Nathan woke up to the sounds of rapid knocks on his door. The human was uncertain where he was for a few seconds until he felt two limbs wrap around his torso. Nate realized in a few seconds that he was in bed with Luna sleeping by his side, the day after Celestia had freed him from the servant spell. The Solar princess would kill him. He managed to get out of the princess grip and walked over to the door, opening it slowly.

The teen was met by the sight of the same stallion that had saved him in Everfree castle. The Solar Guardian still wore the same thick golden armor and helmet that Nathan had seen him in during the battle. Around his neck was a similar pendant to Nathaniel's, the only difference being the golden sun instead of a moon. The human saw how the stallion looked into the room, spotting the sleeping princess on the bed. The Guardian then gave him a grin and look of approval. Why did it feel like the maids would have a lot to talk about soon?

"I don't think I ever introduced myself Guardian Sol. I am Guardian Holy Light, senior Guardian and second to only Lord Protector Silver wing" The stallion said with a nod, his blue eyes burrowing themselves in Nathaniel's green ones.

"It's an honor" Nathaniel said with a small bow, the stallion chuckling.

"No need for that. You've proven yourself more than worthy to not bow before your equals" Holy Light said and walked into the room.

Blaze eyed the stallion from his carpet, not getting up or acting hostile but certainly keeping an eye on the Solar Guardian. Nate watched how Guardian Light easily moved around in his armor, even if the damn thing looked heavy enough to slow done a bull. But the pony wore it like it was nothing. The broadsword that had rested on the warrior's back was gone however, probably resting in some armory.

"Thank you for your help the other day Guardian Light. Without your help I wouldn't have been able to save Luna" Nathan told the stallion who nodded.

"I was only doing my duty to a brother in arms and to my country, think nothing of it" He responded and then looked at the slowly awaking Luna.

"Princess Celestia sent for both of you. Every Guardian and military leader available needs to be in the throne room before nine O'clock. I suggest you wash off first however, you reek of dead magic" The gray furred unicorn said with a chuckle and then left the room.

"Magic has a scent?" Nate questioned and smelled his hand, not feeling anything out of the ordinary.

"For those attuned enough? Yes" Luna's voice said from behind the human as she got up.

The Alicorn stretched like a cat and the jumped off the bed, walking towards the door beckoning for Nathaniel to follow her. The human did so after grabbing a shirt to go with his robes, hoping to clean off whatever dirt was in his hair after such a long time without a proper bath. When had he even brushed his teeth last? They didn't even have toothbrushes here. The young man would need to introduce the concept to them all, missing the taste of toothpaste in his mouth.

The princess lead the human to one of the large bathrooms in the castle. Luna ordered hot water to be poured into a bathtub before leaving the human to clean up. Nathaniel was thankful over the chance to wash himself and got undressed, getting into the tub. He sighed in satisfaction as the hot water massaged his sore muscles. The teen allowed himself to wash of whatever was stuck in his long black hair. It immediately felt a lot nicer than before, the long black strands clinging to his wet face.

When Nate felt done he dried himself off using a towel before grabbing a shaving knife. Since his visit to the Griffin kingdom had his beard started to grow back. It wasn't even enough to look good and it was surely filled with lice or something. Not that Nathan had ever felt the need to scratch it, but still. The man held the shaving knife with uncertainty and then grabbed some of the white cream left with it. He rubbed it onto his beard before placing the knife against his throat, Nathan swallowing lightly.

With a nervous hand the young man allowed the blade to follow the rough strands of hair growing on his chin. At first it went fine, the blade cutting off the dark beard. It was when he was running the blade up his throat the teen suddenly cut himself, swearing loudly as he grabbed the towel. The cut was not large but it was enough to cause some bleeding. Once the man got the bleeding to stop he continued, soon looking clean-shaven in the bathroom mirror. Nathaniel looked over himself and thought it didn't look to bad for the first time he used a shaving knife.

His green eyes and black hair had a much more rougher edge to them now since before a few months ago. His hair had reached his shoulders when he was back on earth, but now it spilled down to his elbows. He would be forced to cut off some of it, maybe shave off the sides and tie up the rest into a ponytail. As the human watched himself in the mirror he could look over his scared body, seeing just how much had happened to him.

One of the first things one saw before his many scars was that he had built muscle. Now Nathan still wasn't buff by any standards but he could still see a stark difference between now and a few months prior. The Lunar Guardian had a hard time picking up a sword in the beginning, but now it felt more like an extension of his hand. His stomach had started to build more of a six pack as well, which was amazing considering how often things liked to hurt his abdomen. After the man had looked over his now stronger body Nate eyed the scars littering his frame.

On his left harm he could see the scars left by the devil hare in the woods. It had been the first wound he'd received since appearing in Equestria and it hadn't been the last. The next scar that stood out was the one he had on his stomach since Sombra impaled him on a crystal pike. Nathan could almost still feel the pain, the blood pouring out. The raven haired man only shook his head before looking at a scar on his cheek. The zebra he had met in a fight had left that on his face, a reminder that no magic mark made him a good warrior. He chuckled before looking at the next sets of scars, the ones shaped as chains on his arms.

Nate thought his left arm looked worst because of it. The pattern melted with the scars left by the animal attack. It made his arm look twisted. Not only because of the Servant Spell but because it had been Luna, or at least a evil part of her, that had done it to him. The thought of the princess sleeping next to him the night before popped up in the teens head, more apologizing? It had been nice when she had cuddled into his side though, the thought almost making him blush. He needed to focus.

The green eyed man took another towel and wrapped it around his waist, looking at the robes on the floor. They weren't that dirty, but he still would rather be dressed in armor for the meeting. Nathaniel opened a crack in the door and noticed a maid looking at him expectantly. Did he just order her to get him his stuff? That didn't really sit right with Nathaniel. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Could you please get me my armor? I want to be dressed properly for the military meeting that takes place in like ten minutes" He said with a sheepish grin and she nodded.

"I am to help you with all your requests Lord Sol. Princess Luna assigned me to you months ago, but as you were out traveling we never met. I am Dust Kicker" She smiled.

The mare was dressed in a normal maid. Her mane was a light gray with her coat a pure white. Dust's eyes held the same gray colour as her mane and tail. Her cutie mark was of a cloud of dust. So she was really good at cleaning? Or maybe she was just good at doing shores. The mare's mane was braided and hung down her left shoulder, allowing the man to see her freckles snout more clearly. She reminded him a bit off a stereotypical German woman from earth. Dust Kicker lacked the accent though.

"I am Nathaniel Lucas Sol, though I assume you already know that" The man smiled and she nodded.

"I have read through most letters the princess sent on you. She wanted me to help you feel at home in the castle, so I had many bookshelves installed in your room and sent an order to the Royal Academy of Musicians for a gift" The mare told Nathaniel who looked confused.

"Royal Academy of Musicians?" He questioned and she giggled.

"It'll be a surprise. Anyway I'll go and get you something suited for a meeting like that. They will not be mad if you're late and if they are Luna have given me permission to throttle them" She laughed and walked off.

It only took the maid around five minutes to return with clothes for the human. Nathaniel was confused at first when he spotted that the mare had not brought him his armor as requested. It was soon revealed that Dust had brought him a Dress uniform like the ones the military back on earth had used. The dark blue colour mixed with black tint marked him as a Lunar Guardian. Or maybe the dozen small moons on the uniform's collar made it more obvious who he served.

Dust Kicker allowed Nathaniel some privacy to get changed. The man got into the white shirt that went under the uniform jacket and got dressed in a pair of underwear. As he got into his new clothes was a sandwich with some kind of meat on it given to him through the crack in the door. The human happily took his breakfast and chewed on it as he got into the surprisingly comfortable plants. After that he got dressed in a pair of black socks and a pair of black boots. To complete the outfit the man put the dark blue triangle shaped hat on his head. The final touch was to put on the Guardian pendant and walk out to greet the maid.

"So how do I look?" Nathaniel asked Dust Kicker with a smile before noticing she looked a bit sick.

"Sorry. The smell of cooked meat just didn't sit well with me" She said with a shuddered and the man couldn't help but to chuckle.

"But I think the Royal Tailor did her job, you look good. She got one look of your previous clothes and body, as that was all she needed. After that she got your measurements from Luna and suddenly she had ideas for a whole wardrobe" His personal maid giggled and lead him down the hall.

"I need to thank her later for her help then" The man said and Dust nodded.

"Jasmine would love to meet you in person" The mare said until they suddenly stopped in front of a pair of green doors.

Two guards in golden armor eyed them before returning to stare at the wall in front of them. The doors was only a few turns away from the bathroom and another few away from his room. Maybe this castle would be less of a maze? It would make sense that this building would be more open to visitors. So maybe the human would be able to find his way out to the city before the end of the month. If there was a city left by then.

"This is the war room Lord Sol. This is the gathering place for the military leaders of Equestria during a crisis" The maid told him before ushering him towards the doors.

"Thanks for your help" The man said and she nodded, walking off with a smile.

Nathaniel took a deep breath before opening the two doors, being met by the sound of arguing voices. Nate could see a large round table surrounded by ponies on chairs. Celestia and Luna sat straight in front of him, Luna now dressed in military clothes resembling his own. A silver crown sat upon her head with her black scythe resting on the table. He still remembered being hit in the head with that thing. Celestia was dressed in a smiliar shirt as Luna, the white garment matching her fur. A golden crown rested upon the princess head as she held up a map with her magic.

The others wound the table were Rose and Osiris, his two fellow Lunar Guardians seeing him and giving him a sign to get over to them. The others in the room consisted of Holy Light and two other Solar Guardians, a few mares and stallions dressed in noble attire, Crystal Sword and Silver Page, a strange bug looking pony and finally an angry looking mare dressed in military uniform like himself with several medals attached to her shirt.

"Ah Guardian Sol. So the human greets us with his presence" One of the unknown Solar Guardians, a mare, said dryly.

"The kid is ten minutes late, cut him some slack" Osiris said from across the table and the female Solar Guardian huffed.

Nathan walked up to the ponies surrounding the table and sat down on the empty chair. Luna smiled at him before turning to face the table once more, the alicorn looking very serious. Celestia held the same expression on her face, placing the map on the table for all to see. The Solar princess took out metal pieces resembling ships and troops, putting them on the map. The entire Solar Sea was littered with hostile ships, a few towers and fortresses popping up here and there among them.

"Our current army is five thousand strong with yet another five thousand bound to arrive within the week. The enemy numbers confirmed on our coast varies between thirty-thousand and fifty-thousand. The rest of the griffin army is either at sea or securing the Dragonlands" The white alicorn said grimly and a low murmur came from the nobles.

"If we are to win this war we need to take them by surprise. Me and my sister have already prepared our soldiers to march against the enemy, with the hopes that raids and ambushes will help us weaken their numbers" Luna then said, moving a few pieces into the Everfree.

"With all due respect princess, not even the best scouts in the world could help us win this war. It seems like a far better deal to surrender and spare the lives of our people" One of the nobles said and Rose mumbled something under her breath.

"Guto will not accept any letter sent to him. He's made it clear that there is no way to avoid this war. Even if we wanted to we cannot surrender and expect mercy" Celestia said solemnly.

"Then we will use our combat mages. Magic is an advantage the griffins lack, is the reason they have always despised our nation" The mare dressed in a uniform said with a growl.

"While the mages will give us an edge they can not make up for the fact that we're outnumbered. We need more soldiers but with our navy still traveling home we simply don't have them" The rainbow maned alicorn responded with a sigh.

"With my aunt aiding King Guto we face even more soldiers from the south. We might be facing sixty-thousand soldiers, most of them being able to fly" Crystal Sword said and added a couple of black pieces to the map resembling a pony with demon horns.

"She is serving him because he has her son, correct? Simply save the child and the Empress will turn on the griffins" Holy Light said and Luna shook her head.

"We do not have the time or resources to send any soldiers over the sea. Even if they flew it would still take them at least two days to get there, and that is if they are aided by spells" The princess of the night explained and the Solar Guardian nodded grimly in return.

"So we simply need to kill as many as possible? While many of the soldiers I've served with are good with a blade they can't stand against such a force and win. I saw how the griffins had experimented with the corruption in the Dark Kingdom's capital. Imagine what if they used something like that on the battlefield? They have the numbers to keep us occupied as they spread the disease through the ranks" Osiris growled.

Nate watched them all discuss with a growing terror in his heart. There didn't seem to be any ways out of this mess. With the Lord Protector lost at sea and with the Crystal Empire no longer guarding the north were they cut off from any information coming from the north or the south. The only reason they even knew that the griffins were here was because a few guards in the harbor towns and coastal cities had spotted them. With the spy network the Changeling kingdom provided gone were they all blind in most other nations.

After more discussions revolving around how they should deploy their troops and how many ponies could be conscripted was the subject of information brought up. The bug pony in the room rose when it was mentioned and nodded at the two princesses. He seemed to be smaller than the average pony and his legs had several holes in them. Nathaniel then remembered the fact that the creature was a changeling, one of the few survivors from their destroyed nation.

"I am allowed to speak?" The changeling said with an buzzing echo in his voice, Celestia giving him a nod.

"Speak up if you have anything to say bug" The female Solar Guardian said.

"Me and my brethren have been cared for since we lost our great mother. The compassion showed will be returned, so those of us that can fight will join your efforts to create chaos in the enemy ranks" He said firmly and Luna bowed her head lightly.

"Thank you Echo. We will need you to sneak into the enemy encampments and poison their food among other things. We will not be lose this war, for the sake of our people" Celestia said with a slight bow of her head.

"There is the matter of sending a diplomat to Minotaurs and yaks. They are well versed in war and have some of the best fighters in the world. If we can secure an alliance quickly then we might gain the numbers we need to match the opposing forces" Rose said and Luna placed a marker on the two kingdoms mentioned.

"I'll go. We will need help if we want to survive" The human said but to his surprise Luna shook her head.

"I'm sorry Guardian Sol, but we cannot allow a powerful mage and superior officer like yourself to run off. We will need magic to battle the griffins, so you are not to travel north" Celestia said and the Lunar Princess sighed.

"We will send Peace Treaty and a few loyal guards to protect her. But the journey will take a week at the very least, two or three if the weather is rough. So even if they heed our call we cannot count on the northern nations help" The general said, her gruff voice and stern look making the human quiet down any protests.

"We need a plan if we are to hold against the griffins. With our low numbers we cannot face them openly, they would crush us with numbers alone. Nor can we leave the southern border unprotected, not with the Empress aiding Guto" Holy Light said.

Nathan watched as they devised an attack plan. So far it seemed the griffins were spread put over the coast, meaning that they wouldn't face the full force head on. So ambushes and focusing on smaller cells of the enemy army seemed to be a sound tactic. But it would all be pointless if the griffins just deiced to gather all their soldiers and head straight for Canterlot. The Equestrian army would be forced to hold them back for as long as possible until help from the north arrived, if it arrived..

"Kid, no one will blame you if run. Or Celestia probably would, but Luna would honor that choice. The Yaks up north would probably take you in if they saw your magic hammer" Osiris whispered to him as the discussion continued.

"I'm not leaving you all to die. Even if I run the griffins will probably come there too. So staying here and doing something is better. And with all of you I'm less likely to die at the talons of a griffin king" The young man whispered back and Osiris chuckled.

"Less likely to die? It seems spending time with us have made you mad" The golden coated stallion grinned and the man chuckled quietly.

"We are the ones who introduced him to booze, of course we would be the ones to drive him mad" The sanguine said quietly as well, the loud discussions enough to mask their conversation.

"Rather mad surrounded by friends than sane and all alone" Nathaniel smiled and he spotted Luna in the corner of his eye, the mare giving him a small smile.

The meeting took several hours. Celestia went over how to position combat mages, how one could attack troops moving through the forest and what to do if the griffins captured Equestrian Soldiers. All of the information was a bit overwhelming for the eighteen year-old who tried his best to understand what was told. It came to a point where Nathaniel just started to think about other things, like where he could get a bow. But also more darker thoughts filled his mind, many revolving around the fact that he'd be forced to kill.

Nathan had hurt other sentient creatures in the past few weeks, he'd even felt the urge to kill Sombra. The human had also killed animals since coming to Eques. But it wasn't the same thing to him. Killing a deer to get some meat for the winter or a wolf to survive was ok in his mind. But to take his sword and end another thinking being's life? It felt wrong, it felt strange. Was it wrong of him to think like that? The griffins would happily kill them all if they got the chance. So why couldn't he see them like the wolves?

Nathaniel's thoughts were interrupted as Celestia stood up, looking over at him and his fellow Guardians. Luna did the same and he felt nervous. They seemed to have come to a decision. Osiris stood up and so did Rose while the others remained seated. Maybe it would be a good idea to focus on the important military meeting instead of his inner demons.

"Guardian Sol, Thorn and Osiris. You are to depart with five hundred of our soldiers into the Everfree. There you will slow down the enemy by using ambushes and any other means to strike down our foe. We expect them to be many, but we cannot send more soldiers with you. We need all the ponies we can get to aid Fillydelphia and Baltimare. They have yet to be captured thanks to the combat mages stationed there, but magical shields will not last long against assaults like these" Celestia told them and the two ponies to Nate's right saluted.

"What about Luna? Aren't we meant to protect her?" The human asked the white alicorn who sighed.

"You are meant to guard my sister, yes. But we need military leaders among the soldiers that we can be certain get the job done" She responded and then the other ponies in the room started to leave.

Everyone seemed to have been given their orders. Holy Light was to depart with another three hundred soldiers to the southern border and slow down the Shadow Ponies not already with the griffins. His two squad mates were to join Celestia and Luna as they retook the coastal towns and cities. The general, who was to be called General Diamond, would go with the main force like the princesses. The nobles were kind enough to give their private guards and soldiers to the already five hundred strong force given to the Lunar Guardians. The total amount of soldiers in control by them was now around six hundred.

Nathaniel's thoughts were swirling as they left the room. He had no real combat experience, had never lead soldiers before and was still learning how to even cast simple combat magic. The young man felt unprepared for all of this. He felt like a great weight was pushing onto his chest and his breathing got quicker. Rose gave him a concerned look while Osiris spoke with Celestia regarding their situation.

When the man felt ready to collapse he felt a warm furry head nuzzle his chin. Luna gave him a smile and Nathaniel could feel himself calming down. The princess came to his rescue once more. How many times had she shown kindness to him? It felt like Nathan still owed her for everything she had done for him. Maybe the whole thing with knocking him unconscious and putting him in a cage still stung but other than that had the Lunar princess shown compassion.

"You will be fine Nathaniel. Rose and Osiris will not leave your side, neither will I for that matter. After everything that have happened I am certain that you'll do great in battle and that you will not fail anypony. Trust your friends and gut on this one, as I don't think there is any better council in war" Luna said and the human nodded, his muscles relaxing.

"Thank you Luna" The teen mumbled and was given another nuzzle from the princess.

"Go and sleep more before you depart. You will need to be rested for the journey though the Everfree" The princess said before noticing Celestia starring at them.

With another smile the princess walked over to join her sister and the two were gone with a flash of light. They had used magic to teleport away to wherever they were needed. With a small sigh Nathan turned to his friends, Osiris grinning at him with Rose handing him a bag of bits, muttering swears under her breath. He wonder what that was all about?

Nathan looked at the small house standing among the many mansions in the Noble District. The human found it to stick out like a sore thumb among the other lavish buildings that stood to its left and right it on the white street. Osiris had asked him to tag along as the scout needed something from his home, and this was his house? The pony seemed to notice Nathaniel's confused expression and smiled.

"Behold! The most cheap expensive house in Equestria!" The stallion said melodramatically and then grinned.

Some nobles sneered at the stallion as he raised his voice but Osiris simply ignored them. The pony opened the small gate leading into a garden in front of the house. It wasn't that big, having a few bushes of flowers and a statue of a pony surrounded by what looked like waves of sand. The path through the garden was laid with gray gravel and looked well kept. Had Osiris hired a gardener?

"I like it. Maybe not the place where I'd imagine you would live but it's quite peaceful" Nate said with a smile as Osiris walked up to the door.

"I didn't choose it. Celestia gave it to me after I became a scout" The stallion mused as he lead the human inside.

The interior was simple enough. It was a one story house with a hall that lead into the living room with other doors to the left and right leading to the bathroom and kitchen. The living room was pretty large, probably the most spacious room in the entire building. It at least ten meters wide and ten meters long, allowing Osiris to move in a desk to work at and some other questionable items. Nathan was confused by a bookshelf standing by itself on one of the walls, the thing feeling out of place on the wide wall. Only one book was on it, one with a golden spine holding swirly patterns.

"I came here to grab some of my more useful weapons. I'm going to need more than just two daggers if we're going to be hunting griffins in the woods" Osiris said and walked up to the bookshelf, pulling on the book.

Nathan had suspected it was a lever, and it turned out his suspicions were correct. The bookshelf swung open like a door to reveal a small dark room. The earth pony simply grabbed a few matches and lit a candle in the room, showing the human all that was inside. The three walls in front and to the sides of Osiris were littered with weapons. Everything from swords to shields hung from neatly placed hooks. The stallion grabbed a spear from the wall before then grabbing a few knives and a short sword.

There was a table in front of the scout as well. On it laid an envelope along with a something wrapped in a blanket. Osiris starred at the two objects before uncovering one of them, revealing a smooth staff made out of silver with a purple crystal mounted to it on one end. The Lunar Guardian touched it longingly before wrapping it up again, putting the envelope in his saddlebags.

"I just needed this. We will depart tomorrow morning, so get some sleep kid. Also, try to keep the wolf in check, I'm afraid he'll try to eat our changeling spies" Osiris joked and moved out of the small room, pulling on the book again to close the bookshelf behind him.

"What is in the envelope?" The human asked the stallion as he made his way out from the house.

"It's.. It's nothing important. It'll be back in that room soon enough, I just feel better if I bring it with me" He said and lead Nathaniel out from the house and through the garden.

Why had Osiris wanted Nathan to tag along? The human hadn't picked anything from the weapon storage and Osiris hadn't even offered anything to him. The only reason Nate could come up with for why he was there was so Osiris could show him the hidden room. But why? It was not like Nathaniel would needed more weapons, he already had his sword and war-hammer. Sure he wanted a bow as well but he had already requested one from Dust Kicker, so he'd be prepared soon. Nathaniel wondered if he should ask Osiris but the stallion looked lost in thought, so he decided to just follow his friend, feeling very confused.

When Nathaniel woke up the next day had his armor been returned. The thing had been upgraded since he had last seen it. The armor hadn't been much more than leather scraps at first, now it seemed to be made out of a much more sturdier material with chainmail attached to certain parts of the armor's frame. It was mostly the shirt that held the aforementioned chainmail but some parts of the pants that had come with the armor held the same material. When the man put it on the armor felt light. Even with the chainmail it was easy to carry and didn't slow him down much.

The colour scheme matched that all his clothes. Dark blue and black mixed in to mimic the night sky. Luna's cutie mark was carved into the shoulders of the armor and on his back was his own rune carved into the leather like material. Nathan attached the war-hammer to a special strap on his back and his sword to his waist. Finally he got dressed in a black cloak that was given to him as well. The human looked in the mirror and was baffled at first, seeing someone that looked more like a warrior than a young man starring back at him.

"Lord Sol. It's ready" Dust's voice said through the door.

The man opened the door to reveal his personal maid carrying a black bow on her back with a cylindrical quiver of arrows. The bow had small stars and constellations carved into its wooden form while the bowstring glowed a soft dark blue. The man picked it up and examined the weapon, his eyes lingering on the bowstring. It never stopped glowing, radiating with magic.

"Princess Luna made that string from her own mane Nathaniel. It will not break easily" Dust informed him with a smile and Nate nodded, slowly as he looked over the bow in awe.

The human attached the quiver to waist as well, running his fingers of the glowing bowstring. It hummed at his touch, like it enjoyed his presence. So now he was ready for battle, a fight that could end with his own death. The teen contemplated those thoughts for a few seconds. He, Blaze, Rose or Osiris could die in the weeks to come. All it would take would be one stray arrow, one sudden slash of a blade. Was he ready for this?

Nathaniel remembered Luna's calming words and smiled. She was placing her trust in him, so he had to do this. Nathan wouldn't run away, not when his friends would need him the most. With a deep calming breath he focused his eyes on the grimoire Star Swirl had given him. The spell book had only taught him one spell that could be used in combat, Ignis Globe. The spell hadn't been one that came naturally for the mage, his mana almost completely drained the first time he had tried. The ball of fire had been unstable and hard to control, meaning that the young man had filled put to much power into it.

Star Swirl had advised him to keep practicing and remember the paragraph about the spell. So far the human hadn't gotten many quiet moments to practice it, event after event having slowed down his learning. Now Star Swirl wouldn't be around to tutor him either, the mage apparently helping the army's mages with training. The old stallion was gonna join the war effort as well, leading his own squads of mages to the coast in an attempt to undermine the griffins.

With everyone around him going away to fight it wouldn't be right if the man suddenly hid under a rock. Was Nate ready to kill? He didn't know. The teen didn't like the idea and even if he was calmer the human could still feel anxiety over the possibility. But that didn't matter much anymore, his fears had to be ignored, like all their fears had to be ignored. Rose probably felt fear for the incoming battle, as did Osiris. Hell, even the hound was probably afraid.

Blaze running across the room chasing a screaming Dust Kicker dashed whatever hopes the green eyed teen held about the wolf being afraid. The damn beast just didn't give a shit, which was partially why Nathaniel loved Blaze's company so much. The man grinned and grabbed the wolf as he ran past, scratching his head. The maid was relieved over the wolf no longer chasing her, putting down a plate that had been on her back. Nathan's companion threw himself over the meat brought to him and happily chewed it down, the human chuckling at the sight.

After putting the grimoire at his hip and Nathaniel left the room with Blaze following him. The two of them said goodbye to Dusk Kicker who promised to keep Nathan's room clean while he was away. The spring birds had come to Canterlot and allowed the human to listen to their song through some of the open windows. The bird song and light of day helped lift the man's spirits and Nathan soon walked out to the castle courtyard and spotted Osiris and Rose.

"You ready kid?" The stallion asked the teen as he approached them.

"Yeah, I am" Nate responded and looked over his two friends.

Rose and Osiris wore matching armor sets. They reminded him of his own armor with the difference being that Rose had pockets for knives everywhere on her sides while Osiris held two daggers strapped to his saddlebags. A cart next to them was filled with stuff they would need like food and water, a few guards packing it. Soon they would leave for Everfree and prepare their battle-plans.

"Then let's net waste any time. We are leading the troops into the Everfree and then splitting them up into smaller groups. Some will focus on building traps, some will focus on scouting while others will wait behind the trees to strike" The male Lunar Guardian told him and Nathaniel nodded.

"The journey to the forest edge will take a few hours. Then we're spending a few days on driving out whatever griffins had dared to go inside" The sanguine mare stated as they started walking down the streets.

The ponies that lived in Canterlot eyed them as they walked, awe and hope in their eyes. He wondered if they saw that because of the two ponies in front of him or not. But even if their adoration was only aimed for Rose and Osiris could the man still smile at the sight, knowing so many held hope over their success. A few children even tried to hand them money to which Rose refused, telling them that she didn't need the money.

When they reached the gates were a large force of soldiers waiting for them. All of them looked upon the ones that would lead them with skepticism. The human had never lead soldiers before, he had barely been a soldier himself. But it Nate had to focus, he had to save Luna and his friends. If that meant stumbling blind in darkness then he would do so. With a determined look the human walked into the mass of ponies and headed towards the direction of the Everfree, beginning their trek down the mountain. They were marching for war, failure was not an option.

Empress Darkest Dream's POV

I looked over my empire with a heavy heart. I didn't see the smiling subjects and thriving market of the past anymore. I could only watch over a grey shell of its former glory. The citizens didn't dare to go out with the griffins guarding the streets. Nor did anypony dare to sell anything without customers or with the possibility of the griffin forces crushing their wares. The occupation made me feel sick, like I had attracted the Corruption disease. I had allowed them into Garthram, I had accepted Guto's deal, I had failed to protect my son and I had ordered the court mages to research the Corruption disease.

Had I fallen so low? What sort of leader was I when I sacrificed my people the same second my son was taken. I loved him dearly, the small colt always having brightened up my day at court. But was my son's life worth the whole of my nation's people? Mother or Empress, what was the right thing to be in times like these? My heart screamed at me to act like a mother and not do anything that would anger that griffin king. But my head told me to let go and kill the griffins in my city while I still had the chance.

I lowered my head and walked back to my throne, looking at the two guards on each side of it. Did they have an opinion about my plight? Did they have a solution to all of this? I just wanted to hear his happy laughter again, I just wanted to see him grow up into a respectable young stallion and I wanted to tell him how sorry I was to ever allow him being taken. My precious child in the claws of a mad griffon, scared and alone. Had I acted rationally when I agreed to Guto's plan? No, I had acted selfish and now my nation was paying for it.

I looked up at the sky and removed the silver crown from my head, my eyes reflecting the dark clouds above us. I hadn't just betrayed my people, I had betrayed the world as well. I was willing to take whatever punishment the world threw my way for my crimes, as long as my son would not be hurt. I was roused out of my thoughts as an envelope was given to me by a servant, Guto's handwriting on the back addressing it to me. It had an odd shape and the servant quickly left the throne room.

I felt my mouth dry up as I opened the envelope and pulled out a letter with a few bloodstains on it. I felt my heartbeat quicken as I pulled out the other thing in the envelope, the thing that had caused the odd shape. It was the top of my son's ear. The piece of flesh was covered in dried blood and I felt breathing getting strained, tears threatening to pour from my eyes. I felt like the world was spinning and that the ground had caved in under me. I slowly turned my head to the letter, the room around me so quiet.

I dropped the letter and took a weak step forward, I could feel myself hyperventilating but i couldn't hear it. I stumbled a few steps before screaming in rage and agony, my eyes growing red as I slammed my hooves into the stone floor. The black marble cracked under my magical strength but I wasn't enough. I slammed front leg into a pillar and sending it flying across the room. The guards in the room tried to escape my wrath but wad quickly wrapped in dark tendrils. I screamed and screamed, destroying the throne room and shattering my crown.

When I finally stopped I just felt hollow, like my soul had been stolen by a Husk. I let go of my magic and the guards I had been strangling in my outrage felt to the floor gasping for air, looking at me in fear. I didn't care if they feared me, I didn't care if they died or lived. I would kill every last pony in Equestria if it meant Guto would return my baby. My sweet innocent son. I felt such a deep sorrow among the void within me. Was this what my mother had wanted for me? What the first Empress had wanted for our nation?

It didn't matter anymore. If he lived I would die happy. If he died.. Then I would burn the world until I had made sure that Guto would not survive the flames. I couldn't accept his death. I couldn't accept that his happy smile could be wiped off this world. I just had to obey the mad king. I just had to kill all of the Equestrian army. I would not fail with my mission to save my son, no matter what.

King Guto's POV

I looked at the mare resting next to me. Her brown mane and light brown coat matched the colour of the blanket covering her body. Autumn slept peacefully even with the all the voices coming from outside the palace, her youth in the pony cities having made her used to such disturbances. I let my talon run through her mane and I smiled, getting out of the bed and getting dressed in my armor.

Tyr's mother had been happy when I invited her to the castle and gave her dinner. As she was not a griffin she would never be allowed to call herself a queen of Griffonia. But she was still my most treasured lover and concubine, meaning that Autumn still had polotical power in my court. I tried to keep her away from such trivial matters, the mare not having the heart for politics. I liked that about her however, she was very much like Tyr. My half-breed son might not be the prince the priests had wanted, but the boy had shown promise with a blade and with diplomacy. I had grown fond of him during the years, the once young hippogriff now a fully grown fighter. I just wished he could stomach the necessity of war.

I left Autumn to sleep in the royal chambers, the dinner and night of passion a gift. I would leave my kingdom for a long time, so she would need something from me. My thoughts on my family was muddled as I felt the familiar power of the Idol rushing through me. I happily took the power and headed down the halls of my castle, my eyes fixated at a door with two guards protecting it.

I entered the room and spotted the griffon laying on the ground, spitting blood at my talons. So there was still fight in the rebel? Good, I needed something to blow of steam on. I picked him up by his throat, the old griffon clawed at my face as I squeezed my right talon around his neck, his raspy attempts at catching his breath made me chuckle. Crazy old bird, always struggling against the world.

I let him go and he dropped onto the cold stone floor, gasping for breath and trying to crawl away. I simply grabbed a knife from my side and slammed it down onto one of his broken wings, making him scream in agony. I snarled at the pathetic creature below me and flipped him around, pinning him against the knife handle and his own wing.

"Where are the rest of your friends old fool? You have tried to burn military garrisons and sabotage weapon facilities. The only reason you're alive is because I need to know where your friends are hiding" I told him and he spat in my face.

"I will never betray the true people of this nation you mad chicken" The old griffon laughed, my eyes starting to glow yellow.

I tried to crack his mind, like I had done to the changeling princess. But it did not work, much to my surprise. Any attempt to forcefully enter his mind resulted in me bring thrown out. I growled as neither torture or the Idol could force the answers from his beak. We didn't even know his name, the griffon not known to any guards or soldier. He and his friends had just showed up one day and spewed their nonsense about peace and "the truth behind this war". They had put up posters against my rule and the war, trying to sabotage what I had built for years.

But if it meant that he was had no use for me now then I might as well throw him in a cell. His companions might try to free him, which would lead to them running into my skilled guard. Common griffins with no military training wouldn't stand a chance against my personally trained soldiers. I growled as he laughed in my face and I pulled the knife out from his wing, leaving the old griffon behind in the room.

"Throw him in a cell, makes sure he lives. I want his companions captured before the end of this month" I ordered the guards at the door who saluted.

I left the room in a more foul mood then when I started this morning, but I couldn't afford doubt to be spread among the people. Not now. Before bribes and threats were enough to silence any competition, but these traitors had an iron will. They didn't give up any information and laughed as you tortured them. They were truly mad. I looked out a window at the sky as I thought about the issues rising at home. I could not stay and take care of the problem, I simply lacked the time. I would take the next ship to Equestria and lead my soldiers to victory.

The thought about the coming battles almost made me giddy, the Idol humming approvingly of my latest actions. It wasn't even here but I could still hear its sweet whispers. I had loved it when I hurt the Empress child, the foal having cried and begged me to stop. I thought about doing so during the act, but the Idol convinced me to continue. In the end the Empress would get the message and understand that I was not playing around anymore.

War had finally come to our world and I would be the one to lead it. This war would lead us all into a new age, an age where we griffins once again held the power in this world. It would be glorious, all my sacrifices finally paying off. I could still see my father on his deathbed, making me swear to achieve his dream. I hoped deep down that father was watching me along with the gods, so that he know that I had succeeded. I was finally changing destiny and the world would forever know my name.

Author's Notes:

And there we go, chapter 20! This took a while and it didn't kickstart the war, sorry! I promise to start the battles in the next chapter, now when all pawns are in place and I have finally reached 150k words! And over 110 likes! Thanks for all support on the story so far, you guys are the best!