Two days had passed since our flight from the siege of Canterlot and nerves were frayed all around. Shortly after our arrival Applejack and Rarity coordinated the movement of the injured from the Valiant to the Ponyville hospital. I was not among those sent for treatment much to the protest of Fluttershy and her friends. We had been fortunate, most of the damage to the ship was to the outer armor layer leaving the inner structure intact. The most serious damage was from the rocket that struck the bridge. The chief engineer Ship Shape, a rather dour unicorn stallion with a green coat and stringy brown mane, assured myself and Twilight that the repairs were well under way and would only take a few days to complete.

Rainbow Dash had been tasked with running messages to the Cloudsdale, Manehatten, and Trottingham guard garrisons with copies of Princess Celestia's decree and orders drafted by Twilight and myself to entrench and defend the major cities and offer aid and support to the smaller communities. It wasn't much but with the entirety of the Equestrian airborne naval assets trapped under the Canterlot shield it was the best we could manage. We pondered contacting the Griffon Empire and the Dragon Flights to request military and civilian aid, however, Twilight made the good point that with past hostilities they may see this as an opportunity to attack.

Our only true military ally at this point was the Crystal Empire. Already Princess Cadence had half a dozen airships, fully half the imperial fleet, en route to Ponyville. Cadence herself would be joining us and a formal war council would be convened. It was planned that she would arrive within three days along with a full garrison of her troops to bolster Ponyville's defense since it was currently the impromptu capital of Equestria.

Late in to the first day of the war refugees caught outside the Canterlot shield began trickling in to Ponyville. With the capital under siege it was decided that emergency shelters should be erected.  Pinkie Pie, in a rare moment of pure Pinkie genius, suggested having the local weather team gather up all the clouds along the periphery of the Everfree and use them as raw materials to construct tents for the refugees to stay in. While many of them would of course not be pegasai, the tents themselves would still provide shelter if you kept beneath them. The problem of housing refugees addressed, the problem of feeding them came to the forefront. Applejack as well as a group of local farmers lead by one Carrot Top proposed for their entire current crop to be harvested and to be repaid by the crown at a fair rate as needs of war. Twilight and I agreed this was a more than fair solution and provided vouchers for payment from the royal treasury redeemable after the end of the conflict. I may or may not have inflated the payment promises on paper to ensure that no farm, no matter how well-meaning, suffered financial hardship from an early harvest.

It took only two days for the refugee situation to be handled. At that point I retreated to one of Twilight's guest rooms where the girls and myself were staying. I had gone two days without sleep, little food, and having lost an eye. I was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. When I returned to the guestroom I was immediately fretted over by my mate and my daughter and ushered to bed after a simple meal of a cheese sandwich and tomato soup. As uneasy as I was I fell asleep under the comforting wing of my lover with our little girl nestled between us.

I awoke to a pleasant, feathery, softness draped over my bare chest and the sound of peaceful pegasus snoring near my ear. Sometime in the night Scootaloo had wiggled from between us and was now out of the bed. I rubbed my eye and looked around the room for her finding her staring out the window in to the pre-dawn sky. She had a look of quiet contemplation about her I hadn't seen before. For a brief moment gone was my exuberant little girl and in her place was a quiet young mare.

I gently eased myself out of Shy's grasp and slipped on to the cool crystal floor. Quietly I padded over behind Scoots and sat myself on the floor behind her. Resting a hand between her wings I began gently scratching and softly asked, "How's my little girl holding up?"

She leaned against me, resting her head in my lap, "PapaBear, I'm really scared...not like the scared when I mess up and do something wrong...like when my Mom and Dad died scared..."

I grimaced in the dark and tried to reassure her, "It will be tough going but I think we will be OK hon, Cadence is bringing airships and soldiers to help us protect our home. They should be here today even."

Scoots shook her head and turned to fix me with a sad stare, "I'm not afraid for me PapaBear, I'm afraid for you and MamaShy. I've already lost one mom and dad, I can't lose another. At...at least if I...if I d-...I would see mom and dad again..."

She choked on the last part and began to silently weep, crawling in to my lap and burying her face against my chest. I held her quietly letting her cry herself out. After a time I felt her pull back and her small hoof touched my face just under my ruined eye, "They almost got you PapaBear..."

I placed a loving kiss on her forehead, "Almost but not quite. Your PapaBear can still function with one eye."

Scoots lightly punched my shoulder, "Don't go taking anymore risks...your no Rainbow Dash, being a dare devil isn't your thing."

I chuckled at my little girl being so adamant, "Oh that's not my thing is it? So tell me what is my thing?"

I teased her a bit with some tickles as I inquired that and received giggling and squirming as a reply. We were interrupted by a pair of yellow wings enveloping us in a hug from behind me, "What are my two darlings doing up so early?"

Fluttershy leaned her head on my right shoulder smiling at our antics while holding us.

"We are having family time, MamaShy makes it complete." I replied while turning my head and kissing her cheek.

Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled my cheek as well as Scoots, "Come on you two, let's take turns doing our morning wash up and see about fixing breakfast for the girls. I bet they would like one of PapaBear's 'Southern Breakfasts'."

I was about to protest when my stomach rumbled answering for me. Both my girls chuckled then Scootaloo scampered off to the washroom. After she left Shy crawled in to my lap and turned, facing me with her hind legs around my waist and her forelegs around my neck. She looked in to my eye and whispered huskily, "I love you Mister O'Hara."

Her lips locked with mine and we were both glad Scootaloo took long showers.

After morning lovemaking we showered, ate breakfast as a family, then ushered Scootaloo off to the care of the schoolmarm Ms Cheerilee. Our little girl well in hand hoof we made our way to the castle map room where Princess Cadence had already arrived along with her husband Shining Armor.

The Elements took their seats while Cadence, Shining, and Myself took our places on folding chairs beside Twilight. Once everyone had arrived Twilight stood and spoke to the room, "Ladies and gentlecolts, the Equestrian War Council is now in session."

Nervous glances shot around the room, everyone was out of their element. No pun intended. Finally Cadence cleared her throat and spoke up, "Thank you Regent Twilight, I wish to start by formally stating that the Crystal Empire is committed to fully supporting Equestria in every way possible as per our mutual defense treaty."

"Thank you Cadence, we appreciate that very much. Now does anypony have any business to put forth before we begin discussing our strategic plans and goals?" Twilight asked to the room.

Shining Armor raised a hoof and announced, "I have a question."

"What is it Shiny?" Twilight inquired.

"Why is that monster seated at this table?" He replied coldly while pointing an accusing hoof at me.

The room went quiet while Twilight opened and closed her mouth, seeming to measure her response. Fluttershy and Cadence both glared daggers at him. I chose to spare Twilight having to verbally spar with her brother and spoke up, "I am here because Celestia appointed me as Twilight's general."

"That is ridiculous! You are no soldier! You only hold military rank because Celestia gave you some horseapple title to quiet down the nobility after your little stunt during the coup!" Growled Celestia's former captain.

I sighed and asked calmly, "Prince Armor, how many wars have you seen?"

Shining Armor looked taken aback then calmly replied, "I have been in the guard for twelve years."

"That isn't an answer to my question."

Shining growled, "At least I am trained! How about you? You said you were a civilian in your world, how many wars have you seen?"

I steepled my fingers and glared at the former Captain with my one good eye, "I am almost forty one years old, for the majority of my life my nation has fought one war or another. I have extensively studied history, military and otherwise. Unlike this world in mine we play wargames for fun, I was very good at them in fact. Since I have come here I have fought multiple times to defend my home; often against superior forces. That Prince Armor, is why Celestia placed me at Twilight's side. You have training, I have experience."

Shining Armor sat back, a look of disgust clear on his face, I let him calm a moment as the room remained deathly silent before speaking again, "However, you know Equestria's forces and capabilities far better than I. Because of that I would like for you to work with me as lieutenant-general. I need someone who is not afraid to tell me I am being an idiot. Someone who can take my strategic level plans and make them a tactical reality. Someone who can fill in for me in case I am incapacitated or otherwise unable to command. I need a competent second in command."

Shining Armor seemed taken aback then smiled thoughtfully and asked, "So essentially you need someone who doesn't like you?"

I nodded, "More or less."

Shining Smiled and looked to Twilight, "Assuming the Regent approves I accept."

Twilight as well as the rest of the room breathed a collective sigh of relief, "Well now that is settled let's move on to our plans to retake Canterlot."

We debated strategy late in to the evening. Fluttershy eventually excused herself to go take care of Scootaloo as well as the other two Crusaders. Pinkie left shortly there after to go help with preparing food for the refugees. I listened closely, Shining with his experience was in a far better position to aid the two princesses than I. The only time I would interject would be to clarify a point. I was truly out of my depth but I knew I had chosen well to bring Shining Armor in to the fold of leadership.

Eventually a grudging consensus was reached and we went over the plan.

"I don't like this Bear, this plan risks to many civilians." grumbled Shining Armor.

"If this plan works the civilians won't ever see combat." I shot back.

"Bear, I have to agree with Shiny, abandoning Ponyville? Raising a militia? I mean this might work for humans but..." Twilight trailed off looking dejectedly at the battle plan before us.

"Twilight, no invader can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever. There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power tyrants and dictators cannot stand. Letting volunteers from Ponyville take up arms against Sombra and his forces will show the people this." I said calmly.

"I...I think I understand...but why abandon Ponyville?" Twilight softly asked.

"Because this town up until now has been a focus for their raids, once we launch an assault to break the siege on Canterlot they will not take long to figure out where we staged the assault from. We can't spare the forces to defend Ponyville, trains full of refugees, and stage an attack. Towns can be rebuilt Twilight, lives can't."

Twilight looked at me sadly while Cadence placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. Finally Twilight spoke, "As regent I approve this plan General O'Hara, in five days time Ponyville will be emptied, any volunteers will form a militia to join the assault to break the siege."

"Very well. I suggest we retire for the evening." Shining Armor said in a weary tone.

We parted ways, none of us completely satisfied with our plans but agreeing that the plan we had come up with was best. I still had a task to preform though, one I was not sure I could complete but I would give it my all. I affixed my hatchet and knife to my belt and made my way across the moonlit town to the edge of the Everfree. Steeling my resolve I strode forward in to the forest.

I was surrounded by the sounds of night dwelling creatures. To a pony this would be unnerving, to myself having grown up around such wild places, it felt like a slice of home. After walking for about a half hour I finally stopped and closed my eyes turning my gaze inwards.

Earth Mother, your lost lamb calls to you.

After a moment I heard in my mind:

We hear you child.

Earth Mother, she who moves the sun and lights the world is in peril. An ancient evil walks the land and his corruption threatens the gentle ponies.

We have seen this child of the Ape Tribe. What would you ask of us?

Earth Mother, can the forest bring aid to these gentle ponies?

Another, longer, pause and I heard finally.

When dawn's light breaks you will have your answer. Await it by the forest's edge.

I walked back to town and made my way to the cottage Fluttershy and I shared. It was strange to see no animals about. With our extended absences the wild animals that could fend for themselves had long since been left to their own devices while the domestic ones had been placed with the surrounding farms. Part of me wanted to weep at the loss my mate would feel and I resolved we would rebuild her work. I quietly opened the door and retrieved a folding chair and a box of crackers, doing my best to remain comfortable while awaiting the dawn.

At some point I had drifted off and awoke with a start. I was facing east and my eyes opened to the sight of the sun rising. As I stood stiffly from my chair I became aware of another presence behind me, I turned, reaching for my weapons and stopped when I beheld the baleful gaze of One Eye.

"The Earth Mother sends us to your call Alpha." He spoke in his gravely voice.

I beheld then a sight I will remember the remainder of my days, hundreds of timber wolves stepping out of the tree line, perhaps all that exist in the Everfree. I beheld my army.

Five days of preparations followed the Earth Mother's gift of the Timber Wolf army. Shining Armor, Cadence, and Twilight were amazed at them; a tireless nigh immortal army to send against Sombra's fell wolves. The Ponyville milita, dubbed the First Ponyville Irregulars, were somewhat wary of their new allies but quickly took a shine to them when the earth and unicorn ponies were informed they would be riding the wolves in to battle while the pegasai provided aerial support.

I looked out over the Irregulars, we had more wolves than ponies, around fifty mounted unicorns and earth ponies, a few dozen pegasai, and around two hundred more wolves. The ponies were armed and armored with what they could scrounge, a few sets of family heirloom guard armor and weapons here and there, but otherwise many ponies wearing cooking pots on their heads and carrying everything from kitchen knives to crowbars as weapons. These brave souls gave me courage where I found mine failing.

The exodus from Ponyville was proceeding better than planned. Cloudsdale, much to my surprise, turned out to be a mobile city. It took three days for it to reach Ponyville. They took in all pegasai refugees they could, roughly a quarter of the entire population. I urged Fluttershy and Scootaloo to go. Fluttershy would have none of it, she rightly pointed out that the Elements were useless without her and thus she would be on board the Valiant whether I liked it or not. Scootaloo simply stated she wasn't letting her new parents out of her sight and she would stow away if she had to. Tripod and Angel Bunny both took her side in the argument and thus Fluttershy and I were outvoted three to two. She was appointed my cabin filly.

The fifth day dawned and found myself and the Elements of the bridge of the Valiant, hovering over Ponyville. It was a ghost town. We watched one of the Crystal Empire airships flying off in the distance as it flew escort for the last train of refugees departing the town. The five remaining ships, the HMS Topaz Star the HMS Amethyst Cloud, the HMS Tiger Eye, the HMS Star Opal, and the HMS Emerald Shield took up a line abreast formation behind the Valiant.

A scroll popped in to being and fell in to my lap. I popped the seal and glanced at the contents. "Twilight, Shining and Cadence are secure aboard the Emerald Shield. They report all troops secure onboard. We are awaiting your command to move on Canterlot."

Twilight gulped nervously and looked around the bridge to the expectant faces of the elements and crew.

"Right, General O'Hara, take us to Canterlot, best possible speed." Twilight said nervously.

I took a deep breath and gave my commands, "Commander Rose, turn us about towards Canterlot, bring rainbow drivers up to fifty percent speed. Ensign Smith, bring all cannons online and give instruction for forward and aft rocket tubes to be loaded and ready. Everyone else, action stations!"

The crew hopped to work bringing the ship ready for war as we flew on wards towards Canterlot, our rainbow drivers leaving a sparking prismatic trail behind us. This day, like it or not, I became a leader.