A/N: Back again. Now let's write and read.

Disclaimer: We don't own anything we don't own.

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

Lightning and Rainbow were sitting at a table across from the royalty of Saddle Arabia. "So Clipsy, what are you doing in Ponyville and wearing civilian clothing?" Lightning asks.

Eclipse sips some tea that was given to them. "Well, one thing for a diplomat to do to ensure that a treaty is held onto is to spend time in important towns and this is the last one. So I thought of living here now."

"With none of your guards?" Lightning asks in disbelief.

Eclipse shrugs. "I'm done with my job and the treaty has been made so there is no need to attack me. It would be useless for the whole thing."

Lightning moves close to whisper. "Clipsy you are the queen of your country and your foal is the prince. There are still many reason why somepony will attack you and not to mention if you are killed here it might destroy the treaty." Lightning whispered.

Eclipse smirks. "I know. A backup government was put into place. A small skeleton crew to run the country until the citizens select a new queen. Only happens in time of great crisis or the family line is dead."

"Clipsy has it ever occurred to you that a upstart noble will try and use this as an opportunity to usurp the throne by killing both you and Midnight?" Lighting asks.

Eclipse smiles. "I told you the new queen is selected by the citizens, so you must be favorable in the eyes of them. Oh and the nobles can't be on the throne, they get the council, but nothing higher. And the council actually stays the same level, nopony in the council is higher than the other. So nothing is going to go wrong."

"And who is to say one won't try a Julius Caesar?" Lightning asks.

"They viewed him as a tyrant. But if you're favorable and keep it up then you're good. Besides most of rulers are either killed by the citizens and nopony wants that. Other times were passed through the family."

"Clipsy you have such a fantasy view of the way that would work and I'm glad I sent that letter now." Lightning says.

Eclipse blinks. "What letter?"

"Here is your order, a slice of lemon cake with chocolate sprinkles." A waiter says causing Eclipse to stare wide eyed at the waiter who she recognized as Kite, a member of the Queen's knights, the ruling families of Saddle Arabia personal body guards.

Eclipse then turns to Lightning with a glare. "Don't tell me you sent the guards you sent to protect me like a shadow guard?"

Lightning motions her closer. "Dolph of Nethergate has been sighted." Lightning says and Eclipse eyes widen in horror.

Eclipse sighs and takes a fork with her magic. "I guess that's a good reason." She takes some food and starts eating.

"We both know how much the dominion would love to sew of confusion and panic within the alliance and also would see it as an opportunity to invade Saddle Arabia even if they would have to sail for months." Lightning informs.

Eclipse sighs while Midnight looks confused. "This is going a war life for us now isn't it?"

"Banish the thought for now." Lightning says giving a sober look to Eclipse.

Eclipse opens her wing and closes it around Midnight. "I guess it's not good to think bad thoughts at these times."

"Clipsy you know the rumor in Equestria, where I have killed several creatures here?" Lightning whispers.

Eclipse glares at Lightning, not in anger but in seriousness of the situation. "Yes and I don't like it one bit. You better tell me you have been investigating this."

"I used your and my men to find a traitor who is working with the dominion." Lightning whispers.

Lightning then turns to Rainbow and leans his head to Midnight. She nods and goes to him. "Come on let's get ice cream." She tells him. Midnight nods for the prospect of frozen milk.

When they both left Lightning turns back to Eclipse. "Lord Barrows is the traitor, but we have yet to determine if he is acting with other nobles or alone and we have no real proof yet." Lightning says lowly and Kite listens in to the two.

Both of them turns to Kite. She looks to them. "Sorry, but this does involve us. So I am entitled to listen in."

"She has a good point." Lightning says.

"How about using Apollo to sneak in and find anything? You know how he is with sneaking and stealing. He particularly made it his life." Eclipse asks.

"Somepony already did that once and was almost caught but the info they revealed is far greater. They still have more creatures and that's what we are trying to locate so we can snuff this potential inferno before the spark lights it." Lightning says.

"Might I suggest something?" Kite quipped. "How about you look to any mines or factories he might have. Usually you do operations in something you own. Someplace you can mess with and create special places. Especially places that either make or mine for that purpose."

"The thought has occurred to us but with Nethergate we can take no chances at all." Lightning says.

Kite sighs. "Well there goes that plan." Then a thought occurred to her. "How sending Apollo there? He infiltrated a factory once so he knows the in and out of the basic stuff."

"The main problem is searching the Diamond mine…that's it. We need help by the only native creatures that love jewels and live underground." Lightning says and his grin showed he was thinking up a devious plan.

Both Eclipse and Kit leans in. "Well, who are they?" They both ask.

Lightning just grins.

Lighting along with Rarity walks over to where she usually digs for jewels with Spike. "Can we go over this again one more time?" She asks.

"I wish to get in contact with Diamond Dogs and Rainbow told me you encounter them once." Lightning says.

She sighs. "Well, more like whining at them, but they got so annoyed they wanted to let me go. Why don't you go in first and try to talk deals and if they don't comply then I'll come in later." She offered.

"Thanks Rarity. Oh and Rarity I really like your way with hats, you think you can make me a few more?" Lightning asks remembering his old hat.

Rarity smiles. "Of course dear, I really like to make foreign clothes now because of your talking of the high society balls."

"Thanks again Rarity. How much will it cost?" Lightning asks.

Rarity starts to rush forward. "Let me grab a few jewels they have and that will be all."

"Ok, will do." Lightning says walking in step with her.

As he walks away Twilight rises out of the bushes. "What are you thinking? We are not dealing with them again?" She said to herself as she tries to follow them.

Of course she didn't notice little Agni following her.

For the last few days Twilight had been following Lightning Bolt trying to figure out what he was hiding. Most of the things that she found under suspicion were almost dangerous at best. And most of them were either creatures or something that is connected to one of the foreigners that follows him. Especially the two new stallions at Applejack's farm that took the jobs were even something that she thought were connected to him too.

But after a while, she just concluded that they were looking for jobs somewhere else than their homeland. Makes sense since the other lands might be having a problem with employment opportunities that are at least practical. But then there is the fact that Lighting did monster hunting in the past so they had no choice...maybe.

She follows closely to Lightning and Rarity as they enter a cave. "I'll go in first Rarity, if I have trouble I'll call you, ok?" Lightning asks.

Rarity nods and heads over to sit down at a nearby rock. Lightning then jumps into the hole and falls into the darkness while Rarity lounges around. Twilight starts to get closer until she hears the bushes behind her makes some noise. Looking behind her she sees Agni smiling at her.

"Agni, what are you doing here?" She whispers harshly.

Agni just tilts his head at her and plays charades. First he plays out Spike and him having a stare down until he got a really bad feeling in his stomach. But that was just his flamethrower being unleashed. After Spike got burnt and knocked out he quickly mimics running to her and doing what she is doing right now, sneaking.

"That still doesn't explain what you are doing here?" Twilight almost screeches and pointing a hoof at her.

Agni hugs her forehoof. "Did you miss me?" Twilight asks now calming down.

Agni nods his head and cuddles some more. Twilight smiles and hugs him back.

"Twilight, what are you doing here?" Rarity asks

Twilight yelps and almost jumps in the air. She looks over to Rarity standing over her bush.

"Oh, Rarity...hi...didn't know you were...here." Twilight stutters out.

"Twilight have you been following me this whole time?" Rarity asks.

Twilight starts to sweat. "Uh...nope. Just...training with Angi here." She turns to Agni. "Right Agni?"

Agni nods his head no.

Twilight goes wide eye at what Agni just did. "At least he's honest, unlike you. I'm no Applejack, but I can tell you're lying." Rarity frowns.

"Well...you see Rarity..." Twilight begins.

Lightning was wandering alone in the dark of the tunnels. "Boy, I hate to see the Canterlot's mines." Lightning says moving until he saw a torch lit and heard the sounds of digging.

"Ah, good. Now let's see…" He moves around the corner and sees three dogs digging and coming out with not much jewels.

"Ah, this is stupid." One dog with a red shirt said.

"I agree. Most of the gems are gone. Especially after that whiny pony took most of our gems." A big burly dog with a gray sweater said.

"Can I assume you are a part of the Diamond Dog community?" Lightning asks from coming around the corner.

The three dogs' jumps back in surprise and readies themselves. "What, how did the pony get here? We have dogs watching."

Lighting raises an eyebrow. "I just walked from one of your tunnel that way." Lightning says pointing where he came from. "Anyways I'm here to do business with you." Lightning says.

The dogs' growl. "Are you crazy pony? The last time we dealt with a pony we lost almost all our precious gems." The dog with the red shirt said.

"Even if you get something in return?" Lightning asks.

The three dogs stop and drools, but then compose themselves. "What are you offering?" The red shirt dog asks.

"I normally would offer you just jewels but that is not a good enough reward for this work because it's going to be very dangerous work." Lightning says seriously.

The lead dog growls. "Then what are you offering if it's not gems?"

Lightning smiles. "How about an entire mine?"

The dogs perk their ears at this. "Did you say mine?" They said at the same time.

"Yes, plus protection and help from ponies." Lightning adds.

The three dogs looks to themselves then huddles together. After a while they look to him again. "What proof do you have that you will give us the mine?"

"Do you know of miner's rights of the Equestrian laws?" Lightning asks.

The three dogs get confused. "Miner's right?" The lead dog asks.

"Yes, it is a law, Celestia made it. It states those who mine legally own the rights to whatever they dig up as long as it is not being actively mined by another even if they don't own the land." Lightning informed.

The three dogs look to each other then back to Lightning. "So that means that…?" They ask.

Lightning nods. "Yep, you can mine all you want and you won't get in trouble."

"Still a dangerous job."

They look to the little runt who spoke up. "You mention dangerous work, which means we might die. I'm still not convinced."

Lightning raises an eyebrow. "You know the Barrows mines that have many Diamond Dog slaves?" Lightning asks.

The little one shakes his head. "Still dangerous."

"Rarity can you come and convince them to save their own kind!" Lightning yells back the way he came.

The dogs' eyes widen. "The whiny pony is here?!" The dogs yells.

"Above ground actually." Lightning clarifies.

"Coming dear!" Rarity's voice echoed.

"Oh no!" The dogs yell.

Rarity walks over to them as they back up to the wall and she followed. She clears her throat and uses some breath freshener. She then clears her throat again and turns to them. "Oh, why won't you save your own kind?! They are your own friends and family and you're going to leave them! Oh, you are horrible dogs! Now please help them!" She whines.

Even before the whining they covered their ears and they still pulled at them. "Okay, I'll do it!" The runt yells.

Rarity then smiles. "Thank you dearie. Now I'll grab a few gems and I'll be off back to town." She said as she pulls a few gems from the walls and walks off.

"I'll replace those as well." Lightning offered.

"Don't need to. We get that mine and we'll be swimming in gems. Precious gems." They drooled out.

"Ok, I want you to go and spy on the Burrow's mines you're looking for large and dangerous creatures." Lightning said planning everything out.

"What kind?" The lead dog said as guard dogs starts to prepare.

Lightning brings out a book. "Any that look like the pictures in this book." Lightning says.

They take the book and start to look through it. Their eyes widen as they flipped through each page in the book and coming into more and more monsters and creatures. "What...what are these creatures doing in Equestria anyway?"

"Lord Borrow is keeping them in cages and planning to unleash them on the country. So you will also be considered heroes if we succeed." Lightning says.

The three dogs grin. "You, pony, are making this more interesting." The lead dog said.

"But they are not what you have to worry about." Lightning says.

The grins turn to frowns. "What do you mean pony?" The runt asks.

"Watch out for these. They are more akin to demons then ponies." Lightning says showing them a picture of a Nethergate assassin.

The dogs growl loudly. "How about you keep them off us and we'll lead you to whatever you need to take control." The lead dog said.

"Because this is a pure stealth mission so the likelihood of encountering them is low, but if you do run don't engage, but if they are there then that means they are guarding something far more valuable." Lightning warns.

"Any value to us?" The lead dog asks.

"To you most likely not, but we could get it when we take the mine. So no need to rush." Lightning says.

The dogs' huffs. "Alright pony. Let's go and get this done. Take us to where we need to dig and we'll get you inside."

"I and the others will need to prepare ourselves, besides you can use this job as a way to get several other Diamond Dog clans to join you." Lightning says.

"That's true pony. Come back once you're ready. We'll be set to go once you come back." The lead dog said throwing the book back to Lightning and walking off.

"The names Lightning Bolt, what's yours?" Lightning asks.

"Rover." The lead dog said.

"Fido." The large burly one said.

"Runt. And that's all you will know." The small one said.

"I will see you soon." Lightning says walking back into the tunnel he emerged from.

Coming out of the cave system he takes a breath of fresh cool air and looks around. He becomes surprised to see Twilight there with Agni conversing with Rarity. 'What the heck?' He thinks to himself.

"Oh, Lightning there you are darling. Did everything go ok?" Rarity asks.

"Yeah, they have agreed now if you would excuse me I must make preparations." Lightning says unfurling his wings.

"Of course darling. You best do your job well after all." Rarity said as she starts to walk back to Ponyville.

Lightning takes off and flies away as Twilight yells. "Wait Lightning!" Lightning was soon out of sight.

Lightning landed at the house where Nikolai was staying at and knocks on the door. The heavy thumping puts a strain on his ears and then even more once the door opens. "Hey Lightning!" Nikolai yells over the music.

"What?!" Lightning yells.

"Hold on a second! Vinyl we have a guest!" Nikolai yells.

The music finally stops as Lightning starts to rub his ears clear of the muffling.

"Won't work. You have to live with it to fix it." Nikolai muffled voice said.

"Nikolai round them up, we move soon." Lightning says with a serious face and Nikolai nods.

"Vinyl, Octavia, I'm going out for a bit I'll back soon." Nikolai yells.

"K bud, make sure you get back soon. And make sure you come back with some milk too. We're out of two percent." Vinyl told him.

"You got it." Nikolai yells in before closing the door.

"You get the one on the coast and I'll get the other two." Lightning says.

Nikolai nods and files off to the coast while Lightning starts flying off to the farm. Landing at apple farm's entrance he starts to follow the path to see if they are working themselves to the bone like Nikolai had described. He walks up to Applejack who was working by herself. "Hey Applejack." Lightning says nasally covering his nose.

Applejack sighs through her mask as she tries to rub all the gunk off her hooves on the ground. "Hya Lightning, now's not really the best time." She told as she looks to the rest of the crap on the area.

"I need your two employees for something important." Lightning says in a nasally voice.

"Take them! I lost a bet thanks to them." Applejack yells frustrated with the end result.

"Thanks." Lightning says leaving. He walks up to the two who were resting against a tree. "Get your things we have work to do." Lightning says. They quickly move as they head back to Lightning's house.

Later that night the three stallions were talking in the dark. "Nikolai brought you both up to speed right?" Lightning asks.

The two newcomers look over themselves to check over their equipment. "One more time to make sure." Alexander said.

"Ok, we have confirmed Lord Borrows is a collaborator with the Dominion and Nether gate is here assisting him. We also have confirmed all of the recent monsters from the Chamleonsaurus to the Diablos were his doing. We also know he has more so we are going to search the only place with enough room for them the Barrow's mine in ten days, but before that. Apollo I have another mission for you." Lightning says.

Apollo looks at him as he test his bow opening and close, each time making a sound. "What's the objective?"

"Search all of the factories owned by lord Barrows even if just partially and look for anything that might help." Lightning says.

"Well this will be fun. Where's the map and first one?" Apollo asks.

Lightning hoofs him the map. "The first one will be the farthest one from all them. It's newly built so there may be some construction equipment still on site. I'm sure you can use those."

Apollo takes the map and looks it over before packing it away and then pulls up his mask. "Let's get this done."

"Alexander we will stay here and Apollo if you are not back on the night of the tenth night we will commence the mission." Lightning informs.

"Oh please, I always meet the deadline. No matter what." Apollo smirks under his mask before swooping away fast into the darkness.

"Now we wait Alexander." Lightning says as Alexander nods.

Ten Days Later

For the last nine days Twilight had been digging for as much information as possible on Lightning Bolt. And what she has so far is frustrating. Only the fact that of where he comes from, what power he has, and what he did, but that's not enough for any motive of any kind of why he is here. The fact he hadn't been seen in the last nine days along with those three other stallions also made her suspicious.

Hearing a knock at her door she packs away all the notes she has in Lightning and goes to answer it. It was Rainbow Dash when she opens it. "Hey Twi, have you seen Lightning?" Rainbow asks.

Twilight shakes her head. "Nah, have you tried his home?" Twilight asks.

"Yeah there is no pony there but Hurricane." Rainbow says.

"And even she couldn't tell you where he was?" Twilight asks taking some tea with sugar.

"She wouldn't say. Twilight...I'm scared that Lightning is involved in something dangerous again." Rainbow says getting worried.

Twilight huffs. "Oh please, he's a tough enough stallion..." Twilight was cut off by Rainbow. "He almost died last time, Twilight!"

Twilight looks to side. "Still alive." She simply said.

"That's was heartless Twilight. After all he has been teaching you magic you could never learn otherwise." Rainbow says.

Twilight raises an eyebrow. "He's keeping secrets Rainbow. That's a good reason to be suspicious of him."

"And you don't?" Rainbow asks.

"You're blinded by your love for him!" Twilight yells.

"Now you're just diverting the subject. Twilight, your paranoia is taking control of you." Rainbow counters.

"Oh really. Has he at least told you everything he does?" Twilight asks.

"Do you expect everypony to tell you every detail of their lives Twilight? He is hiding things I admit but I think he's hiding painful memories. He has already told us he has seen ponies die before." Rainbow reminds.

"Yeah and that's what wrong. There is something going on right now and Lightning is in on it. Of that I'm sure." Twilight said confidently.

"Oh yeah, he is responsible for all the monsters Twilight, that is why he risked his life and nearly died fighting them." Rainbow says sarcastically.

Twilight glares at her. "Get out."

Rainbow huffs and leaves slamming the door behind her, leaving the estranged unicorn alone. Twilight sighs and turns her head to the table where she kept the notes, but decided not open them again and heads for the kitchen, thinking that some food will clear her head.

As she eats she remembers when she went to see Nikolai to try to learn more but wound up talking to Vinyl after learning he hasn't been there recently. Asking even her shows that even Nikolai hasn't told much, but that may be attributed to the fact that pony doesn't go into personal lives much.

But then she remembered what Vinyl told her. "Yeah, he hasn't said much but now that I think on it there was something weird. You see after one of my gigs I got him to join me for drinks and kinda drank him under the table and when I tried to arouse him I noticed his wing moved oddly and when I picked him up with my magic to head home he was far heavier than I thought he would be, of course that could have been from the fact I was half smashed at the time."

Twilight thinks heavily on that. That particular stallion is heavier and one of his wings is acting weird under something that is involuntary but should be the same among all the pegasus stallion. That is strange, but the source was shady at best. Especially if it comes from the craziest DJ around.

The two other Stallions haven't been around long enough to learn anything either, but they definitely are up to something especially for that darken clothed stallion. Before Twilight could think of anything further she felt something hug her hind leg. Looking back she saw Agni. "Oh Agni, sorry did I wake you?" Twilight asked.

Agni shakes his head and jumps up on the table to nibble on some of the food before sitting down on his rump and looking at her. "Ok, but just a little." Twilight says before sending magic into Agni's mouth.

Agni smiles while keeping his mouth open and starts to gulp down the magic that is sent down his mouth. Once finished he closes his mouth and licks his lips while rubbing his belly. 'Well at least Lightning gave me you.' Twilight thought.

"Okay Agni, why don't you head off for some sleep?" Agni just nods no. "Okay, what, you want to play?" Twilight asks and Agni nods. "Okay, what do you want to play?" Agni runs off to hide.

Twilight smiles before closing her eyes and starts to count. "One, two, three, four…"

Angi smiles as he runs around the home, looking for a place to hide. Before he ends up in the main room and hides behind the fireplace his flames from his back blending in perfectly with the fire.

"Eighteen, nineteen, twenty. Ready or not here I come!" Twilight calls out. She gets and starts to look around the kitchen. Seeing nothing was moved she heads to main room. She keeps looking, checking everywhere she could think. Until she remembers that he loves fire. "Oh, where are you?" She plays out. Twilight starts to head for fireplace. "Oh, I wonder where he is. Maybe he's outside or…" She grabs Agni with her magic and pulls him out of the fireplace and into her hooves. "Right here." She giggled.

Angi cheers and snuggles into her coat. Twilight smiles as she looks to Agni. "What was I thinking?" Twilight says when she suddenly remember something Lightning said in a lesson.

"So Lightning, when we came looking for you we notice a huge cage obviously used to transport that Wyvern." Twilight says.

"Yes, it's like I hypothesized. Those creatures weren't there by natural causes. Which begs the question, where are they coming from?" Lightning says.

"You mean you don't know?" Twilight asks.

"If I did I would do something about them." Lightning says.

"Could that be it? Could he have finally tracked the monsters?" Twilight wondered out loud.

Agni looks up at her question. Twilight smiles down at him. "Sorry Agni. Do you want to play more or something else?"

Agni jumps out of her hooves and heads for the door. Twilight becomes curious and follows. Agni opens the door by jumping on the handle and turning it before letting go and opening the door. He then heads out with Twilight following. Agni eventually led her to Rarity's shop where she found Rainbow and Rarity talking.

Angi runs up to them and jumps up and down. "Hi there little Agni. What are you doing here?" Rarity asks taking Agni in her hooves.

"I think he wanted me to come and talk with Rainbow." Twilight says at the door.

They both look to the door and Rainbow frowns. "One chance Twilight. That's all you're getting." Rainbow warns.

"I think I figured out what Lightning is doing." Twilight says.

"Oh brother. You just lost your chance." Rainbow said heading for the door.

"I think he found where all the creatures have been coming from." Twilight says freezing Rainbow.

Rainbow sighs and sits down still facing away them. "I know he does this, but he does it to protect me and everypony around him. He does it so nopony else has to."

"Rainbow there is something else, remember that huge cage?" Twilight reminds her.

Rainbow slightly turns to them. "Yeah."

"I think Lightning figured out who was behind that as well if he found the creatures." Twilight says.

"Knowing him, he's probably going to make sure that it doesn't happen again." Rainbow smiles lightly, but pained.

"Rainbow in this time, I have come to realize only somepony with power and influence could do this. So Lightning might be walking into a trap." Twilight says.

Rainbow frowns. "He might, but knowing him, he might make it without too much trouble."

"Rainbow we have to help." Twilight pleaded.

"Wow Twilight, this is a 180 from just a few minutes ago." Rainbow says.

"I know, but he did help us through a lot and is now in possible trouble. He helps us, we help him." Twilight pleaded.

"Excuse me darling the sentiment is all fine and good but do you know where to start?" Rarity asks while ticking Agni.

"No, but we know somepony who does. But first let's get the rest of the girls." Twilight says.

"You ready?" Lightning asks the other four stallions.

"Why do you think we're here?" Nikolai said.

"Alright, Edward, Nikolai brought you up to date right?" Lightning asks.

A stallion wearing a hooded outfit with armor plates on his hooves and chest area. A belt hangs on him carrying many pouches that may hold whatever he needs. "Of course. But this better bloody come out right, because I left my ship for this. You know how much I love my ship." Edward said.

"It will now, let's meet our friends." Lightning says hopping down the hole.

The rest of them looks down the hole. "I am not doing a leap of faith in this." Edward said hearing the roughness of what Lightning is going through.

"Oh just do it." Alexander says pushing him into the hole.

"Damn you, Alexander!" Edward yells as he falls down the hole.

The three others jump down as well after him. Soon they came to stop at the bottom of the shaft and landed on top of one another.

"I thinking I landed on something sharp." Apollo said.

"That's my weapon." Edward told him.

"Good thing it hit your armor." Nikolai says getting out of the dog pile.

Apollo gets up and shakes himself free of the dust. "Yeah, good thing." He looks to where he got hit and just rubs at it.

"Unless it's a mare, stop rubbing at it." Edward told him as he walks past him.

"Enough it's time for business." Lightning says walking towards the light.

"Missed pun for 'Don't go into the light.'" Nikolai said.

"I said enough!" Lightning yells emerging into a large area.

They soon came onto a large amount dogs running and gathering weapons. Lightning saw the three lead dogs and headed for them. "We're here."

"Good, we managed to get a few clans to join us for this." Rover says.

"Even better." Lightning said smiling.

"Just remember, we do this and win, we get the mine." Runt warns.

"And free our brethren." Rover says.

"If you guys are set let's go to Lord Barrow's mines." Lightning said heading back up the cave system.

Rover gives a sign and all dogs starts to follow the ponies to where they need to go. Soon after a few days walk they made it to galloping gorge. "Ok we haven't been spotted yet start digging here." Lightning said pointing to spot in front of him while looking to the large mine system on the side of the gorge.

"Dig dogs." Rover commanded and soon the dig dogs were digging away.

"Commander Hurricane, I know you know where Lightning went." Twilight says as they sat in the kitchen in Lightning's home.

Hurricane takes a piece of pie sitting on the table and takes a bit. "I may, but may not. And even if I did you know I wouldn't tell anything."

"Why not?" Rainbow asks.

She leans forward. "Because families protect other family members."

"But we want to help him because he could be walking into a trap." Applejack says.

She throws the piece up in the air and eats it in one go. "And you know as well as I do that he can take care of himself."

"But he might be in trouble." Rarity says.

"Like I said, he can take of himself. Besides how much can he get himself into?" Hurricane said grinning knowing what she just did.

Lightning sneaks into one of the mines of Lord Burrows and surveys the area. He signals some of the dogs to emerge from the tunnel and they moves out to take position.

They look over the edge in silence as they watch Diamond Dogs in chains working away with bad conditions on them.

"Let's go." Rover said as he moves out.

"No wait, there are sentries over there with crossbows. We go now they will sound the alarm. We have to take them out first." Lightning says

Rover huffs. "Alright, now hurry and take them out then we'll move to get them out."

Lightning nods and turns to Apollo "Apollo you're up." Lightning orders.

Apollo unsheathes his bow and loads two arrows. He then let's go and the arrows fly. They both hit both their marks and both ponies collapse. "Now you may." Lightning says.

The dogs quickly rush down and starts to head for their own kind. The dogs quickly got to work and starts to unlock the chains and sometimes breaking them with their own weapons. "Alexander go with Rover and assist them, the rest of us will search ahead." Lightning orders.

Alexander nods and heads off to help. After he left Lightning turns to the rest of them. "Apollo go scout on ahead and tell us what you find. And if you see Lord Barrows, tell us immediately. We need to take him down fast." Lightning says and the stallion saluted and swooped off.

After a few minutes Apollo returned. "I found they but they are guarded by Nethergates and I saw a Dominion Centurion and I recognized him as Levinat." Apollo says.

"Are you sure?" Edward asks.

"Absolutely." Apollo says.

"Leave Levinat to me. I have a grudge to settle." Edward told them.

"Move then." Lightning orders and they started moving that way silently.

When they came to the cavern they saw many cages with creatures inside them and many Nethergate assassins patrolling and overhead overseeing it all was an earth pony in Centurion armor with a purple rhino helmet.

"Okay, Apollo, get all the sentries." Lightning orders.

Apollo nods and swoops off. Soon the sentries fell and their bodies were pulled into the darkness.

"Done." Apollo said swooping in by them.

"Still want to learn that." Edward comments.

"Later." Apollo told him.

"Ok, Edward you have a few minutes then we start." Lightning says.

Edwards nods and starts to walk along the secondary beams to walk over Levinat. Soon reaching over him he jumps off and readies his weapon in midair. Coming down he was about to strike before Levinat moves away and pulls out his weapons and blocks the attack.

"Hello Edward." Levinat hisses.

"Bloody die, already!" Edwards yells.

"Let's go!" Lightning tells his team.

They ran out surprising the Nethergate assassins. The nearest one was unfortunately ran through with a sword before he could react by Lightning. Apollo start shooting his arrows killing any that came into his sights as Nikolai was using his agility to start killing Nethergate assassin at random.

Meanwhile Edward had taken out his sword and started out a duel with Levinat. "You will die by my hoof today!" He yells at him.

"You can try." Levinat said calmly blocking another attack.

"Oh, I've been busy, all your crew involved in killing Thatch are already dead and now you're the only one last one now." Edward says pointing a sword at him.

Levinat swipes at the sword outstretched to him and then tries to stab him. Fortunately Edward dodges and tries to counter it. "Then come get me." Levinat taunted.

Edward outstretches his arm and a mini lightning crossbow bow pierces Levinat's sword hoof making it numb from the nerves dying. "Damn you." Levinat hisses.

"I still fight like a pirate and we use anything to win." Edward reminds and redoubles his assault.

Levinat swipes away at the sword coming at him and counters each one. "Still can't get me."

But he didn't expect Edward to unsheathe a second sword and Edward stared fighting with a dual sword style. Levinat tried his best to defend but he received a gash every so often. "Like I said, a pirate" Edward says faking him out and stabbing both swords though his back and lifts him up before throwing him over the edge and off his swords. Levinat hit the ground hard and was bleeding badly. He started to try and crawl away when he heard a claw slam behind him. Looking back scared he sees he landed inside one of the topless cages. "Fuck."

Edward lands besides the cage and knocks on the cage with his sword as he walks by. "Now I would have killed you, but I feel right that you could feel like your own prisoners."

Levinat screams were then heard as the creature ripped him apart. "Rest in peace Thatch." Edward says cutting down a Nethergate assassin trying to sneak up behind him.

Lightning and the rest of the stallions were finished fighting as the last one fell from the stab he received. "Finally."

"What about the creature?" Nikolai asks as the creature still rips apart the body.

"It's not going anywhere for now and will provide enough proof for the princesses to act." Lightning says.

"Oh, I don't know about that." A voice rang out.

"Dolph!" Lightning says with great anger turning to where the voice came from.

"Well, well, this is quite a surprise. I didn't expect any of you to be here." Dolph says in an emotionless tone.

"What do you mean?" Lightning asks.

"Well, you see, Princess Celestia and Luna won't be in a position to do anything after what we just did and Saddle Arabia won't be able to do anything with our little hostage." Dolph says still in an emotionless tone.

"Hostage?" Lightning said warily.

"Why yes, the young prince." Dolph says causing Lightning's eyes to widen in shock.

A knife embeds itself in the wall near where Dolph stood. "That's a warning shot. Next one goes to you. Now let the prince go and maybe we can come to an agreement." Edward warns.

Dolph huffs. "I don't think you will considering that I know where he is and…" He couldn't continue as he gets grabbed from behind, immobilizing him. "What the devil?!"

"Hiya." He looks behind him to see a glowing blue eye. "How about you tells us where the young prince is and maybe we'll let you go."

"Never!"

Apollo shrugs. "Have it your way." He pushes Dolph off the second floor and onto the ground below near the cage. The creature slams into the cage bars to get its new prey, but couldn't. Dolph jumps back a little in shock. When he turns back to his attackers to see them crowding up on him. "I'm going to get the prince." Apollo said to them.

"Don't bother, I know where they are keeping him. Your being here is a challenge isn't it?" Lightning asks.

Dolph just looks nonchalantly in the distance. "By whatever do you mean dear Lightning? I'm just overseeing everything. Nothing personal."

"I will see you soon enough. Men we are withdrawing." Lightning orders.

The three stallions reluctantly withdrew with Lightning, leaving Dolph slightly confused. They met up with Alexander halfway back. "The Diamond Dogs are free and Rover is leading them out." Alexander informs. "Good, back to Ponyville immediately. Something bad has happened." Lightning says worried about what Clipsy has to say.

They trudge back through the mine and to the tunnel where Rover and his dogs were overseeing the escape. "Did you find all of them?" Lightning asks.

Rover huffs. "Yep, some idiot brought out every single dog out here to dig new tunnels connecting to the existing ones. Never made it far because of us."

"Good to hear some good news but we have a big problem." Lightning says.

Rover glares at him. "You better not be backing down on your promise."

"No I'm not but their allies have struck and did something to Princess Celestia and Luna which means the Dominion are close to invading." Lightning says worried.

Rover calms down and sighs. "So, no mine for a while?"

"Maybe we will see, but you best tell all your clans this cause when they invade they either exterminate a majority of a populace and enslave the rest when it comes to anything besides earth ponies." Lightning conveying how serious the situation is.

Rover sighs. "Then you need more help."

"We all do because they already used your kind as slaves and the only way we escape that fate is if we all band together." Lightning says.

Rover grins. "Exactly which is why you need allies that have been getting away with it."

"Yeah, that's why I'm asking you to try and rally all the Diamond Dog clans." Lightning says.

"I didn't mean our kind." Rover clarified.

Lightning just gets confused. "Then who are you talking about?"

Rover grins. "We'll help, but only if you get the Changelings on your side."

"You know where they are?" Lightning asks.

Rover just shrugs. "Of course. We encountered them a bunch of times between Smoky Mountain and White Tail Woods. I'm sure that you could make a little detour there, enter a hive, and cut a deal. When done meet us at our old place because I'm leaving a few dogs here to prepare this mine for us, but still need to move out all the other stuff back at ours. We will all meet at the castle once we're all met and done."

"I'll do that, but first there is a matter closer to home I must deal with. I hope we both live through what is to come Rover." Lightning says extending a hoof.

Rover huffs and takes his hoof. "Same to you. Now if you'll excuse me. I have to deal some of the dogs getting onto the females." He then turns around and sees something. "Hey! Now's not the time for that!" He yells out.

When Lightning and the other four stallions make it back to Ponyville, he notices several royal guards are now here. 'So word has already reached huh, good, will make things far easier for us. I had hoped I wouldn't have to reveal us but I guess there is no helping it.' Lightning thinks.

"Geez." Apollo said as he looks around. "This isn't even close to what I had when I was in Stalliongrad."

"Are you right in the head?" Edward piped up. "I have to deal with this every day when I was a pirate."

"Quiet you two we are about to talk to royalty." Lightning says as they make their way to the library.

Entering, after being allowed passage from the guards out front, they came onto the three princesses and Eclipse, who was very much crying, and the mane six with Spike standing in the back making something. Once they entered all of the eyes in the room looks to them making them feel slightly uneasy. Lightning examined Celestia and Luna and could feel their magical aura significantly drained.

'So that's the problem. But the country is as strong as the citizens. I just hope this place can hold it.' Lightning thinks walking over to Eclipse. "I encountered Dolph and he told me everything." Lightning says and Eclipse sadly nods.

"Where could they have taken him?" She asks shakily.

"Lord Burrow's estate." Lightning says instantly.

"What is going on?" Twilight suddenly asks.

Lightning sighs and turns to her. "Twilight we have multiple international incidents and a war on the borders at here and back on the other side. Feeling like investigating some more, because I'll tell you now this is a high stakes game where all of Equestria is in the balance?" Lightning says.

"Sounds like you know what exactly is going on." Spitfire's voice says behind him.

"Indeed I do sister." Lightning answers turning around. "Celestia called you?"

Spitfire shakes her head. "In times of great crisis the Wonderbolts are called in for aerial war. The show thing is just a front."

"I see, well let me make it completely clear what is happening. The Dominion Empire is making its move to conquer Equestria. One of their three assassin groups called Nethergate has kidnapped the prince of Saddle Arabia in an attempt to block Equestria from joining the growing alliance against them and through most likely soul gems have stolen a great deal of power for Princess Celestia and Luna to cripple both of them for the upcoming war and shake the nation's resolve." Lightning explains.

"How do we counter these Soul Gems?" Luna asks. "Gosh, I got a headache." She said as she holds both of her hooves against her head. Spike gives her an aspirin and a glass of water which she takes. "Thanks."

"Shatter them before they are used, but since they already stole your magic with them they can use them as batteries to power some form of magic now, maybe even a ritual." Lightning says.

"Of course." Celestia spoke up. "Make us look weak also and the country will lose its moral and the will to fight."

"Yes, but if you show that you are not out, then the citizens will take a chance and help. They can see that even though you're weakened you still stand strong in times like these. And you don't use magic to help along, just pure will." Lightning said.

"How do you know all of this?" Twilight asks suspiciously.

Lightning sighs. "To answer that let me reintroduce myself. I am Lightning Bolt, head general of the armies of Stalliongrad, arch mage of the college of Siberia, thane of all seven provinces of Stalliongrad, former level six hunter of the Stalliongrad hunters, and currently one of the leading figures in the alliance against the Dominion empire." Lightning finishes.

To say the princess were shocked was an understatement, standing before them was one of the most influential ponies of Stalliongrad and they never knew. Especially Rainbow, who was shell shocked at everything now. "I have fought the Dominion even before we gained our independence from them in Stalliongrad." Lightning continued.

"I always knew there was something you weren't telling us. But I never expected this." Twilight says.

Lightning sighs. "Well, now you know." He then makes a glaring look at something. "Yet, we are not of the woods yet. Apollo!"

Apollo immediately let loose an arrow through the window. On the other side of the smashed window came a pained cry as a thud follows. The stallions immediately went outside as soon as the arrow was let loose, with the others following. Outside they find a stallion in an outfit that Celestia and Luna immediately recognized. "That's one of the ponies who attack us." Luna says.

The stallion tries to get, but… "Don't even try it laddie." He looks up to see a lot of glaring faces at him, some with weapons and attacks at the ready.

"Guards, I think you know your duty." Lightning says walking back into the library where Ice Fang, Azure, and Agni were playing.

Lightning looks upon them with a pained face, knowing that this won't be happening much in the coming days. "Alright guys. Come on."

"Wait, I'm coming too. It's my duty to protect the prince." They heard a hurt voice say. Looking at the origin Lightning sees Kite injured.

"You're far too injured. If you come you will only die." Lightning warns.

Kite huffs. "You really think after that speech you gave to the princesses that I'm going to back down. Forget it!"

Lightning walks up to her. "Sorry." Lightning says before knocking her out gently. "I don't like letting ponies martyr themselves." Lightning says.

"Lightning there is something you should know before you go." Eclipse says.

Lightning looks back at her. "Do you know who Midnight's father could be?" She asks gently.

Lightning just nods his head no. "Think Lightning, think hard. Who was the only pony with me?"

Lightning starts to remember all the times he has been with her, yet through all that the only pony was… "No." He whispers.

"Yes, Midnight is your foal." Eclipse said gently with tears starting to fall.

"Why did you never tell me?" Lightning asks trying to stay calm.

"I thought it would be easier on both of us if I kept quiet." Eclipse admits with tears falling.

"You know how bad a lie would get Eclipse." Lightning said still trying to process all this.

"And now this is far worse for Dolph, now it's personal." Lightning said, hatred and rage were clear in his eyes.

"Lightning remember what you told me about revenge. You could hurt the one you're fighting for." Eclipse warns.

"This isn't about revenge, this is about getting my son back." Lightning told her now walking out. "Twilight I have one of the biggest favors I will ever ask you." Lightning says to her which makes her perk her ears at him.

Twilight, wearing her Grand Galloping Gala dress, along with the others, in their dresses, walk through the giant door into one of the biggest ballrooms she has ever seen. Sighing she turns to the stallions. "Okay, you both know what to do right?"

"This isn't the first time." Alexander says straightening out the bow on his tuxedo.

"I hate dresses." Rainbow says walking past them.

"Oh, ho, ho, Princess Twilight, I am so pleased you answered my invitation. You honor me so much with your presence. Why, it is such an honor just to greet you that…" Lord Burrows was then interrupt. "That is enough father, we don't want the princess to feel uncomfortable." A lean blue stallion with blond hair in a red tuxedo with a small blue cape says. "Oh yes, quite right. Oh princess Twilight allow me to introduce my son and heir, Euram Burrows." Lord Burrows introduces.

"It is an honor my princess." Euram says with a dignified voice and bows slightly.

"Oh um...the pleasure is all mine." She said right back inclining her head. 'Thanks for the quick lessons Luna.'

"Thank you your highness." Euram says getting up. "Now I believe you and your friends want to join the party so we'll leave you and your friends to mingle. Come along father." He said walking away.

"Oh very right my son." Lord Burrows says following Euram.

"Wow, talk about the apple falling far from the tree." Applejack commented.

"I know. It's like he hates all of this and just wants it done. Any case…" She turns back to Apollo and Edward. "You two better get into positions." Twilight says.

"You got it. Nikolai, Alexander we leave their safety to you." Apollo says swooping into the shadows and starting to climb the pole in darkness with Edward following.

Outside, Lightning is stealthily making his way through the underground caverns. 'When I get my hooves on you...oh boy, there will be Tartarus to pay.' Lightning curses.

Soon he ends up onto some tracks. "Okay, now the mine that started it all for his family will also bring him down." He starts to walk along the tracks, missing each board to not make a sound in the echoic cave. "Ok, I best keep moving." Lightning says outstretching his wings.

He then pushes off the ground before getting into a small flapping maneuver that barely makes a sound and starts to move forward. 'Sure hope they are doing ok.' Lightning thinks.

'What did I get myself into?' That was question running through Alexander's head. 'This mare can barely dance as it is.'

He was right on one thing. Twilight is a pretty bad dancer in any style. "Ow." Alexander said quietly as Twilight steps on another of his hooves with Twilight giving another 'Sorry.' to him.

The party continued on a little longer until Lord Burrows made an announcement. "Everypony it is time for the entertainment. If you would please follow the guards."

All of Twilight's group were not expecting this and just followed along.

'Finally, there is a light up ahead.' Lightning thinks flying right into the light.

All the nobles were taken lead to what looked like the top of a large cage. Looking down to all of their shock Lightning Bolt was at the bottom. "Oh, ho, it seems we have a little extra entertainment tonight my friends. Now you may start placing your bets as we unleash the creatures!" Lord Burrows exclaims as a cage door slams behind Lightning, trapping him, and two larger cage doors start to open.

All of Twilight's group looks on in shock at what is about to happen as a foot and a claw comes into the light from each of the cages. 'No.' Soon the bodies comes into view. 'It can't be.' Then finally the heads, revealing itself to be two Wyverns.

Right now, Lightning had one thing on his mind. "OH, BUCK ME!" He said rolling his head around and snapping it back forward.

Author's Notes:

Primus: We're very evil aren't we? Leaving Lightning like that is very harsh in itself. But this whole thing turned out great didn't it?

Flair: Oh, this got serious and tense all at once.

Primus: Still we hope you enjoyed our little evil cliffhanger. Let's hope you can stay on till the next time. Oh and here is our word count: It's over 9000! Just to note, I hate DBZ, but the memes are good.