The battles within the Castle had been well and truly over for almost two hours, the last groups of Purifiers having either surrendered or been taken by force and then those who had stayed loyal to the nation began the task of cleaning up and collecting the injured as well as those who unfortunately had not survived. The surviving Purifiers had been locked away in the Canterlot dungeons to await a proper trial.

Commander twilight sparkle had seen to her collected her soldiers herself and making sure they would be given a proper burial. She had also made some suggestions on how to treat the guard and servants who had died defending the castle as well though in the end that was up to Celestia and Luna themselves, Twilight’s main concern was her soldiers.

To say the mood within the castle was gloomy would be an understatement, while Twilight was used to death and battles of this nature none of the ponies, save the Royal Sister’s themselves had seen battle like this and none of them were used to death in battle. As she walked through the halls of the castle to give help were she could, whether it be just a few words, a “You did good” or a “You’re going to be ok,” Or helping someone wade through the carnage so they weren’t alone she did what she could.

Luckily the Purifier’s had mostly used magic attacks rather than weapons so clean up mostly consisted of body collection. The bodies were all being moved to a section of the castle that had been made into a temporary morgue to house the bodies till arrangements could be made, Twilight had suggested keeping the Purifier bodies and the loyalists bodies separated and the Princesses had agreed.

The cleanup was more or less over by this time and it was just a matter of making sure nothing had been missed. Needless to say everyone was surprised to see a pink blur racing through the castle and pieces of paper appearing in their hooves as the blur passed by. The paper turned out to be invitations to a “WE WON AND SHOULD STOP BEING SO GLOOMY!!” party arranged by the Ponyville party planner extraordinaire Pinkie Pie.

Twilight had to smile as she read the invitation, leave it to Pinkie to work on raising the spirits of everyone after a somewhat traumatic event. The invitation said the party was being held in the main ball room, most likely do to the dining hall being destroyed in the fighting, and that everyone was invited except for the “meany mean pants in the dungeons.”

As the mare made her way towards the ballroom she stopped and encouraged anyone she came across to go to the party, it would be good for them all to have some fun and not swell on what had happened right now.

When she finally reached the ballroom she found it decorated much like the dining room had been only there was a lot more of everything and a banner that read “WE DID IT!!!!” Twilight saw the room was already filling up when she arrived and she was happy to see her friends as well as the Princess with her friends. She was a bit concerned when she saw Greywing’s wing had a splint on it.

“What happened to you?” She asked walking up to the group.

Greywing shifted his splinted wing. “Cut a bit too close to the wall when being chased by some of those fake guards.” The griffin replied. “It has been years since I practiced any sort of flight maneuvers.”

“You were a soldier?” Rarity asked.

Greywing nodded and Twilight spoke up. “All Griffins are required to server minimum 4 years in the military when they turn sixteen years old, it one of the reasons they have remained a sovereign nation despite being relatively small and a few areas of their nation being stricken by sever poverty, you’d be fighting an entire nation of military trained griffins.” The mare said. “That and their country is 90% mountains so they always have the high ground.”

Greywing nodded. “Yes, that is exactly the reasoning; you seem to know a lot about the kingdoms for a pony commander.”

Twilight shrugged. “I’m the leader of an entire army; it pays to know details about your allies.” She said simply and Greywing nodded, she knew he knew the second reason she knew such details was in case war broke out between the two nations but that didn’t need to be said.

“Well least you don’t need your wing to sell fine china.” Twilight said.

“Oh, you’d be surprised how useful it can be to flare your wings during negations over pricing Commander.’ The griffins aid with a chuckle and Twilight joined him.

“Well either way I’m glad to see you lot are ok.” She said with a smile as she looked at the Princess. “What about you, you ok?”

The princess nodded slowly. “Yeah I’m alright, though I don’t think I want to get in anymore battle like that again.” She said.

Twilight nodded. “Well, with luck you won’t ever have too.” She said and saw Pinkie slip off to the sound system, Twilight realized it was the same one from the dinning hall as it still had her datapad hooked up to it.

She was wondering what the pink mare was up to when she pushed something on the datapad and the speakers set forth with the first lines of a SONG and Twilight facehoofed. “And here I thought all your music was the same.” Captain armored said as he joined their group. He was in a wheel chair being pushed by one of the nurses from the Royal Infirmary with Cadence right beside him.

“Just wait a moment and we will see if you still think that.” Twilight said with a smile. She watched as the rest of the song played and everyone registered what the song was saying.” Yup, it’s exactly like the rest of my music.” She said laughing and then pulled a bottle of Nightfall from her pocket dimension. “Still I think it fits over all.” She said taking a sip. “So how are you Captain?”

The stallion shrugged. “No worse for were but the doctors won’t let me go anywhere on my own.”

“Dear you had a piece of wood impale your chest; you shouldn’t have left the infirmary to begin with.” Cadence said with a look that told everyone there exactly how she felt about her husband being out and about even if it was in a wheel chair.

“And miss the celebration?” The Captain said. “No way.” He said and leaned forward and nuzzled his wife. “Besides I have you here if I need help.”

Cadence held her resolve for a moment before it finally cracked and she sighed and returned the nuzzle. “Yes well, ok then, but the second you feel any major pain and we are back to the infirmary.”

“Yes dear.” Captain armor said with a chuckle. He then looked at the rest of the group.” So how are the rest of you?”

The group gave their answers all varying but basically meaning they were ok over all.

As the song came to an end another one began to play and Twilight smiled as a series of BEEPS started, she enjoyed this song a lot and thought it would actually be somewhat appropriate for the party. As the song played and the group of ponies talked a wind began to blow, at first it was small enough to be unnoticed by the partygoers but slowly it built till it could not be ignored.

Everyone in the room looked around in confusion as the air swirled around the center of the room and everyone backed away. “What’s happening?” Rarity asked as the wind grew into a gale and then all at once it blasted outwards as the air in the center of the room ripped open to bath the room in more like then the torches could produce.

Everyone stared in of shock and confusion at the Rift in the air and several guards drew their weapons as the Twilight saw Celestia take a step towards the Rift in the air. She then jump back as the rift flashed and a figure came through, crashing down with a mix of a thud and a clank and then a sloshing sound. The figure in a black full body suit and a tank on his back got to his hooves a moment before another figure appear in a flash and crashed into the pony shaped being sending them both to the floor.

The crowd watched as more and more flashed took place and with each flash another figure appeared, they were starting to come in small groups, each time landing either on the ones who came before or landing on the floor and sliding into the other. A smile slowly spread over the muzzle of the unicorn mare as she started at the dark green figures piling up in the middle of the dance floor.

Princess Twilight Sparkle stared wide eyed at the group of ponies, she was sure they were ponies, who had just appeared out of a tear in the very air right in the middle of the ballroom. She saw other were staring in either confusion or a bit of fear as this came so close to the attack by the Purifiers on the last party.

She saw half the guards ready there weapons as one of the ponies managed to untangle themselves from the piles of body and stumped out before falling flat on their face.

“Son of a bitch…”The pony muttered as it sat up rubbing its nose, Twilight noticed the muzzle looked wrong for a pony and the dark colored ponies fur looked like it almost shined, the dark green helmet the pony wore was over its eyes do to either being tangled up with the others or the fall, or possibly both. Reaching up the pony undid the strap of the helmet and pulled it off and Twilight eyes went wide as she saw the solid blue eyes and chitin covered face of a Changeling.

“Changeling!” One of the nobles yelled.

“The changelings are attacking!” Another yelled and the guards drew their weapons as more of the armored swarm, Twilight was sure they were all changelings, untangled themselves from the pile and the one who had removed his helmet looked up at the armed Royal Guards.

“FUCK!” He yelled and slammed his helmet back onto his head and got to his hooves rapidly as the rest of the swarm moved up forming a circle and it was then a tall figure stood to its hooves in the center of them all.

The figure was as tall as Celestia and wore the same dark green armor as the rest of the swarm, though there was a large metal object on her its back with a box under it that looked familiar to Twilight, however she was taking in the sight of the aquamarine colored hair that fell from beneath the helmet and the jagged curved horn that extended from the center of where the helmet coved the forehead. There was no doubt in Twilight’s mind that she was staring at the figure of the Queen of the Changelings herself. Chrysalis.

The changeling Queen looked at the guards surrounding her swarm as more guards arrived, having been alerted to the second changeling invasion. “Defensive positions hold fire unless engaged.” The queen ordered in her voice that always sounded like two different people speaking at one.

Twilight saw Celestia and Luna step forward with their horns lite and Twilight did as well followed by her friends and she knew Cadence most likely did as well, if the Changelings wanted to attack now than they would get a fight they wouldn’t forget.

“QUEENY!” a voice called out happily and Twilight stumbled at the sudden outburst and everypony in the room did as well. IT was then the Commander walked past Twilight and her friends wearing a smile as she walked past the partygoers and guards and right up to the changeling swarm.

The swarm seemed to star at her in surprise before slowly making way for her causing Twilight to blink in confusion. The Commander walked up to the Changeling queen to seemed to be staring at her and then the Commander used her magic to remove the Queen’s helmet and proceeded to flick the large changelings forehead causing her to recoil and then slammed the helmet back down. “What the hell took you so long? I could have used help a long ass time ago.” The commander said with some annoyance placing her hands on her hips as she seemed to glare up at the larger being.

The queen rubbed her forehead through her helmet. “Uh…well it took some time to figure out what had happened and then a while for the science team to get a functioning device; I was almost to the point of setting the entire EMSD Facility on the task of finding you ma’am.” The Queen said.

The Commander nodded and then removed the queen’s helmet again and flicked her once more. “Own, what was that for?”

“For even considering putting the entire EMSD Facility on one project.” The Commander said with annoyance a she slammed the helmet back down before removing it and flicking the queen again. “That was for questioning me and, “She flicked her again.” that was for my own amusement.” The helmet was replaced. And the Commander’s features softened. “It’s good to see you again Queeny, you have no idea what’s been happening here, going to be a very interesting report to say the least.”

“What the buck is going on? Why is the commander talking to Chrysalis and not kicking her flank?” Rainbow Dash said loudly as she looked on in confusion along with everyone else as an enemy of Equestria was being flicked by a pony half her size and was taking it while whining about it.

The commander’s ears swiveled around to face them and she soon looked as well blinking in surprise. “Oh yeah.” She said as if realizing something before grabbing the front of Chrysalis’ armor and started dragging the lager Queen behind her towards the group of ponies. She stopped before them and smile before gesturing to the queen. “Everyone meet Major Chrysalis, my second in command.” She said and gestured to the ponies. “Major Chrysalis meet everyone.” She said happily.

“Hello.” The Queen said a bit unsure.

“Wait, you mean Chrysalis, the Chrysalis is the Major you’ve been talking about this entire time?” Dash said in bewilderment.

“Yes, didn’t I mention that?” The Commander asked and scratched her chin. “Must have slipped my mind.”

The Major sighed. “So glad to see you remembered an important detail when telling others about me Ma’am.” She said and Twilight got the feeling she rolled her eyes.

“”Eh I told them the important stuff.” The Commander said waving a hand dismissively.

“I think my name is a bit of an important detail.” The Queen said looking at the smaller pony with a bit of annoyance.

“Your rank works well enough and don’t take that tone with me or ill have you running laps till your legs fall off.” The commander said firmly.

The Queen huffed. “Sorry ma’am, things have been a bit stressful the past eight months is all.”

“Oh I can imagine, let me guess the Nobles giving you trouble?” The commander asked and the Queen nodded. “Figured, Luna and Celestia told me what has been going on.”

“You mean those chatterboxes are here? By the Mothers I thought I was free of them, things have been so peaceful without them that I wonder how you put up with them.” The Major said and rubbed the side of her head as if just thinking about the two sentries gave her a headache.

“I find it entertaining is why.” The Commander said with a chuckle.

Twilight and everyone else started between the pony and Changeling Queen as they talked back and forth in the manner of old friends.

Rainbow Dash landed and pointed with a hoof at the Changeling Queen. “That’s Chrysalis.” She said simply.

The Commander and Changeling Queen looked at the cyan mare. “Yes I believe we have established that, yes thank you Dash.” The commander said and the rainbow maned mare opened her mouth to say something else when another voice spoke up.

“Thank me for what?” The voice said behind the two military leaders and both of them looked back and it was then the group of ponies saw the other two mares that had walked up behind the Commander and Chrysalis. Both wore body armor and helmets though the Pegasus wore a more streamlined helmet with a set of goggles on it, under the armor the mare wore a blue and gold uniform while the orange pony beside her had a cowpony hat on top of her helmet.

“Girls what are you doing here?” The commander said happily as she threw here hooves around the other two ponies and Twilight and her friends stared in bewilderment, especially Applejack and Rainbow Dash as they were staring at themselves.

“Surgarcube we need air.” The other farmpony said tapping the purple mare on the side as she struggled to breath.

“Oh right, sorry.” The Commander said with a chuckle as she let go and rub the back of her head with a hoof. “Oh! You two will get a kick out of this. “The military mare said before turning back to face the other group. “Applejack Rainbow dash, meet Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “She said sweeping a hand towards said ponies.

The other Rainbow Dash cocked her head to the side slight. “Whoa, have you been hanging out with another me?” She said and walked over and inspected herself with interest while the Applejacks were staring at each other and kept shifting the angle they were looking at each other from in unison.

“It’s like looking in a mirror.” The armed Applejack said and the unarmed one nodded.

“Yes, tis correct Applejack.” Another voice said as it made its way from the group of soldiers towards the slowly growing group.

Everyone looked and Twilight’s eyes nearly bugged out as she saw Princess Luna flanked by half a dozen Royal Guard and with two short swords sheathed at her sides making her way towards them.

“Ma’am!” The commander said and snapped into a salute before the other Lunar Princess.

“Relax Twilight Sparkle; I believe it is your own doctrine not to salute superiors when on military operations for fear of giving them away to snipers.” The dark alicorn said with a smile. “Though from the looks of it we would not have to worry about that here.” She said looking around at everyone there.

When the Lunar Princess reached the group Chrysalis walked up to her, the royal guard ignoring her as she stood before the alicorn and held out a hoof. “Pay up.” The Queen said simply.

Sighing the other Luna took out a small bag of bits and handed it to the Changeling Queen who slipped it into a pocket on her armor.

“What the hell was that about?” The Commander asked looking between the two.

“Me and Chrysalis made a wager on what you would be doing when we found you, I said you’d be in a battle with the forces of evil while she said you’d be drinking and listening to music.” The alicorn said.

“Ah ok.” The Commander said as if that explained everything. She looked back at the dumbfounded mare, except for the two Royal Sister who looked upon the scene with great interest. “Wagers are a very big deal to the EDF, you had better be ready to pay your end if you lose or expect your life to be hell from everyone around you.”

The Commander then looked back at the Changeling queen. “So then Queeny what did you bring to rescue me? Besides two of my friends, some Royal Guard and one ruler?”

“Mostly infantry, some sharpshooters, two sniper teams, a mortar team, four flame troopers, two tanks and one helicopter.” The queen said listing off everything.

The Commander nodded. “So everything but the navy then.” She said.

“Yes, the ships were too big to really be of use unless we landed in the ocean, in which case we brought rafts. I’d have also brought a few of our fighters but without guaranteeing a runway for them to take off it would be pointless.” She said.

The Commander nodded. “Good call.”

Twilight stepped forwards, all the strangeness of what had just happened in the last few minutes finally wearing off enough for her mind to function somewhat. “Ok, how did you end up working with Chrysalis?” She asked.

“Oh I don’t work with her, she works for me.” The Commander said with a smirk. “The entire hive is part of the EDF and under my control. As for how well that was easy, I just sent five dozen flame troopers into the hive to burn it out till she surrendered.” She said and Twilight looked horrified. “Hey we tried to negotiate first; she attacked the ambassador so I sent in the troops.” The other mare said with a shrug.

The Queen looked down as the Commander explained that day. “Hey.’ The mare said looking back at her and poking her shoulder. “Don’t get like that on me, you know why it happened and you are a better person now because frankly you were a colossal bitch back then.”

“Yes yes I know.” The Queen said. “Still doesn’t mean I have to be happy about the death of half of my hive.”

“True but still considering how your hive is now I think it was for the better.” The Commander said.

Before the conversation could carry on Twilight Rainbow Dash spoke up loudly. “You’re a Wonderbolt?!”

The Armored Dash rubbed her ear with a hoof. “Yeah, I have been for almost three years now.” She said with Pride.

“That is so awesome!” Rainbow said.

“You have no idea.” Dash said with a smile as she removed the helmet on her head reveling she was wearing the Wonderbolt uniform under the armor. “Though at first it was difficult and took a lot of getting used to.”

“How could it be difficult I’m…we’re the best Flyer in all of Equestria!” Rainbow said.

“Just trust me ok?” Dash said. “You’ll understand when you get there.”

“What in Tarnation is that?” Applejack said drawing attention to her counterpart flank were a pistol sat holstered.

“Oh this is Lil’Mac.” The armored farm pony said pulling the heavy pistol out and showing it to her other self. “Twi gave him to me a couple years back during that mess with Separatists.”

“How can you even consider takin’ somepony’s life?” Applejack asked with a thread of anger.

“Ah don’t think about it, Ah was against these here gun till what happened to Big Mac.” the other farmpony said with a bit of anger and the other froze.

“What happened to Big Mac?” She asked slowly.

The other pony sighed. “Theme Separatists varmints had mighty big hatred for Ponyville on accounting of us having the EDF leader livin’ there and supporting the military so much.” She shook her head. “We got a lot of bombings and massacres, though the EDF set up a lot of security in the town so it wasn’t so bad, a lot of other places lost a lot more people than we did but…” She said. “Them griffins were setting up to shoot up the market place during the rush hour. Big Mac stumbled upon them before hoof and he fought them by himself. He gave them a right good thumping but the last one got a shot of within his rifle before the soldier arrived to deal with them.”

“He was hurt bad but with the army doing everything they could he survives but he lost range of motion in her left leg and I can tell he is still in pain from time to time.” The farm pony said. “After that ah realized mah family needed protection, at least for times where things go real bad and Twi arranged for me to get weapons training and had Lil’Mac made for me, he’s a one of a kind 357, ain’t no other pistol like him out there.”

The other Applejack looked at her armed self not really sure what to say, she couldn’t abide the use of the guns after seeing what they do, but on the other hoof she cared about protecting her family a lot and she wasn’t sure if she could really say what the other farmpony had done was wrong or not.

IT was at this time the Commander stepped up. “Anyways I believe this is a party so let’s try not to be so gloomy eh?” She said with a smile.

It was at that moment the door nearby opened to admit a baby dragon followed by a light purple unicorn looking around. “Oh crap.” The Commander said and started to turn to head off what she knew was coming but wasn’t fast enough.

“Prisoner escape!” One of the soldiers shouted and the room was filled with sound of dozens upon dozens being cocked and aimed on the single unicorn mare as every sing soldier took aim, even the Royal Guard around Princess Luna drew their weapons while the alicorn drew her short swords.

Starlight Glimmer froze, eyes going so wide they threatens to escape from her skull as she was staring down the barrels of a platoons worth of firepower. “Easy, easy, she isn’t an escaped prisoner.” The commander said quickly stepping between the mare and the soldiers holding up her head. “She had been “reformed.” The mare said quoting the air. “And is friends with the princess.” She gestured to her counterpart and Twilight watched the soldier moves their heads in unison looking between Starlight and Twilight herself.

“She knows what she has done right?” One of the soldiers asked.

Commander Sparkle nodded. “Yes she does and actually she’s done worse here as she caused several Wildcat situations and one MEE.” She said with a clear roll of her eyes.

Every single eye locked onto Princess Twilight and she was nearly blown off her hooves as every soldier shouted at once. “AND YOU LET HER WALK FREE?!?!”

Commander Twilight Sparkle stood with Chrysalis and the rest of her soldiers on one side of the ballroom while the rest of partygoers stood on the other, both groups started at each other across the open floor to the point Twilight was having flashbacks to fillyhood school dances, well the one dance she ever went to anyways. Three fourths of the EDF was in just their uniforms now while the other fourth remained at full combat readiness just in case something happened. Twilight had informed her soldiers that there was no real threat here so they didn’t need their armor but she did inform them that Love and Tolerance was not in effect here so to watch their brothers in arms back. To which the ponies of the group saluted and moved up beside the changelings, even now every changeling had a pony with them to make sure no one tried anything.

The princess had questioned this and said the nation firmly believed in love and tolerance, to which Twilight just gestured to the glares of hatred and looks of disgust the nobles and some of the guards were giving her changeling soldiers and the Princess had shut her mouth and wilted slightly realizing the military mare was right to warn her soldiers.

“Told you the natives wouldn’t like us.” Twilight heard a changeling say and when she looked she saw one changeling handing over a few bits to another before both went back to watching the other ponies. Twilight had to sigh at this as it was true, even back home, though many more ponies tolerated and respected changelings then they did back when the integration began they still had a long way to go before ponies treated them like anyone else, but still progress was being made each day and racism virtually didn’t exist within the EDF at least, there was always at least one soldier somewhere with a problem as you couldn’t always weed them out but for the most part they kept their mouths shut unless drunk unless they wanted to find themselves waking up in the middle of the night, tied to their bunk and being beaten by the rest of the barracks. The EDF had a thing about relying on their fellow soldiers regardless of race and the soldiers dealt with the problem soldier on their own.

“Well this is depressing.” Twilight said to the Changeling Queen beside her. The only ones from both groups talking were the Lunas, the Applejacks and the Rainbow Dashes; even the Royal Guards were staying close to Luna and the EDF soldiers.

The Major nodded. “Yes well this Equestria hasn’t had you to influence it and actively take a stand against all forms of racism.”

Twilight sighed. “I know it’s rather sad in a world where I have latterly become blasted alicorn and the am the damn Princess of Friendship that the world would have a more open mind to other races and cultures, but know, it’s all about the ponies.” The mare said and nearly spat just thinking about it.

As the mare watched the party basically be nothing more than people glaring at each other or talking quietly to themselves she grew more and more annoyed, there wasn’t even any music playing, what kind of party didn’t have music?

“Humph, come on Queeny.” The mare said and started to march around the edge of the room.

“Where are we going?” The queen asked as she followed the mare.

“To fix this farce of a party.” She replied as they reached the sound system where the datapad was still hooked up, time to save this party. Quickly scrolling through the music files the mare found what she was looking for and hit play.

The speakers set forth with some DRUMs and other instruments and the mare’s hand shot out and granted the front of the queen’s uniform. “Come on.” She said as she dragged the queen onto the dance floor. “We are going to dance.”

“Wh-what? But I can’t dance!” The queen said as all eyes in the room fell on the two of them and the Queen could feel both the hatred, disguised, confusion and curiosity from everyone. Once they reached the center of the floor the queen froze in place and was stiff as a board.

The mare turned and looked at her. “You can fight right? Just follow my lead like always and everything will work out.” The mare said and threw a slow punch that the queen blocked on reflex, her and Twilight always spared so she was used to fighting the mare in both her modes.

Twilight griped the queens hoof and moved her arm in a circle between them before pulling and spinning the queen around her till she came to a stop on the other side of her and she threw another punch with her other hand which the queen blocked one more and twilight gripped her other hoof. She pulled the larger being close and they spun around each other as the music played.

She then dropped down and tried to sweep the changelings hooves out from under her but she jumped and dodged it before getting the idea and then she raised her hoof and brought it down onto Twilight shoulder and gripped it as the mare stood. Twilight smiled and nodded as she gripped the queen’s shoulders and they danced by modifying their training into dance moves, it was a bit unorthodox but who gave a damn?

The two danced across the floor holding each other and spinning each other as the music kept playing and soon they found a couple of EDF soldiers, a mare and stallion, on the floor with them who was quickly joined by more as the soldiers found partners and walked onto the dance floor. Even some of the nobles and servants from the other side started to wade onto the dance floor. Twilight even saw Stonewall and Meadow dancing together, noting they were dancing rather close and she couldn’t help smiling at that.

Soon the song came to an end and Twilight and the Queen slipped away from the dance floor and the mare smiled as she saw the floor was filled with dancer as the orchestra took over the music with similar styled music so the dancing didn’t let up. “I’m going to go get some food and a drink, you want anything?” She asked the Major smiling at her.

The major shook her head. “No I’m fine, thank you.” She said returning the smile and the mare made her way to the tables stacked with food and drinks.

Elsewhere in the party Cadence stood beside her husband and watched the party go on around them, she had to admit having the changelings show up had been a shock but learning they were the Commander’s soldiers and that Chrysalis was her second in command had been a bigger shock. Cadence wasn’t sure how to feel about that as despite how long it had been since the wedding the princess of Love still had lingering anger and resentment towards the Queen for what she had done to both her and Shinning as well as Twilight and her aunts.

As she watched the party go on se could feel certain emotions starting to form, they were small and could go either way but what caught her off guard was when she felt a wave of emotion, she normally didn’t feel waves unless somepony realized something they hadn’t till that point. Scanning the room for the source the pink alicorn’s eyes fell on the changeling queen and her eyes widened, it couldn’t be coming from her, it simply couldn’t, not from somepony like her. And yet as she watched she could feel the emotion radiating off the Queen.

Following the queens gaze she found her watching the Commander as she grabbed some food and a drink from one of the refreshments tables, she couldn’t, there was simply no way. Yet watching how the Queen watched the mare it was plain as day to Cadence that it was in fact the Queen who was feeling the emotion. Cadence was not entirely sure if she should be horrified or happy. In the end she shoes to ignore it and just try to enjoy the party as best as she could.

The party went well on into the early morning and after Commander Twilight and the Queen breaking the ice had been an actual party, granted the nobles and such still hated the changelings being there and the room remained divided but as long as everyone stayed on their side the party had been filled with food, dancing, drink and a few card games. Twilight even got to watch the Princess flip out when she had one of the tank crews bring out their tank from the unicorns pocket dimension and let her ride around the garden in it, the gardeners were going to be pissed in the morning as the treads from the tanks tore up the grass and they crushed a few flower beds but if they had an issue they could talk to the tank crew who most likely would be sitting on or near their tank.

She then had the two helicopter pilots give rides in the copter to anyone wanting one, just onetime around the castle though for those wanting a bit more extreme experience the pilots had put the helicopter through its paces by bobbing and weaving around the castle towers and evading imagining enemies, one guard who had thought he was touch actually leapt from the helicopter right after it landed and kissed the ground while proclaiming “Land, sweet glorious land!”

Twilight had laughed her ass off at the display as had the queen and Stonewall, Meadow and even Greywing gave a chuckle.

After the party Celestia had given the EDF soldier rooms in the castle, much to the enjoyment of the soldiers as it wasn’t every day you got to sleep in a castle guest room.

The next morning everyone who wasn’t and EDF soldier woke up to find the soldier running laps around the garden or running through exercises. Twilight had explained that just because they weren’t back home was no reason to slack off and with no immediate danger it was business as usual.

IT was late afternoon just after lunch when everyone was talking as the EDF soldier played guards, talked with each other or exercised when a wind started up.

After having felt it no two times Twilight knew it was time to head home and sure enough a rift opened in the middle of the gardens.

A guard had gone and gotten the two Royal Sister as they w wanted to see the soldier off.

“I told the science team to wait a week before opening another rift.” Chrysalis said with some annoyance.

“They most likely did.” Twilight said as she watched soldier gear up to return home. “Time seems to work strangely when going between dimensions.” She said before looking back at the gathered ponies and one griffin who were there to see them off. “Whelp guess this is good bye eh?”

“I guess.” The Princess said sadly.

“Hey don’t be like that; you’re going to make me feel bad about going home.” The Soldier said. “I’m kind of in the same boat as you as I won’t get to hang out with you anymore.” She said jabbing the alicorn in the shoulder.

“Yeah, I know, I’m going to miss you.” She said and smiled, Twilight had to admit the alicorn had grown a lot since Twilight had first met her a month ago, she almost looked like a princess, wouldn’t be much longer and she’d be worthy of that title wouldn’t be just a token because she was an alicorn.

The military mare looked at Celestia. “You take care of her, you got that or else I’ll find a way to get back here and I have no problem kicking ancient princess ass.” She said with a smile, Celestia would know what she was talking about; the princess had a lot of ground to cover if she was going to survive being a Princess.

The large alicorn nodded. “Do not worry Commander, I’ll be sure she is ready and has what she needs.”
The commander looked as the two Lunas where bidding each other farewell, the two had hit it off rather well and Twilight was sure her Luna had given her counterpart some advice in how to deal with something’s.

“You know Commander, despite everything your pretty awesome, not as awesome as me but still awesome. “Rainbow Dash said and punched the soldier in her shoulder.

“Yes, I must say despite your vulgarities you are alright in my book and looking over your armor and uniforms had given me some marvelous ideas for a new line of clothing.” Rarity said with a smile.

Twilight nodded and found her vision filled with pink. “You make sure the other Pinkie throws super extra special parties for you since I won’t be able to ok?” The party pony said and Twilight nodded

“I have a feeling I won’t have much choice.” She said with a chuckle.

“Uhm…take care of yourself.” Fluttershy said in her soft voice and Twilight smiled at the mare.

Applejack was last as she stepped up. “While we might not have gotten along very well while you were here ah wanted to say thanks for watching out for our Twilight.” The said and nodded.

Twilight smiled as her Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked up hind her and gave their farewells.

Twilight went to her group of friends. “Well this is it eh Stonewall, I’m going to need to track down the you from my universe so I can get another drinking buddy.” Twilight said with a smile and looked at Meadow. “You keep an eye on him and make sure he stays out of trouble.”

The earth pony mare nodded. “Don’t worry I already planned to.” She said with a smirk.

Twilight looked at Greywing. “Good luck with your business, I’ll be sure to track you down back home and see if I can help you out there, I’m sure I can find a use for fine china as well as get you permits as needed.”

The griffin merchant nodded. “I shall miss you Commander and I thank you for all you have done for me.”

Twilight nodded. “Hey what are friends for eh?” She smiled and bowed to the griffin who returned it.

With the good byes done Twilight turned back to the soldiers who were all geared up. “Alright lads let’s get out asses home!” She shouted and the soldier formed up in a row of four, the flame trooper in the lead and then they started to gallop forward in waves leaping through the rift.

As the last soldier vanished through it left just Twilight, the Major and her two friends. Twilight turned back and smiled at the other group. She smiled and gave a salute before her and the other turned and ran forward. After they leapt through the rift it began to distort and warp before it snapped shut.

“Well there she goes.” Princess Twilight Sparkle said watching where the rift had been.

“Yeah.” Dash said a bit sadly as she landed.

“Well if you ask me it’s good she went back home as we already have a sparkler.” A voice said from nowhere and then a tree opened as if it had a door and a tall mismatched creature walked out.

“Discord where in tarnation have you been? We could have used your help.” Applejack said.

“I was taking a nap and avoiding Commander Sparkler.” Discord replied as he yawned.

“Why were you avoiding her?” Twilight asked.

“Because of how she feels about traitors, while she can’t really hurt me she could become a very big nuisance. “ The God of Chaos said.

IT was at this point Stonewall and the others walked up. “Actually the Commander left a present for you Discord.” The guard said holding out a box wrapped in white paper with a dark green ribbon.

“Oh?” The God said as he took it and read the card. “Hmm…”no hard feelings as you learned your lesson. Commander Sparkle” Perhaps I misjudged her.” Discord said as he undid the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a grey mass with the words TRAITOR written on it. A moment later the shape charge detonated in the god of Chaos’ face and he was sent flying back.

Twilight couldn’t help laughing as Discord, his head covered in soot got to his feet grumbling and the other laughed at well, seems even if she wasn’t here the Commander could mess with people.

On the other side of the Rift Commander Twilight Sparkle was enjoying a group hug with her five best friends.

“You have no idea how much I missed you girls.” Twilight said as the hug broke off and the other who hadn’t gone with the rescue team started to ask question but Twilight held up a hoof. “One moment, got something to take care of, I’ll meet you in mess hall ok?” She said and the other mares nod and headed out with their escorts.

Once they were gone the smile dropped from the Soldier face. “Major Chrysalis.” She sad and the Changeling beside her stiffened.

“Yes ma’am?”

Twilight pulled half a dozen amulets from her pocket dimension and handed them to the Major. “Get these down to the scienceponies, I want them analyzed as they are able to disrupted and defeat chaos magic.” The mare said and the Queen saluted before leaving to carry out the order.

With that taken care of Commander twilight headed for the dining hall to catch up with her friends before writing up a report for the Princesses about her time in the other Equestria as well as organizing the EDF to track down the Purifiers that most likely exist here as well, with some luck they had already been killed off as the army spread through the nation.

Breathing in the air of her own Equestria the mare smiled wide as she trotted down the hall of the Equestria Military Science Division Facility, she was back in commander of her army and could deal with any threat swiftly and effectively without any issues.

The mare reached the mess hall and saw her friends had already grabbed some food and Twilight got in line as well after waving to them, her mouth was already watering at the thought of a proper meal, it was good to be home.

Author's Notes:

Well here it is, the story is now over and we got to see the PTS Equestrian reacted t CTS soldiers and it went as well as you'd expect, plus Starlight got the crap scared out of her aas a platoon of soldiers nearly blew her away on the spot.

everyone got a good bye and we got to see a few changes in CTS friends from their cannon selves as well as more histoy.

this trip has been interesting hasn't it? who knows what the future holds.