Vallan’s Camp; the group rested that evening from the day’s recent events.

Many members of the group decided to rest, leaving only two willing members to stay awake and guard the others. Tim sat on a large stone on the beach, while another figure stood leaning against the bark of the tree; the figure was Sharp who while extremely tired, wanted to still help, volunteering to vote to do guard duty… not knowing that Tim is the only one in the group who rarely gets any rest and guards constantly.

Stupid Sharp, of course they have someone picked to guard already! You just had to be helpful and do more work… I can barely stand upright as it is.

The poor ex-guard drowsily stood as tall as she could, but the calmness of the night and sounds of the wildlife was almost enough to make her lull to sleep… almost. It was until someone approached her and tapped her near her flank that startled; instinctively she bucked back to hit the supposed pervert.

“Whoa! Calm down Sharp, its just me,” said Swuen, raising her arms up.

After realizing what she almost done, Sharp woke up to high-gear and shook the sleep from her eyes. “Swuen; I’m so sorry, I thought you were… well… ‘him’,” said Sharp.

“You mean A.I? Please, that creep may do weird stuff but that… he’d rather dissect you than do something like that to you. Anyway, I just came here to tell you you can go and rest. I know you never expected Tim to do guard duty for us regularly, but that big guy is on a constant vigilant eye on everything – I’ll take guard duty for you while you rest, you deserve it.”

Sharp wanted to say no, but really she was desperate for any kind of rest right now, her body was ready to collapse from the lack of rest her muscles didn’t have. Swuen moved beside her and sat down, patting a piece of the ground beside her, Sharp accepted sitting beside her new friend.

Swuen stared at the statuesque Tim – he stared at the lake outside, the moon’s light reflecting off the still water – who sat with his boots dug deep into the sand, and his hands grasping the sides of the rock he was on. “You know… I thought about a lot of things about where I’d end up after I joined this group. Robbing people, taking out targets… that sort of thing… If someone were to tell me I’d end up in another world, stranded in said world, and friends with one of the inhabitants… I thought they were crazy,” said Swuen, chuckling. “Well, I bet their laughing to high heaven right now.”

Sharp wasn’t sure what kind of message Swuen was trying to send, but it made sense what kind of a life she and the others may had in their world.

“This place a dream come true you know; a place of second chances and new beginnings. Sometimes… sometimes I always thought my life would be just running and living with the guilt. Now… maybe I can settle down… though to be honest that sounds really stupid, heh.”

“You settling down? That doesn’t sound like you at the slightest,” said Sharp. “Besides, if you were to settle down, most likely you’d do it just so you rather not help A.I.”

“True, true.”

Both of the two laughed at their little joke toward A.I, finding him a real pain. That was until something caught their attention, as well as Tim’s; ahead at the other side of the lake from across of their campsite… were lights… from fire.

“Torches, a couple meters from the edge of the trees, it seems your Canterlot friends managed to catch up with us,” said Swuen. Above the air, a few winged figures could be spotted some distance above where the lights are. “And they got backup; wake up the others, tell them we got company.”

Sharp watched Swuen stand up and walk up beside Tim, following what Swuen told her, Sharp ran back to the camp. Tim and Swuen stood side-by-side, readying to hold the oncoming attack while the others prepare for an evac.

“Well big guy, let’s hope you try not take all the fun now.” Swuen whipped out both blades, a golden glow coming out the blades. “Time to get started.”

Vallan’s Campsite; the group awaken after hearing some commotion nearby.

“WE GOT TROUBLE!” shouted Sharp, running back from the lake’s shore.

Everyone woke up immediately until they heard the shouting and fighting happening at the shore. The first to grab their weapon and join the fighting was Mathree, rushing past Sharp yelling something about cutting open a… other than that, A.I. was the first to ask questions.

“Who’s attacking?” asked A.I.

“The Canterlot guard, a possibly the Pegasi and Earth Ponies; you guys really pissed off everypony didn’t you.”

“Well, a we’re not that famous for being nice,” said Lov, with a cheeky grin. “So what’s the plan?”

At the very same time, the boombox that Vallan was able to salvage started to turn on it’s own; a familiar voice can be heard through the static, before Eliya tunes in to hear it perfectly. “Hey, can anybody hear this; hello?”

“Wait, is that…” said A.I, tuning in the signal. “Joseph, is that you? If you can hear this, respond!”

For awhile, some static goes by until a voice is… and a big noise that’s reminiscent of an explosion. “RUBERT FOR THE LOVE OF THE DEITIES DON’T MAKE BOMBS IN THE VEHICLE! ...Oh hey A.I, yeah I hear you; where are you guys, I lost contact after the crash but are you guys nearby?”

“We’re in a forest near a lake, where are your current coordinates?”

“Uhhh, I see a forest and mountain with some sort of castle on it’s side.”

With the mention of Canterlot confirmed, A.I. needs to only ask one question to confirm their allies location. “Is the castle on the left or right of your perspective?” asked A.I, awaiting an answer.

For awhile of static and the continued sounds of fighting happening in the background, a response was given. “On theeee… left side from where I am… Oh and I’m also near a river, which is by some drylands of some kind,” said Rubert. “Are you guys north of me or south?”

“A bit north-west of you, but I have an idea; wait for us where you are, and we’ll come to you. If we don’t arrive before midnight...” At this point A.I. became silent, as well as those with him, until he breathed a deep sigh and responded. “Leave the area and head south; the lands there haven’t searched by the Equestrians as is supposedly there’s a wasteland that you can hide there without ever being followed. Remember… don’t come back for us no matter what, do you understand?”

“… … ...Yeah… yeah I understand, just get here quick, over and out.”

Rubert’s connection ends leaving the group alone with static from the boombox, and sounds of Tim and Swuen fighting back the attackers.

“You heard him, we’re moving out; follow down the river by the shoreline until you find Rubert and Joseph. Try to avoid any dangers if you can… until then, it’s time we get out of here, once and for all,” said Vallan, gripping both guns in his hands.

Lake’s Shore; the forces sent by Commander Hurricane and Princess Platinum find Vallan and his companions, but are stopped by Tim, Swuen, Mathree, and Lov.

Lov charges forward with one of her weapons – a large sword with red markings going through it with saw-like blade – sending the weapon to the ground, causing a zigzag of energy to grow through the ground toward a wall of soldiers. The attack causes an explosion of fire to arise from the ground, engulfing the soldiers within.

“Fire Wall!” shouted Lov. “Get cooked bitches!”

Coming from the sky, dive-bombing Lov are several pegasi with wingblades equipped, when something jumps from the trees toward the pegasi. “Oh no you don’t!” Mathree throws several knives that sail through the air and made their mark on each pegasi. “BULLSEYE!

Swuen came zooming by like the wind, slashing all the soldiers she went by, causing tiny cuts through vital points of their body, cutting their nerves to temporarily paralyze them. It was until a crossbow bolt was embedded right in front of her, right as she stopped; looking up was a unicorn who prepared to fire another bolt, and send forth multiple magical blasts at once.

“Things went south way to quickly! Tim, a little help here?”

Tim came rushing forward unleashing fist shaped fireballs toward the unicorn crossbow wielder. The unicorn sent its own attacks, the two in a close match, unable to move forward or back only able to sent another attack after the next.

“Group C! FORWARD!” Coming from the treeline were more soldiers, and with them was a blue pegasus wearing armor of that of a leader. Commander Hurricane, and Private Pansy have arrived to backup the other groups that were sent ahead to attack Vallan’s group.

Commander Hurricane came rushing forward as he sent his spear down onto Swuen; the attack but was followed by Hurricane swinging his weapon off the block, and jabbing it several times. Swuen tried her best to dodge the attacks but still received some scratches from the near close hits to her vitals.

Shit! This guy has got a serious grudge on us… Vallan you really need to clean up your mess.

Pansy came by, firing successful crossbow bolts that either kept the enemy back, or a close hit. Either way, both sides were taking one step forward, only to take one step back – a standoff with no clear winner.

Lov was attack more soldiers until she was overwhelmed, and like that she was out the count. One of the soldiers managed to push her back, causing her to stumble and take a hit, by slashing her torso, creating a large gash. While the gash was big, it only made Lov angry but backed off as Mathree helped her up.

“We got a man down!” shouted Mathree, gripping Lov by the arm.

“I’m a girl, jackass!”

“YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN! WHERE’S VALLAN?!”

At that same time… music could be heard; the boombox was found by a tree, and coming out from the shadows of the tree was Vallan. Embodying the relentless wrath and bloodlust to come of one who’s relentless, he is know for being remorseless to any who stand in his way – the Relentless Demon – he’ll take what he came for… or annihilate all who dare to cross him.

“MONSTER! YOU’LL PAY!” screamed Hurricane, rushing past Swuen. Hurricane charged straight for Vallan, until he raised both his weapons. Remembering what Vallan was capable of doing, he duck back behind a large boulder in the sand, as bullets whizzed toward the Equestrian forces. Luckily some were able to get out of the way, while those unlucky enough were hit by the bullets, left as bodies filled with holes.

Monster? I refer to myself as-

“A true warrior,” said Vallan, finishing his thought. “Time to clear some loose ends.”

Vallan crossed the numerous bodies littered around the shore, surrounded by soldiers – ten to one – with a grin plastered on his face. Swiveling his head toward his allies, he nodded toward them as he pointed one of his guns down the shoreline. “Follow the river, we’re regrouping with Rubert and Joseph. I’ll handle things here… MOVE OUT!”

With that final order, Tim and the others left Vallan to handle the Equestrians, alone; Vallan loaded two new clips into his guns, as the empty clips are left on the sandy ground. Posing with both guns crossed on his body, Vallan glared menacingly toward those he would fight… and kill.

Hurricane stepped out of his cover, and with the soldiers he brought with him from the military camp and Canterlot, they charged forward screaming out for victory. “FOR EQUESTRIA!” shouted Hurricane, and a majority of the soldiers.

Sword, spear, arrow, and shield were met with the bullets of various kind and type; Vallan against a whole squadron – and more – of Equestria’s soldiers.

Somewhere in the Everfree Forest, near the river; those who left and those who try to catch up are a couple hours from the fighting.

Having had a head start in leaving, while Tim’s group catches up, everyone has managed to leave while gathered what they can, and destroying what’s left so nothing can be traced or taken from them. The group has managed to get as much stuff they can by making a raft made of A.I’s ice, while the others carried everything else by hand.

“Was it okay for us to leave Vallan behind? There were a lot of soldiers, and I think I saw a few veterans among them too – like Commander Hurricane!” said Sharp, worried.

“Don’t worry, Vallan’s been through rougher waters,” said Swuen.

“Please don’t mention rough waters when we’re on a raft of all places.”

Walking by the shoreline was Tim, Mathree, and Lov; the three were carrying various items of the like, with Tim carrying all the heave stuff while Mathree and Lov carried a few items in their hands or various hidden pockets.

“Tim… Mind explaining why is it that I’m carrying stuff that’s completely light when you’re carrying all the heavy stuff? I told you I can handle all the heavy shite too!”

“Boho ho, ho ho… Bo… ho...”

“What you mean the last time I tried lifting I fainted… I was half-asleep when that happened.”

Tim grunted when Lov entered the conversation, rudely. “I remember that, didn’t Mathree almost break his arm when that happened. His bone was popping out and it made a loud of squishy sounds-”

That was when Tim stopped the group; something was moving in the forest beside them… and it was big. Bursting from the foliage was a rock-like crocodile that appeared and disappeared into the river, were bubbles were slowing going toward A.I’s ice raft.

All three of them stared for awhile, with Lov ruining the silence with a random but obvious observation. “That’s one big lizard.”

Back on A.I’s raft, those on it also noticed the giant crocodile heading toward them. A.I. reacted first by firing ice shards that were made of steel straight into the water, when a large form came bursting out, non effected by his attack at the slightest.

It tried to chomp one of them off the large raft until Eliya threw several incendiary bombs that engulfed the strange crocodile in napalm flame. Swuen tried to keep their cargo from not falling off, while Sharp simply panicked left and right in terror.

“SHARP! WHAT IS THAT THING!?” shouted Swuen, trying to keep a crate from falling.

“It’s a cragadile; their native in the Everfree! BUT THAT’S THE LARGEST ONE I’VE SEEN BEFO- AHHHHH ITS COMING FOR MEEEEHHHH!”

The cragadile chomped where Sharp was, nearly biting on her and only taking a chunk of the raft and some of her tail. Swuen swiped a piece of the monstrous creature but only managed to get some scales off; A.I. blasted it back as the reptile retreated back into the green waters.

Those on the raft kept a close eye on the water for any sudden shifts, except for Sharp who was shaking like a leaf. It was at that moment, the cragadile returned for round two, when A.I. froze the water it was coming from, turning it partially into a literal ice block where the only recognizable thing was its tail. After doing this, everyone let loose their attacks, ranging from precise stabs, explosive kunais, and sharp icicle shards.

Sharp watched as the cragadile was turned into nothing but a floating piece of leather, their attacks were merciless and relentless. Once the attacks stopped the cragadile was barely alive, with half of the body missing, and the once indestructible scales torn from it’s flesh. The sight was terrifying toward Sharp, but sighed in relief to being thankful she was on their side.

“Is it… Is it dead?” asked Sharp, poking the body.

Her question was answer with a single twitch from the body, that resulted in her getting spooked and Swuen using a powerful move on the somewhat alive body.

“Dust Slash!” With one powerful stroke of her knife, the cragadile was reduced to sand which sunk into the water.

Sharp stared dumbfounded of what just happened before her when everyone’s attention was taken to something else.

“We got a problem,” said Eliya. “There’s two paths ahead – one straight forward, and one to the left – which do we take?”

A.I. looked ahead until pointing to the path to the left, only to turn around and repair the damage done to the raft. “Joseph told me he saw the Canterlot on the left side of the mountain, meaning their somewhere south; the river path ahead would take us west, while the one on the left will take us south.”

“Alright then; Sharp, help me move the raft to the left. We’ll push the waters on the right side to get it moving.”

Swuen and Sharp started to move the raft with some paddles they made, causing the raft to start moving to the left, closer to the other path of the river. Once making their course down the river, they encounter the surrounding trees to be completely different than the forest they were staying in before; they’ve entered the inner parts of the Everfree Forest. Unsure of what may lurk from within, Mathree, Tim, and Lov regroup back on the raft as they all make their way down the river’s current.

Everfree Forest, Everfree Castle; after the flames have died down, and investigations were made, culprits were searched for within the castle.

Luna sits outside on the castle’s front steps, with her is Celestia and Starswirl; after being told who caused the fire and why was a shock to everypony. However, what was more of a shock was what the survivor had to say – the mare who Tim spared – telling Starswirl and Captain Coin that there are spies within the nation. The survivor had no idea about this, and assumed the reason some of the soldiers were attacking the castle’s guests do to them being strangers, and weren’t trustworthy as some of the soldiers didn’t agree with forming an alliance with them… but to find out that those she assisted were spies was a greater dishonor than anything else, making her actions treason to the nation.

Currently after everything has settled down, she’s being kept in the dungeons while everypony in the castle’s staff is to be suspicious of any traitorous activities, putting all under lockdown. The only ones who weren’t under lockdown was the Captain himself, Starswirl, the alicorn sisters, and a few of Captain Coin’s trusted who he personally selected. Everypony else is being kept in the castle, and anypony seen leaving is sent to the dungeons.

How can this happen? To imagine our ranks to be infiltrated by spies… just how long have they been here? Captain Coin slammed his hoof against the outside wall of the castle, getting the attention of Starswirl who approached with a hoof on his shoulder.

“This is a terrible time for us all; not only were our guests ran out due to the confusion, but that we have spies in our lands… I haven’t requested for a messenger to be sent, in fear that something may happen to them. We shall personally go to Canterlot to tell the news of this… and I think it is time to tell them about the ‘girls’,” said Starswirl.

At this Captain Coin spun around in surprise from Starswirl’s statement. “You wish to tell them of the alicorns!? With what’s been going on and this new development, do you think they’ll trust you after this?!”

“They won’t… but their advisers will; they know about the sisters, and a vote will be made to make them our leaders. It was to happen sooner or later, and it make take a year for everypony in our nation to accept them, but they’ll slowly rally… They will become the beacon for this nation.” Starswirl glanced at Luna and Celestia having blankets on them as they sat on the castle front’s steps.

They must succeed to lead this nation, and our ponies… if not, then we’ll all be swept away. I just hope that the other tribes’ leaders will accept them, just as I have.

Elsewhere at Vallan’s Camp…

“YYYYYEEEEEEAAAAAH!” A soldier charged toward Vallan with a spear; dodging the weapon with a spin, Vallan gunned down the soldier before firing more rounds at Hurricane’s forces.

Hurricane hid behind a large tree trunk with Pansy and some soldiers, ducking from the bullets whizzing by them.

“Commander! We can’t get near him, and if we try to surround him, he simply takes each one of us one by one! When will backup arrive, sir!” shouted one of the soldiers.

At that very moment, just when Vallan was approaching a barrage of magical blasts were directed at Vallan, as a magical barrier surrounded Hurricane’s forces. Coming from the treeline behind Vallan was Platinum’s forces, with her there in her regal clothing and at her side was High Commander Meteor. The unicorn soldiers sent out elemental attacks toward Vallan, who either dodged or blocked them by tossing empty gun cartridges.

Now forced in the center with no possible escape routes, Vallan finds himself in one tricky predicament. Low on ammo, exhausted, and barely had any rest since planning to free her nieces, Vallan stares at the two opposing sides with determination.

Princess Platinum stares down on Vallan, loathing him and what he’s done; with one final order, she commanded her forces to take down Vallan – no mercy. “Finish this,” said Platinum.

With a nod from High Commander Meteor, he engaged his forces forward as they unleashed everything they had on Vallan. Spells flew, arrows and bolts were unleashed as everything overwhelmed Vallan; a large dust cloud formed which was stopped after everything they had was used to their full extent. Hurricane’s forces stood by but vigilant, waiting for any sign of movement of any kind… and they saw him.

Vallan stood standing… but not in perfect condition; all gawked and gasped what lay before them – Platinum continued to stare, Hurricane stared wide-eyed but with some recognition toward this opponent. The one being that stayed behind to hold back their forces… was covered in arrows and bolts, scorch marks from flame or lightening-based spells, bruises from pure physical magical blasts, and the biggest wound was half his face was bleeding, the skin barely holding on as it could be peeled off by a gentle breeze. A pool of blood surrounded the still standing form, nopony dared to approach but neither they dare to drop their weapons either.

The one pony to move and see was Hurricane, with Pansy close behind as backup; approaching the body, Hurricane stared into Vallan’s eyes – they were as lifeless as he first encountered him… but more than usual, as they were grayed out instead of the sinister purple from before. Done with his examination, he confirmed Vallan to be dead… that was until Pansy noticed something.

It was a tiny detail but, after a short while… blood stopped dripping from his face… and that was when something came whizzing toward her; it was so quick she didn’t realize what hit her was Vallan’s fist. The hit was so hard that it caused Pansy to fly straight toward a tree, the landing itself however was what got her to go unconscious. Hurricane twisted around until he found himself being strangled by Vallan… or what remained.

“What… are… yoo-uuu?” asked Hurricane, being choked by Vallan.

Vallan glanced up with a weird look – his eyes weren’t gray anymore, and back to being purple but now having a strange energy seeping out from his wounds and mouth – as he stopped bleeding entirely. Vallan moved his mouth but no words came, just some wheezes and grunts; Vallan threw Hurricane back at his forces, until he turned to face Platinum’s forces.

Holstering both guns away, Vallan curled both his hands together until an ominous glow appeared from within his hands. Platinum’s forces slowly backed away from the glow until the ground sent a tremor that originated from Vallan; the tremors ferocity and speed continued grow every second, causing the strange glow from Vallan’s hands.

With one final look from Vallan, he stared at Platinum with eyes that only showed something you only see on those who didn’t remained after a battle; the eyes of a deadman.

“Soul Crush...” A massive wave of purple light engulfed everypony, and after the light died down, every single living soul was comatose. Not a single body moved, as anypony with a certain level of aura were either went unconscious – or dead depending on the user – except for three others.

Platinum and Hurricane were barely standing, leaving High Commander Meteor standing tall, somewhat tilting slightly only to stand tall once more. Vallan approached the High Commander… only for Meteor kneel down and bow in surrender. “I alone am not enough to face you… not in the state I am in of course; I kneel in mercy,” said Meteor, humbly.

Vallan glanced down for a long time before reaching forward, only to grab the boombox that was left over. After walking past Meteor – who was still kneeling – he stepped toward Platinum, staring down menacingly. Platinum barely stayed conscious but looked up with every shred of defiance that she could muster up… but it was all fruitless toward Vallan’s unwavering glare.

“Just… how? How… are you still standing? What… kind of… being, are you?” asked Platinum, heaving.

Vallan’s menacing look changed to a blank one; Vallan gave Platinum an empty looking as if he himself does not know… but gave an answer that described him by another companion… one that he’s closer than others think.

“I’m a body with no soul, a dead man… I’m… a clone - ‘his’ clone.”

It was all Platinum could hear before the land of unconsciousness took her; with that, Vallan left leaving them all behind as Hurricane stared at him and turned to stare at Meteor. Right before he took went unconscious… he saw the High Commander… he saw Meteor… smirk.

After a couple of hours, 2:00am; Rubert and Joseph wait for their companions by a river.

While Joseph busied making more bombs – a few exploding in his face, leaving a soot covered Joseph – Rubert awaited outside his newest creation, the Insomnia Truck. With some binoculars, the radio, and a stool made from wood – which Joseph made out of boredom – he sat by the river watching… and waiting… and waiting… oh and guess what, waiting.

It was at that time of the night… day… the time right before sunset, that Rubert saw something. Grabbing the binoculars, he managed to spot an icy platform with several figures on top; spotting A.I’s raft, he shouted toward Joseph. “JOSEPH! THEIR HERE, FIRE A FLARE QUICK!” shouted Rubert.

“WHICH ONE? THE ONE THAT GOES BOOM OR THE PRETTY ONE?”

“WHAT KIND OF QU- JUST USE EITHER!”

“...OKAY; I’LL USE BOTH!” Rubert sighed before turning on the radio to contact A.I.

“A.I, I spot you guys, do you respond,” said Rubert. Static was the only think he got in return, and deciding not to repeat his message again, simply placed the radio away. Well it don’t matter, I can see them from here and doesn’t look like their being followed. Better turn on the truck, so they can see us.

From A.I’s perspective, the group spotted a massive bright – and loud – flare/firework, that showed Rubert’s truck. Once reaching them, A.I. froze the part of the river that was near Rubert and Joseph to make a sort of ice bridge; everyone were happy to see the Crane brothers, and Rubert’s latest new vehicle.

“Damn! You made that, I’m surprised you could since these ponies got some primitive goods around here,” said Mathree.

“Well some of our stuff came falling with us… it was enough to make this bad boy… Hey, where’s Vallan?” asked Rubert.

It was that moment that Swuen came forward with a frown; most of the group stayed quiet, realizing that Vallan wasn’t with them which meant he stayed behind to slow the enemy from following.

Everyone was quiet until Sharp saw something in the distance across the plains; at the edge of the Everfree Forest that was where they were was… “HEY! ITS VALLAN, HIS OVER THERE!”

Everyone turned and indeed it was Vallan; he was carrying the boombox which answered why Rubert was unable to contact A.I. Vallan was covered in wounds that would of killed anybody… except maybe Tim or… Swuen… or anybody in this crazy group that Sharp could think of.

Vallan neared them, but dropped down with the boombox in hand, before keeling over from having to travel to the rendevous point while carrying something that’s sixth as heavy as Tim.

“Imma teeeaarrrreedd,” said Vallan, his speech slurred. “Wwaawvvvkkkyyy, mmemaehhh uauueeppp whahhheeennnn, iaiiiieiitttssss mmmomomomom… nnnnaaaaannniiieee-” Vallan flopped to the ground, being caught by Eliya and Lov; the twins cared their uncle to the truck, before Eliya turned to the others.

“Let’s get out of here before more crazy shit happens,” said Eliya, tired herself.

Some hours after Platinum’s ambush, 6:00am; Platinum and Hurricane’s forces – after waking up – return to Puddinghead’s Community, but once arriving there, they find two groups waiting for them.

Once both forces arrive, Platinum and Hurricane spot Clover who was speaking to Starswirl; seeing the two was both a shock to either of the two, when High Commander Meteor approached and bowed down to Starswirl and nodded to Clover.

“Starswirl the Bearded; Clover the Clever. I would ask why you are here… but it is not for me to judge… We have returned from Princess Platinum’s attempt of capturing several of the beings’ at a camp they set-up, as well as a traitor that joined them,” said Meteor, reporting what has occurred. “The plan itself failed, as I wasn’t the one under strategy for the ambush, simply giving orders… We lost some during the battle, and many are either injured or comatose after a strange power was sent by one of them… I believe he’s called, Vallan.”

Hearing the name Vallan, Clover came forward with a worried look. “Is the Princess okay, did he do anything to her?!”

“Nothing came harm to her… Some words were spoken, but all of it was vague… I can repeat what was said if you like?”

“I think, it is best that should come from the Princess herself… I also have told my apprentice that two beings came to… my group. They were friendly but sadly something had occurred at our site that… they were forced to leave,” said Starswirl, finding difficulty explaining what occurred.

“Like what?”

“...We… have spies amongst our forces, High Commander Meteor Shatter – and we weren’t the ones to find out.”

Understanding the situation has gotten more dire, Meteor turned to the now approaching Platinum and Hurricane who had Puddinghead, Smart Cookie, and Pansy – who was being held up by Cookie – arrive with them too.

“What happened to everypony? Looked like you all got it hit by the wildest storm ever… don’t tell me the Windigos are back.”

“NOT- the Windigos, Chancellor,” said Platinum, trying to keep calm. “Apparently… my plan to capture our assailants… has failed… I hope nothing worse could happen.”

Hearing that, both Clover and Starswirl gulped, instead changing the subject into something… “else”. “Well… I do have news, and… it may be something important to all of you… no… All of Equestria; I’d like you to meet my newest apprentices. They’re also the ones to lead this country to a grander future for us all… Meet, the Alicorn Sisters of Legend!”

Standing before the small group was Celestia and Luna – both were shy from being surrounded by unfamiliar faces, the only faces being somewhat familiar is the three advisers, having seen them come by but only a glance. A complete utter silence befell them all, with the first breaking said silence Platinum, uttering the a few words that described this whole situation… ten-fold.

“You… you… you two… both have… wings, and a… horn...” said Platinum… before fainting. (HAHAHAHA)

Seeing her lady faint, Clover would of panicked or anything, but knowing this was going to happen, Clover sighed and simply helped Platinum up as she slowly brought her to her tent. “Don’t worry your highness, everything will be okay.”

“Clovy? Is that you? I… I-I-I think I saw a myth… tell me what I saw was an illusion; please? Please? PLEASE!?”

“Uhhhhhmmmm… Sorta.”

“……..I hate you, and Starswirl sooo much.”

“I know… sorry.”

The two left the awkward silence before it ended again by Meteor who rather be doing something that standing around, left. “I’m not big on the political side of things; I’ll excuse myself as I must reinforce our forces after… some new developments have been made.”

Everypony watched Meteor left as Starswirl sighed and took everypony else to a sizable tent that was setup for meeting for them all. “Now while we wait for Clover to calm down Platinum… I must explain what our future plans are for this nation.”

“Hold on! What about Vallan’s group, they’ll stop at nothing to ruin this land of ours!”

Luna didn’t like how this complete stranger was negatively speaking about her new friends, friends. Ready to shout at the stranger, Celestia stopped her, hugging her tightly who was also upset by the attitude that was being sent toward their friends.

“Now now, we mustn’t forget that try to show aggressive action toward them. If I remember correctly, your forces try to search for two girls, and captured them… in a cage. Instead of negotiating a form of peace, you simply attacked straight forward, not only that, you did this without sending a letter to us first or telling those at the military camp. This is why I didn’t choose you for my secret project, Hurricane… not because you represent the Pegasus Tribe… because your reckless, and… when somepony is reckless, their dangerous.”

Hurricane wanted to retort but bit his tongue in frustration; Puddinghead was the next to speak, but more in a positive note that showed to Starswirl that he wasn’t the only one who had a good relationship with their possible allies.

“But… What will happen to them?” asked Puddin.

“Well, we haven’t search the south, and there’s a lot of land the search...”

I’m sure they’ll be fine… They managed to survive crashing from the heavens, I’m no sure being lost will matter, and besides…

They’re together.

Southern Equestria, 6:55am; somewhere… in the middle of nowhere…

Rubert’s truck zoomed by for hours, going by plains, trees, hills, until finally… they reached the south; outside there were plateaus, a vast emptiness as far the eye can see, a complete dry land with not a single bit of life anywhere.

The group stepped out of the vehicle one a time, making Vallan the last to step out; after having his wounds being healed and having regenerative abilities that worked more slowly for him, the group stood atop a cliff that overlooked the widespread view of the land.

In the distance could be mountains and a large canyon that stretched across the land like a wall, as the wind swept up the dirt causing small dust storms to go by. It was here where they could rebuild themselves… where a new beginning could be… where they could build something to make a stand.

“So this is the place,” said Swuen.

“Niiaacceee veeewww,” said Mathree.

“Preeeetttyyy.” Lov’s eyes glowed at the beauty of the land, finding it all perfect.

Eliya watched until the slow rise of the sun appeared, making the area even more beautiful; the sun brightened the land, mixing in numerous colors to create an unforgettable view for them all. Sharp was amazed by the scene, but saw A.I. in the corner of her eye. Instead of looking A.I. stared down at a small mound in the middle of nowhere with some rock protruding from the top.

“What you looking at?” asked Sharp.

“...I believe I found where we shall build our base,” said A.I. “That spot would make a perfect hideout, and the secluded area and the fact it blends with the area, making it completely unremarkable will make the perfect camouflage. What you say Vallan; shall we start building here?”

Vallan stared at the landscape with an intrigued look before staring down below; turning around to face his companions, Vallan grinned back.

“We won’t make a base here… This… This is where we’ll build it.”

“Build… what?” asked Eliya, curious.

...Home.

Author's Notes:

Bold - Character Narrating (Either Perspective or Narrator)
Italics - Character's Thoughts
Brackets - Author's Comments
Color - Character Who's Narrating or Thinking: Sharp Sight
Loarven Swuen
Vallan
Captain Coin Flip
Starswirl the Bearded
Rubert Crane

End of Arc 1: Arrival...

Next: Arc 2...