Luna’s eyes fluttered as she slowly began to awaken. Her body was stiff and it hurt to breath, but somehow she felt like she had rested enough. The light coming in through the window told her it was sunrise, meaning Celestia was likely out raising it at the moment.

Thank goodness. When I saw what Infernus had done to her, I feared the worst.

Luna decided to wait until somepony checked on her rather than getting out of her hospital bed on her own. Within minutes, Celestia entered the room, looking shocked before smiling in joy and relief.

“LUNA!” She cried and rushed towards her sister. Luna flinched, expecting a hug that would no doubt be painful, but instead Celestia stopped short and gently grabbed Luna’s hoof, holding it to her face and nuzzling it affectionately. “Oh, thank goodness,” she said as tears of joy fell from her eyes. “I knew you’d recover, but to finally see it… oh, I was so worried. So worried I’d lost you after just getting you back. Lost you after being separated for a millennium. Oh, Luna!” she exclaimed as she held her sister’s hoof tighter.

Luna was stunned. She knew Celestia loved her, but she never expected to see so much affection displayed, even privately.

“Wh-What happened?” Luna asked. “I remember Infernus standing over me, and then Gilgamesh coming to my aid, but... nothing after.”

Celestia flinched for a moment before sighing. “Gilgamesh… I’ve never been so thankful that he is on our side. We thought we knew his strength, but in truth we knew nothing. He’s always been holding back, Luna. Always. I saw him reach his second transformation, and the power he displayed was greater than anything I’ve seen, even in his final form. Infernus never stood a chance.”

“You sound like you pity the demon.”

“You would've too if you saw what Gilgamesh did to him. I've never seen him be so… vicious.”

“‘Vicious?’ Gilgamesh?” Luna asked in disbelief.

“He was enraged in a way I’ve never seen before. He didn't just want to beat Infernus, he wanted to make the demon suffer. From what I could tell, he seemed distraught by his own actions. I still have no idea what made him so angry.”

Luna was too stunned to respond, barely being able to imagine the silly and boisterous warrior acting like a monster. She tried to think of what could possibly cause him to act in such a way… and then it hit her.

“I… I may have an idea.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “You do?”

“The morning you decided to finally trust him fully, the morning he went to Cloudsdale, he… he visited me in my quarters. He gave me the medallion that I used to contact him, and he told me… he told me he loved me.”

Celestia just stared for a moment, completely dumbfounded. “He… He said what?”

“He told me he had always loved me, that he had been smitten with me not just as a mare or a Princess, but as a warrior as well. He even offered to give up combat forever if that was what it took to be with me.”

Celestia’s jaw dropped when she heard that. She, like her sister, knew how much pleasure Gilgamesh took in combat. After a few moments she got her bearings. “A-And… how did you respond? How do you feel about this?”

Luna considered that for a moment. It was something she was trying to decide for herself ever since the kiss he gave her. She blushed before averting her eyes. “I… I must admit, I always found him attractive. Physically, I mean. Even back when we were enemies.”

Celestia was surprised to hear that, but she quickly understood. “Ah, yes. You always did have a thing for the stallions with better builds.” Celestia chuckled. “Sometimes I'd swear that you'd accept a proposal from whomever could flex most impressively.”

Luna huffed and looked away. “I am not so shallow as to, as they say now, ‘jump’ the first well built stallion that catches my fancy.”

“I know, I know. I'm just teasing,” Celestia replied with a giggle. Her smile then turned softer. “I'm glad… that you're still here so I can do that with you.”

Luna smiled back. “As am I.”

“So, you think he flew into a rage because of what Infernus did to you? If he really does bear as much affection towards you as you say, it does make some sense. But, you didn’t answer my question: How do you feel about him?”

Luna thought about that for a moment before answering. “I don’t know. I certainly view him as someone I care about, like you or Twilight Sparkle. But as for such romantic interests… I just don’t know how I feel about having a relationship at this point.”

“I see. Well, I suppose you’ll have some time to think about it,” Celestia said as she rose up. “Though I would suggest coming to a decision sooner rather than later. We’re likely to see him a lot more often with how things are. It would be best if your emotions didn’t distract you from the more immediate problems.”

“Sister, are you… endorsing such a relationship?” Luna asked, genuinely surprised.

“Well, he’s certainly not the ideal sort of suitor I’d hope you’d go for; but, if nothing else, his love for you seems genuine. Also, it has been some time since you’ve taken a suitor,” Celestia answered with a mischievous smirk. “Anyway, I have things that I need to get done. I’ll send the doctors here to check up on you before clearing you to leave, so rest until then.”

Luna nodded back as Celestia got up and trotted to the door. “Also, sister, there is one thing that I should inform you of,” Celestia began, stopping at the door before turning to face her sister, her expression serious. “I have called for the Pact of Nations to be fulfilled.”

Luna look surprised, but then realized that it shouldn’t have been all that shocking considering the situation.

“I understand,” she replied simply. Celestia nodded and trotted out the door.

“So you have entire classes centered around infiltration?”

“Of course. Our education system is meant first and foremost to supply the hatchlings with the skills to ensure the survival of the Hive.”

Twilight and Princess Nectar were sitting together in the Canterlot Palace Archives, one of the rooms that had managed to survive the devastating attack, much to Twilight’s own joy. A pair of unicorn guards and a pair of changeling’s stood outside the entrance, keeping an eye on both the royals, each other, and making sure no one else slipped by. They glared at each other, but were otherwise tolerant of each other’s presesnce.

“So, you’re a militant culture then?”

“More survivalist, but essentially yes. First and foremost for everyling, no matter what rank, is to ensure the survival of the hive.”

“That sounds rather… bleak. Living simply from hoof to mouth.”

“It is,” Nectar replied somberly. She then quickly glanced at the guards before leaning in. “Don’t say I told you this,” she whispered, “but being a career infiltrator is one of the most sought after positions in the Hive not just because it’s respected for bringing back love, but also because they get to experience all the frivolous things we can’t afford. Art, pastries, things like that.”

“Wow.”

“Despite how we may seem,” Nectar continued, returning to her normal volume, “we are, in fact, a starving race. We don’t enjoy the kinds of things you ponies take for granted because we don’t have the luxury of diverting time and resources to them.”

“But why did you never approach us for help before? Equestria has a long history of helping other nations, like the Zebafrican tribes. Surely you knew that before your mother tried to conquer us.”

Nectar sighed. “Princess Twilight, long ago during the Great War, we attempted to come to an agreement with your kind, even offering to fight on your behalf. Instead of accepting, your kind attacked us with the intent to wipe us out. Our hive is the last one remaining, every other queen and hive killed and destroyed. Anyling who even has the thought of trying to approach other nations openly only need be reminded of that result and almost any argument is quelled.”

“Wh-What!?” Twilight looked aghast at what Nectar had told her. “N-No, that can’t be true! I haven’t read anything like that in any history book! There’s no way we would-!”

“Princess Twilight, I know for a fact you never knew about the Crystal Empire before it reappeared,” Nectar interrupted. “Not everything in history has been written down.”

Twilight just stared, trying to process this. “No way… to think that ponies could be so… cruel.”

“It was a time of war, Princess Twilight. Cruelty was practically expected from both sides, and perhaps even a necessity.”

“Does… that mean we’re going to end up like that again? That we’ll have to become monsters in order to survive?” Twilight thought aloud.

Nectar looked guilty for the effect what she said had on Twilight, and moved to change the subject. “Princess Twilight? There’s something in particular I’d like to talk to you about.”

“Huh?” Twilight looked up, tears still in her eyes.

“First, I’d like to tell you about how we feed. How we gather love.”

“Oh, right,” Twilight sniffled as she wiped her eyes. “I was wondering about that. I’ve always been curious how a species could survive on an emotion.”

“Well, we don’t know why we consume love instead of other emotions or other foods, but there are actually three ways for us to gather love for consumption.”

“Really?”

“Yes. First would be if others were to give us positive emotions. If another species was to feel affection towards us we would be able to feed off those feelings directly. This is why we often abduct and replace others, so that their affections can be directed towards us. It is the most ideal way to gain love, although obviously the longer we stay to impersonate another, the greater the chance we have of being found out, which in itself is quite dangerous.”

“I would think so, what with basically spying and foalnapping.”

“The second would be absorbing ambient love. When you ponies expression affection for one another it doesn’t all go to the one you’re thinking of. Some will spread out in every direction, and we can absorb this excess as well. Though it is the least conspicuous method of feeding for us, it is also the most diluted and least effective way of absorbing love. To give an analogy, if the first method is like drinking from a glass of water, this would be more like trying to quench one’s thirst on morning dew.”

“I see. So even though you can feed without being predatory, it just isn’t enough to sustain you.”

“Technically we could survive off the second method alone, but the amount of ambient love would have to astronomically high. If the entire population of a small town like Ponyville was to constantly express passionate love for every waking minute of the day it would be enough for maybe about five drones to absorb and keep themselves fed for the day. Assuming they rationed it.”

“That ineffective? I see why you don’t rely on the method.”

“And the final method is… vampirism. It is possible for us to forcefully extract love from another being, and the purity of love would of course be the highest quality, but… the victim would almost certainly die from such a drain, especially since once we start it’s difficult to stop.”

Twilight gulped.

“So, as you can see, having affection directed towards us is by far the best method to gain love, and why replacing ponies is how we usually feed ourselves.”

“I just had a thought. Does your kind ever change into a pony that doesn’t exist? You know, make your own identities?”

“We did in the past, but the problem is that it takes too long for a new face to become trusted enough to the point we can gather love. As I said before, we are a starving race, and we need as much love as quickly as we can get it.” Nectar leaned in to whisper. “To be perfectly honest, Princess Twilight, if we can’t find a solution to our food problem soon, some of our kind may start dying of starvation as early as a few months from now. Within a year, we could all be dead.”

“Wh-What!? Your situation is that bad!?” Twilight asked in shock.

“Every changeling in the Hive has now revealed themselves to your people, Princess Twilight. Noling is gathering love right now, and even without the tragedy of what happened almost a week ago, suspicion runs high throughout Canterlot. I doubt anyling could impersonate another pony right now even for a quick snack.”

“I… I guess you’re right. Even with how you fought to help us, I doubt there are many ponies who feel love for your race right now. It wasn’t even a whole year ago since your invasion, and I’m sure those scars still run deep for most ponies.” Twilight sighed. “I’d… I’d be lying if I said they didn’t for me, too.”

Nectar grimaced before exhaling sharply.

I thought as much. Still, I have to try. Please let me be right.

“Princess Twilight, there is one more thing I wish to discuss. In fact, it is something I have wanted to discuss with you ever since your ascension to alicornhood. Since I’ve learned about your past and your accomplishments.”

“Huh? My accomplishments?”

“Princess Twilight, I hold an… unpopular belief in the hive. Namely, that I’ve wanted to try and establish positive relationships with Equestria for some time.”

“Wh-What? You?” Twilight asked, surprised.

“Yes. Not to try and make myself sound righteous or anything like that, but I kept trying to convince my mother to approach you ponies peacefully. Even after mother’s botched invasion, I still haven’t given up on a peaceful relationship between our kinds.”

“But… you said that all of your people-”

“Yes, they all know what happened the last time we revealed ourselves. They all know how catastrophic it was for us. But the way I see it, there’s one thing they all seem to forget.” She smiled before finishing. “We only ever tried it once, and personally I believe it was less about your kind not accepting us and more about the wrong time and situation.”

“And you believe now is right time?” Twilight asked.

Nectar nodded. “I don’t mean to sound insensitive Princess Twilight, but right now you need us. Though our numbers are smaller, our species is more experienced with warfare, espionage, and general combat. Our hive mind allows us to communicate and coordinate in ways you ponies simply can’t. You need us to help protect you and to teach you how to protect yourselves. But, at the same time, we need you. We need your love to sustain us, or we will simply wither and die. Mother agrees that we need to work together for the survival of both our species, but I hope to create something more than just an alliance. I want to make a world where ponies and changelings walk together with no animosity towards each other. No, not just a lack of hatred, but a presence of love. And more importantly, I think I’ve found the pony who can help me make that world.”

Twilight blinked for a moment, processing what she said. “You mean… me?”

Nectar’s smile widened. “I know I said we feed on love, but it would be more accurate to say we feed on affection. Romantic affection is the most potent but there are other lesser, yet still viable, forms of affections we can feed on. Familial love, admiration, idolization, thankfulness, camaraderie… and friendship.”

Twilight’s eyes widened.

“Even if you only became the Princess of Friendship very recently, I still believe you are the pony most knowledgeable on the subject. I’ve been informed of your deeds, and you and your friends have accomplished more with friendship than I ever thought possible. I believe you and they can help create the world I wish to see.” She then reached across the table and touched Twilight’s hoof, surprising her a bit. “Will you please help me make that world?”

Twilight simply stared, eyes blinking. She then glanced between Nectar’s smiling face and the hoof that still rested on her own. She then closed her eyes and exhaled before opening them again. “On one condition.”

Nectar hesitated. “... Name it.”

Twilight placed her other hoof on top of Nectar’s and smiled. “If we’re going to be friends, then please stop calling me ‘Princess.’ It’s just Twilight Sparkle.”

Nectar smiled back. “Then I would also like to request that you refer to me as just ‘Nectar’.”

“Deal.”

Twilight continued to smile brightly as she let go of Nectar’s hoof, but inside she was squealing with delight.

Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes! My first time being a diplomat to another nation, planning out a future policy that will benefit both our nations and people! I was so nervous about having the responsibilities of a Princess, but I never realized how exciting it could be as well! I’m so lucky to have somepony-er someling like Nectar who already wants something I can agree to as my first representative to negotiate with!

“However, we do still have some short-term problems to overcome,” Nectar continued, snapping Twilight out of her revery. “Namely, we changelings need love now to sustain us. If not, we will quickly become more of a liability to Equestria than an ally, what with continually growing weaker to the point we would be useless. And then, of course, we’d simply die off before we could render you any aid.”

Twilight touched a hoof to her chin. “Hm. That is something that needs to be dealt with. And I doubt Cadance’s love manifestation spell would be enough to sustain you even if she could cast it indefinitely.”

“So, we need a source of love powerful enough to feed us, sustainable enough that we wouldn’t deplete it, and accessible enough that us changelings wouldn’t be limited in our movements.”

Twilight pondered this for a moment before an idea reached her. “Nectar, are you only able to feed off the love from living beings?”

Nectar tilted her head in response. “What do you mean?”

“I mean if there was an inanimate object that produced love or contained love within it, would you be able to feed off of it?”

“I… Don’t know. I don’t believe we’ve ever had the opportunity to test if such a thing was possible.”

Twilight smiled. “Then I may have a solution. I know of a place overflowing with ambient love, enough that it would likely be enough to sustain your changelings almost indefinitely!”

“Wh-What? Where?” Nectar asked with a shocked expression.

“The Crystal Empire! The Crystal Heart runs off of feelings like love and hope, and magnifies them enough that it can expel dark forces! So long as the citizens of the Empire have hope, there should be more than enough ambient love for changelings to feed off of!”

“Hm… I don’t doubt that amount of ambient love in the Crystal Empire would be exceptionally high, but it may still be not enough for us to keep in top health. Also, it would limit us to have to be stuck in one location to feed.”

“Yes, but that’s just the source of the love you’ll feed of of. The crystals of the Empire are unique in that they conduct and amplify the emotions and magic that are sent through them, like the Crystal Heart itself, although to a lesser extent. With your help, I think we could collect ambient love in small crystals, and you changelings would be able to take them with you and feed off them whenever you wish!”

Nectar’s eyes widened in surprise. “Do you really think that’s possible?”

“Infusing gems with magic is a very old art that doesn’t see as much use today as it once did, but it still does get some use, mainly in our more advanced technologies. Specifically, for becoming electricity generators for things like lights and movie projectors. It may require some reworking, and it will likely require you and your kind teaching us how to identify and manipulate love energy, but I certainly think it’s something that we will be able to do.”

Nectar practically beamed back at her. “Twilight, you’re amazing! If this works, it won’t only solve our short-term hunger problems, it will be a way to sustain our entire race until we finally manage to achieve our end goal of cohabitation!”

“I know! Isn’t it exciting!?” Twilight squealed back.

Nectar was about to respond when suddenly her face changed from joy to confusion. A moment later it contorted into a look of intense worry. “Oh no.”

“Wh-What? Nectar, what’s-?” Twilight began only to be cut off as Nectar jumped from her seat and began to gallop towards the door. “N-Nectar!”

The changeling princess stopped before turning to face Twilight. “Celestia! We need to see Princess Celestia, now!” She said before barrelling out the door, startling the changeling and pony guards, Twilight hot on her hooves.

“Nectar, what’s wrong!?”

“I just got a message through the hive mind! Some of those we sent to check on the Hive are on their way back!”

“What!? So soon!?”

“They turned back before they reached the hive in order to contact us! And that’s not all, they report thousands if not millions of Equestrians headed towards Canterlot from the east!”

“What!? Why!?”

Nectar stopped before turning to look at Twilight, her expression grave. “Because they have nowhere to go. They’re all refugees. Survivors.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “‘Survivors?’ Then you mean-?”

“Canterlot isn’t the only Equestrian city that’s been hit. And as bad as things are here, I get the feeling that what they’ve all been through is worse.”

The reports were some of the worst Celestia had ever heard, and only emphasized how dire the situation was.

Over five hundred thousand refugees had been reported to be heading towards Canterlot, either from their homes being destroyed or fleeing in panic when they heard of the fate that had befallen their neighbors. Even worse was that Equestria’s military, though bravely doing their duty to protect the citizens and their country by holding off the enemy to give the citizens time to evacuate and making sure to defend their retreat, was utterly defeated. The records stated that the Equestrian military consisted of about seven hundred thousand enlisted soldiers, both on active duty and those in reserve. With the reports that had come in, she doubted even a quarter of them were left. And finally was the news of what cities had been hit.

Baltimare, Las Pegasus, Seaddle, Manehattan, Coltland, and several others. All towns on or near both coasts. The enemies’ plan was clear, attack the cities and towns on the seaboards and push inwards, causing the equestrians to flee to safety inland, only to find Canterlot destroyed and their Princesses dead. They would’ve lost all hope, and Equestria would’ve been all but done for. It seems that the news that Canterlot had not been destroyed had reached them and they decided to hold back and regroup. But even though that had failed, the successful attacks on the coasts had ensured that they were still in a favorable position. With all their port cities taken, it would be extremely difficult for help to come from the outside, being forced to cross through the Badlands to the south, or through the Crystal Empire in the north. And, had Gilgamesh not been able to help liberate the Hive, that option would’ve also been taken from any allies.

Celestia had called the nobles to start a discussion on how to proceed. Unfortunately, most of them were also panicking, or at the very least arguing heatedly over what to do. She had called in Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadence as well, but most importantly she’d called in Twilight and her friends to get an example of wartime politics. Unfortunately, this was not the kind of example she wanted them to see.

“We have to evacuate! Take everything and everypony we can and escape!”

“‘Escape’!? Escape where!? The demons control both seaboards! We can’t just sail to another country!”

“We’ll go north then! To the Crystal Empire!”

“Idiot! Do you really think they’ll leave the Empire alone!?”

“Besides, the Empire couldn’t possibly sustain or even house all of us!”

“Then we’ll just have to pick which ones of us get to go!”

“And leave the rest to perish!? Are you mad!?”

“ENOUGH!” Celestia bellowed in the Royal Canterlot Voice, silencing the throne room immediately. She exhaled before continuing. “We are not running. Not simply because it is our duty to fight and defeat this threat, but because there is nowhere we can run to. The entire world is at risk and fleeing the country, fleeing the continent, will not save us. We will fight because we have no other option.”

“But Princess Celestia, surely you can’t think we can match these forces after what happened!?” One of the nobles shouted. “Even you were beaten! How are we supposed to defeat a force that powerful!?”

“Because we will not be alone. This enemy threatens the world, and so the world will come to our aid. I have enacted the Pact of Nations, and have sent messages to other races and kingdoms. They will come to aid us, if not to uphold the agreements between our countries, then at least to ensure their own safety.”

“With all due respect, Princess, the Griffons and the Minotaurs may be willing to respond out of obligation, but what about the other races? Do you really think they will risk themselves against Tartarus!? Who would be that insane!?” Another noble argued.

“I resent being called insane,” came a distorted voice.

All heads turned to face the throne room doors as a green magical aura pushed them open. Queen Chrysalis, Princess Nectar, and Commander Thorax all walked in, dressed in their armor and weapons. Many of the nobles flinched, and some of the guards tensed, but no one interfered with the three changelings.

“I must say, if nothing else, she has a gift for dramatic timing,” Rarity whispered.

The three of them stopped at the bottom of the stairs leading to the thrones before unsheathing their swords, holding their weapons in front of them and bowing.

“Princesses of Equestria,” Chrysalis began. “We changelings of the Badland Hive do so request to fight alongside you and yours against the demons of Tartarus and whatever other forces threaten Equus. We would be honored to be at your sides on the fields of battle, if you would have us.”

Celestia smiled and was about to respond when one of the nobles cut her off.

“Not a chance! Don’t think we’ve forgotten what you did all those months ago, insects! You’re probably just waiting for the right chance to stab us all in the back!”

Much to her disappointment, Celestia saw several of the nobles shouting in agreement. Chrysalis simply held still, paying them no mind, but Nectar flinched a bit and Thorax growled.

They’re scared. They’re lashing out at anything that might be an enemy now. I’ll have to-

“Now wait just a moment!” Another of the nobles spoke up. It was the ever exemplary Fancy Pants. “They were attacked by the Demons of Tartarus as well! They’re just as much victims in this as we are!”

The remaining silent nobles voiced their agreement, and some of the nobles who initially objected shirked back somewhat.

“So what!? That doesn’t mean we can trust them! It’s probably their fault the Demons attacked us so quickly! They followed them here!” Another noble shouted.

This is worse than I thought. Fancy Pants’ influence is usually enough to sway most of the nobles on his own. For so many to stand against him, they must be truly terrified.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Came another voice, this one belonging to Fancy Pants’ wife, Fleur-de-lis. “They were going to attack Canterlot at some point, and the attacks on the rest of our country show they had planned this out for some time! If anything, we should be thanking the changelings! If they hadn’t come here asking for help, we wouldn’t have even known the Demons had escaped Tartarus in the first place! As horrible as things are now, imagine what it would be like if we were caught completely off guard!”

The throne room descended into bickering as the nobles argued over what to do with the changelings. Just as Celestia was about to use the Royal Canterlot Voice again, somepony else cut through the overlapping voices.

“I think the answer as to what should be done is obvious.”

Everyone turned to see Prince Blueblood of all ponies standing at the entrance to the throne room before trotting in, an uncharacteristically determined look on his face.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this. So self-assured. Whatever he has to say must be important. Princess Celestia gulped. I hope this is the right decision, she thought.

“Blueblood, now is not the time for your-” Luna began, only for her sister to cut her off.

“What would you like to say, nephew?”

Almost everypony looked to Celestia, shocked.

“S-Sister!”

Celestia held her hoof up for Luna to be quiet before nodding to Blueblood.

“Thank You, Auntie,” he replied before clearing his throat. “Over the last few days I spoke with some of the guards who participated in the recent assault and asked them their opinions on the changelings. What I found was most troubling,” he continued as he trotted forwards. “Specifically, that the general consensus was that the changelings far outperformed all but the best of our own soldiers, as much as they loath to admit it. Obviously, the changelings are much better trained and have much more experience. I shudder to think what would’ve happened at Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor’s wedding had they intended to wipe us out instead of harvest our love. In addition,” he stopped next to Chrysalis before continuing. “This is Equestria. It has been our stated goal for centuries that this is the land where harmony reigns, that love and tolerance is our policy. In short, not only would rejecting the aid of the Queen and her forces be a blatant hypocrisy of our values, it would also be a very bad idea in a pragmatic sense as well.” He then bowed to Chrysalis before extending his hoof to her. “I, for one, would be honored to have you and yours at our side.”

Everypony just stared, completely stunned. Even Celestia and Luna had difficulty concealing their surprise. After a moment Celestia cleared her throat. “Well, I think a compelling case has been made. Are there any still in objection?”

There were a few murmurs from the nobles, but overall they stayed quiet. Chrysalis rose and took Blueblood’s hoof. “Thank you,” she said simply.

“My pleasure,” he replied.

“Well, now that that’s settled-” Celestia began.

“Actually, Auntie, if I could interrupt. I have a few other things I’d like to say,” Blueblood said, actually looking a bit nervous.

Celestia raised an eyebrow for moment then nodded. “Very well. Proceed.”

Blueblood nodded back before inhaling. “I’d… I’d like to officially have my home and all my other estates be opened as housing for the many refugees that will be coming soon, and any we will be having in the future.”

Again, everyone was stunned, some murmuring that they thought their hearing was failing.

“In addition,” he continued. “I’d like to officially have half of my fortune immediately donated to the Equestrian government for use in wartime spending, and the rest used to pay the staff and servants at my estates to continue tending the premises as well as any others who would help, or provide them with severance pay if they wish to quit. I’ll be keeping enough for myself to live off of, the rest I’d like to have the Equestrian government used as it best sees fit. And finally…” Blueblood shivered for a moment before gathering himself. “I’d like to announce that I will be enlisting myself in the military in a role befitting my skill and experience.” He chuckled nervously. “Which, of course, means I’ll be starting from the very bottom.”

The room was completely silent. All eyes were wide, and nearly all jaws were on the floor.

Did… Did I really just hear all that? Celestia thought.

“I’m sure this comes as a surprise to most-um… all of you. But over the past few days, I’ve had some time to think about things. Namely, what it means to be a noble.” He turned to face his fellow nobleponies before continuing. “I think we’ve made it no secret that we view ourselves as superior to other ponies, and for the most part others are in agreement of this. We boast of our superior bloodlines and influence. But after seeing what’s happened here in Canterlot, all the destruction of the things we once thought were so important, I asked myself ‘what would cause somepony to think of somepony else as superior? What makes a bloodline noble?’ We nobles don’t live lives of combat training, and few of us are master spellcasters, so it certainly isn’t martial prowess. It can’t be money, because there are several rich ponies out there that, despite their great wealth, aren’t considered to be nobles. So what is it? What causes one pony to look at another and think ‘yes, that pony most certainly is superior to me. They should be in charge.’ After much thought, I have my answer: Those ponies were exceptional and they showed it through their deeds.”

Blueblood turned to face Celestia. “I am descended from our own Princess Celestia and her first husband, Valor. But it is not that heritage that makes me a noble. It is because my Auntie is wise, kind, understanding. It is because my ancestor was brave and honorable. It is because both of them show the best of what a pony can and should be.” Celestia couldn’t help but smile warmly at her nephew. He then turned back the rest of his peers. “You are all nobles because your ancestors, or in some cases you yourselves, showed the qualities and performed the deeds that made others wish to follow you. It is for this reason that we are given so many luxuries in our lives, to compensate us for the great and important task of leading those who follow us to brighter futures. For centuries we’ve been lucky and have not had to perform these duties due to our ages of peace, but now that has changed. It is time for us to perform the tasks for which the common ponies elevated us to the highest rungs of society for, to lead and provide examples to them of what a pony can and should do.” He then glared at the crowd. “And for those of you who do not wish to perform this duty, who would rather hide or take what they value and run, go ahead and do so, you have that right. Just make sure to stay quiet and let the real nobles make the decisions.”

Once again, the room was completely silent. Some were completely shocked, others looked scared and ashamed, while others smiled in approval.

“Spike, pinch me,” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“Wh-What? Why?” Spike asked, taken aback.

“Because I have to be dreaming. I can’t think of any other reason that Prince Bucking Blueblood just became awesome.”

“I have to say, Blueblood, I’m genuinely impressed.”

Everyone turned to see that, without them realizing, Gilgamesh had somehow appeared right in between Celestia and Luna.

“Gil-” Luna began, only to be stopped as Gilgamesh clamped his hands around both her and Celestia’s muzzles.

“Hello ladies,” he began in a deep and sexy voice. “Look at your guards, now back to me, now back at your guards, now back to me,” he commanded, moving their heads as he did. “Sadly, they aren’t me. But if you officially pardoned me of all crimes against Equestria and gave me my own room here at the palace, they could be trained by me. Look down. Up. Where are you? You’re on a boat, with the man your guards could be trained by!” He continued as he let go of their muzzled and stepped forwards, everyone shocked to find that they were, indeed, on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

“What the bu-!?” Shining Armor began before being cut off.

Gilgamesh quickly turned and faced the Princesses. “What’s in your hoof? Back to me. I have it. It’s an oyster with two tickets to an awards ceremony for your awesome newly trained guards. Look again, the tickets are now cake! Anything is possible when your guards are awesome and not pathetic. I’m on a dragon.” He finished as he sat on the back of green adult dragon, with everyone somehow now on the beach as a tune was whistled out of nowhere. In a flash everyone was back in the palace throne room and everything from before had disappeared except for the cake… and the dragon.

The ponies and changelings flinched as the dragon slowly began to wake from his slumber, his eyes fluttering for a bit before opening fully. He lifted his head and scanned his surroundings.

“... Where am I?” He asked, a clearly confused look on his face.

“C-C-C-Canterlot,” one of the guards stuttered out.

The dragon looked nervous. “C-Canterlot? But that means-!” He turned to see the Princesses on their thrones looking rather surprised. “P-Princesses! I-I-I swear I didn’t-” he began only for Gilgamesh to butt it.

“‘Sup, Everflame?”

The dragon’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks as he went pale. He then slowly turned to look at his back, seeing the warrior sitting casually and taking a bite out of the cake.

“Mmm. Red velvet.”

Everflame bolted for the nearest corner, Gilgamesh hopping off easily, before pressing his body as much as possible against the wall, an absolutely terrified look on his face. “WH-WH-WH-WH-WH-WH-WH-WH-WH-WHAT DO YOU WANT!?” He screeched.

“Hey, no need to freak out. I’m just cashing in the favor you owe me,” Gilgamesh replied calmly, eating more of the cake.

“O-Oh!” Everflame exclaimed, then rushing forwards and lying completely flat on the ground, as if he was ready to kiss Gilgamesh’s feet. “O-Of course! I-I made sure n-never to stray too far from my cave so I w-wouldn’t miss you in case you came looking for me! I-I even stayed out of the D-Dragon M-M-Migration, just to make sure you didn’t g-get the wrong id-dea!” He explained, smiling nervously.

“Aw, you didn’t have to go that far.”

“Oh no, I insist!”

The ponies were stunned. They’d heard of, and in some cases seen, the power of Gilgamesh, but to see a fully grown dragon prostrating himself in terror before the warrior began to truly put into perspective just what kind of power and reputation he held.

“S-So, what do you wish of me, oh great one?”

“You’re gonna take me to see the Dragon King!” Gilgamesh replied cheerfully.

Everflame went pale again. “Um… If I may, um, sir… That may not be-”

“Everflame,” Gilgamesh interrupted. “You’re gonna take me to see the Dragon King!” He repeated, just as cheerfully as before.

Everflame simple stayed silent for a moment before a terrified smile stretched across his face. “Yes, sir,” he whimpered.

“Good!”

“The Dragon King?” Luna asked. “Why do you wish to meet with them?”

Gilgamesh smiled. “It’s a long shot, but like your sister said, this is a battle for the world, so everyone on it should have a say. Besides, I might still have a few friends in the dragon lands.”

The ponies began to mutter amongst themselves.

“‘Friends in the dragon lands?’ Is it possible?”

“He is over one thousand years old, and I heard that he’s battled dragons.”

“If we could have the dragons come to aid us, they’d be an incredible help.”

“Anyway, it’s time you and I get going,” Gilgamesh said to Everflame before turning to the Princess. “Oh, and I was serious about that offer. I doubt you need to think it over.” He then grabbed his naginata and cut a very large hole in the air. “In you go!” He said before grabbing and hurling Everflame inside who yelped in surprise, and jumped in afterwards.

Once again, the throne room was silent.

“Wait… how did he do all that stuff with the boat?” Cadance asked.

“He didn’t,” came a voice from behind her.

All eyes turned to see that Discord had snuck up on them all.

“Got to admit, that was really fun! We need to share ideas more often!” He said gleefully. “But now, onto serious matters.” He then floated over and grabbed Celestia and Luna by their horns. “We need to talk,” he said simply before all three disappeared in a flash of light.

After a few moments of noone making a move, Blueblood cleared his throat. “Well, um… Prince Shining Armor, I believe further discussion will have to be put off.”

“Uh r-right. Um, discussions will resume later. I’ll have you all notified when the Princesses return. Until then, you’re all dismissed,” Shining Armor announced.

As the room began to disperse, Blueblood made to leave, only to stop when Rarity called out for him as she trotted over. “Um, excuse me, Prince. I must say, that was a rather rousing speech you made, and those were quite the impressive announcements. But, if I may ask, what brought about such a thing?”

Blueblood looked away and sighed. “Miss Rarity, let’s just say that recently I was forced to take a long hard look at what kind of pony I’ve been for my whole life, and I didn’t like what I saw.” He turned to her and smiled. “I hope, when this is all over, I’ll be able to make up for my previous actions. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have quite a bit of paperwork to do before what I proclaimed here becomes official.” He then began to trot out of the throne room.

“Ok. Dude has my respect,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“Ditto,” Spike added.

“Eeyup,” said Applejack, borrowing her brother’s catchphrase.

Twilight smiled. After everything that had happened, she had very few positive things to cling to, many of the ideas she once took as truth had been torn away. But now it looked like one of them had been proven true, something she had read in a book long ago.

Some ponies are at their best only when everything else is at its worst.

Celestia, Luna, and Discord appeared in Celestia’s chambers, the two Princesses somewhat disoriented from the unexpected teleportation.

“Discord,” Celestia groaned.

“Yes, yes, give me the disappointed pout again. But first, I’d like to ask you two something,” he began. Then, suddenly, his eyes turned pitch black, his mouth stretched impossibly wide and showed off dozens of rows of teeth, and the rest of his body burst into flames. “WHy dIDn’T yoU CAll mE!?” He bellowed, his voice sounding like some kind of unspeakable horror.

And in the next instant his terrifying transformation was gone, reverted back to his normal self, though he did look rather angry. Both the Princesses were stunned, never having seen anything like this before.

“You wanted me to use my magic for good! You wanted me to protect Equestria! SO WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME WHAT WAS HAPPENING SO I COULD COME AND SAVE PONIES!? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME FLUTTERSHY WAS IN DANGER!?” He shouted.

Celestia and Luna were both taken aback by his outburst, and more importantly the reason behind it, and shared a guilty glance with each other.

“I’m sorry, Discord. It… It just never crossed our minds,” Celestia admitted.

Discord inhaled for a moment before exhaling sharply. “Fine. Just don’t leave me out again. Anyway, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you. Remember that barrier you had me make? Well, since I thought it was strange that the Demons of Tartarus managed to escape I gave it a look.”

“And?” Luna asked.

“...Something actually managed to eat a hole through it.”

Author's Notes:

WOOO! WE'RE BACK!

I'll be honest, I've been wanting to do that Old Spice joke almost since the beginning of the previous fic. I'm sorry this took so long, but sometimes trying to write is just... GAAAAAAAAAAH!

Anyway, I'd like to once again thank GoldenScript for being my editor, and I'd like to thank all you loyal fans for sticking around. Hopefully the next chapter will be done within the month.

In the meantime, why not check out my other Displaced fics, "Coming Up OOO" and "The ⑨ Chronicles"? Shameless plug is shameless.