“Ok then, let’s get to work, we’ve wasted enough time as it is,” Shining said as he and Cadance entered the throne room, finding Twilight, Nectar, and Buzz already present.

“Way ahead of you, Shiny,” Twilight replied. The two Princesses were already working with some crystals as they walked in, Twilight funnelling some electric energy into one. “So, wanna give it a try?” she asked, levitating it over to Nectar and Buzz. They both took it in their own magical grasps and focused on the gems, both of them clearly straining to perform the task. After a few moments Nectar’s crystal began to glow with blue light and within a minute it was now shining brightly. Buzz struggled to do the same, but even after a few minutes only managed to make his own gem glow slightly. He set the gem on the ground, panting in exhaustion.

“Not as easy as it looks, but at least we proved the idea is sound,” he said, looking at Nectar’s gem.

“Looks like it. Now, why don’t try to feed from it.” Twilight suggested.

“That would be rather difficult here. With all the love energy overflowing in the Empire, trying to absorb the love from this crystal is like asking me to take a drink from a glass of water while submerged in the ocean,” Nectar replied. “It was a bit difficult, but I’m sure it will get easier with time. We’ll need to teach more changelings how to infuse the energy, and with luck we can teach unicorns how to see and manipulate love energy. Both should make preparing these go faster.”

“Right. But the good news is that we’ve solved the food shortage problem! And almost immediately, too!” Twilight exclaimed in joy.

“Wait, what was that about food shortage?” Shining asked.

“Idiot! Why did you say that!?” Buzz hissed at Twilight.

“Huh? Was it a secret?” she asked, confused.

“Yes!”

“No,” Nectar said bluntly.

“Huh? But, your majesty-!” Buzz began.

“Mother has already revealed the location of the Hive and all of our members. There’s virtually nothing to keep secret anymore, and if we wish this alliance with the ponies and other species to be effective they have to know about our needs as well. We must be upfront and honest or else what little trust we have will be destroyed before it can ever truly take shape,” Nectar stated firmly, cutting him off.

“... The Queen will not be happy with this,” he muttered.

“You let me deal with that,” she replied before turning to Shining Armor and Cadance. “Please forgive Buzz, we’ve had to stay secret for so long that it is basically against our instincts to reveal anything about ourselves to other species. It will no doubt take quite some time for us to become accustomed to reveal more about ourselves and get to know each other personally, but please be patient,” she said before bringing a hoof to her chest and bowing.

Both of them were at a loss for words, as was Twilight. She’s… She’s so different right now than when she talked to me. It’s like the difference between when Celestia is imposing laws and when she’s just meeting her subjects, like a flip just switched. Twilight thought. I guess she’s had a lot of training from her mother.

Shining Armor finally found his voice. “I’d be lying if I said that I was willing to trust you or your species completely. I’m still sore about what your kind did to me and those I care about, particularly what your mother did. However, I’m also willing to admit that… that we’re not quite as different as I once thought, which means you have it in you to be good as well.”

Cadance nodded. “I as well. Like Shining, I’m still a bit wary around your kind, but if you keep showing that you’re willing to stand side by side with us, I can let that go. I’d even be willing to forgive your mother for what she did to me and my husband.” She smiled before continuing. “And who knows what the future might bring after all this is done?”

Nectar raised her head and smiled. “Your majesties, that’s more than I dared hope… and everything I wanted to hear. I swear I will do everything to ensure not just our mutual survival but I beautiful future for both of our kinds.”

Twilight smiled, as did Shining Armor. Buzz looked completely stunned but quickly tried to regain his composure. “Well, I think we’d better get going. We’ve all still got a lot of work to do. Be careful you two, and make sure to stay in touch, alright?” Twilight said.

“You too, Twily,” Shining replied.

Twilight walked over to Nectar and Buzz. “Ready?” Nectar nodded back, and Twilight concentrated. All three of them vanished in a violet flash of light.

Lieutenant Starshine was going over the notes of the recruits of the ponies with a furrowed brow. Few of them were at level that could be considered suitable in battle, he knew that, but it was still grating. It was one thing if he had all the time in the world to whip them into shape, but they were on the clock and they had no idea how long they had. I suppose we’ll use the guards who managed to survive the initial attacks as our actual forces for now, and keep the few we need for basic training. The next problem is resources. Canterlot can’t sustain this many refugees, so we need to start sending them to secure locations, especially farming towns where we can harvest food. That should also be where we send our militia when they become trained, as there’s more of them to throw around. He sighed. So much to do, so little time.

“LIEUTENANT! Somepony shouted.

He stopped as and turned to see Major Skyranger slide to a stop in front of him, barely keeping from crashing into him, causing him to flinch. “Report, sir! We’ve got incoming from the Northwest!”

“What!?”

“Head to the observatory! I’ll meet you there!”

“Right!” he replied and teleported to the observation room, already seeing other guardsponies present, who all saluted. “At ease. What’s the situation?”

“See for yourself, sir,” one of them said, stepping aside from the telescope to allow him to use it. Starshine looked inside carefully and saw what looked like a massive cloud of creatures approaching from far off, even larger than the one that came for Canterlot. However, they didn’t seem to see to be demons, or at least not like the ones before. As they approached they did begin to look somewhat familiar.

Just then another flash came from behind him, and Princess Celestia took its place, along with Major Skyranger. The guards all saluted again and Starshine stepped aside to allow her to look through the telescope. He saw her eyes widen in shock before smile stretched across her face before she turned from the telescope to Starshine. “Lieutenant, give the order to stop the recruitment process, and prepare to receive our guests. We’ll also need the conference room prepared as well as a meal.”

“Your majesty?” Starshine asked, confused.

“We need to make sure everypony doesn’t panic. You know how much they love to show off.”

“I REPEAT, DO NOT PANIC! GRIFFONIA IS ARRIVING!” the unicorn yelled, her voice amplified by her magic.

“Oh… Oh dear… I hope that they’re nicer than G-G-Gilda was,” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Well, Ah’d like ta think we’ve learned by now not ta judge a whole species by only one pony… er, griffon in this case,” Applejack replied.

Twilight was barely listening to her friends, excitedly bouncing on her hooves.

“What’s up with you, egghead?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah, you’re bouncin’ round like a jumpin’ bean wit’ a pogo stick.”

“How can I not be excited!? If Griffonian tradition has stayed the same, and I have every reason to believe it has, their forces will be performing the fabled ‘Valor of Flight!’ It’s a display of power they do for their allies to show of their power and coordination! It hasn’t been seen in Equestria since the second time the Pact of Nations reconvened more than a millennium ago, the last time the demons of Tartarus escaped! What we’re seeing is HISTORY!” she squealed.

The rest of the girls and Spike rolled their eyes as they looked to the skies, wondering if the coming display would be anything close to how Twilight described it. Within a few minutes The giant flock of Griffonian soldiers were visible upon the horizon. Instead of landing they curved their path and began circle the mountain, forming a cone over everypony and practically blocking out the sun with their bodies.

“Oh… Oh my…” Fluttershy whimpered, but did her best not to cower or shy away.

“Ah’ll be. Good thing the Princess told us ‘bout this beforehoof. This is right scary,” Applejack said, her heart pounding as she saw the circling mass of winged predators above.

“Hold on… I think I see pegasi!” Spike said.

“Makes sense. After the Great War Equestria and Griffonia started to trade with each other, and some pegasi decided they liked it over there. The griffons welcomed them as ‘brothers and sisters of the sky’,” Rainbow Dash explained.

“I’m… honestly surprised you know all that, Darling,” Rarity stated, blinking in surprise.

“Hey, I paid attention to the cool parts of history,” she smirked back.

After a few moments more some the Griffonia troops began to soar higher into the sky, the rest following afterward in coordinated formation. Once the leaders had climbed for about a minute they stopped, extending their wings out ward and letting the air hold them for a moment. All the other troops followed and in a few seconds they blue sky was replaced by a carpet of flesh and feathers. Then they began to dive, once again following the leaders, plummeting at great speed before leveling out. They all circled the mountain once more before they came in to land. Many perched themselves on the roofs and spires of the buildings, some on the city walls, and some had to land on the ground due to not having enough room. A collection of about twenty landed on the palace itself, with two in particular landing on the balcony where Celestia and Luna were already waiting.

“Wowie! Now that was amazing! I wish I could fly so I do stuff like that for parties!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Hey Twilight, I thought griffons were part bird, part big cat. I see some that look like they’re part bird, and part… pony,” Spike mentioned.

“Those would be the hippogriffs, offspring of ponies and griffons. Their births help unintentionally foster closer relations between our nations, the griffons taking it as a sign that our pegasi were equal to themselves. Didn’t you read that book I gave you last year as a present?” Twilight asked.

Spike blushed and coughed into his claw, embarrassed and trying to dodge the subject. “So, who are those two by the Princesses?”

“That’s King Gerard Ironclaw, and his son Prince Gilbert,” Twilight answered. After the four royals exchanged a nod, Prince Gilbert stepped forwards clearing his throat before stepping forwards. “Huh? Why is Gilbert-?” she muttered.

“CITIZENS OF EQUESTRIA!” he began, projecting his voice as loudly as possible without magic assistance. “More than a millennium ago, the bitter war between our kinds came to an end. Over that century we had learned how deceptively strong willed and powerful you ponies truly were. Only a decade later you called for our aid against the demons of Tartarus, and we came to marvel at your tenacity and strength all over again. Our kinds intermingled, and our understanding grew. We truly became honored to be your neighbors, and your friends. Now, once again you call for our aid against the ancient threat that has once again reared it’s contemptible head. You ask for our aid, and here is our answer!” He spread his talons wide, gesturing to his forces. “I, King Gilbert Ironclaw, bring with me the armies of Griffonia! The finest soldiers we have to bring! WE STAND HERE OVER ONE MILLIONS STRONG!”

“‘O-One… One million’?” Rainbow Dash gaped.

“Over one million,” Rarity corrected looking just as stunned.

“TAKE HEART, EQUESTRIANS! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU TO THE END! UNTIL OUR ENEMIES HAVE BEEN DRIVEN BACK! UNTIL EQUESTRIA’S WOUNDS HAVE HEALED! GRIFFONIA IS WITH YOU!” he bellowed. The Griffonia forced shouted back, their war cries piercing the air. As they finished the ponies erupted in stomping hooves and cheers, hope in their eyes.

“Dang. He’s pretty cool,” Spike said.

“But… When did Gilbert become King? His father’s still alive?” Twilight asked aloud. After a moment of though she started to gallop towards the palace.

“Twi, where ya goin’?” Applejack asked.

“I’m going to talk with Gilbert.”

“Darling, don’t you think he’d be a bit busy?” Rarity asked.

Twilight stopped turned to them, smiling. “I think he can make time for an old friend.”

“I must admit, Gerard, this caught me by surprise,” Celestia smiled.

“Indeed. I had heard that even now no King had abdicated in favor of letting his heir take over. What led you to make such a decision?” Luna asked.

“Well, considering how many times there were assassinations or attempted assassinations from offspring to steal the throne in the past, I thought it would be best to start setting a trend,” Gerard replied. The former King was as tall as Luna, his feathers and fur beginning to grey, but still having plenty of life left in him. His smile was approachable, and his voice was deep but not intimidating, possessing a wizened but still joyful tone.

“And you feared that from your son?” Luna asked, confused.

“On the contrary, I did it because I have complete faith in him,” Gerard smiled.

“That makes one of us,” Gilbert muttered. The griffon looked like his father in his younger years, though not quite as large. Though physical intimidating, there was a noticeable lack of confidence in comparison to his father.

“Nonsense, your majesty. You did a fine job instilling hope in our allies,” Gerard replied.

“Father, please don’t tease,” Gilbert sighed.

“As you wish, your majesty,” Gerard smirked, getting a groan from his son.

Gilbert sighed. “Coronated just a month ago, and already headed to war with an ancient evil. I hope this isn’t an ill omen.”

“Would you prefer we head back home?”

“Never,” Gilbert replied immediately and forcefully, getting a grunt of approval from his father.

Right then the doors swung open, revealing six mares and a dragon.

“Gilbert!” one of them called, beginning to rush forwards only to be met by two griffons drawing their pistols and pointing them at her, causing her to flinch back.

“... Twilight? Twilight Sparkle, is that you?” Gilbert asked, a smile creeping onto his face. “Oh my goodness, how good to see you! P-Please, lower your arms, let them pass,” he ordered his guards, who immediately complied. “Twilight Sparkle, it’s been so long! What a pleasure to see you again!” he said as they both approached each other, clenching his talon and bumping her hoof in a greeting.

“Yes, it has been a while, hasn’t it? Almost fifteen years now, right?” Twilight replied.

“Indeed. And it seems I’m not the only one who made a jump in my royal standing, though yours seems to be much more significant than mine,” he noted, pointing to her wings.

She blushed in embarrassment. “Yeah, it’s really been a wild ride since the last time I saw you.”

He then turned gaze on the others. “And… Spike? Oh goodness, I hardly recognize you. Though, to be fair, I think the last time I saw you you were still sucking on your own tail.”

Spike blushed and rubbed the back of his head while the girls giggled. “Yeah, uh… this whole thing is kinda recent. Didn’t even have the wings until a few weeks ago.”

Gilbert nodded before turning to the others. “And if I’m remembering this correctly, you five are… Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkamena Diane Pie, correct?”

“Aww, you can just call me Pinkie Pie, King Gilby!” Pinkie smiled back.

“‘Gilby’?” he muttered before shrugging it off. “Please, just Gilbert is fine. Any friends of Twilight Sparkle are friends of mine.”

As the group began to talk Celestia leaned in to whisper to Gerard. “Looks like your plan worked well.”

“Indeed,” he replied with a smile.

“‘Plan’?” Luna asked.

“Though I have sought peace and understanding with Equestria for some time, I still have the perspective of an outsider. So I sent Gilbert here to study under your sister, to live here and gain a more intimate understanding of your society and its values, how you ponies see things. When Gilbert returned years later and I asked him he thought of Equestria, he jokingly said ‘you’d best execute me and hatch another heir, or else my rule will consist of us eating out of their hooves,’” he chuckled.

“And you were okay with that?” Luna asked, surprised.

“Despite you’re lack of military focus your nation has existed and flourished as long as ours has. Most attribute this to magic, or you two Princesses, or just luck. I’m hoping we can understand what has truly allowed you to endure for so long and learn from it… provided it doesn’t make us soft,” he finished with a smirk.

“To be honest old friend, I think we could’ve done with a little more of your way of life,” Celestia replied somberly.

“Then this should be a positive learning experience for both of us,” he said with a smile, hoping to cheer her up. Celestia did manage to smile a bit at that.

“I have to say, it’s good to see an old face come to help,” Twilight said.

“Well, it was entirely my decisions alone. The council agreed as well,” he said with a bit of hesitation in his voice.

“Why don’t ya sound happy about that, Yer Maj- Ah mean, Gilbert?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, don’t misunderstand. Most of the council agreed to help, that’s why I was able to bring two thirds of our entire military along with us, and I’m thankful for. It’s just that… I wish there was a little more enthusiasm behind it to actually help you.”

“You mean not everypon- er, everygriffon was on board?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” he sighed. “Obviously there was a portion that didn’t want to come and felt it wasn’t your problem. Some only agreed because they want Equestria to owe us when this is all done. Others because they felt it would be dishonorable to break the promise of our ancestors, including the Great Hero King Galahad, who agreed to the Pact of Nations a millenia ago. Some are looking at this as a chance to show off the might of Griffonia, maybe move the balance of power more in our favor, while others thankfully feel that helping our neighbors is just the right thing to do.”

“And what about yourself, if you don’t mind my asking?” Rarity asked.

Gilbert closed his eyes. “I was sent here when I was only five, and I live here for five years. I know Equestria has its problems, what society doesn’t, but honestly I came to love it even more than my own homeland.” He opened his eyes and smiled. “I’ll admit, when father told me he was going to abdicate the throne and have me take the crown I was nervous, but also thrilled. It meant I’d be able to interact with Equestria more, see the beautiful country I’d come to adore. I was already making plans to form new trade agreements just so I could come here.” His face then grew somber. “Then I heard about the attacks. The destruction,” he turned to face the window, seeing the city below. “And now here I am, seeing the city I idolized damaged in a way I never thought possible. I guess we don’t always get what we want in the way we wished.” He turned to face them, Twilight in particular, his gaze firm. “Twilight Sp-... No, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I swear to you, on the honor of my blood and standing, that I, King Gilbert Ironclaw, will not rest until every last brick has been replaced in both Canterlot and Equestria. You have my word.”

Twilight smiled and brought her hoof to her chest before raising it, the Griffon style salute. “Thank you, King Gilbert. I couldn’t hope for more.” Her friends behind her did the same and Gilbert smiled, returning the gesture as the other three royals watched with smiles.

“As much as I do love catching up though, I’m afraid there is one issue to address,” Gilbert began, turning to face Celestia. “Princess, why did you specifically request the blade Excalibur? We did bring it along this time, but even with the demons present, do you really feel it is necessary?”

Celestia sighed. “I apologize, there is one things I failed to mention. It isn’t only the demons that have returned, but the sword’s owner as well.”

Gilbert and Gerard’s eyes widened, only their royal teachings keeping their jaws from hitting the floor. “Th-The Wing Clipper… has returned!?”

“Indeed.”

Gilbert actually shook in fear, as did his father and the griffon guards. He gulped and gathered his strength. “E-E-Even still, I swear we will not abandon you, Princesses. We will fight to the last, if that is what is necessary.”

Celestia chuckled, as did Luna. “My apologies, King, but I didn’t explain fully. Gilgamesh has returned, but I never said he was our enemy.”

This time, all the griffons’ jaws did drop. “You… YOU COMMAND THE WING CLIPPER!?”

Celestia and Luna held on as long as they could, that is to say about one second, before bursting out in laughter. Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie and Spike did the same, with Fluttershy and Rarity giggling, only serving to confuse them more.

Celestia finally responded after calming down. “I’m sorry, heh, but… to think anyone could command him is a ridiculous thought! No, I don’t command him, but he is our ally.”

“That… That’s fantastic! Our victory is assured!” Gilbert smiled.

“If only…” Luna muttered.

“I’m afraid it’s more complicated than that. You see-” Celestia began only for one of the pony guards to step in. “Your Highnesses, Gilgamesh is here to see you.”

As all the griffons tensed Celestia nodded. “Very well send him in.” As the guard saluted and left, she sighed. “Now, your Majesty, I warn you, Gilgamesh is more than likely not going to be what you expect.”

“Actually, I don’t think you’ll have to worry this time,” Rarity interjected, her head held high and her tone proud.

“What exactly do you-?” Luna began, only to be cut off by the same guardspony returning, having a rather surprised expression.

“Um… Gilgamesh is here, your Majesties,” he said before opening the door. Everypony but Rarity looked on in shock.

Gilgamesh was not dressed in even a single piece of armor, instead wearing a silk kimono, red with golden edges and a gold sash. On his back is his symbol, also in gold and large enough to cover his back, while the chest is open enough to show off his chest hair. He wore white socks and wooden zori shoes, the sound of wood against marble clicking as he walks. The only thing he kept from his normal attire was his naginata, which he used as a walking stick.

Oh my goodness. No wonder Luna likes him, Celestia thought, seeing his masculine and handsome features, realizing this is the first time she’s ever seen him without his helmet. She spared a quick glance at her sister whose face was flushed red and her gaze focused squarely on his partially exposed chest.

Gilgamesh walked over to Gilbert, stopping a few paces away before bringing his fist to his chest then raising it. King Gilbert stumbled, surprised that the Legendary Destroyer, the one who was feared by all races, to know and acknowledge him with their traditional salute, much less salute him at all. He responded in kind, getting a chuckle from the warrior. “Well, I see some things haven’t changed,” he began before turning to face Gerard. “But, it seems some things do.”

“I… I felt it was a necessary change,” Gerard replied, managing to gather himself.

“Good. Change is a necessity, a sign of progress, and those that willingly initiate it wise,” he complimented before turning back to the current king. “You’ve got quite a predecessor, little King. I look forward to seeing you step out of his shadow.”

“Th-Thank you,” Gilbert stuttered, still not sure how to take this.

“Okay, who is this, and where is Gilgamesh?” Rainbow Dash whispered to Spike.

“I know, right?”

“Well, he did tell me wanted to make a good impression. I’m just glad I could lend a hoof,” Rarity commented with pride.

“Before we move on though, I believe you have something of mine,” Gilgamesh said to Gilbert.

“Of course. Major Biggs, Lieutenant Wedge, please retrieve the item,” Gilbert ordered. The two guards saluted and left.

“... ‘Biggs and Wedge’?” Gilgamesh asked, a surprised look on his face.

“Um… yes?”

“... Is there a Cid, too?”

“You mean the head of our research and development division?”

Gilgamesh just stood there for a moment before facepalming. “Why did I not see this coming?” he muttered, causing everyone else to exchange confused glances. The two soldiers returned soon enough, ending the awkward moment, carrying a large item wrapped in silk cloth, big enough that they both had to carry it. They presented it to their king who unfolded the cloth, showing off a magnificent golden double-edged broadsword, ornately engraved and what looked like two unicorn heads facing away from each other in the hilt.

“Oh my goodness! It’s gorgeous!” Rarity exclaimed, sparkles in her eyes.

Gilgamesh took the blade, lifting it with only one hand and inspecting it. “You took good care of it. I appreciate that.” Before anyone could respond he held it high, and a ball of crackling green energy formed at the tip. He smiled before the weapon vanished in a flash of light. “Halfway there,” he muttered, before turning his gaze to the sisters. “Could you send for Chrysalis and Nectar? Now that we’ve got more than three armies here, I think we need to start setting some standards.”

Author's Notes:

Okay, a day later than I said, but it's finally up. Not as funny a chapter as before, but I think things are moving along. Since I have a much better idea of next chapter, I think the next one should come out sooner.

Hope you guys enjoy, and thanks for sticking with me all this time. You're all the best.