It was late in the afternoon and the picnic was in full swing. Rarity was sunning herself on a velvet chaise-lounge with garlands of daisies round her neck and wrists and woven into her mane, while Spike lay on his scaly belly a few feet away from her, making another one. Twilight sparkle was reading a book, absent-mindedly nibbling an apple tart as she did so. Pinkie Pie had found herself in the possession of a battered old parasol and was using it to float on the warm evening breeze as she chased butterflies. She drifted through the air about tree-height as Rainbow peered up at her from the picnic blanket. She was not flying, like she usually was, as she was so worn out from her morning’s work that she had spent most of the afternoon dozing on her back, sipping apple cider next to a similarly prone Applejack. Fluttershy was petting the butterflies that had landed on her. Zelgius stood off to the side watching them with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Well I have to say,” said Applejack dozily from under her hat. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time Rainbow.”

“Glorious day, darling!” agreed Rarity as she stretched on her chaise-lounge.

“Yeah; it’s a good one alright,” the blue Pegasus yawned. “But don’t expect every day to be like this you guys. Just doing this one really took it out of me.”

“Worth it,” chanted Pinkie Pie in a sing-song voice from somewhere above their heads. “Ooh: a tiger-stripe!” she added as she spotted another butterfly and blew into the parasol to propel herself after it.

Applejack noticed that Twilight hadn’t really said anything throughout all this. She lazily rolled over and peered up at the lilac unicorn who at that point was still absorbed in her book.

“Put down that book for a while, sugarcube. You’re going to hurt your eyes reading when the sun’s so bright.”

“But sunny days are the best kind of weather for reading,” Twilight asserted as she turned the page, though if you looked closely she was taking glances at Zelgius. ‘He really does take his duty seriously.’

“Darling why don’t you have a seat and relax.” Rarity spoke as she glanced at Zelgius.

Zelgius didn’t speak as he stood there causing the ponies to frown before Rainbow smiled mischievously then whispered something to Pinkie ear causing her smile to grow bigger and bigger. Twilight glanced at the two. ‘What are they up to?’

Zelgius meanwhile was deep in thought. ‘Who was that man I killed?’ He didn't notice Pinkie sneaking up on him with her party cannon.

“This is not going to be good.” Twilight spoke.

Zelgius heard Twilight speak but before he could ask what was going on, he heard a loud pop along with something slamming into his back. He saw…..small pieces of something that were different sizes and were in a variety of colors. Zelgius looked down to see his armor was….sparkling.

“Surprise!” Pinkie shouted. Zelgius stared at his armor then glanced at Pinkie. “What is this stuff?”

Rainbow didn’t answer but instead fell on to her back laughing uncontrollably, while everypony except Pinkie and Fluttershy glared at her. “That was completely rude!” Rarity shouted in a ladylike manner.

Zelgius just stared at his armor blinking beneath his helmet. “It’s glitter.” Twilight voice spoke causing him to glance in her direction.

“Glitter?” Zeligus queried.

“You don’t like it?” Zelgius blinked when he saw Pinkie was looking over his helmet. ‘How did she?’

“You don’t like it?” She asked again. He saw her eyes filling with tears. Her mane that was puffy was now deflated.

“I didn’t say that. I just never seen it before.” He watched her mane became fluffy again as smiled. “Okie dokie lokie!” He watched as she jumped off and practically skipped back over to the others.

Zelgius shook his head. “You can take your armor off you know.” Zelgius glanced over at Twilight who was smiling at him. Zelgius felt his heart flutter. ‘What was that’? Zelgius thought.

“Sorry. Like I said, I wear this for protection.” Twilight frowned.

Zelgius sighed but walked over to the group causing them to look at him with curiosity as stood next to Twilight then sat down with a thud. The ponies smiled at him. “I’m still not taking my armor off.”

“That’s fine but how is everypony doing to today?” Zelgius didn’t pay any attention to them socialising but on occasion would listen to Twilight.

“So Zelgius how have you been?” He looked over to see them looking at him while Rainbow was grinning at him. ‘That seems like she is up to something.’ Before Zelgius could say anything he was cut off as a loud chorus of screams resonated across the clearing. Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack's eyes widened collectively and they turned towards one another with the same horrified expression.

they shouted, leaning into one another faces. The others shared their concern and spread out to look for the "Crusaders". He watched in confusion as the mares and baby dragon scurried about frantically, wondering what to make of their reactions.

"Scoots!" Rainbow yelled, "Where are ya, Scoots?" She flapped her wings hard and zoomed through the air, leaving her trademark rainbow streak.

Applejack darted around the barn, her stetson somehow managing to stay on her head.

"Apple Bloom!" she bellowed, "AB, where are ya and the girls?"

Rarity jumped onto a table that was near the barn, looking left and right.

"Sweetie Belle, where are you?" she cried, "Tell me where you are, Sweetie!"

Zelgius heard screams and turned towards the sound. He narrowed his eyes that led into a forest. Zelgius sprinted into it.

“Zelgius!” Twilight shouted as she saw him run into the everfree forest.

“Come on!” Rainbow shouted causing them to follow after Zelgius.

He turned his head left and right frantically, trying to place where he heard the sound. As a third cacophony of screams reached his ears, he turned towards the direction of an abandoned pathway. Zelgius rushed towards the screams.

He reached the end of a pathway but saw holes at the end. Zelgius stopped but continued to stare at them. “Oh no.” He heard Rarity speak behind him.

“You know what did this?” He queried causing them all to shake their heads yes.

“The only things we know that do this are diamond dogs.” Rainbow said with venom. Before Zelgius could ask more they heard more screams coming from the holes.

“I’m coming!” Rainbow shouted. Before anypony could say anything she dove down the hole. Zelgius watched as Applejack and Rarity also jumped in.

‘From meeting the white pony, it seemed like she wouldn’t get dirty. Guess I was wrong.’ Zelgius thought.

“Oh ohohoh I love this part!” Pinkie shouted as she jumped….dived in while shouting weee. She also dragged Fluttershy with her.

Twilight went to jump in but felt herself get picked up. She blushed when she saw Zelgius holding her with one arm to his chest.

“Hang on.” Was all he spoke as he jumped in. The two dashed in through different tunnels left and right until the two landed. Zelgius lowered Twilight to the ground. The two looked around but couldn’t really see anything but darkness. “Girls! Where are you!?” Twilight yelled as she looked around.

“Twilight!” The two looked in the direction of the yells. They tried to go that way only for lights to appear. Zelgius stepped in front of Twilight as the two stared at a room full of diamond dogs who were holding different weapons.

Twilight's horn glowed while Zelgius drew out his sword holding it in his right hand. “Get them!” The lights became extinguished. Twilight looked around with her horn lighting up only a few feet in front of them. Zelgius stood there looking. Twilight watched as he swung to the left then spun and slashing to his front. Twilight didn’t see it but she heard thuds signaling his connected. That and the blood dripping off his sword.

Zelgius turned his head to see she was looking at him with slight fear at the blood. “Stay close to me maiden.” Twilight blushed when he called her that but smiled. “I will. I trust you.”

Zelgius blinked and saw he was standing somewhere else. He stood in front of a woman with three warriors in front of him.

“If you recall the name The Black Knight, you will withdraw from this place.” The man he talked to scoffed and replied back mockingly. “Riiiiggghht! That’s precious. You’re the legendary Black Knight? Maybe you haven’t heard…..he died in the war.But lets put your claim to the test if only to indulge in my own amusement.”

Zelgius watched as he stared at the man. “Then have at me…..and learn your folly.”

“In due time. But before I bother, why don’t you have a go-round with my restless minions? Douse the torches!” Zelgius watched as the torches were extinguished leaving the area dark.

Zelgius blinked to see he was back with Twilight behind him. He heard movement to his left which caused him to step, swinging slashing three diamond dogs, while spinning and swinging his sword sending out a magic slash that cut three down.

Twilight didn’t like fighting but as she watched Zelgius cut down the diamond dogs, the way it fought was almost poetic.

Zelgius thrust his sword through one dog chest then pulled it out, only to swing it to his left. Zelgius looked around the room or tried to. He narrowed his eyes as he saw a small speck of light. “Twilight stay close.”

“Yes.” Twilight spoke but feeling disappointed for some reason. “Why am I sad he didn’t call me maiden?”

The two walked towards the light while looking or listening for any noise to signal another Diamond dog. As the two neared the exit Zelgius swung his sword to his right but continued walking. Twilight followed but jumped a little when she heard a thud behind her.

The two stepped through to see more diamond dog surrounding Twilights friends and three fillies. Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity were holding the three. “Twilight!”

Zelgius walked with Twilight behind him towards them. He watched the dogs who just stared at them. ‘What are they waiting for?’ Zelgius thought as the girls hugged each other.

“What are they waiting for?”

“I see you killed my guards.” Zelgius with the ponies turned to see a dog sitting a chair with his hand or paw on his chin.

The girls glared at him while Zelgius stepped in front of the girl’s causing them to look at him. “You must be the one who killed my guards.”

Zelgius didn’t speak as he stared at the them. “You could provide us with entertainment.”

“Hey we’re not you performer's!” Rainbow shouted

“Got that right!”

The dog just smiled.”How about a deal then.”

The ponies looked at him with confusion while Zelgius glared at him. “If you can defeat my champion...I’ll let you all go. If you lose then you all die!”

The three mares pulled the fillies closer. Twilight opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by Zelgius. “I accept.”

“WHAT!?”

“Zelgius you can’t do this!” Twilight yelled.

“Look around the room. They are waiting to jump but are held back.” Zelgius explained.

“How do we that varmint will keep his word?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t but I will not let anything happen to you.” Zelgius walked forward, away from the group. Zelgius stopped ten yards away from the lead dog. “Bring your champion.” The dog smirked as he waved his hand through the air. He watched the dogs clear away from one side. “You might want to get your friends to get out of there.”

Zelgius turned and nodded his head at them causing them to walk and stood on the other side. “Now bring your champion.”

“Kintaro! Kintaro! Kintaro!” The dogs were chanting while the leader just sat in his chair with a smirk on his face as the chanting got louder. (Watch 0:05 to 0:19)

The girl’s eyes were wide. “Twilight what is that thing!?” Rarity yelled.

“I don’t know!”

“How do you not know!? You’re the egghead!” Rainbow shouted.

Zelgius watched as a thing stepped in front of him. It easily towered over Zelgius and looked to be about seven feet tall. It looked a diamond dog but the face was more wolvish like. It had no fur but white hair. It also had four arms, with each carrying an axe. It also had armor covering it’s chest, shoulders, arms, and hips. (This picture without wings.)

Zelgius  watched as it raised, it’s arms and let out a yell causing the dogs to chant even more. Zelgius didn’t even seem impressed by this thing as he stared at it. He watched as it turned and looked at him.

“Finish it quickly! Earn more slaves.” The lead dog spoke while Kintaro stared at Zelgius.

“No problem. Puny thing crushed in one blow.” Kintaro spoke though with difficulty.

The two stared at each other when Kintaro made the first move by swinging all his axe’s down which Zelgius blocked with one hand. The sound of metal ranged out as did sparks. Kintaro looked like he was putting all his strength into his arms while Zelgius didn’t look like he was struggling.

“Zelgius!” The ponies shouted.

Zelgius pushed back causing the Kintaro to fall step back off balance. Zelgius swung his sword as he stepped causing Kintaro to block at the last minute with two of his arms. He used two of his arms that were free to swing at Zelgius who pushed back two of his arms to parry the blows.

The diamond dogs were still cheering beating on their chests or shields.

“Is he going to be ok?” Sweetie asked as they watched the fight.

“Of course! Zelgius won’t let any harm fall on us.”

Twilight didn’t say a word as she watched Zelgius swinging his sword or parrying. When Kintaro swung all his axes, Zelgius stepped to the side and hit Kintaro in the face with the pommel of his sword causing him to stumble backwards. Before he knew what happened, Zelgius swung his sword. There was a yell of anger followed with a thud.

The ponies and dogs stared at Kintaro who was looking at lower left hand or lack of. The ponies glanced at the ground to see it was laying on the ground with blood pouring out of it. They made sure the fillies wouldn’t look at it. Rarity face was green as she tried not to pass out or throw up. PInkie just had her head cocked to the side. Rainbow and Applejack seemed better but if you looked closer you could tell they were disturbed. Twilight just stared at Zelgius who didn’t seem like he was bothered by it.

‘Zelgius’ Twilight thought.

Kintaro glanced over to Zelgius and let out a yell of anger, then began to swing wildly at him while Zelgius just parried his blows. Zelgius blocked all three axes with Kintaro pushing them against him. Zelgius simply slid his sword down the axe slicing off Kintaro lower right hand. Kitaro glanced at it, then swung at Zelgius.

The ponies watched but glanced at the diamond dogs who had stopped their cheering and were looking worried. I don’t trust them.” Applejack spoke as they stared at the leader who was simply watching the fight.

“He doesn’t seem to care for his own men.” Rainbow growled out. The ponies didn’t argue with her, knowing she was loyal to her friend’s and anypony who weren’t often got a mouthful of her or a beating.

Kintaro laughed as he stepped towards Zelgius who simply stood there with his sword at his side. “You realize. This you death!”

Zelgius didn’t speak causing Kintaro to growl then ran towards him. Zelgius simply blocked the swings before stepping to the side and swinging his sword in a horizontal slash. Kintaro stood there for a moment as he stared at Zelgius who walked and stood behind him. Kintaro raised his axes to swing backwards.

The girl’s eyes widened. “Behind you!” Twilight shouted.

Zelgius simply stared at the leader as Kintaro slowly raised his axes but stopped. He stood there before blood began to pour from his neck. Kintaro made a gurgle before falling on his face to the ground and laid there as blood began to cover the ground around his body.

Zelgius stared at the leader who didn’t say anything but stared at him. “Well done! Kintaro has never beaten in a fight.” The dog spoke as he stood up causing the ponies to tense. “You all can go.”

“Yah really letting us go?” Applejack asked with narroed eyes.

“Of course! I made a deal! Though I did say I would let you go but..” He trailed off as the dogs began to walk forward. “I never said anything about my guards.”

“Yah a darn lier!” Applejack yelled.

Ten dogs jumped at Zelgius who swung his sword cutting them down he then raised his sword above his and swung sending a magic slash that cut through five. The lead dog had his eyes on the sword in Zelgius hand.

“Forget the ponies! Kill him and bring me the sword!” Zelgius watched as the dogs rushed him. He counted about twenty dogs left including the leader. Zelgius began to slash his way through them with ease. He didn’t notice the leader drawing a sword and hid behind a rock. Zelgius slashed the last two across their chests.

“Way to go Sugarcube!” Applejack shouted.

Zelgius turned towards them. The lead dog saw a chance and jumped from it’s hiding spot rushing towards Zelgius. The girl’s eyes widened. “Behind you!” Twilight shouted causing Zelgius to turn around only for the dog to thrust its sword into Zelgius chest.

“No!” The ponies shouted.

The lead dog smirked but it turned to horror when he saw Zelgius looking down at him. “What!?” He stared at his blade to see it didn’t pierce the armor. Before he could think more he let out a grunt of pain as a sword was thrust through his chest. The dog spit out a glob of blood and looked towards Zelgius. “You…” He didn’t finish his sentence as Zelgius pulled his sword out causing the dog to fall on his back dead.

Zelgius stared at the body then turned and walked over towards the group stopping in front of them. “Let’s get out of here.” The group nodded their heads following Zelgius as he walked towards where they thought the exit was.

The group walked out of the tunnel into sunlight. “Oh how I have missed you!” Rarity shouted dramatically causing everypony to roll their eyes. Zelgius sheathed his sword.

“Um..” A voice spoke causing Zelgius to look down to see the three fillies.

“What is it?” Zelgius queried but receive a answer in the form of a hug. “Thank you for saving us!” The three shouted.

Zelgius opened his mouth but was beaten by Pinkie. “Group hug!” She jumped on him. Zelgius saw Applejack and Rainbow smirk at each other.

‘Don’t you dare.’ Zelgius thought.

The two ponies jumped on him knocking him to the ground with the ponies still hugging him. He sighed as he laid underneath all the ponies but couldn’t help but smile beneath his helmet.

Next Chapter: Chapter 6 Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 24 Minutes