Author's Notes:

Special thanks to all who read it!

Special thanks to Trithtale for proofreading and minor editing!

Special thanks to Author of MADness for helping me filter down ideas!

Due to my work I haven't been able to write that much lately. I also decided to split this into two chapters because of it, enjoy!

*If anyone wants to help me edit this thing PM me please!*

**CoverArt might change in the future**

Shining Armor is currently standing on a balcony staring down at his busy subjects performing their daily tasks, whether on the sky or the ground, preparing everything for a special event. His expression is one of stoicness yet his lips are curled up in the tiniest of smiles.

“Out here so early, Shining?” A feminine yet slightly screeching voice called.

“It’s well past ten in the morning, Chrysalis.” Shining said without looking back at the changeling queen. “Hardly ‘early in the morning’ as you say.”

Chrysalis hummed walking next to him wearing an elegant dark green long dress while her hooves remain undress. Glancing at the white stallion, wearing his usual purple and golden armor, the changeling queen crossed her arms.

“Twilight and The Bearers are going to arrive in a few hours. Is everything ready for tomorrow?”

“Almost, all that’s left is what they’re bringing with them.”

“I see,” Chrysalis replied, her gaze focused on several ponies, changelings, and other species putting up flags and decorations over the streets. “It’s been twelve years since Spike died.”

Shining hummed. “How are our guests of honor holding up?”

“In chains,” Chrysalis replied, a knowing smirk adorning her lips. “After all Spike did. After all his warnings during the trial. And even after the formation of our alliance, those idiots still tried to take over Equestria and the Empire.”

“And they failed admirably. What is a ruler without the support of its citizens?”

“A stupid fool.” Both shared a short laugh. “What was it called again? The Three Week War? Although, calling it a war would be generous, I think.”

“Especially since Zebrica joined us after they kicked King Zamarix off of the throne, and handed him to us a week later.” Silence fell between the two royals for several moments until Shining spoke again. “How did Cadance do last night?”

“Slept like a baby through the whole process; the same way she has for the past seven months. What are you two doing that’s helping you out so much? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

“Sex. We’re having sex twice a week. More if we...feel like it.” Shining answered without hesitation.

Chrysalis laid a hand on his shoulder. “Thought as much. Over the past eight years, my Mind-Menders and the zebra shamans have discovered that sex helps in over ninety percent of the recovery cases. For both males and females.”

“Looks morbidly ironic if you ask me. I almost had a heart attack when she asked me to.” Shining sighed. “And I was more than a little worried and afraid, but it was...comforting and enjoyable and nice.”

“You realize those words make you sound like a---”

“Daddy!” Chrysalis was interrupted by a pair of cheerful voices behind them.

Shining Armor had enough time to turn around to catch two fillies in mid-air. Smiling, Shining Armor hugged his daughters close, embracing each one with an arm. The fillies kissed his cheeks followed by nuzzling his neck lovingly.

“Good morning, my sweethearts!” Shining said before giving his daughters a kiss of his own; both of them tall enough to reach his lower chest. “Aren’t you going to say hello to your dear auntie Chrissy?”

“Hi, auntie Chrissy!” The fillies said in unison while Chrysalis smiled back nodding once.

“Daddy, how do we look? How do we look?” The pink coated filly asked cheerfully before both of them backed down from their father’s arms allowing him to see them posing for him.

Shining peer them for a couple of seconds.They were both wearing exactly same dress: A baby blue princess dress adorned with a large ribbon in the middle section and sparkling shimmer purple lights. They also had the same curly mane style, and both also had the same blue-tone eyes that were looking up to him expectantly.

On the right was Flurry Heart, his youngest daughter. Her coat was practically white yet there was a slight pink tint to it. Her mane and tail were divided in two colors; blue and soft purple. On her back he could see her rather big wings, and on her forehead he saw a horn. Her birth had been a complete surprise, and mystery, since she was the first naturally born Alicorn since Celestia and Luna themselves.

On the left was Skyla, his eldest daughter by a couple of months apart from Flurry Heart. Her coat was a deep pink tone, almost like Pinkie Pie’s mane and tail. Her mane and tail, just like her sister, were divided in two colors; slightly deeper purple and cream. Unlike Flurry, however, she was a unicorn.

“You two look lovely!” Shining said with a beaming smile. Both fillies hugged each other whispering ‘I told you’ over and over.

Flurry and Skyla then looked at Chrysalis, after a couple of seconds of silent staring the changeling queen gave them a single thumb up. The fillies giggled before being carried by their father. Now that no one was looking at her, Chrysalis couldn’t help but smile tenderly at the display. While both fillies were Shining’s daughters, Cadance had only given birth to Flurry Heart while Twilight Velvet, Shining’s mother, had given birth to Skyla. The family decided to let the two innocent fillies grow up thinking they were twins.

Chrysalis turned to see the preparation for the festivities soon coming to the Empire, her smile dropping as she did. Shining Armor’s case was just one of the thousands upon thousands that had similar ...consequences. To this day it still surprised her that a little over half of the babies, pony or not, born during the Fall were the product of incest in some way.

She managed to suppress a grunt of anger. The first thing that was destroyed completely, days after the Rise began, were the Breeding Grounds the caribou had installed in the most densely populated cities. Followed by the dirt farms, statues, milking and beer factories, poster prints, reformation camps, proper female equipment and dressing centers, female schooling grounds, and the public stocks. The fires burned for more than two weeks. Everything else that the caribou brought with them, or was modified and powered by their rune magic, was destroyed with the help of Creslin and her Liberators.

The changeling queen saw one of her soldiers and a griffon hang up a large banner down the road with the image of Spike on it. Her rage withered at the sight. She closed her eyes for a moment before turning around.

“Are you two ready for the festival?” She asked softly.

“Almost, auntie Chrissy. We wanted to show Daddy our dresses first,” Skyla answered.

“I bet I’ll win the big plushie this year, I know it!” Flurry Heart clenched her right hand into a fist. “I won’t be beaten again.”

“Princesses!” A melodious feminine voice called from the distance. The four royals turned their head towards the entrance in time to see a gamboge coated pegasus hovering into the balcony. She was wearing a golden royal guard armor while her trimmed two-tone sapphire blue mane and tail made a perfect match for her blue cornflower eyes. “Please, do not run off like that! You could get hurt one of these days,” the mare pleaded landing a meter or so before them. “Good morning, your majesties,” she did a respectful small bow before Chrysalis and Shining Armor while the fillies hugged their father’s torso.

“Good morning to you too, Flash. Is my wife done with her preparations yet?”

“She is, my Lord. Princess Cadance is currently speaking with Creslin about the upcoming celebration.”

“Good to hear.” Shining looked smiling down at his daughters. “Daddy has work to do, go with Flash and be ready to enjoy the festival.”

The fillies smiled back, nuzzled him, and then ran past Flash whilst giggling.

“Pony feathers, not again!” Flash groaned before resuming her chase.

After a few seconds of silence, Chrysalis finally spoke. “He’s adapted well to being a mare.”

“Flash fought bravely during The Fallen Spring Day; he managed to kill seven caribou before he was captured. The fucker king himself switched him in front of my eyes…” Shining closed his eyes for a moment. “Many caribou and turned ponies, including myself, raped him...her for hours on end. That only served to make Flash fight even harder,” Shining clenched his hands into shaky fists. “I don’t deserve his loyalty or forgiveness.”

Chrysalis hummed crossing her arms. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“I know. That’s what makes it worse.”

Suddenly a loud collection of sounding horns erupted throughout the Empire. A large platoon of pegasi, griffons and changelings dressed in dark purple armor with green colored sidelines stormed out of the nearby garrison, all of them flying towards the same direction.

“The princesses have arrived.” Shining said while Chrysalis took flight.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stepped out of their cabin followed by their nephew, Prince Blueblood, Big Macintosh, Yog, Soarin and several guards wearing the same armor the two lines of pegasi, thestrals, griffons and changelings standing near their cabin creating an ample road for them wore. Some of the guards were holding a pole with a flag or banner with the same symbol that was displayed in the center of their chestplate and shoulderplates: The Crystal Heart burning in green fire. The Spike Scaled Units.

There were several ponies and members of other species behind the guards, most of them cheering and respectfully greeting the royal sisters as they walked.

Luna had an stoic expression while wearing a long black dress with pieces of armor attached to it; mainly a pair of shoulder protectors displaying her cutie mark, a pair of dark blue greaves, a chainmail below her dress and a tight chestplate. At her right side Celestia walked returning the greetings with a warm, sincere smile. Unlike Luna, she was wearing a brilliant white dress adorned with stripes of color matching her flowing mane on her back. The dress hugged her hourglass figure perfectly, her arms were covered by a pair of white long gloves, and her neck was adorned by a magnificent amethyst with a golden ‘S’ on its center. If one looked close enough they could see she wasn’t wearing any make-up. She never has since Spike’s death. What did struck as an oddity was the box Blueblood was carrying right behind them.

They were about to reach the entrance to the city when Chrysalis landed at their side. The gathered crowd cheered even more at her arrival.

“How was the trip?” Chrysalis asked gazing at the crowd.

“Boring,” Luna answered.

“I thought it was relaxing, dearest sister,” Celestia said flexing her wings. “It’s quite the commodity during this time of the year, don’t you think so?”

“You make a fair point, sister. Though We do enjoy the hunts more than politics. They are more fun and less stressful, if you ask Us.”

“Caught any of those bastards you were after?”

“Thanks to Yog and Soarin we managed to capture the largest ring in the last four years. We got them before the Followers or the F.M.A could lay their hands on them.” Luna sighed. “We prefer when they trap that scum.”

“You got that right, Lunatic. How many were there?”

“Two hundred and fifty three, not counting the eighty four that were killed. Most of them were consumed during the Fall, but there were plenty of those depraved Faithful’s. Our forces rescued over eight hundred females; most of them zebras and cervidae. Their leader was a caribou that used to be a captain of Dainn’s guard. One of the few bastards that managed to escape Spike’s claws. He ‘eluded’ Our guards before the Followers captured him.” Luna smirked.

“Not the F.M.A?” Chrysalis asked with mild surprise.

“The Followers were quite eager. I thought they deserved a chance to perform their duty on a caribou after so long.” Celestia said with a bright smile while waving at the crowd. Before she, Luna or Chrysalis could speak again they saw a group of about a hundred on their knees in front of Spike’s Memorial Statue.

It was elected that since the Crystal Empire was the first to fall under Caribou rule, but also the first to be liberated, not to mention the very nation that held Spike as their hero before the Fall, to bear the honor of displaying one of the few statues allowed to be created commemorating Spike’s memory, sacrifice, mission, and life. They also had the biggest one.

Only seven statues of Spike existed, all thanks to Twilight Sparkle’s insistence as a way to never forget what he had done for the close friends he made along with her in Ponyville... she included. One was in Ponyville right in front of the Castle of Friendship. Another two were in Canterlot; one in the center of the Royal Gardens, and the other behind the throne of Princess Celestia. Another one lays in Chrysalis’s Great Hive. Another was built on the tallest shorecliff facing the Siren’s Pass, ever vigilant of the distant Hraljord. The sixth one was built in the entrance of The Garden of The Fallen; standing watch over those that were lost during the regime of Dainn. And lastly, Spike’s Memorial Statue in the Crystal Empire.

Every statue pictured the same stance and was masterfully made by the best sculptures; except this one. Cadance went all out over the details to make sure this memorial statue would be the best of all. And with the help, and unvaluable guidance, of an elderly dragon the results were beyond perfect.

It was an outstanding ten meter tall replica of Spike. His purple scales were polished and shiny, made up from the finest amethysts the Empire could provide. His green scales, fins, and crest were made from different shades of emeralds and peridot shards with a bit of jade here and there. The eyes were two giant pearls while shimmering blue crystals covered with sapphire and lapis lazuli dust formed a Crystal Heart on his chest. His long tail was raised behind him, like it did during his younger days. His arms slightly parted at each side ending with his open hands, giving it a mystic aura to it while the head gazed straight forward.

Celestia stopped for a moment to look at the statue and then down to the group. They were all wearing a beige robe with purple side lines and a two inches thick green line running on the back right in the middle from top to bottom. It was impossible to mistake the members of the Followers of the Grace of the Dragon with those robes.

Stepping closer, the guards parted for Celestia until she reached the dark blue coated unicorn stallion wearing the dirtiest robe.

“A gentle greetings, Princess Celestia,” the stallion said doing a respectful bow. He pulled down the hood of his robe revealing his light blue mane and bright blue eyes.

“It’s good to see you again, Blue Moon. I’m glad to see you and your Followers coming each year.” Celestia greeted with a smile.

“More shall arrive in the coming hours, joining all who have already arrived, my Princess. My fellow brothers and I arrived yesterday. We have been standing guard and paying our respects to our saviour while we waited for your arrival.”

“Committed as always I see.”

“But of course, my Princess. We follow the Teachings of Spike and strive to be worthy of his Code.”

Celestia had to suppress a giggle. The Followers started as a small club that Blue Moon formed a little after Spike’s symbolic funeral. A small group dedicated to honour his memory and deeds. However, it soon grew until it became something akin of a cult after they, somehow, got a hold of the last version Spike wrote detailing his own Dragon Code. Or as they call it: The Teachings of Spike. She didn’t have the heart to tell them Spike made it up one day and continue to upgrade it with every lesson learned. She found it kind of cute. They took it to heart, however, and decided to act upon it; striving to follow in his good example. But they also took to heart his actions against the caribou during the Fall and the Rise.

They’re known for their borderline fanatical dedication to hunt down every and all sexual predators, slavers, rapists, killers, kidnappers and especially Male Superiority Faithful’s; publicly executing them in a manner that would make Spike proud. To them, social barriers, political status, power, money, age, gender, species and race don’t matter; if you were to be caught by them, most certainly red-handed, then you’d be at their mercy. Despite that, Celestia was thankful for their help and their efforts to protect the poorest, most vulnerable and dangerous parts of the cities and villages with their watches. They have been responsible for countless arrests, excluding the ones they personally condemned, and prevented several would be suicides.

Oddly enough, only males and switched males can join, since many of their members had been Fakers, Enslaved or Corrupted during the Fall. They act without support from the crown or the Equis Alliance, but have free reign to continue with their labour throughout the allied territories as long as they provide full evidence over those that they ‘punish’. Not like financial support was an issue. Public donations kept them working hard and spent every bit on their purpose and mission. Much like the Female Might Alliance in comparison.

“Be Just. Be Brave. Be Loyal. Be Honest. Be True. Be Cheerful. Be Generous. Be Kind. Be Tolerant. Be Respectful. Be Humble. Be Intelligent. Be Good. Those are some of the basic principals of the Code. Am I right, Blue Moon?” Celestia asked looking up to her son’s statue. Blue Moon’s story was tragic on itself. Once belonging to a rich, powerful, and noble house, Blue Moon became a Faker, forced to breed six foals with his two black collar sisters and aunt, carry the shame of having his father become an Embracer, forced to kill his tainted brother and not being able to fight during the first week of the Rise thanks to his father trying to poison him and his family.

Regardless, Blue Moon learned of Spike’s actions and followed him to Hraljord to lay justice and revenge upon the caribou. When he came back he spent most of his remaining family fortune to ensure the future of his aunt, sisters, and foals. The rest he used to create the Followers and eventually became their leader.

“You are correct, my Princess. My fellow brothers and I would like to inform you that the knave we caught a few days ago has been punished severely in accordance to the Code.”

“One step closer to peace and prosperity in the name of The Lightbringer.” The rest of the Followers said in unison.

“By the Will of Friendship,” Blue Moon added. “Is there something you wish for us to do, my Princess?”

Celestia shook her head twice. “Not at the time, my little pony.” With that said Blue Moon bowed again and returned his gaze to the statue kneeling with the rest of his brothers; both males and switched that denied to be turned back. Spreading her wings, Celestia graciously flapped them bringing her airborne until she was face to face with the statue’s gaze. “It won’t be long, my son.” Celestia whispered before returning to the ground.

The group resumed their march leaving the Followers to their prayers as the crowd began to return to their own activities.

After a few minutes full of happy greetings and smiling faces the group arrived to the Crystal Palace. They were forced to stop again when they saw another large group forming a line in front of the Crystal Heart. The line itself moved slowly but surely. Luna noticed that almost everyone of those formed in the line had two things in common: they were females and they were wearing several different types of armor while carrying a weapon.

“The Female Might Alliance,” Blueblood said approaching his aunts and Chrysalis, never letting go of the box he was carrying. “Even they have come to pay their respects.”

Chrysalis saw he was right. As the line advanced she was able to see a small mountain of flowers, gems, and hats. The females stopped in front of the Crystal Heart for a couple of seconds before dropping their gift onto the pile.

The Female Might Alliance, or F.M.A for short, was a group that formed six months after Spike’s death. They had no actual leader, instead they had a ring of figure heads that acted like Warladies. Much like the Followers, they received no support from the crown or the Alliance, but they also were left to act freely as long as they proved the crimes of those they hunted. Since they share targets with the Followers the two groups had to agree on a first-come, first-served term to avoid fighting between each other.

The F.M.A also provides support to the poor and the weak like the Followers do, but they take the extra mile by teaching females, and young colts, how to use a weapon and fight. They’re infamous for their hate to all the nations outside of the Equis Alliance. While they have never do actual harm to anyone without reason they hold no respect, or tolerance, for those nations and their people. Especially the males. And while that hate didn’t include the males in the Alliance, every other male is considered a blight, potential rapist, and a scumbag traitor to not only females but to the world as a whole. Few members are married or in a relationship because of it.

Despite their hate they don’t condemn sex as something vile or repulsive. As the only part of the Follower’s Code they themselves believe in being ‘Consent is Everything’. And also apply the unwritten rule to never do anything sexually related as punishment; they would never fall to the same level as the caribou.

Unlike the Followers, they don’t see Spike as a saviour or a hero. In their eyes, Spike is the only male that deserved their respect, that much is true, but they also see him as the tool or weapon of the Princesses against the caribou, and Dainn, acting under their orders. In similar fashion to the Followers, they have specific conditions for a female to join them. Only females, regardless of species, can join, they must be over fifteen years old, switched stallions are not allowed (despite the great respect they have for Creslin and the Liberators) and females that followed Spike to Hraljord can’t join either.

Luna saw the line advance, seeing pony, saddle arabian and zebra mares, griffon chicks, minotaur cows, she-ursas, and plenty of other species. She was even able to recognize a few of their members like the ex-model Fleur De Lis, Photo Finish, and Gilda The Stone-willed.

“Why the hats, though?” Yog asked seeing a zebra mare drop a blue top hat. “I know it’s traditional, but why?”

“You don’t know?” Yog negated. “Haven’t I told you this before?” Yog negated again. “Well, during his eighteen birthday Spike’s greed turned him into a giant, almost feral dragon that stole everything he saw. Even apple tree leaves. He dispatched Spitfire, White Flare and me without much effort. Rumor has it that it was a hat that started it all and that he began a collection of them after the incident.” Soarin explained with a serious expression.

“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh confirmed.

“Somehow, I was expecting a more thrilling story behind it.” Yog replied.

“Come, let us leave them in peace and be on our way. There’s still much to prepare.” Luna said resuming their advance.

Blueblood looked at the Crystal Heart guarded by no less than twenty members of the Scaled Units. Tightening his hold on the box he was carrying, Blueblood smiled when he saw the shimmering blue aura of the Crystal heart turn purple and green for a second or two.

“You fucking female loving traitor! Our father favored you even over his own sons!” Akios, third son of Dainn, yelled at Spike while he was chained to a wall completely naked. “He gave you a castle, the purple bitch, prefered your work, always asked for your advise, made you a general and then Marshal! He thought you were dead and gave you the honour of a Kingly Funeral! And you DARE turn your back on him!?”

Spike, flanked by Blueblood and Soarin, stared at him with a blank expression. “Don’t forget he was going to make me his son and heir, brother.”

“Our people will never accept you as their new king, traitor!” Rolph, first son of Dainn, spat angrily next to his brother.

“You think I did all of this to take the crown and lead your fucking race?” Spike crossed his arms. “Come to think of it...I never thought of that. With me as king of the caribou, I would’ve ordered massive murders or instigated civil wars amongst your depraved kind. Let them kill each other and then finish off the remnants. Damn, why didn’t I thought of that before?”

“You fucking scumbag!” Rolph yelled in anger. “Unhold me this instant! I will switch you and fuck you to death, you miserable cunt!” Spike ignored him.

“Meh, too complicated in the end. I guess this way turned out far better,” Spike’s lips curled into a cocky smirk. “But it seems you two need to hear the latest news. Equestria and the Crystal Empire are free again, what is left of your people are being hunted down as we speak, the four alicorn princesses have regained their power, our people is free from your dark taint. Frost, your brother, is currently holding the last caribou stronghold while Calvin was killed by Queen Chrysalis herself.” Spike’s eyes turned white. “And after two weeks of torture, and fun games, I finally killed Dainn.”

Before the caribou brothers could yell or insult the dragon, he lunged forward grabbing them by their throats. Spike forced them to look into his shining white eyes. “And now I’m going to kill you two.” For several moments he didn’t move until he turned to face Akios directly.

“Akios, you’re the one I hate the least, so I’ll show you mercy by publicly ripping you to shreds. Trust me, I will take my time to make it long and painful. I have to give my loving audience a good show, after all.” Spike then turned to Rolph. “Rolph. My sweet, stupid, demented Rolph. Remember what you did to me after the First Invasion?” Rolph’s eyes widened and his pupils shrank. “You do! How nice of you to remember tricking me into eating pony meat!” Spike opened his maw letting Rolph have a good look at his sharp, drool covered fangs. “I’m going to eat you, Rolph. I’m going to eat you alive in front of a couple thousand prisoners. Then I’m going to let them escape and run back to Hraljord before I go after them. Caribou meat is the worst thing I’ve ever eaten, but for you I’ll make an effort to endure this small torture.”

Blueblood smiled seeing the tears running down Rolph’s eyes.

“Empress Shifting Sands, me and my sisters thank you for your constant support,” Creslin, pseudo Queen of the remaining Caribou, leader of the Liberators, said while bowing from her seat. She was wearing her usual Liberator armor while a crown made of wood adorned her head between her antlers.

“There is nothing to thank me for, friend. I promised to help you to take care of your people no matter how long it takes.” Shifting Sands said in a motherly tone.

Blueblood shook his head. Drifted off again, he thought frowning. He saw King Rutherford say something to the crowned King Zhaka the Zulu, king of Zebrica, but didn’t hear what. His frown vanished and the corner of his lips curled up into a tiny smile.

He could still hear the screams of agony from Akios being dwarfed by the loud cheering of those that came to witness his demise. How his body convulsed at each piece of meat Spike slashed, clawed, whipped, torn, and ripped away. How he came close to passing out each time Spike smashed one of his bones. How he cried for mercy when Spike was pulling away each of his teeth one by one before ripping out his antlers and cutting off his tongue. How Spike laughed in sadistic glee when he pierced Akio’s eyes, chopped off his arms, tore away his legs, smashed his testicles and penis, and finally pulled out his still beating heart out of his chest. Before setting it and the twitching corpse on fire.

“Is everything ready for tomorrow?” Celestia asked to no one in particular.

“Almost, Celestia.” Blood Talon assured with Sebastian standing behind him. “We have also, with the help of Creslin and Cadance, made sure that there will be no mistakes. The only thing that is missing is the Fire Ruby Lady Rarity is bringing with her.”

Celestia nodded. The day she went to personally ask Rarity to lend her the Fire Ruby the white unicorn held as her most precious treasure, she did so expecting a fight. Instead, Rarity gave her the gem saying Twilight had already told her what they’re were going to try to do. And after months of tests she finally was able to return it to Rarity for a few weeks.

“The location is secured and our special ‘guests’ are eager. Spike shall walk among us once again.” Shining Armor said holding the hand of Cadance tightly.

Blueblood said nothing as all the other members around the room and table cheered between themselves. He couldn’t hear them since his mind went back to an open field where almost five thousand caribou stags were bound as they watched with open eyes the carnage before them. Spike was devouring Rolph, making sure to slurp and chew loudly as the royal blood of the ex-prince washed his scales. Rolph’s howls of pain were like music to his ears, more so with Spike taking his sweet time to make him suffer; biting off a finger at a time, preventing blood loss, avoiding vital areas. The works.

Only when Rolph was nothing more than a pile of flesh barely clinging to life had Spike tore his heart out and ate it. The prisoners didn’t even wait for his speech after their chains were magically removed. They ran as fast as their legs allowed them. He turned to see the dragon drenched in blood, and then Spike roared with the might of a thousand thunders. Those caribou ‘survivors’ spread the tale of The Reaper like wildfire.

“I still think Princess Twilight and Discord should be here with us,” Chief Thunderhooves said while his daughter, Little Strongheart, stood at his side. “They are leader members after all.”

“They shall arrive shortly with their families. I do so believe we don’t need them for this particular reunion, Thunderhooves.” Cadance said giving the buffalo a warm smile.

“Cadance is right, this reunion is symbolic on itself. Besides, that little bookworm did most of the research herself. And no one is more eager to see Spike back than The Bearers themselves and his mom,” Chrysalis said sitting at Celestia’s left side bearing a tiny smile.

Blueblood suppressed a chuckle. He always found it funny that the leaders of the Equis Alliance acted more like close friends than leaders of their country, kingdom or whatnot most of the time. He closed his eyes sensing he was not needed at the time, his mind drifting away completely once more.

“Are you sure you can’t stay, Zezil?” Spike asked to a tall yet moderately robust zebra stallion wearing nothing but a loincloth. He could see the zebra’s body was covered with scars, most of them still looking quite recent, and that he was holding a large bag with his left hand while his right was on the shoulder of Spike.

“I’m sure, my friend. Once more I thank you for freeing me from the caribou hold. But I cannot stay in the land I helped defile so much. I must return to Zebrica to tell the horrors I have witnessed and was forced to commit. I wish you good luck on your journey to their homeland, and I hope we can meet once more; on this life or in the eternal fields.”

“Be safe, Zezil,” Spike said while the zebra let go of his shoulder and began to walk away from Spike and the army boarding the armada Shifting Sands lent him. “You think he’s going to make it, Blue?”

“Something tells me that he will. I never met him in person to be completely honest, I just heard a lot from him when he was a...you know.”

“The best mare-milk producer in Canterlot. Call it for what it was, Blue.” Spike said seeing his zebra friend getting lost in the distance and in the crowd. “Did you know he was also one of the best shit-cleaner trainers in Canterlot?”

Blueblood winced at that. “Please, don’t remind me of that.”

“Of what? The tongue of a six to eight year old filly licking your asshole clean after you took a dump?” Spike said without compassion. “I also trained many of them. And dick-polishers. And mobile-toilets. And dirt-eaters. And--”

“Please, Spike, just stop!” Blueblood implored. Despite his volume no one stopped or glanced at their way.

“Then don’t bottle it all up, Blue. There are moments when you need to tell things for what they were and what they are. Don’t be afraid to call it out. Don’t forget what you’re fighting against.”

Blueblood sighed, closing his eyes for a moment he focused on the sounds of the boarding ships. Opening his eyes he looked at his cousin. “I should be the one giving you wise advises. I’m the older one.”

“Good thing it’s not an advice then,” Spike remained expressionless. “Blueblood...can you promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

“Take care of mom for me.”

“What do you think, Blueblood?”

“..-Huh?” Blueblood blurted when he heard the voice of his oldest aunt call his name. “What did you say, aunt Celestia?”

“I asked if you had any opinions concerning Spike’s revival.” Celestia said smiling warmly up to her dear nephew.

Clearing his throat, the prince noticed that everyone in the room was now looking at him. He also noticed Luna was covering her mouth, no doubt hiding her giggling. “I think the word revival is being misused. After all, Spike has not left us yet completely.”

“The fraction of his soul that remains inside the Crystal Heart still lives on. I have sensed it and we have all seen the glow.” Cadance said, her eyes turning white. “With that fraction as an anchor we will bring him back!”

“For Spike!” Sebastian cheered.

“For Spike!” Everyone else, but one, cheered back.

“For you, little cousin,” Blueblood whispered looking at the box he was still holding dearly.

The doors of the train express opened as it chugged to a halt, letting out a small curtain of icy mist. Following soon after the mist dissipated a large group of ponies came walking out of the train. The head of the group was made up by five of the Element Bearers followed by their respective families. From the train also stepped out a mix of several species. Behind them a small group of Followers followed suit sending gentle smiles and pleasing greetings to the larger group.

Twilight Sparkle was wearing a pair of blue pants and a amberish blouse; her head adorned with her crown behind her horn. Her parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light Sparkle, walking behind her with her father’s arm running around her mother’s back.

Rainbow Dash was wearing a set of armor that belonged to the Scaled Units while her long mane was hold up via a pony tail. Her father, Rainbow Blaze, also wearing a Scaled Units armor walked at her side.

Pinkie Pie was wearing a colorful dress similar to that of her first Gala minus the candy and slightly less pink in nature. She was smiling broadly while her eyes looked all around in wonder, her cotton candy-like mane and tail moving up and down in accordance with her bubbly step. Her family came walking behind her, all of them wearing their plain, monochromatic clothes. Except for Maud; she was wearing a thicker and sturdier Scaled Units armor compared to the ones Rainbow Dash and her dad were wearing. Her family were lucky to be outside of Equestria for a vacation trip before the Fall started.

Applejack was wearing a set of armour similar to Maud’s, except that instead of wearing a helmet she was wearing her traditional stetson hat. Behind her walked many of her closest family members including Applebloom, Braeburn, Zecora and Cheerilee (both married to Big Macintosh), and several more of her cousins and Orange relatives. Most of them wearing their formal farm clothes or a set of armor.

Rarity was wearing a beautiful gem crusted white long dress that hugged and fit her model-like figure like a glove. She was also wearing an elegant tiara while her neck was adorned by a large Fire Ruby, encrusted with a golden harness that did not cover a ‘S’ shaped mark on the left side of her neck. Behind her walked her parents, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles, and Sweetie Belle. Her parents were wearing normal yet elegant clothes while Sweetie Belle wore a less stylish dress similar to Rarity’s.

“We’re here~” Rarity sing-sang taking a few steps forward, she then took a deep breath before sighing loudly. “Ahhh! Can’t you just smell the joy that’s floating in the air?” She said in a chirpy tone while her right hand was pressed against the Fire Ruby.

“And the food! Don’t forget the yummy food!” Pinkie Pie added bouncing her way next to the white unicorn. She then took several over exaggerated sniffs before she began to drool. “Crysssstal puddiiiing~.” She said in a hungry tone as her left hoof clopped repeatedly against the cobblestone platform.

“There’ll be time for food later, Pinks.” Rainbow Dash said walking up to the pink mare. “First we gotta get the Fire Ruby to the palace, then we can do whatever we want!”

“While the princesses were so nice to give us a few days off, Dashie, I don’t want to see you drinking a single drop of cider before the party tomorrow, do I make myself clear young lady?” Rainbow Blaze said putting a hand over her shoulder.

“I’m thirty five, you old geezer!” Rainbow replied with a blushing face while her friends giggled. Removing her dad’s hand from her shoulder, Rainbow spread her wings and leaped into the air with a few flaps. “C’mon, the sooner we get to the palace the sooner we can go to the festival before it ends!”

“Not so fast, darling. Dear Fluttershy is not here yet.” Rarity pointed out. “Besides, we have no hurry to deliver my necklace over.” She said stroking the ruby with the tip of her fingers.

“Rarity is right, Dash. I didn’t even have to attend to the meeting. Why don’t you settle down while we wait for--”

Twilight was interrupted by a coconut suddenly appearing a couple of meters in front of the large group. The coconut split in two, a second later the two halves burst into sprinkles revealing Discord with Fluttershy embracing his lion arm and her mother at his other side. Fluttershy was wearing a yellow summer dress while her mother, Gentle Breeze, wore a longer green one adorned with lilacs.

“My fair ladies, we have arrived,” Discord announced with a cheeky grin.

“Thank you, Discord,” Gentle Breeze said letting go of his griffon arm. “You’re always such a dear to us.”

“I have to take care of my wife and mom after all, don’t I?” Discord then leaned down to press his lips on Fluttershy’s; the shy yellow coated mare blushed while she returned the short, sweet kiss.

“We didn’t make you wait long, did we?” Fluttershy asked with concern.

“Not at all, dear. Now that’s we’re all here I think it’s best to move along?”

“Thought yah didn’t want to give your necklace away just yet, Rares.” Applejack said in a teasing tone.

“Tish tosh, darling. Losing it will be worth it to have our Spikey-Wikey back.”

“Great. Less chit chat more walking!” Rainbow half yelled pointing to the city.

Blaze could only shake his head and sigh at his daughter’s eagerness while her close friends followed her close. As they walked most of the group had engaged in a conversation or another. He also saw Discord and Fluttershy walking up to Twilight leaving Gentle Breeze on her own. Taking his chance he approached.

“You look lovely, Breeze.” He complimented once he was at her side.

Gentle Breeze blushed much like Fluttershy did but didn’t hide her face. “You look handsome yourself, Blaze. Did you cut your mane?”

“Huh?-Oh! Yeah, I did. Thank you for noticing.” He traced his short mane while he smiled to her. “I wasn’t so sure at first, to be honest. But Dashie says it fits me and helps me fly better sooo…”

Breeze giggled. “I think it looks good on you. Now that I think about it, this is the first I’ve seen you without your long mane, I believe.”

“Never cut down more than two or three inches since Flight School!” He chuckled. “Man, those were the days, don’t you agree?”

“For you maybe. I was never that good of a flyer, remember?”

“Of course you were a good flyer. Maaaaybe a bit shy and reserved, but in a cute way. Not saying you’re not cute now, because you totally are!” He swallowed hard. “I mean...what I want to say is...I think you’re cute, Breeze.” Gentle Breeze looked at him with a mild blush before she drifted her sight to the ground. “I’m...I’m sorry, Breeze.”

She shook her head. “Don’t be, Blaze. We’ve been friends since we were foals. I know you better than you think.” Gentle Breeze reached for his hand. Blaze looked at her dumbfounded for a moment before taking a firm hold of her soft, shaky, warm hand. “Discord told me about this quiet restaurant here in the Empire. Would you like to go with me tonight?”

“I would love to,” Blaze replied instantly looking deep into her magenta colored eyes.

“Finally. They’ve been dancing around each other for three years now!” Discord whispered to his wife.

“I’m happy they have a chance to be happy again.” Fluttershy said snuggling against her husband’s fur.

Fluttershy could hear the voice of her mother and the pegasus she came to love as a second father from her foalhood. Blaze and Breeze knew each other for years before they married and had their own foals. So naturally she and Rainbow Dash were bound to become great friends, and have a second family with each other. While she never had the chance to know Rainbow Dash’s mom, Emerald Star, she found Rainbow Blaze to be the perfect counterpart to her shy, but caring father.

A pang of pain struck her heart remembering how her father, Snowy Weather, and her little brother, Zephyr, die the day the Fall began. Her mother had been fortunate enough to be rescued by a griffon before Cloudsdale fell under caribou rule. Breeze had spent the following years tending to the wounded and children in one of the hidden changeling hives. She herself didn’t know her mother was still alive and well until after Spike’s symbolic funeral.

She couldn’t find the griffon that saved her mother, but she was eternally grateful that the caribou never laid a single finger on her. Breeze had accepted the death of her husband and son during her time in the hive, but she had closed her heart in fear. Especially after seeing what the caribou were doing.

Taking a quick glance back she saw her mother plant a firm kiss on Blaze’s left cheek making him adopt a red color. Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile at the display.

Sadly, most ponies weren’t blessed with Breeze’s fortune. For Blaze, on the other hand, was turned into a Corrupted. It wasn’t until the day of the Rise when he was finally free from their hold. Some stories say he managed to kill, single-handedly, an entire battalion of caribou that day; the scars on his back and torso providing convincing evidence to it being the case.

After a few minutes they reached the statue of Spike. The group stopped for a moment to gaze upon it while the group of Followers that had unboarded the train with them paid their respects.

“I think you can bring them in now.” Fluttershy said calmly. With a snap from Discord’s fingers a small portal appeared on his belly. From it flew out an owl carrying a tiny alligator, a young phoenix and a tortoise carrying a bunny.

The bunny instantly jumped to Fluttershy’s free arm before it began to snuggle it. The owl dropped the alligator on Pinkie’s mane before it flew over to Twilight. The tortoise flew over with Dash while the phoenix flew around Rarity chirping loudly.

“Did you miss me, Angelina?” The bunny tightened her embrace.

Looking at her friends, Fluttershy saw Gummy dangling from Pinkie’s mane. Tank was being cradled by Rainbow Dash. Owlowiscious rested comfortably on Twilight’s right shoulder while she scratched his neck. Peewee, now captured by Rarity’s arms, rub his head against the valley of her breasts.

The only one of the six friends that remained petless being Applejack, for she refused to have another one after Winona died trying to defend her.

“I missed you too!” Angelina, the youngest of Angel Bunny’s spawns, closed her eyes when Fluttershy kissed her head. “Did you and your friends have fun?” Angelina nodded. “That’s so good to hear! Tank didn’t caused too much trouble now, did he?”

While her friends were caught up with their pets, Applejack used her time to stare up to the statue of her dragon friend.

“Something the matter, Cuz?” Braeburn asked standing next to her.

“...Doing some thinking, that’s all.”

“About him?”

Applejack took off her hat. “About everything and nothing, really. Family, Spike, mah friends, me. Don’t worry yer pretty little head over me, Braeburn.” Satisfied with the answer, her cousin moved back to talk with Applebloom. After about a minute the group began to move again except for her.

“We’re all excited for you, sugarcube. Twilight and Rarity more so than the rest of us put together,” Applejack lost her smile and her expression adopted a frown. “Celestia says that everything will turn out fine and Ah trust her. But...if you come back tah us...Ah don’t want the Spike that defeated the caribou, or the Spike that went tah their homeland, or the Spike that made that promise. Ah want the real Spike back.” She finished putting her stetson back on.

“You comin’, Applejack?” Said mare turned when she heard the voice of Rainbow Dash calling to her, her friends and family way ahead of her now.

“Coming!” Applejack shouted back. “Cya later, sugarcube.”

Applejack caught up with the rest of the group soon enough. Their travel continued uneventful until they reached the Crystal Palace.

Twilight stopped on her tracks when she saw the mountain of offerings that had been left before the Crystal Heart. What made her smile, however, were the two fillies sitting directly in front of the Heart behind the Scaled Guards holding something large in front of them.

“Flurry! Skyla! We’re here!” Twilight shouted gaining their attention. Flurry Heart spread her abnormally large wings as she took both hands of Skyla while using her magic to hold a two meter tall Baby Spike plushie. “You really won it this year!” Twilight said while the two fillies landed in front of their aunt before proceeding to embrace her.

“The festival ended already?” Rainbow asked disheartened.

“Nope!” Both fillies replied in unison. “This year’s festival will last an entire week, auntie Dash!” Skyla said causing the corners of the cyan pegasus mouth to change into a massive grin.

“I spent my entire allowance already,” Flurry let go of Twilight to better hug her plushie. “But it was soooo worth it, mmmm~. So fluffy!” Twilight couldn’t help but giggle at Flurry’s pleased expression. “We were showing it to uncle Spike, auntie Twilight.”

“Forgive me princess, but don’t you mean the Crystal Heart?” Maximus Orange asked pointing at the slowly spinning Heart.

“Noooo. She said uncle Spike. Mom told us uncle Spike lives inside the Heart,” Skyla explained.

“Ohhh…”

“What did you get, Skyla?” Twilight asked suppressing a giggle.

“Nothing yet, auntie Twilight. I know how to save my bits--”

“Don’t care. Worth it.”

“--now I can play all I want! Bleh!” Skyla finished sticking out her tongue to her sister.

“There you are!” Flash Sentry yelled as she landed behind the filly princesses, her expression one of anger and annoyance. “Do you have any idea how long it took me to find you two?” She then did a quick, respectful bow. “Hello, your highness. Bearers of the Elements.” She said, the tone of her voice changing from scolding to neutral. “I cannot believe your recklessness! What if a Faithful or a spy caught you, huh!? I’m your guardian, but it’s hard to protect you when you run off all the time!” The tone of her voice shifted again as she practically yelled to the young princesses. “Prince Armor and Princess Cadenza are inside in the throne room sharing tea with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” She told the group with friendly smile and that neutral tone.

“Th-thank you, Flash.” Said Twilight not sure how to feel at Flash’s quick shifts.

“Now you two--!” The sound of teleportation cut her off as Skyla and Flurry Heart vanished from sight. “I swear those fillies will be the end of me.” Flash grunted before taking to the sky again. She stopped and turned to the group one last time. “Please, enjoy your stay!” And with that she was off.

“I seriously don’t envy her job,” Rainbow Dash said crossing her arms. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Flurry and Skyla to bits but I would never babysit them...again.”

“Ditto.” Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight said at the same time while Discord sneered and Fluttershy giggled.

“You say that because you lack the proper delicacy and tact to handle them, darlings.” Rarity told them proud of herself.

“Whatever you say, miss perfect!” Pinkie said loudly with a bounce. “But enough talking. Now, to pudding my minions!” She shouted before running off to the Palace’s entrance.

“Oh hay no! You are NOT going to eat it all up again before I get a scoop!” Rainbow Dash shouted before darting behind the pink blur of cheer.

“Full of energy as always.”

“It’s like being part of the Scaled Units doesn’t change her whatsoever, Breeze. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Blaze said showing a bright smile.

The group began to move again. While almost everyone else was content, Twilight Velvet and Nightlight shared a longing expression. Leaning to her husband, Velvet kissed his cheek before whispering. “They’ve grown a lot since our last visit, haven’t they?”

“Really? I didn’t noticed the two extra inches or the longer horns,” Nightlight replied with the same volume of voice as his wife. “Kind of like Twilight when she finished her fifth school year, right?”

“You’re right, dear. Or how about when Shining came back after his first visit from drill camp? None of his old clothes fit him anymore.” Velvet smiled snuggling to her husband's arm. “Did we do the right thing, Nightlight?”

“Perhaps. No one knows the answer, my love. But when I see the smiles of our granddaughters I feel like it was. Skyla and Flurry Heart love each other and they are happy as twins. That’s all that matters.”

“I want to believe that too, dear.” Velvet replied, her voice so low Nightlight barely heard her.

“Shining!”

The voice of her daughter cut Velvet off and made the couple look up to see that, as Twilight had announced, Shining Armor with Cadance at his side, and Celestia and Luna behind them, had appeared in a flash of magic near the entrance of the palace. Shining pulled Twilight into a tight hug once she was close enough, soon Cadance joined the siblings while Owlowiscious hoovered above them.

The rest of the group moved to properly greet their princesses and the rulers of the Crystal Empire, except for the two of them and a mare that stood by their side.

“Boulder tells me you look like you need proper emotional guidance. Here,” Maud Pie reached behind her pulling a small satchel of sorts. Opening it she pulled out an oval shaped smooth rock, she then presented it to Velvet. “Boulder helped Pinkie with his wisdom, he shall serve you well.”

“T-thank you, Maud dear,” Velvet, being no stranger to the particular ways of the Pie family and having had the pleasure to...spend time with them on repeated occasions, accepted Maud’s pet rock. “And thank you for your kindness, Boulder.”

Maud nodded, her expression and voice never showing any kind of emotion. “I’ll pick him up tomorrow before the event. Take care of them, Boulder. I love you, too.”

Nightlight and Velvet looked at the small rock resting on Velvet’s right hand while Maud followed her family. The couple smiled, Velvet put Boulder inside her hand purse and went off to join their children.

Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight and Chrysalis watched as numerous changelings, ponies, zebras and buffaloes carved magic circles and diagrams while griffons and yaks carried golden urns or bronze coffins, putting them in a specific section of the finished parts of the circles. Saddle arabians carried their own magical artifacts while a few pony sized dragons used their fire to light the already set objects. Creslin and fifteen of her Liberator sisters helped her to carved and draw several caribou runes on the outer border of the circles marking the limit size the ritual needed.

The previous night the head rulers broadcasted to everyone in the Empire what this event’s goal was. The Empire would’ve erupted into a massive party if not for their princess petition to save that energy until Spike was successfully brought back. That didn’t stop the Followers from standing guard over the festival, the stadium perimeter, and the palace alongside the guards.

“I see everything is almost ready, my friends.” Shifting Sands said gaining the attention of her five fellow monarchs. “And I notice the people is already gathering for the event.” She said taking a quick glance to the several rows of the stadium being quickly filled up.

“The moment is nearing. My nephew shall walk amongst us once more and rejoice!” Luna practically squealed.

“What about the others?” Chrysalis asked.

“See for yourself,” Shifting Sands answered turning to the royal section where most of the other rulers, and other important figures such as the Bearers, three of the four captains of the Scaled Units, Blue Moon and some figureheads of the F.M.A, were already waiting for the ritual to begin. Below them, another section was almost entirely occupied by the families and close friend of those sitting in the upper section.

Just then a loud distant roar made the group look up to the same direction noticing a big silhouette was coming their way. Once the object was visible enough, they noticed it was a massive dragon. With a few flaps of its great wings the dragon flew over the clouds followed by several other smaller dragons. A few moments later the group of dragons descended from the sky directly above the stadium. Most of them looking no bigger than a pegasus and the biggest one half a meter taller than Celestia herself.

The group landed a few meters in front of the gathered group of six monarchs. The biggest dragon walked up to Celestia, and looked down at her with a frown for several seconds before extending a hand. His scales were a greyish shade of blue, his impressive wings were of a vibrant orange that matched his eyes and his two large horns that ran down from either side of his face were of varying shades of orange. The color turning more intense as it traveled down to the tips; his left horn adorned with a golden ring. His fangs, numerous and deadly, were jagged and somewhat deformed. Despite his smaller ‘regular’ size, the dragon was huge and bulky with pure muscles that screamed raw power and strength. All the while wearing a set of thick iron armor.

“Celestia.” The dragon said with a loud, brutish masculine tone.

“Dragon Lord Torch,” Celestia accepted his hand smiling up to him. They shaked them for a few seconds before she continued. “I’m happy you agreed to come.”

“I didn’t. I’m Dragon Lord no more. I present to you Ember, the new Dragon Lord; my daughter.” Taking a side step he allowed his daughter to come forth holding the Bloodstone Scepter.

“Hello, Princess Celestia.” Ember said taking her hand and shaking it. The dragoness, slightly smaller than Celestia, was wearing a golden armor that covered most of her slim, athletic shaped body and tail. Still, her indigo wings were free, her scales were of brilliant cyan that created a contrast with her phthalo blue large spikes. Her eyes were soft looking with a brilliant red coloring. Like her father, she had a set of shorter but still impressive white horns running at each side of her face.

“Nice to meet you, Dragon Lord Ember.” Celestia smiled at Ember and the dragoness returned the smile...sorta. “Since you’re the new Dragon Lord, can you tell us why you accepted our invitation?”

“Because, whether most dragons like it or not, we owe Spike a great debt.” Torch huffed in protest. “He stopped the madness of Dainn. We… I believe we should’ve come to help you and despite Father’s orders to remain neutral many dragons still came to your aid. I didn’t understand it. ‘How could they do such a thing?’ I asked myself. ‘Why are they helping the ponies?’ Some were mercenaries but many others did it because of friendship.” Ember looked at the ongoing preparations for the ritual noticing the dragon that were helping to complete it. “Dragons don’t do friendship. Or so I thought.”

Ember turned to face Celestia. “I saw the trial. I heard your son’s story. And I felt shame for not doing anything. If there is anything you need of me, I promise I will do everything in my power to help you. I...I want to know what friendship is.”

Celestia closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. “There’s no need for that, Lord Ember. We will be happy to call you our friend. My son...thought poorly of other dragons. Our old friends came to our aid and some of them followed Spike to Hraljord. Since then they have been accepted here, in Equestria. Spike will be happy to hear the Dragon Lord herself wants to embrace the thing he treasures the most: friendship.” Celestia said reopening her eyes. She gave Ember a motherly smile before saying. “We can discuss this further once my son is back with us.”

“Thank you, Princess Celestia. Is there a way I can lend a helping claw?”

“Not at this moment, Lord Ember.” Celestia’s horn ignited with a short glow of magic. Scant moments later a thestral mare and a griffoness wearing Scaled armor arrived next to Celestia. “Lord Ember, they shall guide you to your seats along with your companions.” The guards bowed before showing the group of dragons the way, with only Torch staying behind.

“For what it’s worth,” Torch said. “I’m relieved to see you and Luna unharmed. Unlike those other idiots, I never thought of pillaging Equestria after I saw the trial. Your son, the one I thought to be a pathetic excuse of a dragon, was the one who won in the end. A dragon saved your kingdom; you better remember it, Celestia. For I do.” Torch finished, then he flew following the rest of his dragons.

“Apology accepted.” Chrysalis said causing Torch to stop for a moment before continuing his way. Her eyes never tearing for the forming ritual circle. The other five mares sharing a silent nod with her.

Up in the royal private section, Soarin, captain of the Wingless Unit of the Spike Scaled Units, looked down at Mrs.and Mr. Sparkle whispering to a small rock, of all things, before giving to one of Pinkie’s sisters. Maud Pie if he remembered correctly. Letting out a frustrated sigh he uncrossed his arms to reach for a bottle on his left pouch filled with an azure blue liquid. Taking the corch off, Soarin gulped down the contents of the bottle in a single go.

“I thought you stopped drinking Zecora’s potions,” Big Macintosh, captain of the Crest Unit, said without looking at his friend.

“I have. This is blueberry juice. A placebo. It has the same taste, so it helps me to keep myself calm.” Soarin explained putting the bottle back into his pouch. “Yog, have you seen Blueblood yet?”

Yog, captain of the Claw Unit, shook his head twice. “Not yet. Should be here by now.”

“The proud captain of the Heart Unit, fillies and gentlecolts, never arrives on time.” Soarin groaned taking a quick look at the empty seat to his right. “Guess he can be forgiven this once though.”

“Hey, Soarin, check that out.” Yog whispered pointing to the newly arrived guests approaching to the private section.

“What about them? I saw when they arrived. Two hundred guards are watching them in case they try something stupid.”

“Looks like that blue one is the ruler of the dragons, with that scepter and that armor.” Macintosh pointed out.

“Don’t know. Don’t care.” Soarin replied glaring at the dragons as they reached their section and the two guards pointed the seats for Ember and Torch, while the other dragons were guided to a nearby civilian section. Two pegasus, one gray and the other white clad in Scaled Guard armor flew down to him. “Something wrong, Rumble, Featherweight?”

“No sir, captain Blueblood asked us to tell you to personally keep an eye on the Dragon Lord.”

“Tell him I already got that covered.”

“Sir!” Both pegasi saluted before flying off.

For several minutes they waited in silence while the stadium was filled to the brim, including the cloud stalls. Finally, the last ponies finished carving the diagrams followed by the last objects being set on dragon fire.

“It’s about to begin.” Yog said seeing Discord appearing near the princesses and Chrysalis. Cadance teleported away while Luna’s horn was covered in a magic aura. Twilight’s own horn ignited and a moment later her five closest friends were at her side in a flash of light.

“CITIZENS OF THE EQUIS ALLIANCE, IT IS TIME!” Luna shouted and aided with her magic her booming voice reached everyone filling the stadium. No one cheered, they all remained silent to hear their princess. “Twelve years ago, on this day, Spike Solaris died succumbing to the Crystal Heart. He lived on in our hearts and inside the very same Crystal Heart! He, like many others the day Dainn and his depraved ilk came to our lands, fell under their dark taint. Changing him and deforming him into one of their own.”

“But he was able to set himself free and thus began his crusade against the caribou and their king! With the help of other equally brave souls, they managed to bring them down after years of subjugation. Before We continue, We asks to everyone to share a moment of silence for those that lost everything during the caribou regime, for those that gave their lives, to those untold heroes that fought bravely, for those we couldn’t save, and for Spike.”

After a couple of minutes Luna spoke again.

“Spike Solaris, my dear nephew, deserves to walk among us to see everything we have achieved together. To see that his and the sacrifice of countless others is the greatest treasure they gave us. Long have we searched for a way to make that wish into a reality. No one can bring the dead back to life, for their souls are beyond our reach. But not Spike, the Crystal Heart, in its wisdom and power, saved a fraction of his soul inside it. With it, we can give Spike a new body for his soul to inhabit and bring him back from the planes of the divine creators!”

Finishing her speech, the entire stadium erupted in cheers and cries; changelings shouting ‘Lightbringer’, ponies and most other species crying out the same title or his name, and the dragons that didn’t come with the Dragon Lord roaring to the heavens.

Wit a snap of Discord’s fingers a wooden stall along with twelve figures wrapped in chains appeared a few meters away from them. They were the old, traitorous rulers of Zebrica, Cervidas, The Diamond Dog Empire, The Minotaur Republic, The Ursa Empire and the exiled Sultan High Dune of Saddle Arabia, all of them wearing nothing but rags. Most of them looked around before they started to cry, some others glared at Celestia.

Celestia’s horn ignited sending a ray of light to the sky. Moments later eight Royal Guards came through the entrance carrying a large, black coffin carved with caribou runes. Once they were a few steps from Celestia and the group they put the coffin down. Creslin approached and with the help of her fellow sisters they opened the coffin. Inside they saw a silver carved life sized Spike, except for the tail and arm that had been preserved almost to perfection. Celestia took the tail and arm, then she turned and walked up to the center of the diagram where four circles were still unoccupied around the old, chopped off horns of the alicorn princesses.

She hugged the severed pieces of her son before putting each on a circle.

Behind her came the Element Bearers, Rarity unhooked her necklace; holding it tenderly between her hands. The white unicorn then brought it up before giving it a long, chaste kiss. Shedding a tear, she handed it to each of her friends all of them kissing it or hugging it tight for a couple of seconds. At the end Twilight gave it a soft, quick kiss before putting it in one of the two remaining circles.

Finally, Blueblood came holding the box he had so jealously guarded for the past two weeks. The princesses and the Bearers stepped aside allowing Blueblood to put the box down. With a flicker of his magic the box opened revealing the remnant shards of Spike’s egg inside a crystal urn. Taking them out, he carefully placed them in the remaining circle.

Cadance reappeared holding in her hands the Crystal Heart. The entire stadium fell in silence as the Heart began to levitate off from Cadance’s hands travelling a few meters in front of her. Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Discord walked up next to her; the four alicorns joined the tips of their horns as magic enveloped them. An intense magical glow emerged from their horns before Discord touched the center where the horns joined with his index griffon claw. After a moment of concentration a beam was shot from the glow and into the Crystal Heart.

The Crystal Heart began to spin so fast it practically turned into a perfect sphere glowing an intense blue light. For what felt like an eternity the Heart spun and spun until the glow changed from blue to green and purple, then it suddenly came to a halt. A thin purple beam of energy was shot into the four chopped horns of the alicorn princesses.

Then it all stopped. The Heart stopped spinning and wordlessly floated back to Cadance’s hands. Hundreds of eyes looking in high expectation, time seemed to slow down all around them.

The four horns glowed with an intense green glow for several seconds before they shattered into dust. From the dust a small white sphere emerged. The fire ruby was suddenly caught by a thin white rope of magic before it was swallowed by the sphere.

The fragments of the egg shell he was hatched from, along with his buried original arm and tail, burst into blue flames. They levitated until the white sphere swallowed them, too, morphing into a blue fireball. Suddenly all the ingredients so carefully gathered and collected were sucked into the fire leaving only three circles filled with runes around the fire. The flames turned white and then into a sphere of light in a few passing seconds.

The white orb levitated about three meters above ground, and slowly it began to change from it’s virtually perfect circular form into a more oval-like one. To the eyes of a few, they instantly recognized it had taken the form and size of the egg Spike had been hatched from.

It stood still for what felt like an eternity before the surface cracked and then exploded into a shower of light leaving behind a tiny curled white form. The creature unfolded two legs, two arms and tiny tail while a small crest emerged all the way down to the tip of its tail. Impossibly, with sluggish pace the creature began to grow in size; the crest became more pronounced but retained a blunt, circular surface; the tail grew in par with the rest of the limbs while the head grew in accordance.

It stopped for a couple of seconds letting those that knew him by heart recognize Spike’s child-like form; the same form that portrayed the statue at the entrance of the Crystal Empire gardens. The light form of Spike continue to change with his legs, arms and tail growing the most while his body lengthen out and turned slender until it reached an outstanding stature of almost two meters including his crest.

Without warning Spike’s light form froze for a few second, it becoming fuzzy with gray, purple and black horizontal lines appearing across his entire body simulating a state of interference on a projector screen. It lasted for several seconds before it returned to normal and Spike’s figure continued to grow. It became taller, this time almost reaching two meters with twenty centimeters in height, but the real change came in the rest of his form. His arms, legs and tail became more robust, his shoulders widened and his torso turned sturdier until he adopted a muscle-bound kind of figure. The same form he had adopted during his first year as a Enslaved.

The form remained for a few moments before it began to shrink and revert to it’s previous form but still retaining the stature and a decent amount of musculature that pointed out to a strong, robust physique.

Then, again, the same kind of interference from before made itself present, only this time it became more graphical. One could see Spike’s open maw while his hand clutched his head and a low high pitch tone assaulted everyone’s ears. It didn’t hurt but it did irked all those that heard it, it was like hearing a distant howl of pain, despair, and agony tugging their hearts and souls.

Spike’s figure returned to normal but it never grew or changed form for almost an entire minute.

“Something’s not right…” Shining Armor whispered before teleporting next to Cadance. Gripping tightly his wife’s hand, he stood still watching the transformation occur.

The figure then turned to gray before it dropped to the ground as if it was some kind of gooey water. For several moments everyone watched at the pool of slime in complete silence. Before someone could ask or say anything the gray goo turned into purple. The goo began to levitate once more about two meters or so above ground, then it set itself on green fire.

The purple slime began to take form once again with legs, arms and tail being the first to be distinguished. Then the head, torso, crest and claws followed. Once it had a somewhat similar appearance to Spike the purple slime began to drip to the floor in a rapid pace. As more and more slime fell to the ground, bones, muscles, nerves and meat were shown growing at a hastened pace.

After what felt like an eternity the slime was gone and only a levitating, two meters tall dragon with purple scales, green underbelly and greener spikes remained. While many couldn’t see due to the tears running down their eyes or were too wrapped up in the stadium wide celebration, three particular figures never stopped looking at the still changing dragon.

The purple scales of the dragon turned darker, as did his underbelly scales and crest. His spikes turned from round and blunt, to pointed and sharp while they grew a little. The claws of his hands and feet enlarged turning into a more sharper and deadlier version. The dragon had it’s maw open so they could see the fangs turning into pale, meat shredding spear points forcing him to leave it perpetually open making his expression turn predatory. The tail turned thinner while the tip became sharp like a spear and flexible as a whip.

Chrysalis and Big Macintosh had their eyes wide open as they recognized the form Spike had shown only to them in a moment of weakness and rage. Still, the third one looking at Spike dropped to her knees; her eyes wide as tears ran down her cheeks, but not because of happiness.

“No….” Creslin whispered not able to rise the volume of her voice.

From each side of Spike’s forehead a horn emerged on a ten or so degree upward inclination. The horn itself was long, gray and thin with the tip having a vibrant red color. The horns, about twenty to twenty five centimeters in length, given their upward inclination from their frontal position covered little to nothing of Spike’s shining white, pupiless, lidless eyes. His torso became bigger and bulky, his arms and legs stretched out twice their size with pure muscle.

“No…” Creslin repeated shaking in fear.

Spike landed causing a wave of dread to spread out all over the stadium. In that instant the cheering halted as a exceedingly eerie, dark, and familiar feeling crawled up their spines. With all eyes set again on Spike, they witnessed how his newfound horns and arms were starting to being enveloped by a dark purple mist. His left eye began to emit a shadowy purple and green mist, while his right eye did the same with a red and white one. His maw was also being filled with purple fire.

Spike, standing on his legs, taking in deep, rasp, echoing breaths. After a few seconds his arms moved up while he took a moment to look at his hands and claws.

“CREATE A BARRIER AROUND HIM!” Big Macintosh yelled with all his might leaping off from his seat and onto the stadium floor, leaving a stunned Yog and a frozen Soarin behind. “BRING IT UP NOW!”

“‘And he came, crawling out from the depths of the land of demons and evil. His touch spreading the Dark Taint; The Sickness. He came with hate and lies. He came to conquer us all after his betrayal. He left without a name but came baring one self proclaimed’.” Creslin said making the gathered group look down at her crying, trembling form. “‘Thus he was known only as the slave maker, the bringer of shadows and corruption. His name: The Horned King’.”

Just then Spike let out a loud growl making the group look at him. They all stepped back gazing at his unintelligent, empty eyes that promised nothing but a painful death.

Time stopped for everyone as Spike looked at them, until his expression turned into a hateful glare followed up by a mighty, ear busting roar filled with hate, despair, and agony. All the while looking at them.

The roar lasted scant seconds before it was followed up by another, more powerful roar. This time, however, a torrent of purple flames came out of his mouth directed straight for the group.

Thinking quickly, Chrysalis conjured all the magic she could on her horn creating a defensive barrier around them. The flames clashed against her barrier washing around and over it ensuring the safety of those inside it. Behind them, the stall where the captured rulers were was caught by the fire.

The fire soon died down and Chrysalis put down her barrier seeing another had appeared around Spike, sustained by several unicorns. Even with the barrier up another roar from Spike was heard as if it wasn’t even there. She noticed the newly revived Spike was still looking straight at them. He then suddenly swiped his left claw and the barrier around him shattered, knocking back the unicorns. Charging her horn once again, she shot a beam of energy that was soon joined by two more, belonging to Blueblood and Shining Armor, combining mid-way into a dark orange tone beam hitting Spike directly in the chest sending him to the ground.

Not wasting time, Discord teleported next to Spike creating a barrier big enough to contain him but small enough to not allow him to move. Unexpectedly, Spike’s right arm came through his barrier and grabbed his goat leg; much to his surprise. The fire around Spike’s arm instantly began to encapture his leg. With a fierce pull that tore the claws off of Spike, Discord teleported back to the group and fell on his knees.

Fluttershy approached to help him, seeing his shaking body and the blood dripping from his fists, but he created a barrier around himself. Looking up to her, Fluttershy was able to see that fearful, struggling look inside her husband’s eyes.

“Don’t let the...RRRWwwwFUCK...fire touch you!” Discord shouted before he melted into the earth.

Looking up to Spike they all saw how he was back on his feet, his claws regrown and looking like nothing happened. He was about to attack again when something caught his attention. Raising his head he began to sniff the air smelling something. Letting out a hungry, ear piercing roar Spike jumped sky high away from the stadium.

Celestia’s world was silent, everything around her moved but didn’t have any sound. She looked back to the stall of the captured leaders and saw that the fire wasn’t really fire. It was more like smoke. The males were struggling to unchain themselves while the females seemed to calm and submissive. The males were also...deformed, for lack of a better term. Some of their body parts were bulky and muscular while the others looked lanky in comparison, even though those were their normal sizes and structures. It took her a moment to realize what was happening to them.

Celestia fainted.

End of part 1.