commented.

"Okay, what's this surprise you have for the kingdom, Aunt Luna?" Blueblood asked once his moment with Celestia and Luna was over. I just now only realized that Luna had her illusion spell on once again, probably to make the reveal even more of a surprise to the Canterlot elite. No doubt with those ponies, the news would spread to all of Equestria by Monday morning, unless the newspapers can miraculously come out during the Estrus.

"You'll just have to wait, Blueblood," Celestia giggled. "Now then everypony, before we go inside I have one important message for you. Since we still have no clue just how Garble and his friends found out about Luna's dream abilities to appear at the location of a dreamer, I must embellish this ceremony." Well, that definitely got all of us confused. Myself and Flash shrugged at each other while Rainbow scratched at her head, and everyone else just stared at Celestia, puzzled.

"What are you talking about, princess?" Spike asked.

"Luna and I came to a decision to change the details of her kidnapping. We fear a panic if we come up with empty answers for how dragons were able to pull Luna from her dream realm. Once we figure out exactly what happened, however, we will announce the full truth. We hate to lie to our citizens, but sometimes it's better to tell a comforting lie rather than a scary truth. Plus, our relations with Draconia have never been stronger; I do not wish to lose that, and I also fear that some ponies may place some of the blame on Spike himself," she explained. Twilight instantly grabbed Spike with a wing and her forelegs, squeezing him close to her body.

"Precisely, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia remarked. "I know it may be hard for some of you, but please go along with our story until the entire truth is uncovered," she requested. I could feel Applejack tensing up at her desire, so I lightly scratched her neck to comfort her. "Now then, one more thing. Once we reach the front of the throne room, please stay single file and peel off to the left," she added. "And if there isn't anything else on the agenda, I do believe we'll begin the ceremony!" She announced, opening the door with her magic with her healed horn.

"Ah'll be waitin' fer ya, Sugarcube," Applejack said once everyone who was not being honored slowly filed into the throne room. My girlfriend stood on her hind legs and braced her forelegs against my shoulders before planting her mouth on mine. I lightly stroked the back of her mane and kissed back, relishing in the comfort. "Ah know you can do it," she whispered into my ear once our lips disconnected. My cheeks turned pink when Pinkie Pie let out a wolf whistle at our display before being drug inside the throne room by AJ.

"Now there's some encouragement for you, bro!" Soarin nudged at my side. I smirked in reply, allowing the warm feeling in my chest to spread around my body. Soon, the throne room doors shut again, leaving only Celestia, myself, Spike, Flash, Bat Fang, Glock, Rainbow Dash, Soarin, and Misty Fly standing before the entrance.

"Everypony ready?" She asked after about half a minute of preparation to allow our friends time to get to the front of the room.

"Yes princess!" all of us replied sharply like a group of soldiers. And then, standing in single file order, Celestia's magic opened the doors to the throne room amidst a cacophonous explosion of royal trumpets. With her leading the way, the nine of us marched our way down the narrow aisle of red carpet with two rows of guards and a sea of Canterlot elite ponies crowding either side. At the front of the room stood all of our families and friends with proud smiles carved onto their faces as they awaited our arrival.

While we trekked down the aisle, I couldn't help but notice one of the giant windows of the throne room was covered up by a golden and midnight blue colored tapestry. My heart sank a little while I feared the 99% possibility that it was a window dedicated completely to us. At first I thought it was the gift Luna mentioned to me, but then I remembered she said it was a gift only for me. Applejack's kiss was still tingling on my lips, so I focused on being close to her to take my mind off things.

STOMP

The thunderous sound of hundreds of hooves simultaneously turning to face the front of the room yanked me back to the ceremony. Without knowing it, the end of the march was near; the blowing of the royal trumpets was beginning to quiet. When Celestia reached the end of the red carpet, she hopped up onto the steps where everyone else was waiting and turned around to face the rest of ponies in the room. However, the other seven began to peel off to either side of me one by one until all of us were standing in a straight line side by side with me in the middle. Both Celestia and Luna stood shoulder to shoulder and opened up one wing each, forming a cross. We all came to a stop right in front of the bottom step that lead up to their thrones. I swallowed roughly when the trumpets finally stopped blaring, and the silence that followed suit made me shudder.

"Everypony, my dear sister and I have called forth each and every one of you for several momentous occasions," Celestia announced. She was using just a hint of her royal Canterlot Voice, but nothing like Luna does. "The main priority for this ceremony, however, is to recognize and honor the heroics of the eight Equestrian citizens standing before us," she explained. With our backs turned to the audience, we couldn't see their reactions, but their murmuring was easily heard. I was sure some of them still had issues with me and Spike amongst the group, however. "And their accomplishment of improving Equestria's relations with the dragon kingdom of Draconia to the strongest they've ever been!" She added.

The volume of the murmuring increased with her last statement. "These eight standing before you risked their very lives and endured physical injury to assure the safe return of Princess Luna to Equestria. While dispatched on a mission of peace between our kingdom and King Horntail's land, she was snatched away in her slumber by a pack of rogue dragons," Celestia's voice deepened with the severity of the statement. I couldn't speak for anyone else standing in the line, but the sheer volume of the gasps of hundreds ponies echoing around the room made me flinch.

"When was this!?" A snooty voice demanded.

"And you still wish to be FRIENDS with those monsters?!" Another infuriated voice exclaimed.

"Did he have something to do with this!?" A third voice questioned rudely. I twisted around to see a few ponies pointing accusing hooves toward Spike who was standing to my left. Thankfully though, in the crowd I spotted Fancypants and Fleur-de-lis shaking their heads at their fellow citizens' accusations.

"Please, my little ponies," Celestia replied calmly. "Everything can be explained with a little patience," she assured everyone. Besides Celestia, everyone up at the front of the throne room were glaring daggers toward everyone in the crowd that were believing Spike to some sort of double agent or whatever.

"Just forget them, Spike," I murmured to the dragon. Twilight told me he'd had years of growing a thick skin toward insults, but at some points it would get to him like during our trip to Las Pegasus. As a friend, I raised my hand and placed it on his shoulder for reassurance.

"Thanks Coug," he sighed, squeezing his fists.

"Ahem, if we may continue with our ceremony?" Celestia cleared her throat after giving the crowd a good minute or two to quell. "Thank you. Now I do not blame anypony for thinking the worst since our relations with the dragons have been rocky for centuries, but it is our duty to welcome the idea that the dragons of Draconia are now allies with Equestria," she announced. A unified feeling of uneasiness washed over the eight of us while the murmuring of the crowd resumed. Truth be told, I didn't hold any disdain for them; centuries and even millennia of rocky relations between ponies and dragons wasn't something to be overturned to joy right away, even if a few dragons helped us rescue Luna. "However, these six ponies, this dragon, and this human being standing before you joined forces with members of Horntail's Guard, including his own daughter, Princess Ember, to combat the threat and return Princess Luna home safely," Celestia continued.

Surprisingly, the murmuring died down, but there were no cheers just yet. "Thankfully, nopony nor dragon lost their life in the skirmish, but thanks to members of both of our kingdoms joining forces, we were able to return my baby sister home safe and sound, and struck up a peace deal with King Horntail. Rest assured, those guilty are being dealt a HARSH punishment from their king, and these brave souls being honored today, range from royal guards to close friends of myself and Luna that went to Draconia by their own choice. And it is today, that we honor them for putting their own lives on the line without second thought!" Celestia declared. Her golden magic surrounded the golden and midnight blue tapestry of the covered window, yanking it down.

Suddenly, as the window was revealed to all of us, the stomping of hooves filled the room. On the window was a beautifully crafted image of the Rainbow Dash, Soarin, Misty Fly, Bat Fang, Flash Sentry, and Glock flying in a V-formation in the sky. Below them was Spike crouching low with his claws extended and his emerald fire shooting out of his mouth. And next to him was an image of me wearing my purple and gold helmet, crouching exactly like Iron Man. My jet pack's wings were extended, my left hand was bracing against the ground, and my revolver was clenched in my right hand. Luna was standing behind myself and Spike, looking as if all eight of us were guarding her from the battered bodies of Garble and his goons at the very bottom of the window.

"Sweet Celestia!" Soarin exclaimed.

"Well then," I swallowed, admiring the masterpiece, "that's not….so bad." Even our families and group of friends were stomping their hooves in celebration behind the princesses for the honor. Though, Rainbow seemed extra cheery since there were now two window murals in Celestia's throne room featuring her picture.

"And now," Luna spoke up once the celebrating finally died down, "as a thank you for your heroic services, my sister and I proudly award you all your own medals for valor," the Princess of the Night declared as her horn charged up. A special box engraved with half of Celestia's cutie mark and half of Luna's cutie mark levitated over in front of Luna, opening up to reveal a set of special golden and midnight blue medals. A small twinge of anxiety reared its ugly head, but I managed to push it down with a deep breath while Luna and Celestia hung the medals off of everyone's necks.

"Uh oh," I gulped once I realized they were each heading down from each end of the line, meaning I would be the last one to receive a medal. I then realized it seemed fitting since I pretty much saved Luna alone. I wished that someone, anyone, from the rescue party was with me when I discovered Luna's location in the volcano.

"Cougar? Are you feeling well?" Celestia's silky voice suddenly asked.

"Hmm?" I blinked, failing to realize that both her and Luna were standing before me, having completed handing out medals to everyone else. 'I really need to stop letting my thoughts drift away,' I mentally noted. "Uh yeah. J-just a little anxious," I admitted.

"Well fear not," she gave my shoulder a gentle pat, "this will be over shortly," she whispered into my ear before taking a step back, leaving Luna standing in front of me. It took me a minute to discern that she didn't have a medal waiting to lace around my neck, or the same box that held the other seven medals. The midnight blue alicorn, however, levitated a medium sized crate from behind her throne and dropped it beside her legs. She was trying her best to contain some excitement, I could tell.

"Luna?"

"Ahem, please kneel," she requested loudly out of the blue.

"Excuse me?" I replied out of pure confusion and surprise. I wasn't offended by the polite order, but I certainly wasn't expecting it.

"Please kneel," she repeated in precisely the same royal tone. Not wanting to disrespect my friend, I did as I was told and kneeled down on my left knee, grunting from some pressure on my ribs. "Thank you," Luna winked at me before one of her other bat pony guards stepped forward, offering her his sword. My eyes widened; having been in England and having a personal audience with the Royal Air Force and the Queen, I knew what was going to happen. Luna exchanged a gracious bow with her guard before taking the sword within her magic and turned back to me. Despite a part of me wanting desperately to get up and decline the offer, my respect and friendship with Luna and Celestia was far too great.

My hands interlocked with each other at the fingers, and I bowed my head as Luna gently brought the sword down upon my right shoulder. "For showing extraordinary bravery, selflessness, loyalty, and honor in the face of danger, and at the risk of thine own life to save a princess of Equestria," Luna announced, gently moving the sword to my other shoulder. "The royal sisters are proud to knight thee Sir Ivan Pearson of Earth, honorary Knight to Celestia and Luna," she paused, removing the sword from around me. I raised my head up to look at the alicorn, only to see a more stern expression on her face. "Do you swear to protect the crowns of the two sisters, no matter the cost?"

"I…swear," I paused, not knowing what else to say.

"And do you swear to uphold the beliefs and laws of the land of Equestria?"

"I swear, princess."

"And do you swear to put the lives of the denizens ahead of yours in moments of great peril, even if it would put your own life on the line?"

"I swear," I repeated, resorting to breathing through my nose.

"Hmm," Luna seemed to chuckle proudly. "Then rise, fair knight," she took a step back to give me room. With another grunt, I stood up and at attention where a special helmet was awaiting me in Celestia's magic.

"I present you with this, to commemorate a most momentous affair," Celestia smiled as I took the helmet in my hands. The cool metallic surface made my hands tingle as I inspected the safety device. It looked just like the golden helmets that Glock, Remington, and the other guards of Celestia wore, except mine was a little different. It was golden too, but there was also a gradient mixture of dark purple at the front of the helmet with a pair of yellow eyes and the name COUGAR written in white letters in the exact same spot as my Air Force helmet. "I knew you would miss your old helmet," Celestia explained when I looked back up at her and Luna.

"Thank you," I replied in a shaky voice, "your highnesses," I added, slipping the helmet on and giving them a polite bow.

"Way ta go, Cougar!" Applebloom's voice blurted out. I shifted my gaze over and chuckled when the filly covered her mouth with her hooves, embarrassed by her outburst. Applejack laughed as well and patted Applebloom's back before shooting me a wink.

"And now, Princess Luna and her coltfriend Checkered Flag have an announcement of their own!" Celestia proclaimed after the eight of us turned around and received applause from the crowd. If I'm being honest with myself, this truly was not bad at all. Sure, I was still a little uncomfortable, but being surrounded by my friends made it all the worth while. And with the opportunity to spend a special weekend alone with Applejack coming up, nothing could ruin this.

---

(Later that night; Applejack's bedroom)

"Sugarcube," Applejack sighed, turning around in my arms to face me. The two of us were simply cuddling on her bed, enjoying each other's company after a pretty long day. After the ceremony, and more importantly Luna and Checkered's double whammy announcement, all of us stayed with Celestia and Luna in their castle until it was time to come home before the Estrus hit. Surprisingly though, Luna and Checkered wished to take in Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo for the weekend, explaining that they would like some experience with kids before they became parents to the newest prince. Unsurprisingly, the Crusaders were more than thrilled and practically begged their older sisters to stay. And as per the norm, Spike stayed at the castle as well.

Big Mac didn't stay long after we arrived home about an hour ago, wanting to be with Cheerilee as soon as possible. That left just me, AJ, and Granny Smith in the Apple Family house, though I was sure we would move things to my shack when AJ would start feeling the urge. "What is it AJ?" I replied, kissing her forehead and reaching for my phone to lower the volume of the music we were listening to. The mare sighed again, sitting up onto her side.

"We uh...we need ta talk," she said in a very quiet voice. I knew deep down in my heart that Applejack loved me, but that didn't stop a feeling of dread sink my stomach.

"Y-yeah?" I asked nervously, reaching up to touch her cheek. Thankfully, she cuddled against my hand without thinking, but she still had a look of indecisiveness on her face. "Applejack, what's the matter hun?" I asked, gently running my thumb across her freckled cheek. She sighed contently, enjoying my touch to the point she put her hoof on my cheek and rubbed gentle circles around it.

"Ah love ya, so much Ivan," she reminded me before grabbing her stetson off of my head with her teeth and tossing it onto the top of her bedpost.

"I know; I love you too Applejack." To prove it, I leaned up and kissed the end of her nose, eliciting the adorable giggle that always came from kissing her there. The mare sighed again; however, it was more of a sad sigh than a happy one.

"Yer just makin' this harder fer me, Ivan," Applejack looked at me with sad eyes. I stopped massaging her cheek, only to move my hand to the back of her head.

"Hey," I said gently, running my hand through the back of her mane. "What's eating you, hun? A-are you scared?"

"M-maybe just a little," she nodded her head. She then scooted up even further with her back against a pillow, and her forelegs crossed on her hind leg's knees. "An' it's not because 'o last Estrus," she added.

"Well AJ, if something's scaring you, don't be scared to tell me," I sat up with her, wrapping my arm around her tinier body to hold her close.

"Ohhhh, why do ya have ta be so lovin' 'n perfect?" She groaned yet didn't protest my want to cuddle her. I couldn't help but chuckle at her question.

"Because you said you love me, and I want to be the stallion you deserve," I responded quickly. It didn't sound as cheesy in my head, but it was all I could come up with to avoid an awkward silence. The apple farmer in turn laid her head against my bare chest, nuzzling it.

"Ivan, Ah...Ah think we should we forget about the Estrus," she admitted dejectedly.

"What?" I pulled back to look down at her. I wasn't upset, just caught off guard. It hurt, however, to see Applejack's saddened eyes; her expression was so soft and sorrowful. She readjusted herself again until she had her front hooves on top of my shoulders.

"Ah'm sorry Sugarcube. Ah love ya, but it might do ya good ta skip the Estrus," she repeated apologetically.

"But Applejack," I took one of her hooves in my hand, "why?" I had to be very careful here to not sound ungrateful that she was essentially taking sex away. That really didn't upset me at all, but I was more concerned for what she was scared of. I mean, the only time we've ever made love was the best night of my life. What could be so different now?

"Ivan trust me, hun. It's not about yer performance; Ah already know how sweet 'n gentle y'all are," she blushed. "An' believe me, Ah wanna make love to ya again, 'specially since our first Estrus is special, but…" she pursed her lips. Even though she looked visibly upset at her decision, I understood she was more upset disappointing me than she was at losing her one chance this weekend to quell her natural urges.

"Come on," I lightly touched my forehead to hers, "just finish it, AJ. You know I can never be angry at you," I reminded her, softly and quickly pecking her lips. Obviously I was against the idea of her sending me away when she truly needed me to be there for her, but I wanted to hear her argument first.

"Ah….Ah don't wanna hurt ya, Ivan!" She exclaimed softly due to our close proximity. A look of puzzlement took over my face, to which she quickly explained to. "It's yer ribs Sugarcube," Applejack slipped her hoof from my hand and proceeded to gently trace it around my pecs and abs.

"What about them?" I questioned, stifling a chuckle since her hoof tickled my skin.

"Ya might've gotten the bandages off, but remember the doctor said y'all need ta take it easy with yer ribs fer the next few weeks?" Applejack sighed. "Or else ya might aggravate them 'n damage them further?"

"Well, yeah," I looked down at the area of my body Applejack was referring to. The bruising had died down somewhat, but there were still some areas that were dark purple from where Garble stomped on me.

"Don't lie ta me Ivan," her tone suddenly went from soft and worrisome to serious, "it hurts ya ta get up 'n get down 'n lift things, don't it?" A rough gulp confirmed her suspicion, but she allowed me to say it anyway.

"Uh, j-just a little," I stammered. That was a mistake; Applejack's eyes narrowed at my response. I wasn't technically lying, but…."Okay," I sighed, "yes it hurts, but it's getting better!" I explained to the mare. Applejack's expression softened a little, but she still wasn't pleased I tried to dupe her.

"Ah thought as much," she replied before pushing herself off the bed, heading for her saddlebag. "That's why Ah asked Princess Luna ta get ya a special train ticket so y'all can head back ta Canterlot this weekend 'n spend it with her," AJ explained, revealing the ticket in her hoof.

"Applejack-"

"Ivan, Ah'm bein' truthful when Ah say Ah hate havin' ta make ya skip this weekend, but if it hurts yer chest to bend up or down or even pick somethin' up, how are ya gonna handle me sprawled on top 'o ya with my judgement clouded up?" She asked.

"Ah!" I seethed when I swung my legs over the side of the bed and tried to get up. That's just the kind of response I didn't need to give her.

"See? That's exactly what Ah'm talkin' about, Sugarcube!" She exclaimed. I opened my mouth to protest that it looked worse than it felt, but she was determined. "Ivan, what if Ah just lose control over the weekend 'n aggravate yer ribs so much that they break?"

"Okay, I think you're-"

"Ah couldn't live with myself if Ah hurt ya 'cause Ah was usin' ya for my self satisfaction, Ivan. Ah love ya too much," her ears and head lowered at the very thought. The two of us stood in silence for about a minute before I stepped forward and gently lifted her chin up with my finger.

"I love that you're so worried about my health, Applejack," I said with a sweet smile for her. "And I love you, don't forget that, but I'll admit…there's a possibility I could feel some pain." She whimpered at the thought, only cementing she was truly concerned about me, not that I had any doubts.

"B-but Ah don't want any possibility that y'all could get hurt!" She exclaimed, lowering her leg and dropping the ticket to the ground. "W-what's so damn funny?" She growled when I failed to stifle a chuckle. I quickly straightened my face and led her back to the bed, sitting down on the edge with her.

"Sorry Applejack, but doesn't this seem familiar to you at all?"

"Familiar?" She rose an eyebrow.

"Yeah, ahem," I coughed at the memory to hide my blush. "Back when we first made love, do you remember how nervous I was about hurting you because it was the first time for the both of us?"

"'Course Ah do Ivan," she blinked several times in confusion.

"But you kept insisting we keep going because you knew there'd be some pain before it felt good?" I continued.

"Sugarcube, Ah know what yer gettin' at, but this is completely different!" She exclaimed.

"How?" I asked curiously, squeezing AJ's shoulder.

"It's different because my first time havin' sex is supposed ta hurt," she answered.

"But you braved through it," I pointed out.

"Because Ah love ya, Ivan," she stressed. "Ah knew you weren't tryin' ta hurt me on purpose…..an' y'all were so gentle," she added with a sigh. "Except here, y'all have an injury," her hoof found my hand. "An' ya already know how a mare can lose a good bit, if not all, 'o her judgement when her heat hits. Ah may hurt ya 'n not even know it till Sunday evenin' or Monday mornin'."

"Hmm," I thought about her answer. "I can certainly see your concerns, AJ," I admitted.

"Ah'm glad ya do, Ivan," she rubbed her hoof over the top of my hand.

"Except one thing." Applejack looked at me incredulously, not too pleased that I was dragging this on. "I'm willing to brave through any pain in my ribs for you, AJ, just like you did for me," my hand flipped over and squeezed her hoof. "I LOVE you, and any pain I have to go through to show you how much I love you is worth it. I was told that the first Estrus weekend for a couple is something special, and I want to do my part to make it special for you and to quell your urges. I can't just leave you in that state of need, Applejack," my other hand reached over and cupped her cheek, pulling her face closer to mine. "And, I, WON'T," I stressed. You're scared of the exact same thing I was, hun, but like you knew, I didn't try to hurt you on purpose. And I know you won't be trying to hurt me on purpose." Applejack's orange body was trembling at my speech.

"B-but what if Ah do hurt ya, Ivan?" She whispered as our foreheads touched again. "An' what if Ah can't stop?"

"I trust you," I replied with closed eyes, inching closer until our lips touched. Applejack squeaked, though it was more than likely from the swell of her emotions. And yet, all I was trying to do was comfort her; she was afraid of hurting me, but I loved and trusted her enough to face pain of my own to make her feel good. Eventually, she melted like butter and kissed me back, hugging her forelegs around my neck.

"Ah!" She yelped when I snaked my arms around her torso and picked her up before laying on the bed. "I-Ivan!" She exclaimed, straddling all four of her legs around my body to keep from laying on my chest. "Warn me when yer gonna try somethin' like that!" She scolded.

"Sorry AJ, I just like this position," I stroked my fingers behind her ear. She groaned, yet managed to pull her head away from my hand, shooting me a displeased glare. "And I know you love being in charge," I added with a growling whisper, softly stroking my hand down her back, stopping right at the top of her rump. The mare gasped at my sudden change from sweet to sensual, trying to keep her straight face from faltering to pleasurable.

"A-Ah kn-know what y-yer doin'!" She moaned.

"Then, why don't you do something about it?" Came my teasing reply as I inched my hand over her cutie mark, giving it a teeny smack. "I'm just showing you this weekend can work," I added innocently before squeezing and massaging her cutie mark. Applejack's body started to shift from the assault of pleasure on her body; her hind legs began to twitch in arousal.

"Oooh, w-why do y'all hafta be s-so g-good w-with yer w-words 'n h-hands?!" She demanded breathlessly. I only chuckled at her fruitless attempts to keep from becoming aroused. I was not doing this solely for my pleasure; she needed to relax a little from worrying so much, and I was the only one who could help her.

"Damn!" I exclaimed when her hoof suddenly slipped down and started to massaging my member through my shorts.

"Don't ya dare think Ah'm gonna let ya off scot free, mister," Applejack bent down and growled into my ear, only turning me on more. "If y'all think you can handle this weekend, then why don't we see how y'all like bein' at the mercy 'o yer lover?" She grinned. I whined when she removed her hoof from the bulge in my shorts, but she wasn't even close to being done. She slipped the hair twist out of her mane, allowing her golden blonde hair to flow free and hang loosely around her shoulders. "Gotcha," she licked her lips.

"Wh-what are you gonna do?" I asked wearily.

"Oh nothin'," she said saucily and innocently, taking a few steps backward. "Just somethin' Ah've wanted ta try with ya ever since we made love," AJ winked, stopping right at the band of my shorts. My eyes widened when I realized her motives. 'This...this can't be happening!' I thought to myself as Applejack clenched her teeth around the top of my shorts, pulling them down slowly.

"A-AH!" A yelp emitted from my mouth when a draft hit my penis, and Applejack's warm furry muzzle drug up and over the top, sending shivers all over my body. My breathing turned sporadic when my member bobbed free at full attention. AJ's eyes glistened hungrily at its appearance; my shorts found the opposite side of the room at the speed of light.

"Think 'o this as a reward, Sugarcube," she announced, dropping onto her belly with her face mere inches away from junior. With a wiggle of her eyebrows, she cupped her hoof around my penis and began stroking it softly, relishing in how much I was yelping and how much the appendage in her hoof was twitching. "Ooh, ya like that?" She peered over the head.

"Mmm...hmm," I replied as my whole body clenched.

"How 'bout this?" AJ added, leaning over and giving the head a kiss, and increasing the speed of her stroking. "Well, junior here seems ta love the attention," she teased before peppering my entire length with kisses, giving it a few licks as well.

"Ngggh," I groaned from the euphoria spreading to my brain.

"This is what happens when ya tease me, buster!" Applejack panted, giving my sac a wet kiss before trailing her tongue all the way up to the head of my penis. "Oh yeah," she licked her lips. "Let's see how long y'all can hold it, Ivan," the mare moved her hoof from my length to my sac, fondling it like there was no tomorrow.

"Fuck!" I shrieked when she gave me another wink and wrapped her lips around the head and bobbed down until it disappeared in the warm wet paradise of her mouth. AJ moaned and swirled her tongue around my entire member as she continued to give me my first blowjob. I never expected her to want to try this, but damn she was good at it. What a way to finish off a great day: Twilight and Spike convinced Starlight to turn to the light side, Blueblood came back and repented for his wrongdoings, and now after convincing her I was willing to brave the pain in my chest for her, Applejack was pleasuring me with her mouth. Nothing could have been better.

---

(Fluttershy's Cottage)

"There we are, Fluttershy!" Discord sang happily after tucking his favorite pony in Equestria into her bed. Fluttershy had invited him over for the rest of the day just to spend time with him before…..it started. Of course Discord wasn't one to be shy about the Estrus Weekend, but talking about it with meek little Fluttershy was a little too awkward for his liking. The fact that he harbored a secret crush for her didn't help that either.

"Oh Discord, you know you don't have to do this," Fluttershy reminded him sweetly as she set down what was a full glass of warm milk.

"Think nothing of it," the draconequus waved his lion paw nonchalantly. "You wanted to make sure that there wasn't a repeat of the last Estrus Weekend, and I aim to help make your wish come true," he tickled under her chin with his eagle talons. "No stallion shall be touching you this weekend, my dear," Discord turned into a buff minotaur with the snap of his lion's paw.

"Don't you mean, I can't kidnap another stallion into my cottage?" She questioned, squeaking at the memory of what happened with her and Caramel when she forgot it was the Fall Estrus. Discord snapped his lion's paw again, transforming himself back to normal.

"Tomato tomato," he shrugged, ruffling her pink heart-shaped mane.

"Where are all my animal friends though? Th-they can get scared when I lose my inhibition and get, loud," she whispered.

"Hmm? Oh they're all tied up in the backyard," Discord chuckled and flew his interspecies wings over to the window. Down below in Fluttershy's backyard, all of her animal friends were indeed tied up, but in a net hanging from a tree akin from the Return of the Jedi. "And they look so happy to be out there!" Discord fibbed as Angel tried to gnaw his way through the rope. "I think they'll be fine for the next forty-eight hours," Discord closed the blinds just as Angel kicked at the net, only to fly back and land in the bear's mouth. "I gave them enough food and water, at least I think so," he mumbled the last half of the sentence.

"Well, I guess that takes care of everything, Discord," Fluttershy yawned. "Thank you for giving me a last good memory before….this weekend," she trembled.

"Anything for somepony as sweet as you, Fluttershy," Discord coughed into his eagle talons and sat on the side of Fluttershy's bed. His body froze when he felt Fluttershy's forelegs hugging around his midsection. "A little affectionate tonight are we?" The Lord of Chaos attempted to mask his nervousness by trying to remain his cheeky self.

"I always make time to say goodbye to my friends, Discord. You know that," Fluttershy giggled. Chuckling himself, Discord picked Fluttershy up and re-tucked her into bed, pulling the blanket over her soft and cuddly body. "Good night, Discord," Fluttershy yawned before the milk took effect and she was out.

"Sleep tight, my fair maiden," Discord replied softly after standing over her for a few moments, listening to her soft snoring. With a sigh, Discord turned out the bedside lamp and proceeded toward the door, but something drew him back. "Ohh, forgive me if this is too far, Fluttershy," he gulped, softly petting her torso through the blanket. Heart pounding, the draconequus bent down and lightly pecked her forehead before fixing a loose strand of her mane. "May Princess Luna guard over your dreams tonight," he whispered before he disappeared from her bedroom with the snap of his lion's paw.

Discord reappeared in a flash of white light outside of Fluttershy's cottage, wearing an ensemble that closely resembled that of General Douglas MacArthur. He had turned the outskirts of Fluttershy's land that she owned into a military zone, complete with a crocodile filled moat, sand bags, barbed wire, searchlights, guard dogs, and a whole platoon of other Discords marching to and fro in front of the cottage to the tune of The Ants go Marching One by One. Discord chewed on his corncob pipe, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs of brave stallions or even mares looking for an easy lay, but he was also at war with himself over whether or not he should tell Fluttershy how he truly felt about her.

---

(In Draconia...)

Princess Ember flapped her wings as hard and as fast as physically possible, pushing them to her limit. The female dragon was desperately trying to reach her father as soon as she could. She was performing her new nightly duty of checking on her father's newest prisoners in the dungeon, a pack of four rowdy and evil dragons that had succeeded in kidnapping Princess Luna of Equestria. Thankfully, they were thwarted when the nine Equestrians arrived, or the eight Equestrians and their human friend who proved to be a great fighter in not giving up on protecting his friend. The past few days had become somewhat of a rut for the warrior princess.

Her father King Horntail tasked Ember with 'checking on' the four prisoners twice a day. This was code for 'use their injuries to make them feel pain beyond imagination so we can get the answers Celestia and her puny friends seek.' However, when Ember had arrived at their cell tonight, she stumbled upon a horrifying scene. "FATHER!" She exclaimed as she reached a door that lead to Horntail's throne room. "MOVE IT!" She snarled at a pair of Horntail's guards guarding the door, not wanting to slow down for anything. The pair of dragons dove out of the way, allowing Ember to burst through the door at tremendous speed, breaking a chunk off one of them.

"Ember! What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Her father demanded. Despite him being the largest and king of all the dragons, he still didn't take too kindly to anyone barging in on his throne room, even his own daughter. "You're supposed to be trying to get answers from our prisoners by now!" Ember touched her feet down onto the stone floor, skidding so hard that her resilient scales made a rather annoying screeching sound and sent sparks flying from behind her.

"Father..." Ember grabbed a bucket of water next to his throne and doused herself to catch her breath. "G-Garble a-and the others, they-they've hung themselves!" Ember exclaimed with a look of confusion and nausea on her face. The scene wasn't grotesque or anything, but Ember had never seen anyone intentionally kill themselves before.

"WHAT?!" Horntail bellowed, standing up from his throne and making his castle shake.

"I was going to do what you asked of me, dad, but they had chains wrapped around their necks, and their necks were broken!" Ember added. The dragon king contemplated this for a moment before turning to a pair of guards standing behind his daughter.

"You two! Go and retrieve the bodies!" He ordered. "Bring them to our healer at once!" The two guards bowed in obedience and hustled their way down into the dungeon. The great dragon king sat back down with a long sigh, holding his head up with one of his hands. "Celestia isn't going to be happy," he muttered.

"Uh, dad? You don't think it was our torture that made them kill themselves, do you?" Ember questioned hesitantly, wishing to avoid pissing off her easily tempered dad.

"Yes and no, Ember."

"Yes and no?" The female dragon rose an eyebrow at her father's response.

"Ember my daughter," Horntail looked down at the young dragoness, "there are three reasons why anyone would want to kill themselves. They either have nothing to live for and have no idea what to do; they're living with an amount of pain that they just cannot tolerate anymore; or they have something to hide and did not want to let it slip out," he explained. "I'm leaning toward the third option. Celestia and her puny friends wished to know how Garble and his band of idiots knew they could kidnap Princess Luna using her dream powers."

"So you think they offed themselves to avoid spilling their secret?" The giant reptile scratched under his chin, contemplating his answer to his daughter.

"Possibly," was the only answer he could come up with. "Though the fact that they all agreed to a fourway suicide is extremely farfetched, especially considering that the dragon that Celestia did a number on was paralyzed from the waist down." Ember flew up, landing on her father's knee.

"What do we do about it, dad?" She asked. Ember hated to admit it, dragon pride and all, but she had a soft spot of respect for the Equestrians for their bravery in their rescue mission. The dragon princess didn't want anything bad to happen to the ponies.

"We tell Celestia what we know, that the four dragons who had a part in kidnapping her sister are dead due to self strangulation," Horntail explained. "And that they offed themselves to keep their knowledge a secret, yet we will keep her posted on any new leads." Ember soaked in the information for a moment before nodding softly and looking out the window next to her father's throne.

"Understood, father. I'll get to that letter right away!" She saluted her dad. Ember didn't show it, but she too was perplexed that not only all four dragons decided to commit a fourway suicide, but that the paralyzed one managed to get the chain noose around his neck despite not being able to stand. Her mind then drifted to the possibility that the four could've been put up to it, or manipulated to do it. And if that were the case...then Equestria had a large problem in the shape of a traitor...

End Chapter 58

---

I told you guys a lot happened in this chapter! Join us next time for the aftermath of the Estrus!