Hours have passed. Ulfgar had burried Carmine on the place where he met his end. He and the ponies carried his helmet as a last memento of their friend.

Death. It's a terrible thing. And not something to be easily forgiven. Ulfgar faced death many times, he had already once lost his 'brother' when the Dark Brotherhood approached him back in Skyrim.

The dovakhiin and Carmine had their differences. But Ulfgar still regarded the COG soldier as a mighty warrior. One more then worthy to stand next to him in battle. So this loss was a mighty punch in the face for the dovakiin. Carmine was a 'friend'. There were a lot of people in Skyrim that admired the dovakhiin, loved him and cheered for his name day in and out. But none of them he could call a friend.

The ponies. Death is obviously not something they faced on a daily basis like Ulfgar did.

Rainbow Dash remembered the first time she saw the COG soldier she thought he was trying to eat Twilight. What a joke. But after giving him a hard buck to the face she eventually realised he was a good person. One that will be missed dearly.

Twilight Sparkle had similair feelings. Carmine had gotten himself in a few strange situations ever since he's gotten to Equestria. But he never complained, he never lost his temper and treated the ponies as his equal even though he's completely different then any of them.

Rarity found Carmine an annoying ruffian who had no regards for other ponies possesions. One that even didn't bother to wipe his feet before entering a home. But she could probably say the same about Applejack. Rarity knew Carmine was a kind person and was able to overlook his flaws. The short time they spent together will not be easily forgotten.

Fluttershy was most devastated of all. Carmine told her once before how much he loved his brothers. The tattoo on his arm proved that. She couldn't imagine how hard it must've been for him to be forced to fight those he loved most. What possibly could've gone through his mind? Did he simply give up? Was he tired of all this? That's what bothered Fluttershy and the others the most.

They were never able to have their parting words. Not even a final goodbye. Just the image of him saluting one last time before exploding was imbedded into Fluttershy's mind. That's all what remained of Clayton Carmine. A memory.

When Discord attempted to take over Equestria before, he did not resort to harming anypony. He just wanted to rule in what he called a world of chaos. But now...

Summoning these terrifying monsters proved that he was out for more. If this was his idea of a 'game', they did not want to know what he had planned for the finale.

Hours passed of the group not even speaking with each other. They all had to mourn in their own way. But a pleasant sight finally appeared. They spotted the river which meant they were getting close to Ponyville.

They just hoped Heavy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were safe. And preferably nothing happened to the princesses as well.

So it was another welcoming sight when Twilight Sparkle spotted her mentor; Princess Celestia back and well in Ponyville accompanied by Luna. Yet their expressions were showing great sadness. There was one more person missing. More ponies were gathered here at Sugarcube Corner.

"P-princess Celestia?" Twilight Sparkle called out her mentor.

The princess was devastated. Canterlot had been taken over by Discord and the changelings. Her home. Their home. Many brave royal guards lost their lives trying to protect it, yet in vain. Luckily most of them plus the civilians have been evacuated to the city of Manehattan in time.

And the BLU Sniper had fallen as well. No matter how strong princess Celestia regarded these humans. She found out that they're not immortal. Even the mightiest of warriors can bleed out from the smallest wounds.

But Celestia was overjoyed to see her prize pupil once again. Safe and sound. But their eyes... All of them, they showed great sadness. Even those of Ulfgar the fearless.

"Twilight Sparkle... Tell me what troubles you?" Princess Celestia tried to comfort the purple unicorn. But was rudely interupted.

"Da! Ponies are not like puny baby-men! Little pony helps Heavy crush monsters. Ponies are best!" Heavy just happened to arrive at the scene at this moment. Involved in an interesting conversation with Pinkie Pie.

"Oh stop it you! It was scary enough as i- ...Why is everypony gathered at my house?" Pinkie Pie wondered.

"Great. Now that everypony has gathered I'd like to explain the situation." Princess Celestia stated.

Everypony went silent.

"Today... We have suffered a great defeat. Discord succeeded in where Chrysalis failed and managed to take over Canterlot."

"What?!" The ponies said simultaneously.

Princess Celestia just sighed. "But that's not all. We've lost one of our allies in the battle that took place. Our friend; The BLU Sniper... is dead."

Once again everypony went silent. But there was one bothered by this more then others.

Derpy Hooves. The one that was the last to see the mercenary alive, and then given the weapon that he held dearly afterwards. For what reason she did not know. But to her the Sniper was more then just a friend. She was the first 'adult' pony to find him after all. Sniper was a good person, no matter how cruel he might've seemed. It was just his job. A strange job, but it's what he did best. So keeping this memento of his was the least she could do.

The RED Heavy was bothered but refused to mourn. He knew what this meant. After all, they're immortal in some way. It's just... He just gotten his new hat. None should be seperated from their unusuals, not like this. The Russian promised he'd bring another hat for his nemesis if he was ever to return to his own world.

Princess Celestia then continued to explain to not mourn his death. For it is just one of many times he faced the grim reaper. She explained how he was linked to a device named the RESPAWN, which she had seen in Heavy's memories when she first met him. And that as long someone's linked to this machine, they could die for an infinite amount of times and still be recreated. But still, they're now missing a powerful ally here in Equestria.

"Then where's Carmine?" Lyra and Bon Bon suddenly joined the group and asked for this.

"He's dead." The dovkahiin stated bluntly.

This fact shocked the princesses. Carmine was from a different world. One that did not had this strange technology. Which would mean his spirit is forever lost.

"What do you mean he's dead? Carmine can't die... He's probably the strongest guy I know." Lyra said not believing a word.

"Comrade Carmine... He is gone?" Heavy's view of death was slightly different then the rest. After all, death held no meaning to him. But the Russian always liked the COG soldier. He couldn't really compare him to any of the other REDs, but he still was one hell of a guy. Discord should not be forgiven if this is true. At least that's what the Russian thought.

Ulfgar didn't bother with words and let his actions speak. He tossed the helmet he was carrying of his fallen friend into the middle of the group. That was enough proof for the ponies and human to acknowledge this fact.

Clayton Carmine and the BLU Sniper are gone. The only ones standing between Discord are both the princesses, the Elements of Harmony and the two remaining humans. Ulfgar the fearless; Dovakhiin, and the RED Heavy. Unfortunatly the dispenser left by the BLU's earlier was destroyed by General RAAM. So the Russian had to do with the ammo he had left.

The BLU Sniper gave Equestria one last service before his death. He gave them a prisoner. He still managed to hit Chrysalis after missing a shot at Discord with The Machina. But she was far from alive. The bullet that penetrated her body was but a few inches away from her heart. There is only one that is able to heal this kind of damage.

"That reminds me... Pinkie Pie. I hope you don't mind we've used your basement as a temporary prison cell. With us being banished from Canterlot after all..." Princess Celestia said sheepishly.

"You what?!" Pinkie Pie upon hearing this immediatly rushed down to the basement of Sugarcube Corner.

There she saw the queen of the changelings. Unconscious, yet chained to the bed. Just to be sure.

"Where are they?!" Pinkie Pie shouted.

"Where's what?" Princess Luna asked the pink pony.

"You know! The cupcakes! I left them here before going to Twilight's library."

"Ah. You mean those rainbow-colored ones?"

"Yes!"

"Me and my sister ate them as we were hungry from the battle we participated in earlier." Princess Luna said.

"You what?!" Pinkie Pie was shocked.

"I hope you don't mind?" Princess Luna started getting worried.

"Why do you have rainbow-colored cupcakes..." Rainbow Dash asked slightly disturbed.

T-t-they were for..."

"What?!"

"Your birthday's tomorrow Rainbow Dash! You didn't forget did you?" So Pinkie Pie was annoyed that the princesses decided to devour them. But still, you can't stay mad at royalty for long. She'll just forgive them and make even more cupcakes!

"Ughh... Pinkie Pie. I think we've got bigger things to worry about right now. We'll celebrate birthdays and parties when this is over!" Rainbow Dash facehooved.

"Aww..."

But one was enraged upon seeing this. Ulfgar fought with the changeling queen once before. Why bring the enemy into your territory? That's a terrible idea, even if she's chained and locked up. Who knows what she might still be capable off.

"Why?" The dovkahiin asked. "Why would you bring her here?"

"I understand your feelings Ulfgar. But you should know that she's been abandoned by Discord. And leaving somepony helplessly abandoned to die is not how we want things to go in Equestria. That's not who we are and what we stand for. Besides, she might hold valuable information on Discord as she's spent so much time with him the last week." Princess Celestia said.

"I still think it's unwise. No matter what information she can provide us with, it won't stop me from getting my revenge..." Ulfgar said.

"And I think it's unwise to charge head first into a battle without knowing what we're facing. You see how we've ended up today. Canterlot is lost and two of our friends are no more."

Ulfgar just grunted at the princess's words.

"Hmm. Yes, there's another thing I'd like to ask of you."

"And that is?" The dovakhiin wondered.

"I'd like you to use your restoration magic on the changeling queen so that it might speed up her recovery."

"What?" Now this has gone to far for Ulfgar. Never would the dovakhiin do such a thing. "Are you insane? Healing the enemy? First you lie to me about Skyrim and now you ask me to do such a thing?" He asked.

This shocked princess Celestia. She did not know Ulfgar had found out the truth.

"H-how did you find out?" She asked.

Ulfgar then pointed at the queen of the changelings who told him of all of this before he was corrupted by her.

"Then why are you still helping us? After my selfish acts of denying you of the truth." Celestia asked.

"Aye... At first I couldn't find a reason. But after all these battles here... It's not so much different then Skyrim. I protect the weak and cleanse evil. That's what I was born to do. The Companions can handle the last of the dragons that still roam around Skyrim. With Alduin no longer there, the dragons are no longer immortal. So they don't require me to be around anymore. All I want now is revenge on Discord. He's the responsible one. Not you."

Princess Celestia was relieved. "I completely misjudged you Ulfgar. And I'm truly sorry for it. I thought that if we told you about the fact that your spirit has been lost to your own world... would enrage you beyond normal meanings. And that you might become a threat to us. I'm glad that my judgement was wrong."

"Don't mention it again. There's bigger things to worry about obviously."

"Then will you heal the changeling queen?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Aye. But just untill she's conscious. I don't want her at full power."

"That's all I'm asking." Princess Celestia gave a genuine smile.

Ulfgar then proceeded to use his restoration magic to slowly heal Chrysalis's wounds. His enemy from just a week ago.

"Uhh... Princess." Twilight Sparkle suddenly stepped in.

"Yes my prize pupil?"

"While me and Rainbow Dash were in the Everfree Forest with Ulfgar. Some... things happenend..." Twilight Sparkle said slighty worried.

"Tell me my child. What is it that's troubling you so much then?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Well.. Ulfgar had to fight against a scary octopus man. And I decided I had to help him in any way possible. So after a lot of research I've looked up in some old books by Starswirl the Bearded, I've managed to actually summon some... thing to help us."

"Really? That sounds rather complicated, yet extremely dangerous."

"Yes... And it was. I ended up bringing some scary monster from a different world... It managed to defeat the enemy that Ulfgar and Rainbow Dash were fighting. But then it pointed at me and swore that I'm its next target. Is it something I should be worried about?" Twilight Sparkle wondered as this experience really freaked her out.

"I'm not certain. Can you tell me more?"

"Well the creature dragged the octopus man with him afterwards. Dissapearing in the portal once again. But after that some strange orange glowing text appeared on the ground."

"Strange text appearing on the ground?" For some reason this started to sound familiar to the princess of the sun.

"Yes. Rainbow Dash heroicly managed to touch it. And then another human appeared. Completely covered in a orange glow. He called himself Solaire of Astora and mentioned the world the creature was from is called Lordran."

"Lordran..." Princess Celestia then went silent for a full minute.

"Princess? Are you alright?" Twilight Sparkle asked the princess as she was zoning out.

"Twilight Sparkle. I need you to return the books you have on this subject to me right now." The princess suddenly became serious.

"B-but why?"

"And promise me you will never... NEVER attempt such a foolish thing again."

"Sister... What is this 'Lordran' Twilight is speaking off?" Luna asked.

Princess Celestia let out a large sigh. A story she wished to never remember came back to her mind.

"After today I've learned that it's bad to keep lies from those closest to you. Please gather around. And let me tell you the story about the first humans that set foot in Equestria."

"First humans? You mean these guys aren't the first to ever come here?" Princess Luna asked shocked.

"This story dates back many thousands of years ago. Even before your time sister."

Everypony now gathered. The mane six. Lyra and Bon Bon. Derpy Hooves and of course the RED Heavy. Ulfgar remained at the changeling queen healing her.

"Shortly after the founding of Equestria, our beautiful world was invaded. Five humans, all completely covered in a red aura... I remember them as if it was yesterday."

"What were they doing here?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"At first they didn't seem hostile. But after finding out what kind of place Equestria was they all gotten mad with power. They started a giant killing spree across all of Equestria. Collecting what they called 'humanity'."

"What did they needed it for?"

"They came from a land. A land that's closer then you might think called Lordran. It's a dark place where the undead roam freely. But also a land where the gods of their sun resided."

"How is it close? Where is it?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that because I do not know. It's a mysterious land and nearly everyone residing there is lying most the time. What I do know is that it is directly connected to the Everfree Forest in some way."

"What happened with the humans?"

"Yes... The humans. I remember them so clearly now. Hawkeye Gough... An archer with a bow so mighty that it was even able to take down dragons."

"Then there was Ciaran... A cunning rogue that stalked the nights ambushing every pony that he was able to."

"Artorias the Abysswalker. A knight with a sword even larger then the one Ulfgar is carrying."

"Dragon Slayer Ornstein. Armed with a spear infused with lightning he was considered the most skillfull of the four knights."

"And lastly... Gwyn Lord of Cinder..." Princess Celestia was reminded of the brutality of this last individual. "He was their leader. They called him the God of Sunlight. A divine lord. The lightning and flames he produced were enough to destroy entire cities."

"Then how did you manage to defeat them?"

"Defeat? They were never defeaten. Even the previous Elements of Harmony had fallen apart from myself." Again more troubled thoughts for Princess Celestia.

"But they're not here anymore right? You must've gotten rid of them some way?"

"No... I wasn't able to do anything... Even in the end. Starswirl the Bearded had sacrificed himself in order to banish the humans back to their own world."

"Starswirl the Bearded?!"

"Yes... He was a powerful mage and a close friend. But he did not do this alone."

"Then who helped him?"

"I don't know. And not a day goes by without me worrying about this. All I know is that it must be somepony extremely skilled and powerful with magic."

"Solaire did mention a 'gatekeeper' keeping the worlds seperated. Do you think it might be the same person?" Twilight Sparkle wondered.

"Most likely yes. But he's been able to hide himself for thousands of years now. I don't think he'll just come forth after all this time."

"Wow... I never knew Equestria had such a dark history. Discord, Chrysalis and the evil Night Mare Moon. Oh. No offense princess Luna." Twilight Sparkle giggled sheepishly.

"None taken." Princess Luna facehooved.

"And now you're telling us that actual humans have invaded Equestra before?" Twilight Sparkle got serious again.

"I told you humans existed! Even before Carmine and the others arrived." Lyra whispered to Bon Bon who was busy gasping at the story their princess just told.

"But you all shouldn't worry about this. It's something that happened in the past and isn't related to what is happening right now. I'm certain. Discord should be our main priority no matter what." Princess Celestia stated.

Ulfgar for one could agree to this. He was of course still listening to the story even though he was busy healing his enemy. But he had good news to report.

"Princess... She is awake." Ulfgar said to Celestia as he saw the changeling queen slowly opening her eyes.

But when Chrysalis noticed her surroundings her eyes immediatly widened. The man that nearly ended her life a week ago was right before her. And the human that single handedly took out hundreds of her children was slightly further behind. She felt fear when she noticed that she was chained to the bed she was residing in. But the emotion of hate conquered as she could do nothing but curse the humans for what they've done.

But then she remembered the events that occured before her losing consciousness. Discord. He betrayed her only to take over her changeling army. This just added more hatred fuelling Chrysalis's anger. But now she was alone, unable to take any action. Surrounded by nothing but enemies.

She could just sigh and didn't even bother to speak. What would be the point? Everything she worked so hard for is lost. Chrysalis could only accept what fate was planned for her.

"Don't start trying anything funny." The dovakhiin said giving the changeling queen a deadly glare.

"Hmmgh..." Chrysalis just grunted, looking away from the dragonborn.

"Don't worry. We're not here to cause you any more harm. We just require some information." Princess Celestia said with a sweet voice, while trotting towards the changeling queen's bed.

"... Information? And what makes you think I would share any with you?" Chrysalis said.

"Don't you remember what happenend? You've been abandoned by Discord!"

"... I know. But that still doesn't make you my ally." For an evil being Chrysalis did look rather sad.

"We went through the trouble of healing you after you've been left to die. The least you could do is share a few things." Princess Celestia started getting slightly annoyed.

"Maybe you should've left me there then. Because I'm not telling you anything."

"Chrysalis... please. How many more must fall by Discord's hand. You know that we've already lost a great deal of royal guards this day, and unfortunatly two of our human friends as well. Please, we just want to put a stop to this madness."

"Ha! Two of the humans are dead? That sounds like music to my ears. Finally things are starting to look good!" This pleased Chrysalis even though the two she hated the most still remained.

"How can you be so cruel?"

"Cruel? I'm cruel? No Celestia... You are the one that's cruel. What are these few losses compared to what I've encountered at the Canterlot wedding last week. Hundreds of my children... All had their lives ended by the humans that serve under you!"

"But you were assaulting us. To protect my p-" Princess Celestia got interupted.

"We did come to attack yes. But we never intended to harm anypony! We just were in need of... love simply to survive. We just planned on taking over Canterlot and feed on the remains of love that would still reside."

This bothered the princess of the sun. She started feeling compassion for yesterday's enemy. It's true that Chrysalis has suffered a lot. Princess Celestia could imagine putting herself in her hooves. Standing helpless at the side while her precious subjects were getting slaughtered by strange warriors that aren't even from this world. Just as Equestria was invaded thousands of years ago by the knights of Lordran.

"Is that why you've joined Discord afterwards?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Yes. Nothing will stop me from having my revenge!" Chrysalis gave an evil glare towards the dovakhiin and the RED Heavy. Of course they weren't intimidated in the slightest.

"But are you aware that the changelings that still remain are loyal to Discord now?

"What does it matter? He still wants to destroy the humans just as I did."

"Hmm... Isn't there anything I can say to perhaps persuade you over to our side?"

"I'm quite sure. Yes."

"Then maybe I can." Ulfgar suddenly said while unsheathing his greatsword which immediatly made Chrysalis flinch.

"W-what do you want!" Chrysalis asked.

The dovakhiin pointed his blade at the changeling queen. "You attacked us. You made the terrible mistake of underestimating us. Yet, you are not like Discord. So I'm offering you a deal."

"What?"

"Join us. And see your children that remain returned to you. Decline. And meet your ancestors right now." Ulfgar stated.

"... I will never forgive you humans. But I know that you're all strong. Are you certain you can defeat Discord?"

"That I've sworn ever since I arrived here." Ulfgar said confident.

Chrysalis then turned to princess Celestia.

"If you are willing to help us I will do whatever I can in my might to allow both our subjects to live in harmony." The princess of the sun said giving a genuine smile once again.

Chrysalis then felt another emotion she wasn't familiar with. Gratitude. She was glad in some ways that Celestia was attempting to help her. She'd give anything to to be reunited with her children once again. Freed from Discord's mad plans.

"Then you will help us?" Princess Celestia raised her hoof.

"For now... Yes." Chrysalis did the same and all the others in the room could only witness the most epic bro-hoof ever attempted.

"I'm glad this has worked out. Then... Can you tell us anything about what Discord might be planning. You've been in his previous hide-out have you not?"

"Yes... But what I've seen was not something to look forward to."

"What is it then?"

"Discord has... a dragon!"

Ulfgar immediatly started lauging out loud. "A dragon you say? Discord has to do a little better then that to best us."

"This isn't any normal dragon. It was terrifying before... but now."

"Is there anything specific you can tell us about this dragon?" Princess Celestia asked.

"It's an enormous dragon... I'm even sure it was able to talk in a strange language. Discord knew this being was far to powerful for him to corrupt."

"Then why does he have it?"

"Please let me finish. He's attempting to make it even more powerful. Ever since he summoned this creature weeks ago, he's been bathing it in a strange yellow liquid."

"Why?"

"With every day that passed the dragon started... mutating. Into something much darker. Whatever this dragon once was, nothing of it remains now. It's just pure destructive force and anger that resides within."

"Why would Discord bring such a powerful being that he isn't even able to corrupt? How could this possible help him rule over Equestria?" Princess Celestia wondered.

"You don't get it... Discord doesn't want to rule Equestra."

"Then what does he want?"

"He wants to destroy it."