(Two weeks later)
Twilight sat in her room with 12 of her brothers books ranging from military tactics to cooking. Right now she was reading about tactics and field medicine. She was really into it and was fasinated about military tactics. She wondered what it would be like to command troops like her brother did in Canterlot and how her brother ran his troops in the PMC area. She would have to ask him later.

As she got back into the book she saw Stardancer come inside with a frown on her face. She had on a small saddle bag with some clothes inside and what looked like a scroll.

"Hey Star what are you doing over today?" Star jumped a little before trotted over to her aunt and plopped down with a sigh.

"Daddy had to go to work today with his company and left this morning to go to the Hive nations to talk to the changelings about something they hired his company for and Auntie Pinkie had to go with the Cakes to Trottingham for some stuff for the bakery." She said handing a scroll to her and going upstairs to see Spike.

Twilight looked at the note and read before sighing. He would be back tomorrow and then leave again for a week and Pinkie would be back tomorrow as well and she would take over for Stardancer. And there was going to be a stallion and mare coming by to take Stardancer to her house and watch her.

Twilight smiled as she heard the filly laugh at whatever the two friends were doing upstairs. She sighed and went back to her book before she heard a knock at her door making her groan and walk over and open it. She opened the door and shreaked before slamming it shut and locking the door while leaning against the door as Stardancer and Spike came downstairs.

"Damn it I told you to let me talk to the mare!"

"Sorry boss lady. I just havent seen sunshine in a while and I wanted to see how she was doing."

"Um Aunt Twilight you can open the door. Thats just the familia." She said trotting over to the door as Twilight moved out of the way while the little filly opened the door only to get swept up by a pegasus mare.

"Hey Lightning Dust!"

"Hey kiddo! How you been? Your pops asked us to watch you while he was gone till his marefriend gets back. Speaking of which do you think he would be into a herd?" She asked blushing as the stallion walked in with a smile on his face looking at Stardancer. He was brown with a black mane and tail and a sliver highlight going through the middle and fire orange eyes.

"I dont know he and Auntie Pinkie Pie are trying to figure out if they want to go down that road. I know that some of Aunt Twilights friends like him from what I overheard the other night when they were talking." She said as Lightning sighed before perking up.

"So this must be THE TWLIGHT SPARKLE Ive heard so much about." She said as Twilight raised a eyebrow.

"What do you mean THE Twilight Sparkle?" She asked as Lightning Dust smiled and hovered in front of her.

"Well your brother loves to talk about his family. Especially his big sister Twilight Sparkle, miss magic herself and heroine of Equestria." She said crossing her hooves with a smirk as a earth pony stallion walked up and nodded to Stardancer.

"Come on squirt lets get you home. I cant wait to check out your dads place. Does he still have that special stuff?" He asked as Stardancer giggled.

"Yes Rockshatter he does, its in the top cabinet over the fridge." She said as the stallion smiled.

"Hey kiddo do you know if your pops still has any of that good left?" She asked as Stardancer laughed.

"Yep daddy kept some just incase you dropped by. He always has a fresh batch made before you come over or if he thinks your gonna drop by." She said as the mare started to drool before she headed out the door.

"Well come on then! I want to get over to-OOF!"

"What are you doing here Lightning Du-whaaa!"

"Im here on orders Dash! Next time think before you attack a pony." Lightning Dust said as she removed the dagger from Rainbows throat and got off her glaring at her.

"Lightning are you ok?" Stardancer asked as Rainbow looked surprised at the filly who was running up to the pegasus.

"Yea kiddo Im good. Do you know this filly?" She asked as Dash gritted her teeth and Stardancer nodded.

"Yea she's showing me a few things on flying with my friend Scootaloo. But its a lot of stuff I know already or just re-learning." She said with a shrug and looked back at Dash.

"Sorry I didnt tell you before Dash but Lightning Dust has been teaching me ever since daddy found her after her dismissal from the Wonderbolts Academy. I just like helping Scootaloo and act like Im having a hard time." She said as Dash sighed.

"So you've known how to fly all this time?"

"Well yeah. Lightning is a great teacher when she thinks you have what it takes. Dont get me wrong Dash your a good teacher to but Lightning is already teaching me." She said as Dash hung her head.

"But I think that Scoots has one of the best teachers I know and once she knows the basics she'll be up in the air in no time." She said flying up to her and giving her a hug before flying over to Lightning Dust who had a smile on her face and a little bit of drool.

"Enough talk! We got goods to get and Im looking forward to you showing me your moves today young lady." Lightning said as they took off to her house kicking up wind as they went. The stallion sighed as he looked at Twilight and nodded before he trotted off to catch the two speedsters.

(400 miles away in the Hive nation)

Dark Star walked next to the new queen of the changelings the daughter of Chrysalis, Queen Thrall.
"I dont see how this will help my people Mr Dark." The queen said as she looked a the stallion next to her as he smiled at her.

"My queen all you have to do is slowly migrate your subjects from the bad lands to the Crystal Empire. Their are caves near there that give off a constant supply of love from the Crystal heart itself. The only tricky part is getting them their undetected and keep it that way. If you want you can have one of your subjects come with me to confirm it since Im just going off stories." He said as the queen nodded.

"Very well Mr Dark my trusted subject Chen will go with you to the caves." She said as a female changeling walked out of the shadows and changed into a white mare with a ice blue mane and tail and red eyes. Dark smiled and nodded as she came up beside him.

"Whenever your ready Mr Dark." She said looking at her queen who nodded.

"Lets be on our way then I need to send a message to my family to let them know that I wont be home till at least next week." He said quickly jotting down a note before it winked away.

"Ok lets go my own daughter hates it when Im gone for to long." He said as they left the central chamber and headed for the exit.

"I hope he can really help us my people are slowly dying from starvation." She said as she looked around at her weak subjects and hoped they could find some food in time. Dark led Chen to some chariots that waited by the enterance with four of his pegasus soldiers.

"Ok guys lets go to the train station and then the Crystal Empire." He said as they nodded and took off east towards the train station.

(Four hours later)

As they six landed they bought some tickets and boarded a private car near the back, they settled in with the two guards in a room next to them while Dark and Chen took a room together. As finally had time to relax he layed down in the other bed ac-ross from her as she jumped in her bed letting her form fall.

"Well goodnight Ms Chen Ill see you in the morning." He said as she just stared at him in shock as he layed down.

"Wait arent you going to threaten me or something about taking your love or the attack on Canterlot?" She asked as he scoffed.

"Please I dont care about Canterlot and the fact that you guys did it on that bastards wedding day with the stupid princess makes you guys way up there on my friends list." He said as her mouth dropped before she shook her head.

"So if we would have won you would not have opposed us?" She asked as he chuckled.

"Of course I would have the whole being a slave thing just isnt my thing and I can promise you that my solders are worth 20 of the royal guard soldiers. For them to be on high alert and still be defeated by such a small invasion force is pathetic. My troops train hard to be in peak condition and adapt to any change that comes their way." He said with a smile as she just stared at him.

"Why do you hate Canterlot and its royal family?" She asked as he turned over looking away from her.

"Not the whole family just those two. As for Canterlot I have a lot of bad memories there." He said as he pulled the covers over himself.

"Goodnight Chen." He said ending any further conversation. Chen just looked at the stallion and could see his emotions were red mixed with black. But she could see it turning slowly to pink, white and blue.

She watched his breathing even out as she layed her head down just watching the stallion as his emotions finally stopped on pink and white. Love and calm. She drifted to sleep she had so many questions that she wanted to ask him. But she would probably never find out anyway since once they got to the caves they would check to see if it was big and deep enough and able to expand before going their separate ways.

(Ponyville next day)

Pinkie slowly trotted into her stallions house letting out a tired sigh as she set her bags down by the door as she looked around the dark house and sighed. She really needed one of her stallions back rubs right now.

"STARDANCER IM HOME!" She yelled as she heard the filly come running down the stairs before taking flight and slamming into the mares chest giggling as Pinkie wrapped her arms around her letting out a contented sigh just enjoying the filly in her arms.

"Im glad your home Pinkie! I want you to meet some of daddy's people." She said as she pulled the mare into the kitchen as exotic music was playing as they entered. Pinkie saw a pegasus mare dancing to the music on her hind legs with one hoof on her stomach and the other in the air as she moved her hips to the music. She had a happy smile on her face as she danced over to the stove and added some sause to the mix before grabbing some noodles and put them in the pot of boiling water.

"Lightning!" Star yelled as the mare looked over to the two and dropped down on all fours before going over to the little radio player and turned down the volume and trotted over to the two.

"Guten Tag meine dame." She said giving her a kiss on the both her cheeks making the poor mare blush hard.

"Um hello whats your name?" As the mare smiled and looked at Stardancer who was smiling.

"Lightning Dust." She said in a Germanaigh accent making Stardancer laugh.

"Um its good to meet you Lightning Dust, um do you speak Equestrian?" Pinkie asked as the mare nodded.

"Yes I do but I sometimes go back to the to the native language, sorry about that." She said a small blush on her face as Pinkie smiled.

"Its ok umm what was the whole kissing thing?" She said as the mare smiled.

"Um its just a greeting." She said as her blush got bigger before they heard a male voice come from the doorway.

"Ich bin wieder da!"

Stardancer smiled and bounced into the hallway with a smile on her face before hugging the stallion.

"Glad Ihr Zuhause! Was hast du alles?" She said as the stallion smiled down at her.

"Your getting very good but your accent needs a bit of work. Come on lets get this to Lightning so we can get some grub going." He said walking into kitchen and stopped seeing Pinkie who smiled at him.

"Hallo. You must be the boss's marefriend. My name is Rockshatter." He said putting the food on the table as Lighning started to go through it grabbing what she needed before going back to the stove. Pinkie sighed as she smelled what was cooking as she heard the music get turned up again as Lightning got back into the music. She saw Stardancer come up to her with a note as she handed it to her.

"Daddy wont be back till next week since he's doing something with the changelings." She said as Pinkie went wide eyed.

"WHAT!? What do you mean he's with the changelings!?" She yelled as she started to panic as the stallion ran in to see what was going on.

"Whoa easy there fraulein whats the matter?" He asked as Lightning came running in.

"Was ist da los!?" She yelled as the stallion shrugged.

"I dont know thats what I want to know." He said as they all looked at Pinkie.

"Why is my stallion with the changelings right now!?" She yelled as Lightning sighed and nuzzled the mare with Stardancers help trying to get her to calm down.

"Listen to me Pinkie, Dark was contacted by the new queen of the changelings. Queen Thrall. He was contacted to see if he could offer protection to them while they figured out where to move to. Their people are dying and they need love to survive so Dark is trying to find a place for them that they dont need to feed off the people but can feed off the land itself." She said as Pinkie still looked worried as Lightning pulled her over to the couch as she motioned for Rock to the kitchen.
Lightning pulled Pinkie close to her and wrapped her arms around her chest as she pulled her into her lap and layed her head on her shoulder.

"Look Pinkie you trust Dark right?"

"Yeah."

"And Im sure we could easily spot a fake a mile away if some changeling did try to replace him right?" She said holding the mare tighter as Pinkie really started to calm down and lean into Lightning as the mare gently pushed Pinkie down onto the floor on her stomach. Pinkie blinked before she moaned out loud as she felt Lightning start to message her back hitting a sore spot right in her lower back.

"Dark is just trying to help the new rule Pinkie and he wants to give them a chance at life. I know that the last queen went about it the wrong way by just trying to take what her people needed instead of reaching out for help." She said hitting another spot on Pinkies back making her groan.

"This new queen knew that they needed help but knew that Celestia would be very wary to help them after what happened last time. So she contacted Dark and asked for help. You wouldnt want to let and entire race die out knowing you could help would you?" She asked as Pinkie sighed.

"No I wouldnt want that even if they did wrong us in the past but it just worrys me that he's with them." She said as Lightning put pressure on her back getting a loud crack making moan in pleasure.

"OH! By Celestia that felt good. Darky couldnt even get that one since he didnt want to hurt me." She said with hooded eyes as Lightning pulled back and smiled at her.

"Glad I could help Pinkie. Dark actually tought me and I would help him when he had a... really bad day." She said looking away as Pinkie rasied a eyebrow.

"Just how close were you and Darky?" She asked as Lightning sighed and looked back at her.

"As close as a mare and stallion could be." She said as Pinkie looked at her surprised as Lightning sighed and climbed up on the couch and motioned for her to join her which she did.

" You have to undestand Pinkie Dark and me were both in a very low time in our lives. I was just kicked from the Wonderbolt Academy when he came to me. I went back home to Germaneigh and he was on a business trip a few months after his wife had died. We were at a bar and he sat down beside me and ordered some hard liquor while I just nursed a beer." She said as she sighed while Pinkie just sat and listened to her.

"We just connected that night like two kindered souls. I dont know how, it was all a blur to me before I woke up the next morning with him next to me just holding me close to him. He made me feel like the only mare in the world when he would mumble my name in his sleep and just run his hoof down my side." She said getting a distant look in her eyes.

"We dated for about a year before we just decided to stay friends after being away for so long on different parts of the world. I still have feelings for him Pinkie and Im not sorry about it, but I did try to date other stallions and mares to forget him but they were always lacking that spark that only Dark had. It never lasted but for a few months." She said looking down as Pinkie bit her lip thinking hard before smiling and pulled a surprised mare into a hug.

"I understand Lightning, I dont know what I would do if I lost Darky and he has told me that besides his late wife and me there was only one other mare that truely had his heart and I guess thats you." She said as Lightning smiled blushing as she returned the hug.

"Um does this mean your considering a herd?" Lightning asked as Pinkie sighed but smiled.

"Only small stuff Lightning like kissing and cuddling a few dates and- MMMPH!" Pinkie was surprised by the kiss at first before she kissed back as Lightning deepened it by adding tongue making Pinkie moan in the mares mouth as Lightning pulled back looking at Pinkie who still had closed eyes with her tongue hanging out. Lightning smiled giving Pinkie a peck on the cheek as she opened her eyes blinking as she got a big smile on her face.

"Wow." She said making Lightning laugh.

"Just wait thats just the tip of iceberg scharfe (hotness)." She said heading back to the kitchen with a little pep in her step before she stopped and turned back to her with a serious face.

"Know one thing though Pinkie I will never try to hog him or steal him away from you. He would be ours and I could never do that to you fraulein." She said as Pinkie smiled and walked up to her giving a shy kiss on the lips surprising her.

"Thank you Lightning thats the biggest thing that scares me." She said as the two mares walked into the kitchen to see Stardancer and Rockshatter at the table waiting on them.

"Hey um Stardancer um what do you think of your father having a herd?" Pinkie asked as Stardancer smiled at her.

"I think daddy would like it if he gives it a try. But I think you need to tell him whats happened and see what he has to say." She said before sighing.

"Now go get something to eat we're over here wasting away over here." Rock said as the mares rolled their eyes and went to get something to eat.

(That night)

Pinkie rolled around in her and Darks bed trying to get to sleep but just couldnt get comfortable. She sighed as she got up and went downstairs to find Lightning at the dinner table with a cup of tea. She gave a tired smile as Pinkie walked in motioning for her to take a seat.

"Your up late. Cant sleep?" She asked taking a sip of the tea. Pinkie could smell it from where she was and licked her lips.

"Yea just cant sleep. What are you drinking? Its got a pretty strong smell." She said as Lightning smiled.

"Its Darks special blend of herbs from the Fatherland. He went into the Dark Forrest while we were together and gathered some when I was having a hard time on what to do with my life. I always wanted to join the Wonderbolts when I was little. Papa told me to aim for the stars and he would support me in whatever he could." She said before taking a sip and sighing.

"There is some more in the pot on the stove if you want some scharfe." She said smiling as Pinkie nodded and went to pour her a cup and came back and sat beside Lightning and took a sip of the tea making her groan at the taste.

" This is really good! I wonder why Darky never told me about it?" She said as Lightning smiled.

"Probably because he only gets it for me when I come by to visit." She said as Pinkie nodded taking another sip.

"So tell me about yourself Lightning." Pinkie said as Lightning smiled.

"Well I grew up right outside the Dark Forrest in Bischweier. My papa worked in a factory and mama worked hard at home while my brothers worked in the fields. I have two older brothers. Im the youngest in the family and only daughter." She said as Pinkie smiled.

"I came from a rock farm about a two days travel from here in a town called Derpyshire. I grew up with just me and my three sisters, our parents were very stricked and life was very hard and we had very little time for fun or games. Most of the time it was work, sleep then work. The cycle just kept going over and over." She said with a sigh as Lightning nodded.

"Yes papa and mama where stern also but we always had time to laugh and have fun as a famliy. Especially when the winter season came around and we couldnt grow crops but we still made do with mama getting a job in the winter while papa worked at the factory. I had my brothers there to keep me company and would play with me. They are the best brothers I could ever ask for and I dont know what I would do without them." She said smiling as Pinkie nodded with a sad smile.

"Yeah my parents where'nt that loving and my sisters... Well they were'nt the most supportive either. But they did grow up to be great ponies. Hell Octavia lives here in Ponyville but she never says anything to me when I see her. Ive tried to talk to her but she just brushes me away. And my Oldest sister Inky is the head director of the Canterlot Times." She said sighing taking a drink of the tea.

"My family has nothing to do with me after I left. I just couldnt stay there anymore and my parents disowned me that day saying a was a disgrace to the Pie family and to never let them see me again." She said as tears came to her face before she felt Lightnings arms around her.

"Its ok Pinkie you dont have to dig up those memories if they hurt you. Come on finish your tea and lets go to bed ok?" She said as the mare nodded and downed her tea in one gulp with Lightning. The two mares walked up the stairs and Lightning helped her in bed and pulled the covers over her and started to leave.

"Lightning? Can you stay with me tonight? I dont think I can get to sleep unless I have somepony with me. I would get Star but she's already asleep. So will you?" She asked as Lightning smiled and nodded with a light blush on her face.
She climbed into bed and pulled the covers over her when she felt Pinkie slide up next to her and wrap her arms around her making her smile.

"Goodnight Pinkie." She said only to hear the soft breathing of the mare holding her. It wasnt long before Lightning joined her feeling better than she had in years and it was all thinks to this mare next to her and soon she would have the stallion she wanted for so long back in her life.

'I could get used to this.' Was her last thought before she le the darkness take.

(Two days later)

Dark Star and Chen walked down a hallway in the Chrystal caves. Chen had confirmed that the cystals did indeed give off love from the Crystal Heart had and unlimited supply of it. Right now they were just exploring the caves talking about past adventures and just being friendly. They were checking for any weak spots in the caves that her people would have to reenforce later when they could.

"So Dark whats it like having one of the elements of harmoney as a marefriend?" Chen asked as Dark smiled.

"Not really any different than a normal marefriend really. We go on dates, have fun and just enjoy being around each other and from the letter I got yesterday Im going home to a small herd. My old marefriend Lightning Dust." He said with a happy smile. If there was any mare could think of to start a herd with it would be Lightning.He still loved Lightning and missed her terribly but he loved Pinkie just as much. He was happy it worked out the way it did.

"So now what are you gonna do? When you got it yesterday you were pretty surprised and you said that you had never had a herd before. So what what now?" She asked as they made their way deeper into the caves.

"Um I guess business as usuall just got two great mares in my life now." He said as they stopped seeing a dead end.

"Well come on lets go get something to eat Im hungrey and Im sure your thirsty." He said as they turned around and headed back.

"Yeah Im pretty thirsty but Im as full as can be right now." She said as they trotted towards the exit.

" So tomorrow how bout we go and explore the underground caverns and see what we can find." He said as she nodded as they made it to the surface as Chen changed into her pony form.

"Sounds good let me send a message to the queen. Our findings are very good so far. Now if we find a water source then this place will be perfect." She said as they blinked at the bright sun. They looked around and narrowed their eyes when they didnt see Dark Stars guards.

"Those two better not be slacking off at a time like this." Dark said with a dangerous tone in his voice.

"Agreed. See if you can raise them on your ear thing." She said as he nodded and keyed his ear piece.

[Shieldbreaker, Thunderwind report]

When he didnt get anything back he frowned and tensed as the two got back to back.

[Shieldbreaker, Thunderwind I say again report!]

Nothing

"Where are the other things and our camping gear?" She said as he gritted his teeth.

"Chen stay close to me." He said as they walked around to the other side of the cave enterance. He saw all their things and the guards knocked out in the shade as well as a platoon of Crystal soldiers guarding the area.

"Chen go back to the cave I need to see whats going on." He said as she nodded.

"Just becareful." She said as he smirked.

"Aww so you do care." He said as she smiled and elbowed him in the ribs.

"Yeah as a emergency food source." She said as he smiled.

"Yep I knew you liked me." He said making her stiffle a giggle as he turned serious.

"Ill be back in just a sec I want to see whats going on. I have Cadences permission to be here." He said as he headed down the hill while she headed back to the cave. Dark Star stayed on high alert as he approuched the soldiers. The only way he didnt get a call from his men that they were being attacked would be because they were caught by surprise and overpowered.

"Hey! What is your business here!? And why are you attacking my men? We have the say so from the Cadence that we can be here!" He said as they all jumped at his voice and saw the large stallion headed their way.

"Halt this is a military exorcise! We must ask you to leave the area." A soldier said as Dark kept going getting angery.

"The hell it is! This is a private company exploration of the caves in this area! What is your ranks and names? Ill report you to Cadnece if you dont vacate the area now!" He yelled at them as one whispered to the one in charge.

" We are under orders from Captain Shining Armor to secure this area for the Empire." The stallion said making Dark Star growl as he marched up to the stallion.

"FIRST OF ALL PRINCESS CADENCE OVERRULES THE CAPTAIN OF THE EQUESTRIAN GUARD! SECOND THIS IS A PRIVATE MILITARY OPERATION AND EXPLORATION MISSION AND YOU HAVE ATTACKED MY SOLDIERS WITH VIOLENCE WITH NO MOTIVE!" He screamed into the soldiers face making him back up.

"You lot have five seconds to vacate the area or you will be seen as a threat and Im well within my rights to attack after whats happened here!" He yelled as the soldiers looked worried at first before they smirked.

"You and what army?" The leader said as he grinned while his eyes turned black as his magic lit up around him making them jump.

"I dont need a army." He said

(Cave entrance)

Chen had her head covered as the earth shook from the explotions created by her friend. It had been going on for the last 10 minutes as she heard the faint sound of screams over the hill before it all suddenly stopped. She opened her eyes and could see clouds of dust floating past the cave enterance. She walked out and cautiously snuck around to the other side of the cave only for her mouth to drop. There in the middle of the chaos was 30 KO'd soldiers and Dark Star panting as she came up to him.

"Dark Star?" She saw him turn to her with eye black as night before they faded back to his normal eye color as he plopped down on his butt panting.

"Dark you ok?" She asked very afraid of the stallion right now from the emotions she was seeing in him right now.
He held up a hoof as he calmed down taking deep breaths that were coming out ragged at first before after a while they came out in smooth breaths.

"Its so much easier just to kill them then keep them alive." He said making her flinch as he turned to her.

"Sorry Chen but I have a princess to tear into. Ill be back in the morning, could you get these two up and move into the cave while Im gone. Go ahead with one of my men in the morning and see if you can find a water source in the lower caverns while Im gone." He said as she nodded with a small smile.

"You going to be ok Dark? You sure your going to be calm enough to talk to her." She asked as he snorted.

" She better hope that she dont know anything about this." He said as she cocked her head at him.

"What will you do if she does?" She asked as he frowned.

"Ill take their only standing military force they have to defend the Empire with until they get their own." He said as her eyes widened.

"That would cripple them in defence. Would you really do that?" She asked as he nodded.

"Yes and I could think of a hundred other more productive things I can have my men doing than stand around with a hoof up their asses." He said as he turned and headed towards the empire. She could still see he was red with rage as he walked away. Whoever sent these stallions where about to get a earful and then some if he got there in the same mood he was in now.

(Crystal Empire)

Cadence was sipping on some Crystal berry tea making her sigh before she heard some noices outside the door before she saw one of her soldiers come flying through the door and much to her surprise she saw a very pissed off Dark Star.

"Cadence do you know anything about the attack your soldiers made on my men while we were out in the Crystal Caves?" He said as he stared at her making her shiver. His eyes were a black as night and it was like he could see right into her soul.

But she was very confused she knew he was out in the Crystal Caves with a mare and two guards. She had given him permission to explore the cave and promised that no one would disturb them while they performed their research.
It was then it hit her like a ton of bricks. Even though she told him not to send any troops out in that area since their was sensitive research being conducted out there. She grit her teeth in anger as she stormed down the stairs and passed Dark and motioned for him to follow.

They walked out of the throne room and down the hallway headed for the training grounds. When they reached the grounds they saw Shining Armor training troops while some of Darks men saw their boss and got the hell out of there.

"SHINING ARMOR!!! GET OVER HE NOW!" Cadence said as he looked at her bored before seeing Dark Star beside her making him narrow his eyes. He trotted over to her as he continued to stare at Dark.

"What do you need Cadence Im in the middle of training your soldiers. And who is all dark and magic?" He said as Cadence growled and she could feel Dark Stars rage growing.

" Did you order some of my soldiers to the Crystal Caves after I told you not to yesterday!" She said as he smirked.

"Oh yeah I forgot all about that! Im sorry sir did my guys rough you up a little bit. Please forgive them they dont know their own strength since they just got finished with training." He said as Darks power went back into him as he smiled at Shining.

"No problem at all captain. They just attacked my men and myself from what Im guessing a training exorcise? But could you please send some men to go and collect the newbies. They are currently all tied up as we speak after they made the mistake of attacking me." He said as Shining looked at him with a frown while Dark Star looked up at Cadence.

"Since your captain is the one that ordered the attack I wont be pulling my soldiers from here. Though I will be taking a platoon with me for protection, and you will not be getting that platoon back." He said as Cadence gawked.

"Please my people need them! What if we're attacked?! That platoon could be vital!" She said as Dark Star snorted.

"I fail to see where that is my problem Princess Cadence! Maybe you should keep a tighter leash on her husband and soldiers in the future!" He said as Shining growled.

"Keep your weak little wanna be soldiers away from me and we wont have any more problems princess! If I see even one of your soldiers within 500 feet of my site Ill pull every last one of my men and terminate our contract!" He said before glaring at his brother.

"If your soldiers ever decide to have another 'training exorcise' Ill make it the most real world experiance they will ever have in their lives. Ill use lethal force instead of just knocking them out. One trick pony." He said as he did a about face and saw some of his men.

"Captain! Go grab me 40 of our men and have them meet me at the enterance to the empire. MOVE IT DOUBLE TIME SOLDIER!" He yelled as the stallion snapped a salute before taking off to gather some of his stallions.Dark looked back at Shining and smirked before trotting away as Cadence rounded on her husband.

"LOOK WHAT YOU DID ARMOR! NOW THIS COUNTRY IS EVEN WEAKER THANKS TO YOUR LITTLE STUNT!" She yelled in his face as he glared at her.

"This nation is only weak because you let it be! Its because of you that the Crystal Empire is weak and has to hire PMC's to keep it safe!" He yelled back at her making her jerk back.

"You know what your right. Get out of my empire." She said making the smirk he had fall from his face.

"What?"

"You heard me. Get. Out. NOW! I wont let my people be weak and if its because my own husband says Im weak then it looks like I have to get stronger for myself and my people. You will not be abusive to me like you were to your brother Shining Armor. Now leave I wont tell you again." She said as he smirked.

"And if I refuse?" He said with a smirk as she smiled.

"FIREWING!" She yelled as a huge dragon flew down from the clouds above landing right next to the formation of new recruits.

"What do you need Lady Cadence?" He said as she smiled up at him.

"The captain has been dismissed from the empire and refuses to leave. Please escort him out to the train station. Force is authorized." She said as she turned and took flight towards the entrance of the empire as the large red dragon looked down at the little pony.

"We can do this the easy way or my way." He said as Shining gulped.

"Ill go." He said shooting a glare at where Cadence went.

"Good choice." Firewing said as he escorted Shining to the station.

Dark Star stood waiting for his men before he saw a formation coming his way with Cadence behind them. As they stopped in front of him she came to him with her head down.

"Dark I know nothing I can say can make up for our past but I need your help." She said as he raised his eyebrow at her as she looked up at him.

"I want you to train me and my soldiers to be the best." She said as he went wide eyed before he sighed as a smile went across his face.

"Sorry Cadence but I cant do that. I have students of my own back in Ponyville and I cant be staying away for such long periods of time like I used to." He said as her head went down.

"But I do know a mare that can." He said as she perked up.

"But one question though Cadence. What of the empire? My training takes about a year to complete for ponies with no prior military background. My training is to weed out the weak like those who are in it for just a quick bit." He said as she nodded with a sigh.

"Ill talk to Aunt Luna and see if she can rule while Im away training. Ill go through whatever you need me to if it means I can protect my people and empire." She said as he got a scary grin on his face and nodded.

"Glad to hear it newbie! Captain take the maggot to the barracks after she gets in contact with Princess Luna. Oh and make the call to my aunt Im sure she will be tickled to train this one." He said as the stallion nodded.

"Lets go newbie! Double time back to the barracks!" He yelled making Cadence jump and start to take flight before she was jerked to the ground landing with a thump.

"I SAID DOUBLE TIME! THAT MEANS RUN FILLY!" The captain yelled in her face as she took off towards the barracks.

"Dont go easy on her captain and put her in with the FNG's."Dark said as the stallion nodded as Dark led the other stallions towards the cave.

(That afternoon)

Chen was smiling ear to ear as she listened to Dark tell her about what happened and the look on Shinings face.

" Oh by the queen I wish I could have been there to that look. That would have just made my day better." She said giggling. They had found a water source in the lower caverns of the cave and it was fresh and clean. Now all they needed to do was get the rest of the hive here and everything would be fine.

"Sir your aunt is on the net." A soldier said to Dark as he smiled.

"Ah I know she is going to love this." He said as he keyed his mike.

[HEY BIGMOMMA I HAVE A PRESENT FOR YOU] He said as the mare grunted.

[IT BETTER BE GOOD DARK STAR!]

[OH I THINK YOULL LOVE IT]

[OK WHAT IS IT]

[HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAIN PRINCESS CADENCE?] He said as a silence fell over the net before laughter could be heard.

[WHEN DO I LEAVE?]

[AS SOON AS YOU CAN. YOUR GONNA BE TRAINING THE NEW ARMY OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE AND TRAIN CADENCE TO BE A SOLDIER AND RAISE HER OWN ARMY]

[YOU GIVE THE GREATEST PRESENTS DARK]

[LOVE YOU TO. ILL SEE YOU IN PONYVILLE NEXT MONTH. DARK OUT] He said as he went off the net.

Cadence was just getting into her bed for the last time for the next year when she felt a shiver go down her spine. Her aunt would be here in the morning so she would begin her training then at 5:00 in the morning.

(Ponyville four days later)

Pinkie smiled as she was baking up a cake for a customer. Today her stallion was going to be home and she and Lightning had really gotten close since she started staying with them a week ago. The two had a surprise for their stallion when he got home tonight and she just couldnt wait to see the look on his face.

Lightning was out with Stardancer teaching her some advanced flight tactics and movements. They little filly wasnt like the other kids in her schools, she wanted to be just like her daddy and wanted to take over the famliy business when she got older and she wanted to be the best she could be when she took over.

Pinkie sighed as she finished the frosting on the cake as a customer walked in making her put down the tube and go around the corner but when she saw who it was she stopped and jumped behind the wall. Dark Star was standing there talking to Mrs Cake with his back to her. She saw Mrs Cake looked at her making her shake her head as Mrs Cake grinned. Pinkie heard him sigh in disappointment before she heard the door close.

Mrs. Cake came around the corner looking at Pinkie expectantly. Pinkie sighed as she told her about hers and Lightnings plan to surprise their stallion making Mrs Cake squeal and pull her into a hug.

"Oh Pinkie Im so proud of you dear! That stallion has to be most sought after stallion in Ponyville besides Big Mac! You have really caught a great stallion Pinkie make sure you keep him close." She said with a smile as Pinke grinned and nodded.

" I will Mrs Cake! I got to get back to work on this cake. Im trying to work till later on tonight when I surprise Darky." She said as Mrs Cake nodded and went back to helping customer as Pinkie got back to work and keyed her mic that Lightning gave her.

[LIGHTNING DARKY IS HOME EARLY. MAKE SURE TO STAY HIDDEN UNTIL TONIGHT]

[THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP PINKS LIGHTNING OUT]

Pinkie smiled as she got back to work before she felt somepony tap her on the back making her shreak in surprise. She turned to see Rainbow Dash looking her surprised herself.

"Dashie? What are you doing here?" She asked calming down and smiling at her friend.

"Sorry Pinks I didnt mean to scare you. You ok? You were hiding from your stallion that you havent seen in a week? Is everything ok?" She asked as Pinkie nodded.

"Yeah everythings fine Dashie! I just have a surprise for him tonight when he gets home. Me and Lightning are going to give him a welcome home present." She said with a blush as Dash smiled.

"Aww Pinkie you sly pony you! I want details tomorrow then." She said as Pinkie blushed harder at that with a small smile as Dash started to leave.

"Well this isnt my first time or my second." She said as Dash spun around and looked at her in surpise.

"Really!? Why didnt you ever tell me Pinks!? I could understand if you didnt want to tell Rarity since she is the gossip mare in Ponyville. But why didnt you tell me?" She said sounding hurt as Pinkie frowned.

"Well because its private Dashie. I dont kiss and tell like other mares do, I like to keep my private life private and what I do with my stallion behind closed doors is none anyponies business." She said as Rainbow sighed.

"Your right Im sorry Pinks. So you havent told anypony about that huh?" She said looking at her friend.

"No I havent Dash I dont see why I would anyway. Their is a lot of things you girls dont know about me in my personal life. Of course I dont really share and you guys dont ask." She said leaning against the wall looking at her friend seriously as Dash sighed.

"True. But if you dont mind I want to know more about you Pinks. Your my best friend and all I really know about you as is the Ponyville party mare. I want to know more about my friend than that." She said as Pinkie smiled.

"Tell you what Dashie how bout we go out just us and our friends and just have a girls night out when everyone has the time. Lightning Im sure would love some time alone with Darky." She said as Dash frowned.

"Are you sure about her Pinks? Im mean I know ponies can change and all but I saw her when she left and she wasnt a very happy mare." She said as Pinkie smiled.

"Yes Im sure about Lightning Dashie. I know you two have a history and all but you have to let it go. Lightning changed from the reckless mare she used to be. Remember she is one of Darky's employees and had to go through the same training everypony else did when she was hired." She said as Dash sighed.

"Ok Pinkie Ill give her a chance for you Pinks." Dash said as Pinkie nodded.

"Thanks Dashie. Ill see you girls soon ok but I got get back to work." She said as Dash nodded as Pinkie gave her a cupcake for the road before getting back to work with a smile on her face as she thought of the night ahead.

(With Dark)

Dark Star sat in the park just enjoying being back. It seemed that both of his marefriends were really busy today so that left him time to himself. Quickshoes sensei talked with him for a while before he went home for the day. Now he just layed out on the grass falling asleep in the warm sun. Dark was pulled from his almost sleep as he heard voices around him.

"Hey isnt that Pinkies stallion?"

"Yeah thats my sensei Dark Star. He was on a misson from what Quickshoes said and I guess he just got back today. But why isnt he with Pinkie?"

"I heard that she's closing tonight so she wont be home till late."

"Wow that must suck."

"Yes it does." Dark said as he opened one eye to see Pinkie's sister Octavia and Vinyl Scratch who was smiling down at him.

"What can I do for you Vinyl?" He asked getting up and stretching and popping his back.

"Not much big guy just glad your finally home is all. Now I can get back to my lessons." She said as Dark nodded laying back down.

"Yes Ill be teaching again tomorrow and see you guys actually listened to me and practised while I was away." He said as Vinyl nodded.

"Hey its cool I did what you said sensei! I dont want to end up like Rarity did last month when she skipped out on training for being lazy that day." She said getting a shiver.

"Right well we'll see Vinyl tomorrow when I do my tests and see who has really been working. The ones who dont pass will be running to the Tree of Woe all morning." He said with a smirk as she shivered.

"Yeah well Ill catch you later sensei I got a gig coming up tonight. LATER!" She said as she trotted off leaving Octavia behind. Dark looked at Pinkies sister with a raised eyebrow as she stared at him.

"Can I help you Octavia? Your staring." He said as she blushed.

"Sorry Mr Dark Star I was just thinking is all." She said as he cocked his head.

"Oh? About what my dear? And you dont have to be formal with me." He said as she nodded.

"Just thinking on how Pinkamena ended up with you as her stallion is all." She said as he narrowed his eyes at her.

"What are you getting at Octavia? Pinkamena ended up with me because she took the time to get to know me." He said as Octavia nodded.

"I figured that dear. Im just wondering why you went with that no good tail lif-SMACK!" Octavia fell to the ground holding her cheek where she was struck looking at the stallion who hadnt moved from his spot.

"You would do well to leave now Octavia. Bad mouthing your sister because of what your parents said she was will only end very badly for you. Now get out of my sight." He said in deadly tone as she got up and left. Dark Star breathed out evenly trying to calm down after what the mare said.

Ever since it became public that he and Pinkie were dating Octavia had been bad mouthing Pinkie more than usuall and he was tired of it. He looked around and saw the looks of other mares and stallions who nodded at him making him give a nod back as he layed back down.

"That was awesome Dark! The look on her face was priceless!" Dark groaned as he looked up at Rainbow Dash who was smiling down at him.

"Dash." He said as she landed down in front of him with a smile on her face.

"Whats doing on big guy? Its about time somepony put that mare in her place! Would have done it myself but the weather team and Wonderbolts dont really take to kindly to their members starting fights." She said as he smiled at her.

"Glad I could be of service Dash. So what can I do for you today?" He asked as she smiled.

"Just wanted to come hang with my friends stallion for a bit since Pinkie is neck deep in cake." She said as he smiled.

"Yeah Pinkie is working a all nighter from what Vinyl said. So what do you want to do?" He asked getting up as she smiled.

"Just a little friendly compitition in strength, speed, and skill" She said as he nodded.

"Ok where at and when?" He asked with a challenging smirk only matched by Rainbows.

"AJ's place and right now! Ill meet you there." She said taking off as he flashed
away.

(Apple family farm)

Applejack just got done setting up the opstical course when Dark Star appeared in front of her making her yelp and fall back before she was caught in Darks hooves making her blush.

"Well howdey there Dark. Glad your back home." She said as he smiled down at her making her blush harder as he helped her back to her hooves.

"Howdey yourself AJ and its good to be home. So whats with RD's random challenge today?" He asked as she smiled.

"RD wants to- LOOK OUT!"Dark scooped up AJ just in time for a blur of prism shoot past and into a haybail.

"You ok AJ?" He said looking at the mare on his back as she gave him a smile.

"Yep ahm good thanks again Dark. That was some fancey leg work you got there." She said as he smiled.

"Eh its no biggie come on lets go over and see if Dash is ok." He said as he trotted over to Rainbow with AJ still on his back. They got to Rainbow as she was shaking the hay out of her mane when she saw the two and smiled.

"Hey Dark you gonna carry her through the entire challenge?" She said as AJ blushed while Dark smiled.

"I might she's not heavy so I think I could still beat you with Applejack on my back." He said as she stopped and flew up to him getting nose to nose while AJ blushed.

"Oh is that a challenge big shot?!" She said as he pushed his face against hers as he gave a smirk.

"Please Rainbow you could barely keep up with me if I didnt have AJ as a handicap." He said as Dash growled.

"Fine then! Lets go then me and you for the Iron Pony Compitition! Im the champ of this you know?" She said as he rolled his eyes.

"Well be prepared to lose Rainbow cause Im taking that title from you today. Oh and no flying thats just cheating." He said as she nodded.

"Fine no magic from you then." She said as he nodded.

"Please like AJ the honest would let me cheat." He said as the mare smiled wide at him.

"Yall better believe it Dark. Ah aint winnin unless its fair and square." She said as Fluttershy and Twilight came down the road with Spike on her back as AJ and RD waved at them.

"Um why is my sister here?" He asked.

"Twi is here cause she organized the last Iron Pony and Fluttershy is here cause she kept score." Applejack said as Dark nodded while Twilight and Fluttershy walked up to them with curious glances at Dark and AJ.

"She's a handicap before you get any ideas." He said with narrowed eyes as Twilight gave a sly smile.

"Whatever you say bro." She said as Applejack and Dark Star blushed. Dark looked back at AJ with a serious look on his face as he leaned in close to her ear.

"I need to talk to you after this is over Applejack." He said as she nodded.

"Ok enough talk time for you to loose Dark!" Rainbow said as they got to the starting line of the barrel race.

"Ok! The second annual Iron Pony is about to begin!" Spike yelled as they saw the Apple family as well as Rarity and most of his students come to see what was going on.

"Let the games begin!" Spike shouted as Rainbow took off dodging the barrels left and right before skidding to a halt at the finish line smiling as she dusted off her hoof looking smug as she turned to Spike.

"Hehe whats my time Spike?"

"17 seconds! A new personal record!" He said as Rainbow smirked at Dark Star.

"Beat that big guy." She said as he smiled.

"With pleasure. AJ you might want to hang on." He said as he licked his lips and felt her hooves go around his neck and tightened as he shot down at full speed dodging the barrels with ease before skidding past Rainbow whos mouth was wide open as he trotted up beside her and smirked.

"Whats my time Spike?" He asked as Spike shook his head and looked at watch.

"16 seconds!" He yelled as the ponies around him cheered as AJ hollered while Dark Star grinned.

"Dark Star wins the race!" Twilight yelled as Rainbow growled.

(3 hours later)

Dark Star was in the lead by one and he had to admit that Rainbow was a very good challenger. They were on the last challenge and he had to keep himself from laughing at the challenge. It was almost unfair for the mare that he was about to beat.

"The next challenge is the push up! Chanllengers get ready!" Spike said as Dark got in postion with a confident smirk on his face matched by Rainbows and Applejacks.

"Ready. Set. Begin!" Twilight said as they began to push with both hit the dirt and back up as fast as they could while they never lost the smirk on their faces as they kept going.

"You know Rain your the best challenge that Ive had in a long time since I left the griffon infantry." He said as Dash looked at him surprised.

"But this is where we separate the veterans from the greenhorns." He said as he picked up his pace leaving Dash in the dust as the mare struggled to push past 109 as he was reaching 127 as she collasped in a huff as the ponies around them cheered.

"We have our winner of this years Iron Pony!" Spike said as Applejack cheered while wrapping her arms around the tired stallions neck as he layed on the grass and smiled at Rainbow.

"This was fun Dash we should do it again next year." He said as she smiled and bumped hooves with him.

"Yeah it was fun big guy but Im taking my title back next year! Count on it." She said with a tired smile as he smirked.

"We'll see Rainbow." He said as he got up with Applejack still on his back before she climbed down and smiled at the tired stallion.

"Oooh whee Dark that was the most fun ah've had in a long time in compitition without actually being in one." She said as the stallion smiled at her.

"Glad you enjoyed yourself AJ. You mind if we get something to drink Im pretty thirsty." He said as she nodded as Twilight and the others came and congratulated him and talked to Rainbow.

"That was awesome sensei!"

"Great job bro!"

Dark smiled as he listened to his friends while he thanked them and slowly made his way to the house with AJ.

"Ok thanks guys but Im gonna go rest for a while Im pretty tired." He said as AJ led him to the house while the crowd stayed and talked. As the two got inside Applejack had Dark take a shower as she set up some drinks for him and wondered what he wanted to talk about.

After as while he came down and smiled at Applejack as they sat on the couch and took a few sips of the cold apple cider. Applejack couldnt take it anymore and looked over at Dark and sighed.

"Ok Dark what did yall want to talk about?" She asked as he gave he a tired smile.

"AJ Im gonna come right out with it and ask. If I talk to Pinkie and Lightning about it would you do me the honor of being a part of my herd?" He asked as she went wide eyed before slamming her lips into his moaning as he ran his hooves down her sides as she pulled back with a happy smile.

"I take that as a yes then?" He said as she laughed.

"You think you can handle me stud?" She asked with a sly grin and hooded eyes as he just smiled.

"Oh I think I can handle you and then some." He said as she laughed and cuddled up to him. She wouldnt ever admit it to anyone but she loved to held and caressed and she hated to be alone but unfortanately thats how her life has been since she could remember.

Of course she had her famliy but as for her love life she had for the most part been lonely besides the few stallions that came in her life and the one time with Rainbow but other than that they never lasted. She felt Dark pull her to his chest as her arms went around his neck and she just layed on his shoulder feeling him run his hoof up and down her back stopping right before her cutie mark and going up to between her shoulder blades.

They stayed like that for a little while before he started to get up making her get up with him just as Big Mac and the rest of the Apple famliy came in. He looked up to see Mac smile at him as well as the rest of the family.

"Partner that was one great show yall did today! Yall want to stay for dinner?" He asked as Dark shook his head as Applejack gave a small frown.

"Thanks for the invite but Im gonna head home its getting late." Dark said as he nodded to the family and smiled at Applejack.

"Ill be back tomorrow since I got some business to take care of when I get here." He said as they looked at him confused while Applejack smiled.

"All right then partner ah'll see yall tomorrow then Dark." Mac said with a confused look on his face as Dark left and headed home. As the house came into view he saw the light in his bedroom on and saw his daughters light go out. As he got inside the house was in total darkness except for his bedroom. He climbed the stairs and opened his door stopping as he looked at the two mares on his bed.

"Welcome home Darky."

"Willkommen zu hause gestut."

Dark Star couldnt do anything but stare as the two mares got off the bed and walked up to him with a extra sway in their hips before they pulled him to the bed as the door closed behind him.

"Oh yeah its good to be home." Dark said as the mares climbed on top of him.