The warm midday air blew through the open window in Jahurl's office, relaxing the occupants further as they lounged before and behind his desk. The Minotaur Lord leaned back in his chair and grinned, his face creasing from lines of laughter. "So, have you decided how long you want to stay? I heard from Tyra that you're planning on at least a few more days, or nights, technically."

"We find it would be best to return to our kingdom as soon as possible, but meeting with the ruler of Grandimino is something that should be done sooner rather than later. It is as you say, Lord Jahurl. Negotiations for assistance would work more to my favor should I meet her and negotiate it firsthand instead of through liaisons." Nightmare Moon looked down to Twilight. "Besides, my companion still requires time to recuperate from her previous injuries and it is much safer here than anywhere in Equestria."

"Ah, yes. It'd be a shame for something to happen to the young mare."

Nightmare's eyes narrowed as she morphed her passive gaze into a fierce scowl. "I would advise you to watch what you say, mortal. Know that, should anything happen to Twilight while we are here, I will personally eradicate your city and its people."

"I meant everything that statement directly implied, my Queen. Lady Sparkle is a magnificent mare," he smiled at the dark unicorn before returning his focus to the alicorn, "and it would be unfortunate for anything to happen to her. We shall, to the best of our abilities, make sure no harm comes your way during your stay here. Now, back to the reason we're here, arranging a meeting with my sister will take a few days seeing as she is a busy Tauran. About how long are you willing to spare?"

Nightmare Moon looked at her lover who simply shrugged. "We'll stay until her magic has returned, at least partially. She needs to be able to defend herself to some degree. Other than that, I'd prefer to leave not long after our meeting with.... Who is the ruler of Grandimino?"

"Ah, I apologize. My sister, Lady Borea, is the current ruler of Grandimino, based in the embrace of the Grandimino Peaks. She is strict, but given to acts of compassion towards helping her people. Unless it's me, of course." He laughed heartily and rubbed a newly forming tear from his eye. "She thinks I'm a pushover due to how I run my country. Eh, she may be right. I'm a big softy at heart."

"I look forward to meeting with Lady Borea and to discussing the possibility of a treaty with her as well."

Twilight shifted slightly, easing the discomfort in her backside from their extended seating and her previous... activities. "Do you know if there'll by anything we can offer her to help ease our way through this? From the way you spoke of her, it doesn't seem like a simple trade arrangement and offer of our assistance in time of need will be enough."

"Still quite the thinker, even after this morning, eh?" Twilight's eyes widened as a burning blush spread across her face. "Haha! Don't be surprised that I knew, young one. I'd be surprised if half the city didn't hear you." His chuckling continued for several moments, much to the dismay and embarrassment of Twilight, until he took a deep breath to calm himself. "Hah.... You are correct, however. Borea can be difficult to sway, but with the fact that Griffonia is a plague to her people as well, it should be easier than under different circumstances."

"Very well. My companion and I shall take our leave for the time being. Please inform us of the date of our negotiations as soon as it is available." Nightmare Moon stood and was joined by an unsteady Twilight, her legs still shaking to support her tired body. "Do you require assistance, Twilight?"

The unicorn shook her head and smiled warmly. "No, I’ll be okay. Thank you, though." Her blush returned, lighting up her face with its warmth. "I'm actually surprised that you're seemingly unaffected. Your stamina is amazing."

Jahurl burst out laughing again from behind the pair of mares. "Ahh, love at its finest. Coupling until they can hardly walk and speaking about it in front of others without shame. Truly admirable." He smacked Tyra on her rump and pushed her out the door. "Accompany our guests again, Tyra. Make sure they have just as much fun today as they did yesterday. I can't wait to hear what new noises this one can make!" He grinned deviously at Twilight who buried her head in her forehooves, burning with shame.

As Nightmare looked upon the humiliated unicorn, she felt her lips curl into a faint hint of a smile. I will not regret my decision to be with this mare. That is a certainty.

Pegasi flew between crumbled buildings, pushing clouds to and fro as those that weren’t dutifully undergoing the pegasi’s training regimen worked to repair the damaged city. Rainbow Dash stared in awe at the carnage wrought upon the once proud city, noticing the distinct shortage of construction ponies. “Sweet Celestia.... How did this happen?”

“This was one of the first cities the griffons attacked in full force during the initial raids.” Dizzy and Rainbow jumped and spun around to see Silver Lining standing just at the top of the docking bay. “They were extremely understaffed, even with the large groups of pegasi trained for battle, and were taken off-guard by the sudden assault. I don’t know much else, but Cloudsdale lost a lot of good pegasi that day. Were it not for the leadership of the Wonderbolts, this city would probably be unlivable.”

Dizzy sucked in air and spun back around to face the carnage. “M-my family.... I have to go find my family! R-Rainbow, c-could you cover for me? I.... I need to find out if they’re....”

The cyan pegasus looked at her friend, eyes soft, and nodded. “Yeah, but be quick. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep the facility on hold. I hear those drill sergeant ponies are tough apples.” The golden pegasus nodded and took off into the city, eyes darting to and fro as she weaved between wreckage and workers. Rainbow sighed, drooping, and cast a glance back to Silver. “I can’t believe anything would want to do this. Do you know why the griffons are killing everypony? Why this war is even happening? My best friend is a griffon and I haven’t heard anything about this before.”

“I haven’t got a clue. I think you should ask Gilda. She’ll probably know more about this than anybody else. I’m just the captain of an airship once meant to cater to pompous fools that has been recommissioned for recruitment purposes. I hope your friend finds her family, but I need to get everypony off so I can rest for the next flight.” He bowed low and turned back inside against the flow of ponies leaving the ship.

Rainbow Dash turned back to the wreckage and stuttered out a heavy sigh as the sound of beatings wings played in the distance. She looked up to see Gilda hovering above the ponies with her battalion of Lunar Soldiers keeping watch on the horizon. The young griffon spotted her and immediately dropped from her position to settle on the cloud bed beside her. “Hey Dash. Bucking crazy, isn’t it? Feels kinda bad knowing that the only pony city I actually liked was hit so hard.”

“Hey, Gilda. The airship captain said you’d know why all this is going on. Why we’re fighting you guys and such. I just don’t understand why this would happen out of the blue!” She grit her teeth, glaring at the broken city. “I always thought, you know, the griffons and us were pretty cool. I mean, you’re over here helping us, so what gives?”

“Look Dash. I’m not even supposed to be talking to you let alone leading your Queen’s armies. My tribe has always had it out for you ponies for many generations. Something about being kicked out due to some chaos-monster-god-thing. I don’t know the details. I never did give two bucks about our past, but our tribe’s pretty much taken over all the others.” She looked off into the distant north as if seeing something that nobody else could. “After we took the majority of the tribes, our chieftains have been pushing them to invade Equestria, but the appeasement treaty with the former princess has kept them at bay for hundreds of years."

"So, you're saying that, with Princess Celestia gone, you guys decided to attack? So this is all Nightmare Moon's fault!?"

"Dash, chill. This would have happened eventually either way. My dad's been setting up for a war against ponies for a while now." The young griffon smirked, scratching at the purple-dyed feathers around her eyes. "If anything, Nightmare Moon is a blessing for you ponies. That namby pamby princess wouldn't have fought back against Griffonia until it was too late."

"Tch, whatever. I still don't like Nightmare Moon for what she did, especially to Twilight, and what she's made other ponies do, but if the griffons are trying to kill us, then I'll fight for her." Dash held her head high and beamed. "I am the Element of Loyalty, after all. I can't let other ponies fight and not help out myself! I mean, what would the Wonderbolts think of me if I hid like a chicken?"

"They'd prolly hate you and never let you join them, duh!" Gilda laughed at Rainbow's glare, then looked to the sky. "Hey, I dunno how long your training is gonna last, but I'll see you when you get out. I've gotta jet for now, though. Cya Dash!"

The rainbow maned pony sighed as she watched her childhood friend fly off to join the guards circling the area. I wish it would all just go back to the way it was. This war is so stupid. Bucking griffons....

"Alright recruits! Gather around me and we'll take you to processing where you'll receive your unit number and initial equipment!" Rainbow's ears perked up at the sound of a stallion’s voice and turned towards the source. In front of the growing group of assembling pegasi was a large, purple stallion with a bright red mane streaked with grey. He wore thick, silver armor accentuated with a golden trim which only seemed to add to his intimidating build.

Dash joined the group of recruits and listened as closely as she could over the cacophony of murmuring voices. "We are moving to the far end of Cloudsdale where the facility is located! Fall in behind me in rows of ten and don't lag behind! I don't have time to be sending out ponies to search for your pansy asses!"

The group quickly formed sloppy rows of mismatched colors before moving in behind the drill sergeant. He grunted in disgust at the lackluster display before spreading his wings and lifting off into the air with a jump and a few powerful strokes of his sturdy appendages. The flight across Cloudsdale was slow; the large group of ponies moving sluggishly compared to individual flight.

Rainbow found herself grumbling under her breath, thoroughly annoyed at the languid pace she was being forced to take. This is ridiculous! I shouldn't have to fly this slow! If it wasn't for Dizzy, I'd just fly on ahead and leave these slugs in the dust. She sighed and looked around, trying to catch a glimpse of the rosy-maned mare from her position at the rear of the flock. I sure hope she finds her family. Her thoughts were interrupted by a surprise hug from behind, nearly knocking her out of her flight pattern.

"Oh, thankyousomuchRainbowDash!" Dizzy's whispering voice was barely audible over the random beating of nearly fifty pegasi.

Rainbow shrugged her off and watched as she joined the procession. "Did you find your family, Diz?"

"Yes! I'm so relieved that they're safe. With all of the damage to the city, I thought I'd never see them again." Her excitement turned sour moments later. "I wish I could say the same about our neighbors, though.... They lost their colt to those monsters."

The cyan pegasus, and a few eavesdropping others, gasped in shock at the downcast mare's words. "Well, we're going to be getting some proper training soon, so we'll be able to return the favor! I still find it hard to believe that my best friend is one of them. She seems so different."

Dizzy watched Rainbow curiously, expecting the mare to lose her brave smile over those words, but instead saw a new look of determination set in. She smiled at the rainbow-maned pony and looked to the front of the group, watching the lead stallion as he altered his course towards a large, almost fully intact cloud building below them. The group followed suit and they all landed softly on the cloud bed outside with disharmonious thuds.

"Alright recruits! This is the recently improved Cloudsdale Royal Guards Training Facility where you will either be spending the next month honing your abilities to become an asset to Her Majesty's Lunar Army, or crying like a foal as we try to whip your sorry ass into shape. Who knows? Some of you might even make it out early if you show exceptional skill. That'll all be determined during your training. Don't expect any partial treatment from our instructors, though. They've been dealing with suck-ups and ass-kissers longer than you've been off your mommies teats! Do you understand?"

The crowd mumbled out varied unenthusiastic responses highlighted by the deep, gravelly 'Yeah!' of a heavily muscled white stallion in the center of the group. Rainbow chuckled and shook her head. "This'll be a snap. I'll be in and out of this in a jiffy."

"You should try and stay as long as you can, Dash."

Dash stared at Dizzy incredulously. "Why? I don't take orders very well, if you couldn't tell from all those years with Cloud Kicker as head weather pony. I don't wanna be here any longer than I have to."

"But, Dash. The moment you finish here, you'll be sent off to fight. You could die!"

"Shhh! Don't want him to hear you." She inclined her head towards the instructor who was going over the processing procedure. "I know, however I can't just lolligag. I can't let other ponies fight while I'm horsing around to avoid it. Plus, I need to get out so I can see my friend; make sure she doesn't kick it."

"I.... I see. C-could you at least stay until I 'm almost done? I'm really scared from everything going on and it'd be nice to have somepony to look up to during this. Plus, I'm not really that powerful of a flyer."

Dash grinned smugly, running a hoof through her mane. "Psh, of course I can. After what Raindrops did for me, I'd have to be a complete ass to say no." She looked up towards the front of the formation to find them filing into the massive facility. "Oh, hey! We're moving. Don't worry, Diz. I'll stick with you until you're good to go."

They followed the lead ponies to the building's entrance, keeping pace with the sluggish crawl as the crowd passed the columned entrance in groups of three. Dash looked over as much of the building as she could, marvelling at the intricate architecture. The facility was a wonder of Cloudsdalean construction, its massive cloud walls and ceilings supported by pillars of ancient Roaman influence. In the center, clearly visible over the sloped roofing, sat a monstrous, domed coliseum.

"Wow! How long has this place been here? I can't believe I didn't notice it as a filly during flight school." Dash gaped at the expertly crafted construct as she prodded her companion for information.

"The training facility has been around since long before any of us were born, but it was never this big. That dome is new, too. It must've been added recently."

The pair finally passed under the archway and into the building, finding themselves in a high-topped lobby with two doors on either side of the far wall. Beside each door sat small desks. Behind each sat a pair of pegasi dressed in white coats, one with a camera and one holding a clipboard and pen. Groups of ponies in silver armor similar to the instructor's stood in tight formations around the sparsely furnished room.

The instructor stepped in front of the group and cleared his throat, the noise echoing in the cloud chamber. "Alright recruits! This is where it all begins! Mares on the left and stallions to the right! Move in single file and we'll be done in no time at all!"

Rainbow and Dizzy waited silently in the mare's line, watching each pony pass through the swinging door and into another room beyond. Time passed horrendously slowly for the cyan mare leaving her to practically dance in place until, finally, her turn came.

"Name and age, please." The mare with the camera demanded as she snapped a picture of Dash's backside.

"Hey, there. I usually charge for pictures, you know."

Rainbow snickered and the mare rolled her eyes. "Name and age."

"Yeah. Yeah. Don't get your withers in a twist. Seriously, no sense of humor. Rainbow Dash, age thirteen." The mare with the clipboard scribbled down the information and clipped the photograph of Dash's cutie mark to the front.

"All set. Take this to the next open station and wait for a nurse to join you for your physical."

The cyan mare was ushered into the next room by the impatient mare behind her. The next section of the building consisted of a plain, long room lined with dividing screens that sectioned off the length into small cubicles. Dash strode past each divider, glancing into the ones without drawn curtains; catching glimpses of various mares have their mouths, wings, and even the parts under their tails checked. She blushed, catching sight of Dizzy shamelessly lifting her tail for her nurse to inspect her.

Wow.... She must be used to stuff like this. Cloudsdale weather patrol probably has routine check-ups or something. She shook her head and forced her slowly stiffening wings back under control before stepping past Dizzy's stall and into her own empty cubicle. She resigned herself to the inevitable eternity she'd have to wait for her own physician, but was gratefully surprised when a middle-aged mare stepped in after only a few, short minutes. "Huh. You guys are pretty efficient. I thought I was gonna be here forever." Dash set her file on a metal gurney and stepped back to allow the nurse more room to maneuver.

"We have to process hundreds of ponies with almost every group that is shipped in. If we weren't this productive, we'd be trapped here for days on end trying to make sure you're healthy enough to fight." She skimmed over the clipboard, smirking. "Okay. Let's get st-"

"Uhm, hey. Could we, like, close the curtain? I don't wanna..., you know."

"Oh? Modest, are we?" She picked up the clipboard once more and closed the curtain. "That can't be right. The medical note here says that you are 'A smart-alecky show-off'."

Rainbow Dash gasped in shock then growled. "Those bucking receptionists. I aught'a go out there and buck them in the flank!"

The nurse grinned and chuckled, her eyes glowing with mirth. "Oh, I'm sure you'd absolutely love to buck their flanks Rainbow, but we have a physical to do. Plus you have the rest of orientation to finish."

"What!? What's that supposed to mean? Huh?"

The nurse just laughed louder and smiled at the hot-headed mare before her. "Do you really not remember me, Rainbow Dash? I certainly remember that boastful, young pegasus dead-set on trying to make her pediatric nurse become her marefriend six years ago."

Dash's eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed a bright red as she opened her mouth in a knowing 'O'. "M-miss Bluebell?"

"Hello again, Rainbow. You've certainly become quite the mare haven't you?" She smiled warmly at Dash. "Let's get to work so you aren't late for anything." Bluebell pressed the end of her stethoscope to her charge's chest, listening to her heartbeat and lungs as she breathed. "That seems okay. Open wide and say 'Ahhh'. Throat seems fine. Been having any trouble breathing recently? Any scratchiness or mucous buildup?"

"Nope. I've been in tip-top shape for years. I have to be if I wanna join the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow rubbed her head with a hoof; chuckling nervously. "Uhm, hey. I wanna apologize for back in flight school. It must've gotten pretty annoying to have a filly constantly swooning over you. Especially since you were, and still are, quite pretty. You must've had stallions and mares vying for your attention all the time."

"Oh, it was not a problem at all. Flattery can get you everywhere in life. If you were older and I attracted to mares, I would have probably taken you up on your advances. I'm not nearly as attractive as you say, after all." She lifted an otoscope and capped the end in plastic before lifting it into Rainbow Dash's ear. "How's your griffon friend, Gilda, I think, been? Is she staying safe during all of this?"

"She's actually pretty high up in the army from what I've seen. She was leading the troop that got us here tonight." Rainbow sighed, forcing her ear not to twitch at the disturbance.

"How's the hearing been? Any signs of loss, major or minor? I know that flying high speed can have a toll on the hearing." The cyan pegasus shook her head, flinching as her blue-coated nurse inspected her opposite ear. "Everything seems alright. Last check and we're done. Turn around and move your tail, please." Rainbow complied, albeit hesitantly, and faced away from Bluebell. "Are you sexually active?"

Dash scoffed and grinned smugly. "Of course! I have sex all the time! Nopony can keep their hooves off The Dash!"

"Lying will get you nowhere, Rainbow. I'll just mark you down as a virgin aaaaaaaand...." She looked closely, checking for any signs of inflammation or malformations. "It looks like you're free to go. It was nice seeing you again Rainbow. Hopefully it'll be the last, so no getting sick or injured. Okay?"

The nurse laughed at Rainbow Dash's embarrassment and pushed her towards the curtain. "H-hey, Miss Bluebell? I meant what I said as a filly. You should try to find a stallion for yourself before it's too late. And, thanks for sticking with me as a kid."

"Go on! Being all sentimental isn't like you at all. Just don't let us down out there and perhaps I'll give it a shot."

Dash nodded and stepped through the next doorway, shooting one last glance at her nurse before moving out of sight. Huh. Who'd have thought I'd see her again?

The procession of mares soon reconnected with the stallions in another sizable chamber, this one set up similarly to the reception room. Dash scanned the crowd for Dizzy and spotted her standing not far from the examination hall's door. She settled in between her and the wall, forcing all memory of the last few minutes from her mind and instead focusing on a new instructor, this one a mare, standing at the head of the crowd.

As the last mare found her place towards the rear of the mass, the mare cleared her throat. "All right, maggots! This is where your time in our happy little camp truly begins! From here on you'll do what we say, when we say it, understood!?" She paused for a second, but continued before any affirmation could be sounded. "You are going to be spending the first few days in assessment where your current skills will be tested! After that, most of you worms will move on to physical conditioning and basic combat training!" Her smooth, yet firm voice was amplified by the acoustics of the chamber and rang out clearly over the crowd. "Those lucky few that pass with above average abilities will skip the conditioning and proceed to the combat training and discipline training! From there, every one of you failures will begin endurance conditioning until you won't be crying for your mommy when you fall and get a boo boo!"

"Man, this mare's kind of a bitch, isn't she Dizzy?" Rainbow prodded the pegasus, chuckling at her jabs.

"What was that, maggot!? Care to stand up and say that again!?" The instructor jumped down from the small raised portion of the cloud floor she was on and trotted over to Dash, glowering at the pegasus. "I said, would you care to repeat what you said, maggot!?" Rainbow Dash swallowed nervously and shook her head. "Oh, I'm sorry. I can't seem to hear you. Perhaps you'd like to start your training off with the extreme conditioning and endurance tests we have set up for our ranking officer evaluations?"

"Nah, I'm good!"

"Oh? That's good? Excellent, maggot! We'll be sure to have that ready for you the moment you get your bunk and gear! I'll see you again in an hour! By the way, maggots! I am Colonel Clear Skies and will be the drill sergeant whipping you foals into shape! Now, follow me and you'll receive your identification number which will also assign you to a bunk!" She leaned in close to Dash's ear and smiled. "Next time you'll lose half of your rations for each meal."

Rainbow Dash glared at the armored mare as she walked away, headed for the large, pushbar-handled doors at the rear end of the room. "I'll show you, Clear. You'll eat those words."

Fluttershy's carriage bounced over the cracked asphalt of the Manehattan streets, maneuvering the crowded city at the mercy of its hitched stallions. She cowered under the seats, hiding from the noise of the bustling city as a gray-blue mare attempted to coax her out of hiding. "Come on, Fluttershy. It'll be fine. Nothing's going to hurt you. It's just the engines of the magicoaches. There's nothing to be afraid of."

The butter pegasus whimpered a weak reply, inaudible over the carriages creaking wheels alone. She had hidden the moment they crossed into suburban Manehattan and the first horn pierced the night air. Tenderheart had been trying to comfort her for just as long. Now, twenty minutes later, they were pulling into the loading bay of the Manehattan General Hospital where both Fluttershy was to receive advanced medical training to strengthen her limited knowledge of veterinary and equine care. Instead of the eager enthusiasm she had when she left Ponyville, however, Fluttershy was regretting having ever left her cozy cottage.

"Fluttershy.... I'll make sure nothing happens to you, all right? I know it must be scary, coming to such a boisterous city like this from Ponyville, but you do have a friend here to help you." Tenderheart brushed a stray teal lock out of her face and smiled with a gentleness that embodied her name perfectly.

Fluttershy opened one eye, the one not covered by her frazzled, pink mane, and looked to the nurse. "P-promise?"

Tenderheart nodded and pulled the pegasus into a light embrace before helping her back out from under the seat and onto her hooves. Fluttershy continued to tremble despite the proximity to a trusted companion as they stepped out into the bustling hospital, dodging hurried nurses and doctors as they pushed stretchers with injured ponies into the automated sliding emergency entrance.

Neither of them knew where they'd be going, but, under the ushering of the medical ponies they had ridden from Ponyville with, Fluttershy and Tenderheart soon found themselves on their way to the third floor of the massive complex. Fluttershy loosed a sigh of relief at the sudden absence of the massive crowds just two floors below them. This floor, unlike the one below, didn't house patient rooms, but instead was lined with small bedrooms which Fluttershy assumed was for the live-in staff.

The pair walked down the hall, glancing into the open, empty rooms to see the most basic accommodations, a pair of small beds, a small writing desk, and a trash can in each. Eventually they came to a 'T' intersection with a small sheet of paper taped to the wall. "Hmmm.... What’s this?” Tenderheart stepped up to the paper, holding the bottom in place so the air vents wouldn’t shift it while she was reading. “'All medical trainees and transfer staff need to report to conference room number six for bunk assignment and scheduling'. Huh.... I wonder where that is. This floor doesn't really have too many guidance signs."

"Uhmm.... Maybe we could ask one of the nurses back there? I mean.... C-could you ask them? I d-don't do well with new p-ponies."

Tenderheart smiled and nodded. "Oh, Fluttershy. You really should try to be less scared of everypony, but I'll ask." She rubbed the pegasus' back and led her back to the elevator where a pair of stallions were emerging from the first bunk room on their left. "Oh! Gentlestallions, could I bother you with a question?"

The first stallion, an earth pony, looked up at them. "Oho, new nurses? Looks like we're moving up in life here. Whatcha need, miss?"

"Well, my friend and I are new here, obviously, and we were wondering if you could tell us where conference room six is. In such a large hospital, it'd be much faster to just get directions rather than search manually, after all." She smiled sweetly at the pair and received grins in return.

The stallions' grins turned towards each other before the second stallion, a unicorn, tossed a foreleg over Fluttershy's withers, eliciting a frightened squeak from the mare. "Why don't we just show you where it is? We could chat, get to know each other, and exchange names."

Tenderheart sighed, shaking her head before prying the stallion's leg from her trembling friend's back. "Apparently, it would seem you are less interested in helping us look for our destination and more interested in helping yourselves to looking at us. And Redheart wonders why I prefer small town hospitals over ones like this." She pulled Fluttershy away from the miffed stallions and guided her down the hall away from them. "We'll just look for it ourselves, then. Don't think I'll forget either of you when I talk to the director later, though!"

They reached the 'T' intersection once more before glancing back towards where they had left the stallions. "I can't believe they let ponies like that work here. It's outrageous! How have they not been written up for harassment?"

"Th-thank you for helping me. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't stepped in like that." Fluttershy's head dropped until she was staring intently at her hooves. "I just freeze up around strangers...."

The blue nurse squeezed Fluttershy's shoulder reassuringly. "You don't have to thank me, Fluttershy. You're too much of a cutie to let anypony try and take advantage of you like that. Definitely going to have to work on that passive nature of yours, though, but worry not for I shall assist you." She grinned widely and struck a valiant pose, but broke her composure the moment the yellow pegasus giggled at her display. "All right, all right. Let's just look for that conference room. We'll get you trained and certified as a field medic in no time at all!"

Fluttershy nodded and followed behind her earth pony compatriot, smiling at the thought of having a friend to help her adjust to her surroundings when a thought pierced the front of her mind. "Nurse Tenderheart?" The mare in question glanced back, her eyebrow raised. "I was just wondering, if you don't mind me asking, why you came to Manehattan. You're a nurse, so you didn't have to leave Ponyville, right?"

"Yes, ma'am! I could practically do what I want unless I get an order from the Queen."

"So, why are you here? I mean, I certainly don't mind, of course. I was just wondering.... I'm sorry. I'll stop asking."

Tenderheart laughed and pulled the pegasus into a soft embrace, smiling warmly. "Oh, I have my reasons. You'll find out soon enough, Flutters." She left her leg draped over the pegasus as they passed through the halls in their search for the first step towards the pegasus' education.

Twilight sighed, shaking her head as she and Nightmare toweled off, drying their bodies from their most recent bath. "We should probably start locking the door when we..., you know. That's the third time Tyra's walked in on us! How can she not hear the noises I make when you-" Her eyes widened as she realized what she was saying and she shoved a hoof in her mouth, blushing profusely. "Oh, horse apples. I can't believe I said that."

Nightmare smirked, but swiftly wiped all traces of her reaction from her features. "I still do not understand your qualms. Coitus is simply an act of pleasure even when the parties involved are attempting conception. I can recall several moments from before my banishment of my subjects rutting in the street. I even partook of my most loyal advisors during court on occasion."

Twilight's blush intensified, leaving her to cover her face with her hooves. "I-I just c-can't. It's j-just so embarrassing! It's so f-frowned upon that we're taught to find such things as indecent and embarrassing. I d-don't understand why since we're always naked, b-but after so long-. C-can we just g-go see Jahurl?"

Nightmare rubbed the towel across Twilight's body, making sure to be cautious of the mare's scarred stomach. Only a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have even been mindful of her injuries and now I'm drying her and assisting her bathing. It amazes me, how much can I change my thoughts of a single mare. "You could always consider it as displaying your love for me for all to see. It would please me greatly for you to perform such acts before my court, but you are correct. We must make haste to see Lord Jahurl if we wish to expedite our return home."

Twilight stammered out meaningless utterances, unable to properly process the alicorn's words without picturing the actions in question. "I-I'll th-think about it, N-Nightmare. It's just s-so illogically embarrassing for so natural an act. L-let's just g-go."

Nightmare grinned, suppressing a chuckle. "Of course. I look forward to your decision, though, my love." She made certain to emphasize those words, making Twilight's breath catch in her throat. She will, with utmost certainty, do as I wish. Seeing her react like that to words, truth or otherwise, is proof enough.

Jahurl looked up from his desk, beaming as the two ponies and minotaur siblings stepped into his office. "Ah, good morning, Queen Moon, Lady Sparkle! Judging by little Tyra's lingering look of shame, she must've walked in on you two again. How do you not notice the sounds?"

"My sister is rather dense, My Lord. She seems to tune out anything around her." The girl flushed and bowed her horned head in shame.

"That is quite enough about our bedroom activities!" Twilight glanced around and smiled sheepishly. "So, we're going to meet Lady Borea tonight, correct? When do we depart and how are we going to get there? I figure that the most obvious mode of transport would be by hoof, but if it's going to be anything like the journey here, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to walk."

"We will be walking. It won't be much longer than an hour so long as we move without any breaks. We shall also be climbing to higher elevations, so it'll cool off the further we progress. As for a time? I was hoping to leave within the hour.

"The sooner, the better. Twilight's magic should return within the next day or so and I would like to leave then, as I've stated previously." Nightmare looked into the minotaur lord's eyes and only averted her gaze to her lover's when he gave a nod of confirmation. "Perfect. We shall be in our quarters when you are set to leave. I also wish to ask who all will be accompanying us? Will it be the same group that lead us here originally?"

"Oh, no. It'll be just the five of us making the journey. Which reminds me...." He turned to the twins and grinned mischievously. "You two will be coming with us. Fetch your weapons and, if you wish, armor while I prepare myself. Meet back here when you are all finished and we'll begin the trek without any further delays."

Tyro nodded and gave a quick bow before dragging his dumbfounded sister from the room. Twilight giggled and stood alongside Nightmare to follow the alicorn back to their room. "So, My Queen, do you have a feeling like he's not bringing as much defense as he should as well?"

"I will trust in his decision even if I agree with your sentiment. We'll have to see how it turns out."

Twilight nuzzled up against Nightmare, who leaned slightly into the mare. "I'll gladly put my life on the line for you, should the need arise."

Her voice shook, but her resolve was firm as far as the alicorn could tell. "I will be sure that it does not come to that, Twilight. You will not die again, even for me." She stopped alongside the lake, standing under a palm tree, and lowered her head. Her lips met with Twilight's, who parted hers, allowing Nightmare full access. They broke away, gazing lovingly into each others' eyes until the night queen turned away. "Come, we do not have much, but we shall retrieve your pendant and my armor."

Nightmare Moon and Twilight stepped into Jahurl's office to find the twins and minotaur lord all ready and waiting. Tyra shifted nervously, the gray plate metal armor covering almost all but her shins and hooves obviously constricting her body compared to her typical nudity. "Do I have to come? I haven't had to wear this in years and I haven't had it adjusted! It's squishing me."

Tyro, similarly armored, but with noticeably heavier plates, shook his head, rubbing his snout with an iron-clad hand. "That is your fault, sister. You know that you're supposed to fit your armor with every major growth spurt. Something like this can happen at any time. Why do you think they train us, as children, to fight? So we can defend ourselves against angry monarchs when we walk in on them having sex?"

"No.... I just never thought I'd be chosen to guard anything as a host to foreign ambassadors."

"Alright, enough bickering you two. When we get back we'll have your armor fitted properly, Tyra, but for now we need to depart. Just let this be a lesson to you. Do as you are told for you never know what could happen." He donned his mischievous grin once more before redirecting his attention to the waiting mares. "Your Majesty, Lady Sparkle, I assume you are ready to leave?"

"Of course. We did not require much in the way of preparation, so it was just a matter of awaiting the time of meeting. Grandimino Peaks are to the north from here, am I correct?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. We will be leaving by the northern gate and should arrive at Grandimino City in under two hours, at the most." He stood, his heavy-metal armor clanking together. "Well, let us be off, then. This trip isn't going to make itself!"

Twilight huffed, groaning as they crossed another ridge before collapsing onto the rocky ground, clutching her chest. "I-I can't keep going. This terrain is... too tough... for me to travel... across...." She panted, cringing as her scar writhed from being agitated.

"The wyvern poison is reacting to your exertion, is it not?" Nightmare stood beside her, her horn aglow as she attempted to relieve the unicorn's pain. "I thought it had been completely flushed already. I apologize, Twilight. I should have been more thorough with the cleansing."

"Do you want me to carry her, Queen Moon?" Tyra stepped up beside the pair, worry set across her features. "We are not too far from Grandimino City, but the climbing only becomes worse until we reach the outskirts where the ground has been levelled."

"No, I shall carry her." Nightmare lifted Twilight in her magic, making the unicorn's coat stand on end as her cool embrace enveloped her. "We have already spent more than two hours walking and it'll be faster if she isn't weighing us down."

"I'm sorry, Nightmare. I wish I wasn't such a burden on you all of the time."

"Silence, Twilight. Just rest while we finish the journey. As soon as we arrive, I will find a place for you to lay while I meet with Lady Borea." Nightmare Moon nodded to Jahurl, who returned the gesture and resumed leading the group along the mountain pass.

"N-no. I'll stay with you for the meeting. I want to meet Lady Borea and it'd be best if your most loyal subject was to be with you. Celestia always made a point to have me with her whenever I wasn't studying or in classes." Twilight closed her eyes, slowly relaxing as the alicorn's cool magic soothed her burning chest.

The remainder of the trip was made in silence, the minutes ticking by until the basin valley containing Grandimino City came into view. The massive valley was filled with various stone structures, the rocks obviously hewn from the mountains themselves to create the buildings that made up the town. Large expanses of vegetable, cotton, and wheat fields surrounded the outer buildings with several mills dotting the land. In the direct middle of the town stood a large tower-like building, the residence of Lady Borea.

"Here we are, company, Grandimino City run by my sister, Lady Borea. She will be, if it wasn't already apparent, in the central tower." He turned to the group, grinning widely. "Well, shall we get this meeting going? I'm sure you would all like to rest after our surprisingly long journey."

Twilight looked across the town as Nightmare levitated her alongside her. "Wow! I wouldn't have expected such a large town in the mountains. I mean, Canterlot is fairly large, but a vast majority of the city is at the base of the mountain. These minotuars, well maybe not these minotaurs, but their ancestors broke down these mountains without magic! Truly incredible."

They passed through the paths between grain fields, catching glances of minotaur women tending the stalks. The group was paid virtually no heed, the only acknowledgement of their presence being quick, sidelong glances in their direction. Nightmare silently fumed at such disrespectful behaviour, fighting the urge to lash out at the minotaurs. These are not my subjects. I cannot act against them, even as goddess of the night, if I wish to gain the favor of Borea.

The group of five soon reached the edge of the first set of buildings, passing the edges and onto the stone pathway comprising the town's streets. "Why is everybody so unfriendly? I was expecting something like Valtaura." Twilight looked around, watching the minotaurs stop mid-conversation to stare at the group as they passed. "This is somewhat disconcerting."

"They do not know you, so they do not trust you. The Grandimians have been a solitary society for many generations ever since the first griffon invasions." He smiled at a trio of tauran women who proceeded to ignore him and return to their idle gossip. “They also don’t like me too much. Sibling rivalry and all of that. Something about me not being competent enough to have a sister as ‘great and wonderful’ as Borea.” His grin grew wider as he nudged Twilight. “It’s a good thing I have plenty of women to choose from in Valtaura, eh?”

“You know, I’m surprised you aren’t more popular here, Lord Jahurl. Honestly. I don’t think I could ever dislike you, all comments about My Queen’s and my relations aside.” She smiled at the jovial lord as they drew nearer to the tower. “It’s a great wonder to find a ruler that can interact with his or her people on a casual level rather than through formalities and pomp.”

“I thank you, Lady Sparkle, for the compliment. Unlike my sister, I revel in meeting new people and making said people comfortable.” The group paused, standing before a wrought-iron gate guarded by a pair of spear-wielding female guards. “Greetings, ladies. I, Lord Jahurl of Valtaura, am here with Queen Nightmare Moon of Equestria and our honor guard. We have a meeting with the Lady of the City, Borea, and request entry into the Grandimian Tower.”

“Right away, Lord Jahurl. The Lady Borea is waiting in the audience chambers for you and your party. Do you require guidance, or are you capable of finding them on your own?” The guard to Jahurl’s right saluted, while the left guard spoke.

“A guide will not be necessary, Minne. I have been here often enough to know my way around.”

“Of course, Lord Jahurl. You may proceed through the gates.” She turned, along with her accomplice, and pulled the sliding iron open to allow the group passage.

“Lord Jahurl, I didn’t know you knew the names of Lady Borea’s guards. You really do take the time to care for others.” Twilight patted the minotaur’s shoulder grinning cheerfully at him.

“Oh, no. Minne’s family has been serving as guards for the Grandimian Lords and Ladies for generations. Minne started as a guard when she was big enough to hold a sword and is the kindest of the guards I know.” He scratched his chin, glancing back at the lightly armored guards. “She was a cute lass back then and has grown into a fine, young woman.”

They strode across the tower’s grounds, the patchwork stone streets now solid slabs of rock, and through the small gardens lining the path. The tower loomed overhead, its massive structure tantamount to the Grandimian minotaurs’ masonry prowess. The pale gray walls reached several stories into the air, the crenellated walls dotted with windows. The building itself lacked decoration, but made up for the absence with sheer perfection. Not a single stone was out of place and the entire surface was sanded down to give it a smooth, sleek finish.

Jahurl twisted the ornate, golden handles and pulled the tower's massive, oaken doors open to allow the other four entrance. The tower's interior began with a lengthy hallway which opened into a vast, circular room. The roof rested above them at six stories, the upper levels of the tower accessible by dual staircases running up and along the walls to meet at a landing which housed several doors to various rooms.

Twilight stared up the tower, marvelling at the structural magnificence and the mural painted onto the stones making up the roof, marred only by an opening to the tower's roof. The mural, quite obviously and painstakingly well-maintained, depicted early minotaurs toiling against the mountains, cleaving large slabs of stone as others used prepared stones to build the budding town they now lived in. "Wow! This is amazing! To think that everything here was made without the use of magic is simply astounding!"

"Yes, my sister's people are very skilled in masonry and farming, but do not doubt their military prowess else you fall prey to their blades." Jahurl motioned across the room to another pair of wooden doors decorated with floral carvings.

Nightmare Moon lowered Twilight to the floor, carefully setting her on her hooves. "You are all right to stand on your own, correct?" The byzantium mare nodded and Nightmare released her magical hold on her. "Excellent. Let us meet the lady, Borea, so we may rest before returning to Valtaura." She strode forward purposefully, Twilight keeping pace behind her, and magicked open the doors to the tower's audience chamber.

This room was noticeably smaller in area as compared to the central chamber, but housed more furnishings ranging from green tapestries on the walls to small, wooden stands holding vases of various flora. The floor was covered by a thick, red carpet which effectively silenced the group's hoofsteps and, at the far end of the room sat an ornate wooden throne upon which sat a female minotaur of comparable size to Jahurl. Her considerably larger horns, as compared to other females', protruded from under the bangs of a meticulously groomed head of blue-black hair.

The woman's piercing black eyes scanned over the group before she stood. She bowed, her slim torso dipping with practiced grace as her left arm waved out in formality. “Welcome, Queen Nightmare Moon and Lady Twilight Sparkle, to Grandimino. Brother." She nodded curtly to the Valtauran lord and the twins.

"Greetings, sister! It's been quite some time since we last met! How have you been this past year?" Jahurl stepped towards Borea, but halted with a slight frown as she held up a hand to stop him.

"Not long enough for me. I wish to speak with the pony queen. Your letter said she had a request for military support, am I correct, Your Majesty?" She coldly ignored her brother's insincere pouting and focused on the ponies in her presence.

Nightmare Moon stepped forward, dipping her head in respect before speaking. "That is correct. We are currently at war with the nation of Griffonia. They have attacked several of our cities already and sabotaged several troop recruitments and supply lines. While your brother's assistance is a welcome, and formidable, addition to our cause, it would be a great advantage to have your people at our side during this war as well."

"Ah, I see. While we have had ongoing issues with the griffon nation in the past, I do not see how coming to your aid would benefit my city. We have a highly defensible city nestled in the valley of a mountain and very little ties with Equestria. It would not be of any benefit to aid you." She returned to her throne, staring at the group in boredom.

"Very well." Nightmare Moon bowed her head once more. "If that is your decision, Lady Borea, then I shall-"

"What!? That's outrageous! Helpless ponies will be slaughtered by the griffons! We don't have any extensive military training and we're even shorter trained due to a recent civil war! You're telling us that you'll let them have their way with us!?" Twilight advanced on the minotaur, her mane smoking as sparks raced along her horn. "You're just as despicable as the griffons! It's no wonder your people are so cold and unreceptive to strangers with a ruler like you!"

Borea stood, the muscles under her naked skin rippling as she tensed. "You have quite the tongue for being the queen's fuck-toy. I'll make a wager with you, unicorn: Fight me in single combat, a duel to submission or surrender. Should you defeat me, it'll prove that you ponies are worth protecting and I shall aid you. Should you lose, I'll have you publicly executed for threatening the ruler of Grandimino."

"I will not allow this duel to happen. You do not have any right to try my consort. She will be properly punished for her actions on my terms."

Borea glared at the alicorn, her muscles tensing further. "Who said there would be a choice in this matter? She has threatened me, even if it was inadvertent. The duel will happen or she dies regardless."

"I could drop the moon on your people! Do you dare think to cross the goddess of the-"

"I'll do it. I won't let this witch have her way. She is unfit to rule if she cannot assist others in need, especially if the threat is a common enemy." Twilight glared defiantly at the woman, fire burning in her eyes as the smoking of her mane and her horn's sparking increasing. Her face flushed as a familiar heat filled her body and she began panting.

"You may use whatever you wish to fight me and I will use only my body. You may begin whenever you wish." She took up a battle stance, levelling her body in preparation for whatever the unicorn could throw her way.

"Twilight, should you lose, I shall escape with you. Know-"

"There won't be any need for that, my queen. I will not lose to her even if she batters my body." She concentrated as Nightmare stepped away, the medallion about her neck oozing up her neck to reform in her mouth as its original long dagger form. She narrowed her eyes, growling at the minotaur, and charged.

She stopped short, using her momentum to spin her body, and kicked her hind legs out, attempting to buck Borea's legs with as much force as her body could muster. The minotaur grabbed her legs, laughing, and threw her into the wall. Twilight cried out in pain, clutching her chest, but stood once more and charged again. She swung the dagger as Borea threw a clenched fist.

The blade cut along the minotaur's arm leaving a wide gash, but didn't halt her progress. Her fist connected with Twilight's ribs, cracking a pair of them and sending her tumbling. She stood again, tears staining her cheeks, as she loosed a mixture of agonized pants and husky moans. Her horn buzzed with energy, the electricity jumping off of its length and crackling in the air.

Borea looked at her skeptically, ignoring the searing wound on her forearm. "Are you getting off to this? It takes a very twisted being to find sexual pleasure in fighting and being mauled."

"I... would never... enjoy fighting... and this is nothing... compared to some... punishments I've received....."

"Very well, then. I'll just have to show you true pain."

Borea charged at Twilight, her hoof stomps thudding noisily even through the thick carpeting, and prepared to tackle the unicorn. Twilight tensed her body, preparing for the inevitable crushing force of the minotaur's momentum and weight. Time seemed to slow to a standstill as Borea leapt at Twilight and, just before they would have collided, Twilight's eyes glowed a menacing red.

The energy build-up crackling in her horn exploded with monumental force, sending Borea flying in the opposite direction to crash against the wall, cracking it on impact. Twilight's mane and tail burst into flames as the magical onslaught turned into a destructive maelstrom, the powerful energies slashing across Borea's body and lashing against Nightmare's quickly erected shield. Twilight moaned loudly, her throaty cry audible even above the deafening magic, however, just as quickly as it had begun, the magical outburst petered out. Borea and Twilight both fell to the ground, but it was the unicorn who was the one to recover.

She grimaced at the scent of blood and heat filling the room as she levitated her dagger beside her, reshaping it into a short sword as she attempted to ignore the wetness running down her legs. Twilight stepped over the shaking, bleeding body of Borea, panting. "Do you... concede defeat...?"

The minotaur laughed, keeping her eyes shut as she spoke. "That.... That was a magical orgasm, wasn't it? I've read about you ponies getting off with your horn and, judging by the odor coming from you.... Hah.... I was beaten, by an orgasm...."

Twilight flushed a bright red, but lowered her sword and horn. "I'll try and heal your cuts.... Just... stay st-" She slumped to the ground, dragon bone sword dropping beside her as she slipped from consciousness.

Nightmare Moon lowered her shield and stepped over to the battered pair, focusing her magic on closing their lacerations and healing broken bones. As soon as Borea could move, she rose to her hooves, tottering unsteadily for a moment. "You have a very special mare, Queen Moon. Do not let this one go. And, per my promise, I shall assist you in fighting Griffonia. For now, take the young unicorn and rest. I shall have my brother direct you to a guest room in the tower."

Nightmare Moon dipped her head again and levitated Twilight's sleeping form, turning away and walking out of the room with her three minotaur escorts following behind in awed silence. The black alicorn drew Twilight closer, pressing her lips against the mare's before speaking into her ear. "Well done, Twilight. I am proud."

Nightmare Moon stood on the sands at the outskirts of Valtaura; Twilight, Jahurl, Tyra, and Tyro standing nearby while several platoons of tauran soldiers massed in formation, their heavy armor loaded into wide-wheeled carts and wagons. "Borea said she would be sending her troops alongside my second wave of armor and soldiers, but for now we have a total of two-hundred fifty-two Valtauran soldiers armed and ready to do battle. We also have almost as much armor created for the average pony build for both male and female."

"Perfect. Let us depart. I have spent too much time away from my country and wish to return before things can take a turn for the worse. Twilight, you shall be riding in a wagon for the duration of the trip which will be pulled alongside me so that I may watch over you." Nightmare Moon glanced over to the unicorn, catching a glimpse of her bright smile.

"Of course, My Lady. I can't wait to be back home. I bet Moonie misses us as much as I miss her.... Even if the time away was spent... constructively." Her cheeks tinged red, but she swiftly shook it off and followed her lover as she made her way to the head of the formation.

Twilight climbed into the waiting wagon, sitting on a seat at the front, and silently watched Nightmare Moon converse with Jahurl. I hope she isn't upset that I stepped out of line in Grandimino. She hasn't mentioned the incident since it happened.... I did the right thing, didn't I?

"People of Valtaura, today we march to aid Equestria in their plight against Griffonia! We shall march for three days across varying terrain, breaking every eight hours and camping at night to rest! Keep your eyes open for any possible threats and inform the company should you see anything suspicious. Set march!"

"You need not accompany us to fight. Your people will be leaderless should you fall in battle." Nightmare Moon marched alongside the minotaur lord, watching Twilight on her perch through her peripheral vision.

"It is a ruler's duty to fight alongside his soldiers. Only a coward would hide behind his army and direct while he watched from afar. Should I fall in battle, I'll be returned to Hornhalla to join my family and fallen comrades. My people have chosen their leader by bout of strength since the beginning of the minotaurs and so shall they choose their leader when I die....” He paused for a moment, never once turning his head from the path before him.

“That is truly an admirable trait. There is no glory in victory if it is not you who has won the battle.”

“Not that I want to die, though. That would certainly put a damper on any future endeavors with the ladies.” He smirked, amused at having caught Nightmare Moon off-guard with his remark. Beside them, he caught a glimpse of Twilight hoofing herself in the face, but with a slight smile spread across her lips. “Definitely not in the plans, Queen Moon.”

Author's Notes:

Author’s Notes: Woohoo~! Another long chapter full of awesomey goodness and cream filling! Well, maybe less cream filling (unless you count magic orgasm as cream. Zing!) To think, the worst way you could ever be defeated/killed would be by horngasm (barring Blueblood’s death of course.) Nothing says pro clopper like hornjizzing all over your opponent (no matter how inadvertently it was done) and subduing them. Seriously. I’ll explain the horngasm next chapter, fyi. Don’t want it to seem like she was just getting off on being beaten, do I? (maybe). Anyhoof, enjoy and stuff. Peppy out~

Editor’s Notes #1: It would seem that the hot coals are losing their effect. I really need to come up with more... creative ways to keep Peps on task. I ask you, the readers, for some... interesting methods to tortu-*hack... cough*... Ahem, excuse me... Anyway... I need ways in which I can persuade the evil bastard to keep writing and not succomb to the temptations of his... what are the kids call these things again... Ehks Beoks... Eh, sounded something like that. Well, I look forward to your comments and wish you all the love this high functioning sociopath has to offer. Pip pip, Cheerio.