I crossed my arms as I sat outside the Crystal Castle Throne Room, it has been two days since the changeling leader was killed and most of the captured mares were saved. It wasn't all good news though as we all had later found out that three carriages of mares had left the city before we could stop them. I stared at a nearby wall, my thoughts clouding everything out. I could only think that I failed, I failed to save those mares and now they are being taken away, my fists clenched as I thought about it. I swore to myself that me and my guards would hunt down every changeling that still existed in Equestria.

Princess Cadence had invited all my sisters and Applejack minus Twilight because she was already here, to the empire for some ceremony to be held honouring me and my companions. I accepted only because it was the right thing to do, but I couldn't help but frown at how it was set up only two days after the attack. Ponies died, guards and civilians. To say the moral or attitude of the city had fallen was far from the truth, ponies were out day and night after the attack to rebuild what was destroyed.

I had walked through some of the streets in fought in, only to see them repaired like nothing happened. Apparently crystal dwellings are not built but grown from crystals themselves. I watched as three ponies repaired the building that held the changeling leader, I later found out that it was some sort of storage facility for crystals. I smiled as I thought about the crystal ponies and how quickly they could bounce back from the attack.

My mind slipped back into the memories of the others arriving by train the day before, Applejack had tackled me to the ground as I waited for them. The others all watched as me and Applejack shared a long and passionate kiss right on the train platform. The rest of day was me briefing everypony on what happened, near the end Twilight had finished her meeting with Celestia and had joined us as we sat down in the park area of the city.

I had chosen to leave my armour off for the day, it needed a break, I did however wear the ring. When the sun started to set, we all headed back to the castle as Cadence had assigned us rooms. Me and Applejack had a room to ourselves and boy! Last night did we use it!

I smiled again, I never thought I was going to move today. I still have the burns now. I shake my head as I spot a crystal guard approach.

“Commander, We are ready.”

I nod as I rise, my armour was repaired and my cape was flowing behind me, I didn't know exactly what was going to happen but I knew my family and my friends where all going to be there. I adjusted my sword which was hanging from my belt, only I had it activated. I followed the guard as he led me out the castle and to the ceremony. Princess Cadence had insisted that it be held outside in the city centre. When I exited the castle my gaze was drawn to the spinning crystal heart nearby, the magic field emanating from it. I was so glad that it didn't effect me now, flying through the air at break neck speed was not the kind of entrance I would like to make.

I rounded a corner and my jaw dropped, everypony in the city was in the city centre. Rows and rows of ponies sat cheering, as I saw my companions receive medals on a large raised stage in the centre of the masses. All three princesses were there but it was Cadence who was giving the rewards.

“If you wait here sir, the princesses will call you down.” The crystal guard says, turning and walking away.

I looked back to the stage and saw that my companions were walking off, I swallowed nervously as Cadence caught my eye. Even at this great distance I heard cadences voice carry over the crowd.

“Today we have awarded the ponies who help save our fair city from evil, but now we award the one stallion who did more than just save us! He put his life on the line and dealt the changeling army a devastating blow! He killed the changeling leader!” A loud cheer rose up. “Mares and colts! I give you! Commander John Core of the Crescent Guards!” Princess Cadence throws a hoof in my direction.

The whole crowd turns and looks at me, and that's when everything went silent. There was no cheering, there was no applause, just silence. I started to make my way to the stage and realised why it was silent, the ponies were too awe struck to make any sound. The ponies parted as I made my way forward, I even heard one mare make a lewd comment about how large I must be, and I knew she wasn't talking about my height.

As I approached the stage I noticed Applejack and the others standing at the bottom of the stairs leading up. I stop before them and kiss Applejack on the head, which in turn causes her to blush. I grin and head up to the stage. When I reach the top all three princesses unfurl their wings and bow to me. I walk to them and go down on one knee, I lower my head in respect.

“You need not bow to us John, you have earned that right many times over.” I look up and see Cadence standing over me. I rise back up. “John, you have done the empire a great service.” A box levitates over in Celestia's magic. “Please accept this on behalf of everypony in the Crystal Empire!” Cadence opens the box and reveals a crystal key. “This is a key that will give you free reign in the empire, I know it's not much...”

“I can't accept this princess.” I say flatly.

A collective gasp goes over the crowd, the princesses all stare at me, Celestia had a scowl.

“I cannot accept this because I didn't do it alone.” I see that all the princesses need further explanation, I turn and see a statue nearby in the shape of a crystal pony wearing armour. I smile as it gives me an idea. I reach over and take the key, I give it a look and grin as it is something I can change. “I'm not saying this gift is unwanted but to give it to me alone is not something I can agree with.” I turn to the crowd. “Many ponies died in the attack at the hooves of the changelings, and I don't think their sacrifice should be any less significant.” I levitate the key up and focus my magic, the key starts to spin faster and faster in the air. A yellow glow shines from the key and as the spinning gets too fast for anypony to see, the light flashes.

I watch as my efforts appear before me, the key had changed into a crystal heart. Three emblems were engraved on the heart, a crescent moon, a sun and a crescent moon on top of a shield crossed by two swords. I lower the heart and hover it over the crowd.

“This heart symbolises the unity of our nations! The unity of Equestria and the Crystal Empire, both coming together to defeat a common enemy!” I turn and float the heart up to the statue. With a little concentration, I meld the heart into the breast plate of the statue's armour. Turning back I notice the smiles on the princesses faces. I look back over the crowd. “This statue combined with the heart will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice both side took in the conflict!”

I turn around and continue.

“Princesses, on my world we have had many wars, some far more damaging than others. We have a yearly event called remembrance day, it's a time were we can celebrate and honour the soldiers that gave their lives to protect the rest of us.” I step in front of Cadence. “And with your permission I would like to share one aspect of it.”

“Of course John, please continue.” Cadence replies.

Addressing the crowd once again I raise my voice.

“In my old world we had an event in which we honoured the dead by celebrating their sacrifice for our nations, a debt that no-one can repay! During this celebration there was a special event called the two minute silence! This silence was for everyone in attendance to remember the fallen and their accomplishments! I would like to perform this silence with you all now, and remember the ponies who gave their lives to keep us safe!” There was a murmur in the crowd.

“How do we start this silence?” Luna asks.

I turn my head. “I will start it by launching a magical orb in the sky the silence will take place as it falls, when it hits the stage the silence will be over.”

“Then, shall we start?” Celestia says.

I nod and turn back to the crowd. “I will launch a magical orb into the sky! As it falls the silence will be in effect, when it hits the ground the silence will end!” I shout, pointing my right hand into the sky palm up. Seconds later I launch an orb of bright yellow light, the orb stops in the air and slowly begins to fall. I turn to the statue and salute, I smile as I hear guards around me salute the statue. I hear nothing from the crowd, apart from the occasional sniffle. I stare at the statue until I see the orb of light hit the ground, the crowd erupts into cheering and applause.

I bring my salute down and turn back to the princesses, Cadence steps up to the stage edge and announces the end of the ceremony. I watch as all the ponies disperse back to their homes.

“That was a perfect ending John.” I bow to Celestia as she approaches me. “Would I be wrong to ask if I could adopt this remembrance day event for Equestria?”

“Princess, it is an event for all, you don't need to ask.” I state.

“Thank you John, I have to get back to Canterlot, I hope you have a wonderful remainder of your time here and I’ll see you soon.” I bow as Celestia teleports away.

“You have made me proud John, I have to go as well but you have silenced any doubts ponies have of your abilities. Farewell my champion.”

“Farewell, princess.” I bow again as Luna vanishes in a blue light.

“John, I loved that silence. It really showed that you care about us ponies.” Cadence says, walking up.

“Of course I care, Equestria is my home now.” I look at Applejack and my sisters as they appear at the stage steps. “And I have a family, to not care would be wrong on so many levels.”

Cadence nods. “I understand.” She looks around me and grins. “You haven't met my husband yet have you?” I shake my head. “Shining! Can you come here dearest!”

I turn as I watch a white unicorn stallion approach from the side, he gives me a look which I seriously don't like for some reason.

“Yes Cadence?” The stallion asks.

“I want you to meet somepony.” Cadence turns to me and points with her hoof. “This is Commander Core, Princess Luna's new military leader.”

I bow my head. “Prince Shining Armour I presume?” I ask, holding out my hand.

Shining looks at my hand before placing his hoof in it.

“I have heard good things about you commander, however I have heard one disturbing rumour about you.” I swallow hard, my first impression wasn't going well. “It seems you have adopted five mares to be your sisters and even taken one to be your future wife.” Shining gives me a narrow stare. “What do you have to say about these rumours?”

I turn my gaze to Cadence and she looked like she was confused, which in turn confused me.

“Well?” Shining asks, leaning forward.

I feel Applejack nuzzle my hand, I kneel down and stroke her mane, I give her a kiss before turning back to Shining.

“Those rumours are true, everyone. I adopted Twilight and the others as my sisters and I have taken Applejack as my marefriend and future wife.” I lean in and place a finger on his chest. “And if you don't like it you can go buck yourself.” I hear gasps come from behind me, I know Shining is Twilights real brother but if he has a problem with my choices, he has a problem with me.

Shining leans closer to me so we're almost face to face, I can feel his breathing on my face. Then all of a sudden he breaks out in laughter, I stare at him in disbelief. He turns to Cadence and points at me.

“Oh I like him!” Shining pokes me in the chest. “Dude, calm down! I was just messing with you!” He laughs again. “I know you care for Twilight and I'm glad you chose her as your sister, because my friend, I now have a step brother to go out drinking with!”

“Oh no you don't! I don't think aunt Luna would be pleased.” Cadence says, giving Shining a hoof punch to his shoulder. “Besides, he has a marefriend, it just wouldn't be sporting.”

“Ah don't know, if ah could join them, ah wouldn't mind!” Applejack states, walking up and nuzzling my hand.

“Best mare ever!” I reply, scratching Applejack's ear. “Though I would like to continue my stay princess, I would prefer to get back to Ponyville as soon as possible.”

“Oh! So you won't stay for the after party?”

“I'm afraid not, I have three months before I start my training in Canterlot, and I REALLY need to learn to fly.” I turn to Dash. “Isn't that right my teach?”

Dash jumps into the air and hovers by me. “Too right! You need to use those babies, and I am just the mare to teach you.” I swot her across the head with a wing tip. “Heh! I mean yeah your right!”

I chuckle. “I'm sorry princess but I have a lot of training to do before Canterlot.” I look over my shoulder. “Though you guys can stay if you wish? You don't need my permission.”

“I think I’ll stay a bit longer.” Rarity says.

“Me too!” Pinkie adds bouncing around.

“I'll stay.” Fluttershy replies.

“I want to spent some time in the library here!” Twilight states.

“Ah'm coming back ta Ponyville with ya.” Applejack says, nuzzling my hand.

“I know I have to teach you to fly but I want to see more of the crystal guard.” Rainbow says. I raise my eyebrow. “What? Some of these guys are hot, what can I say.” I shake my head and laugh.

“I guess me and Applejack will see you guys back in Ponyville then.” I give my last respects to Cadence and me and Applejack head to the castle to get our things.

A black hoof smashes out of green pod, the occupant falls to the floor gasping for breath. A shadow falls over the prone figure.

“Did we do it my queen?”

The figure gets to it's feet and smiles. “The deed is done! It is planted.”

“She will be pleased!” The second figure cheers.

“I'm sure she will.”

“You don't sound happy my queen?”

“There's been a complication.”

“My queen?”

“He has our power, the ability to change our appearance.”

“How?”

“He absorbed the magic from one of my soldiers, though it was impressive to see him use our power.” The queen walks out on to a large stone out cropping. “It matters not I have completed my mission and now I must report to 'her'.”

“Of course my queen, shall I get your chambers ready?”

“No, I shall be busy all night.”

“Very well my queen, do you need me for anything else?”

“Yes, contact our agent in Ponyville, he has work to do!”

Author's Notes:

Hey everypony! Sorry about the short chapter but I wanted to leave it there for obvious reasons. *cough* cliff-hanger *cough*

I know you guys might have some questions so feel free to ask and I'll answer to my best ability.