-Canterlot marketplace, Café Diem, Midday-

Shining Armor couldn’t help but smile and take a long drink from his coffee as he watched his wife stare down from their seats on the balcony seating of the café they were eating at. In the path of her soft gaze was a group of small colts and filly’s following their teacher on a class trip through the market. He reached out and lightly brushed a bit of her mane away from her eyes drawing her attention back to him a slight blush washing over her cheeks. “Dreaming about the future Cadance? Something in particular?”

She smiled and nodded looking into his eyes. “I am…I was just watching that school group down there and it got me thinking about how I can’t help but keep getting excited at the idea of us having a foal.”

Cadance reached out and ran a hoof over Shining’s cheek. “You and I will be able to show it the wonders of this land and watch it grow…maybe even raise more than one.”

He chuckled his eyes getting a small twinkle. “I think I’d be up for that.”

She grinned and leaned down to take a sip of her green tea when a cold breeze suddenly washed over her causing her wings to ruffle slightly as a shiver ran down her back. A very ominous feeling began to rise from the pit of her stomach causing her to look up to her husbands face. “Shining…do you feel that?”

He frowned raising his head up “Do you mean that cold chill?”

She shook her head. “No…there is something more…something ominous…I…I don’t like it.”

He reached out and placed his hoof on hers as they locked eyes a reassuring smile helping her to relax. He smirked and nodded down to the small school group that had made their way down the street. “Take a look down there…”

Cadance glanced down and her vision quickly found the adorable sight of a younger colt walking next to a chaperone, clearly his mother, at the back of the group. The colt had a brown colt and a blonde mane with bright blue eyes and his mother looked similar with a tan coat, blonde long mane and blue eyes with a cutie mark that appeared to be a teddy bear holding a blooming flower. Cadance felt a warm smile wash over her lips as she watched the two share a small nuzzle before moving on with the group. “I can’t wait to be doing that with our foal.”

Shining grinned and leaned in and gave her a small kiss on her cheek. “No worries Cadance, I’m sure we’ll have a home full of foals to spoil soon enough.”

She giggled and gave him a small sly smirk her eyes softening. “Can’t wait to get started can you?”

He grinned with wide eyes but before he could speak the ground began to shake under their hooves causing their glasses to fall from the table and shatter on the ground. Several ponies began to cry out in fear as the shaking continued causing tables to tip over, loose dust to fall from building tops, and knocking several ponies to the ground. Shining and Cadance both managed to stay on their hooves long enough to ride out the quake the two locking eyes in an unspoken unified thought. They needed to get back to the castle.

Both ponies began to step away from their table only to stumble when their attention was drawn back to the street behind them. At first it was soft, but quickly it grew into what could only be described as chaos. Cadance’s eyes went wide and her jaw went slack as she watched what only could be described as a stampede of ponies begin to rush onto the street from intersecting alleyways causing mass confusion, chaos, and danger. Several Vendors began to scramble knocking over tables, displays, entire vendor stalls forcing the school group to huddle against the nearest building in an attempt to avoid being trampled in the confusion.

Cadance gasped as she watched the young colts and fillies cower behind their teacher and chaperone crying in fear. She glanced at Shining only to find that he had already launched himself over the edge of the balcony and to the ground below and was dodging and weaving through the street in an attempt to get the trapped class. She was about to spread her wings and fly herself across the street to lend a hoof when the ground shook once more and something happened that caused the entire crowd, Shining and herself to completely stop and look back to where the ponies just ran from.

An ear shattering roar shook through the streets causing the mass of ponies to take pause and grow wide eyed with fear. Several ponies began to continue their moving away but now their stepping was slow and careful. Shining took the opportunity to move further through the crowd but sadly the calm in the panic did not last. Another roar shook through the marketplace and this time a large burst of fire flew up over a building dissipating in the air. That was enough to break the silence. The screaming panic began once more and Shining winced as a rather large earth stallion slammed into his shoulder knocking him down as he ran past causing a large plume of dust to kick up into the air as he slid to a halt just in front of the school group who backed away from him in fear.

The earth shook with every hoof fall on the cobblestone road of the marketplace as the ground began to shake once again, this time each quake occurred with the sound of heavy, slow footsteps and a deep guttural growl.

Shining grunted as he rose to his hooves, his shoulder aching from that fall he took and shook his head clearing out the cobwebs. He turned his gaze to the fillies and colts first making certain they were ok before finding their teacher, a tan colored mare with cyan eyes, long blonde mane and a ruler for a cutie mark. She glanced at her class as she stepped forward blocking his path from the rest of the group clearly putting up a brave front. Shining cleared his throat and squared his shoulders before speaking in a calm confident voice knowing that he had to work quickly to get them all to safety. “My name is Shining Armor, I’m captain of the royal guard and I’m here to help.”

The teacher smiled in relief before clearing her throat. “Thank Celestia…I don’t know what’s going on but my students are very scared…” Another roar filled the air causing her to shriek and cower as several of her students shrank back pressing harder into the cold stone of the building. Shining frowned and turned to face the now vacant street his wife still up on the balcony watching from the distance. He maneuvered himself in front of the entire group now and began to ready his signature spell before speaking in a very serious tone. “Get your group behind me and very slowly make your way toward the castle…whatever you do don’t-“

He never had a chance to finish his sentence when a building further down the street exploded into rubble, sending brick, wood and bits of metal all over the cobblestone road and some parts even landed in various vendor stands across the street all of which was soon followed by another burst of fire shooting forth causing the ponies to take a nervous step back. Shining immediately cast his signature spell raising a medium sized shield shell spell around the group and glanced back over his shoulder and barked a very simple order. “GET BEHIND ME! NOW!” The school group did as they were told and huddled themselves to the back edge of the shield several of the children whimpering in fear.

Cadance gasped as she watched the shield flare to life while from the rubble of the building that once stood down the block came another heart stopping roar and from the ashes and smoke of the debris stepped out, by equestrian standards, a medium sized dragon unlike any she had ever seen before. It wasn’t as large as the dragon that had invaded the mountain range not far from Ponyville a few years ago but it was still large enough to destroy a small building if it wanted too. It walked on four short, thick scaled legs and its eyes were a piercing red and shown some form of evil intelligence while its scales were a deep bronze metallic color severally different from any dragon known in Equestria. Those features paled though when compared to the biggest feature of this creature...it had three heads each of which appeared to have large gnashing teeth ready to rend the flesh from anypony unfortunate enough to get close enough to it. Upon closer inspection she could also make out what appeared to be several smaller creatures making their way through the rubble behind the creature.

The dragon’s left most head raised it’s head up and shot another burst of fire into the air while the other two roared loudly before shifting its large imposing form turning its gaze on the ponies retreating under the cover of the magical shield. The middle head growled baring its teeth while the rightmost head pulled back and then just as quickly shot forward opening its toothy maw sending a large burst of fire out to slam into the dome rolling the flames up and over the group. The younger ponies cowered and cried, and Shining cringed feeling a small backlash in his horn, the magic from the fire having a strange interaction with his own.

After a few moments the flames settled and the dragon pulled back as a deep throaty chuckle began to emanate from the maw of the middle head. It took two more steps forward and lowered its head leveling its gaze at the ponies protected by Shining Armor. It locked eyes with Shining before grinning ever so slightly its evil red eyes shimmering in mirth. “So…finally a creature with a backbone….a challenge.” The dragons right head spoke, the voice of it was deep, guttural and dark. “So many of these…Technicolor creatures with hooves provided absolutely no challenge for my hunt…but this…this magic…well, this at least provides me with some sort of brief entertainment.”

Shining narrowed his eyes never breaking contact with the dragon, his true worry being suppressed by his training. He knew Cadance was still outside of his protective shield and he dared not try to recast the spell because the creature wouldn’t hesitate to send another blast of fire at him while he tried to use his magic. His best option was to keep the beasts attention on him so his wife could escape and get help. “My name is Shining Armor and I’m Captain of the Royal Guard. These ponies are under my protection and I will not yield. You will cease your actions and leave Canterlot in peace.”

The dragon’s left head reared back in a fierce laugh that seemed to shake the ground under all their hooves before the middle head lowered down once more its toothy maw grinning once more. “Oh, no I don’t think so. You see my minions and I are hungry…very hungry…” The right head snaked forward and looked over Shining at the group of trembling students. “And I happen to find the flesh of younglings to be very…delectable, so I’m going to crack this shell of yours and get the goodies inside.”

The fillies and colts gasped and cried as they pressed into their teacher in a vain attempt to hide, the chaperone mare pulled her child close and whispered softly into his ear, reassuring him while staring over at Shining, her eyes pleading with him to help. Shining growled and turned his gaze back over to the dragon his eyes narrowing with determination. “If you try to harm these or any colts or fillies in Canterlot or all of Equestria you will regret it.”

The three heads of the dragon reared back and once again the earth shook with laughter. “You can threaten me but you can’t do anything to help yourself against me or my minions!”

As this was said the sound of several feet hitting the cobblestone road filled the air and from behind the strange dragon came what looked like around twenty bipedal salamander like lizard people surrounded the front part of the dome. Their scales were ranging in color from a forest green to a fierce earthy red, their mouths were lined with sharp razor like teeth and they carried various types of weapons ranging from short swords to spears, the blades of them all looking to be dangerously sharp.

The dragon raised its heads up and glared down at Shining. “Now we shall begin…” The three heads shot down and slammed into the shield causing it to shudder violently, but no break. Shining grunted as he felt the backlash once again in his horn causing a throbbing in his skull. This was something that had never happened to him before, even during the changeling invasion…perhaps Chrysalis’s magic had a stronger affect on him than he realized. He grit his teeth and pushed past the pain of the forming headache and focused on strengthening the spell. He’ll fight as long as possible, what he failed to notice was that above his head a hairline crack was beginning to form.

The salamanders began to strike at the bubble, their weapons making a dull thud that barely echoed in the chamber. The dragon roared once more and turned whipping its tail into the side of the bubble causing it to shake fiercely from the impact. Shining grunted once more as he felt the magic backlash pulsing through his horn and into his skull making his head ache immensely. His legs shook slightly and the crack in the shield began to grow larger. This did not go unnoticed by the dragon who began to chuckle knowing its meal was nearly at hand. It reared all three heads back once more and slammed them down onto the crack using its armored skull as battering ram pounding the shield again and again, the color of it fading with each strike the cracks growing larger and larger. Shining groaned as he felt his legs give out from under him, sinking to the ground his teeth bared and eyes clenched as he did all he could to hold the magic long enough for help to arrive. He had never felt anything like it before, it was as though this creature had the ability to send feedback through the shield to his horn.

Cadance felt her heart catch in her throat as she watched her beloved’s defenses begin to crumble under the assault of the creature and its small army. She shifted on her hooves as her eyes darted around trying to take in the gravity of their situation. Canterlot was under attack, her husband was protecting a group of school age foals, their teacher and their chaperone, and the aggressor was a new form of dragon she had never seen before and with it was a horde of unknown, bipedal lizard creatures with weapons. She could attack, but she didn’t know strong attack magic like Celestia or Luna, but she could distract some of the foes…but that wouldn’t put an end to the situation. She could try to get help but she dare not leave them alone, and the royal guard would take too long to mobilize without Shining there to organize things.

She felt helpless…here she was a royal Alicorn, member of the royal family, stronger than an average Unicorn, Pegasus, and Earth Pony and she couldn’t do anything to help. She watched in horror as the shield began to crumble under the attack and her husband fell to his knees his eyes clenched and a small trickle of blood leaking from his nose. The salamanders took advantage of the situation and as pieces of the shield fell and dissipated before hitting the ground they leap into the now collapsing bubble raising their weapons as two approached Shining and three more moved towards the young school foals.

She watched as the lizards snapped their jaws and snarled, drool dripping from their lips as they approached their prey. She watched as Shining was forced to stay down a spear being held at his throat while the school foals backed away, the Earth Pony mare with the teddy bear cutie mark moved in front of her foal lowering her head and pawing her hoof in the dirt her eyes narrowed. “Stay away from my child…” The lead lizard hissed as it narrowed its eyes as it and the other two raised their spears and struck. The mare cried out as a spear was driven into her shoulder, side and front thigh, crimson spilling out staining her tan coat and pooling onto the ground as she fell first to her knees and then onto her side her eyes wide, her pupils narrowed. Her foal cried and tried to run forward to his mother only to be held back by a tearful teacher.

Cadance felt her heart drop as she watched the protective mother have three spears driven into her form, and her eyes became wet with tears as the cobblestone path became wet with blood. As the princess of love and an Alicorn, Cadance had access to certain abilities one of this was the ability to sense the love radiating out from some ponies. She had felt the love emanating from the protective mother as she tried to keep her child safe and she felt the surge of emotion from the little colt as he watched his mother fall. She watched as the lizards began to raise their spears once again and grit her teeth as she began to call on the basic magical attack spells she knew intending to send several beams of magical energy at the attacking salamanders hoping to draw them away from the group. However, just as her horn began to glow with magical energy something glinted in the sunlight as it flew from one of the nearby rooftops heading straight towards the three salamanders below.

*Perspective Change*

Grevin growled as he pushed himself to move faster over the various rooftops in Canterlot hoping to reach the location of the attack before to much harm would be done. He hated that this whole ordeal was because of his very presence in the capitol, but a small part of him almost felt grateful for the opportunity to get into combat once more. He hadn’t raised a blade in battle since he had arrived in Equestria and he feared that his abilities were beginning to fade.

He shook his head and pulled his hood down further over his face before the wind decided to pull it back exposing his face to the population. He glanced to his side taking note of a few Pegasus guards trying to direct the influx of civilian ponies running from the danger and then returned his attention to the scene ahead a large burst of fire in the distance already informing him that there was some sort of dragon at the scene. He reached back and checked both his swords and then the daggers he carried taking a small inventory, he had two daggers hidden in his gauntlets, one on his belt and then his two swords one on his hip and one on his back.

He frowned as he leapt across another rooftop as his thoughts drifted back to what started this whole mess…him. It was his fault for going through that stone garden, it was his heritage, his blood that allowed this “Discord” to escape from his prison and now it was his responsibility to make things right. On top of all that he had managed in his short time here to attack a royal guard, and disobey a direct order from one of the rulers of the land. Chances were he had a nice comfy holding cell waiting for him upon his return.

Grevin shook his head clearing his mind from that line of thought and focused himself to the task at hand, protecting the innocent ponies of Canterlot from something pulled from the depths of his mind. He leapt once more from one rooftop to another tucking into a roll as he landed on the next sliding to a halt on the graveled surface. He rose to his feet and quickly moved to the edge of the building and looked out at the marketplace ahead. In the distance before him stood a scene that made his blood run ice cold.

Shining Armor had a purple shield surrounding him self and several ponies, many of them younger, protecting them from an onslaught of bipedal lizard men and a large three headed bronze color dragon that was using its large raised skull as a kind of battering ram, every strike shaking the shield causing large cracks to form, he didn’t have much time. Grevin noticed that Shining was beginning to shiver and buckle at the knees with every strike, it was then that the realization hit him…he knew who this dragon was and the danger was worse than he realized.

In Bastion there was a dragon he had heard a rumor about that had a unique ability to alter magic through contact of its skin or through some sort of aura it produced. This ability could protect it from magical weapons, sometimes turn the effect back onto the wielder making it a very effective defense mechanism…and it appears that it had decided to use this ability as a weapon of sorts. That shield would crack like an eggshell at any moment he had to hurry. He took a few steps back and once again ran to the roofs edge launching him self to the next hoping to reach the group before it was too late.

Three buildings away though he learned that his efforts were too late, for as he reached the roofs edge the shield around the small group began to collapse and the lizard men scrambled in to take their prize. Grevins eyes widened as he leapt once again, now two rooftops away. He watched two salamanders surround Shining and hold him at spear point while three more ran in and approached one of the civilian earth ponies, a mare from the looks of it, who had stepped in the way protecting the younger ones with raised weapons. He watched in horror as he watched her paw at the ground only to be struck down by the salamanders that now were towering over their fallen prize, what he saw next made his blood begin to boil. He watched a young colt cry out while running forward only to be pulled back by another pony…he was that mares child…that was a mother protecting her child…and now that child…that innocent child may have lost the only parent he knew.

Grevin growled as he felt his magic surge through him, his right hand reaching to his left gauntlet pulling a dagger from its sheath. He landed on the final roof and sprinted forward his anger filling him to the point of becoming reckless…which was exactly what was needed at the moment. He pulled his hand back and as he readied himself as he neared the final ledge. Five steps, he tightened his grip on the handle of the blade. Four steps, he slowed his breathing and narrowed his eyes concentrating on his target. Three steps, he mapped out his actions once he arrived at the scene. Two steps, he pulled his arm back and surged his magic through his system readying him self for what came next. One step, he threw the blade at his target with as much power as possible, the only sound being made was the quiet whistle of the blade slicing through the air. No steps, he launched himself into the air as he reached the roof edge his hands reaching to the blades on his back and side respectively a deep growl emanating from his throat.

*Perspective Change*

Cadance barely caught the glint of the object flying through the air before it slammed into one of the salamanders that was standing over Shining. The creature fell back instantly dead, a blade sticking out of its throat, black blood spurting out from the wound pooling on the ground around its still twitching form. The other lizard turned to look at its fallen comrade as it began to cry out to its comrades in fear and confusion. Her eyes widened as a large figure appeared from the rooftops wearing a set of silver armor a large cloak trailing behind it, a cloak hiding its face…it was Grevin…help had arrived.

Grevin grit his teeth as he neared his target, the center lizard standing over the fallen mare, bracing his feet for impact. The next thing he heard and felt was the shattering of the creature’s shoulders, collar bone and ribcage under his heavy boots, it didn’t even have time to cry out in pain before its back was broken and there was an imposing warrior kneeling over its now broken and bleeding body. The other two salamanders had no time to react as he unsheathed his weapons and quickly spun on his heel first striking at the one to his right, his blades easily slicing through scale and bone with ease, separating the creatures head and left arm from its shoulders sending blood spurting through the air as its body collapsed to the side. He continued his spin using the momentum from his first strike to raise his speed and move to his next target. Without slowing, he fluidly moved under the initial swipe of the lizards spear and quickly braced his right foot stopping his spin and used his left blade to knock the spear further out of the way while easily sliding his right blade up through its stomach at an angle so that it pierced its heart and burst out of its back, sending a small spurt of blood to the cobblestone path below.

Cadance gasped as she watched the scene unfold before her. She had never seen such combat in Equestria before…but then again, these creatures clearly were not of Equestria. She watched with mouth agape as Grevin first crushed the first under his boots and then easily dispatched the others in a single turn. By now the other salamander next to Shining had pulled his attention from his fallen comrade to the commotion behind him and let out a hiss of anger as it raised its weapon and slid into a combat stance. Cadance glanced back to Grevin who had risen up and seemed to be staring into the face of the one still impaled on his weapon. She watched as he turned his gaze to the approaching salamander warrior and slowly lowered his hand allowing the dead one to slide free of his blade and crumple in a heap at his feet as he turned to face his next adversary. It was then yet another thing began to catch Cadances attention.

As a younger Alicorn Cadance could sometimes see certain things that regular ponies couldn’t. Her aunts, Luna and Celestia were much more adept at such things but she was learning. As she watched Grevin she saw something that she couldn’t quite explain. When she had first met Grevin she had noticed a small magical aura about him, it was nothing when compared to Twilight or the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony, maybe a residual charge from his cloak, but now a whole new aura was emanating from his person…something dark, strong and barely kept in check. It seemed to flow around him with a dark red hue pulsing with every step he takes. She watched entranced as Grevin slowly stepped forward raising his weapons before breaking into a run, heading straight for the salamander that had just begun to move away from her husband. She glanced back to the group of school foals and then to the still moving mare lying on the ground in a pool of blood struggling to stay alive and she realized what she had to do. She spread her wings and with a mighty flap she rose into the air and surged forward readying her best healing spell hoping that she could do something to help.

Shining groaned as his vision began to clear, his head still throbbing from the onslaught brought on by the dragon. He sniffed feeling wetness on his muzzle as he raised his head and when he brought a hoof to his nose he pulled it back to find a splotch of blood on it. He glanced up noticing that the dragon had a strange smirk on its three faces as it sat back on its haunches, its eyes watching something behind him almost as if it were enjoying what was occurring. His attention was pulled away in the blink of an eye though when the sound of battle reached his ears and Shining realized that someone had come to help.

Grevin growled as he broke into a run, the salamander taking a more defensive stance just behind Shining Armors prone form, his spear holding steady the tip glinting in the sunlight. He readied his blades and as he reached striking distance Grevin lashed out with hit left blade knocking the spear to the side allowing him the opening to lunge forward tackling the creature, his momentum carrying them through the air over Shinings form and onto the stone road before him. He bared his teeth and uttered a single harsh grunt as he drove his blade through the lizards chest burying the blade into the ground beneath it ending its life in one quick moment.

For a moment he didn’t move, his breathing heavy but controlled as he took in his surroundings. In front of him was the three headed dragon and just off to the left from it was the remaining lizard men, many of which glaring with barred teeth and raised weapons, waiting for the right moment to strike and get revenge for their fallen brothers. He heard the flutter of wings followed by the sound of hooves on the stone road, telling him that some sort of help had arrived for the wounded mare, and the sound of Shining groaning told him that he was beginning to recover from the dragons defense mechanism. Grevin jerked his blade free from the lizard beneath him and slowly rose to his feet slowly spinning the blades in his hands removing some of the excess blood from them before returning them to their sheaths. He turned to face the dragon who was now softly chuckling, and let his hands rest at his sides as quietly cleared his throat as he raised a gloved hand and pointed at the smirking beast before him. “I believe I know who you are…Kaiser…and you would be wise to leave this place.”

The dragon puffed up its chest as it rose to its full height, its scales shimmering in the light, its red eyes narrowing as it glared at the cloaked man before it. The left head snarled as the middle one spoke. “Who are you and how do you know my name? Are you this worlds protector? What makes you think you have the right to order me away when I can just have you killed at any moment?”

Grevin slowly raised his hand to his hood and slowly pulled it back exposing his face to the daylight. He grit his teeth as he felt the suns warmth on his skin and wind through his hair. He narrowed his red eyes and stared at the dragon as if he was looking at its very soul. The dragon known as Kaiser gasped slightly as two pairs of eyes widened while the right heads eyes narrowed as it leaned down to get a closer look. “A Dracien….well…this is a surprise. I’m surprised that one of your race is here protecting such a…weak species. Why are you here wasting your time with them?”

Grevin growled as he clenched his fingers into a tight fist, but kept his tone calm and even. “There is more to them than you think Kaiser…now will you leave them be, or is there going to be more bloodshed?”

The right head pulled back as the remaining two bared their teeth, smoke seeping from their nostrils a deep growl rumbling from its chest. “You dare threaten me? My warriors can easily end your pathetic existence in a fair battle…now that you’re in the open you’ve lost your advantage.”

Grevin smirked and rested a hand on the hilt of the blade at his side. “Well…lets just see about that. Give me your word that you’ll not interfere in the fight and we’ll see how long I last against your men…do you agree?”

Kaiser smirked as the left head nodded. “Fine…a small delay in our feast is of no consequence.” The middle head turned and moved under the left to address the lizard men. “Kill him, fight with honor and prove your worthiness to me!”

Grevin glanced over his shoulder and looked at Shining who was now rising to his feet. “Captain, I hope your head is still in the game…because I need you to get into his.”

Shining blinked his eyes a few times trying to help his eyes adjust to the bright sunlight and was about to ask what Grevin meant but never got the chance. Grevin had already turned and began to move towards the group of lizard warriors his hand sliding to his weapon.

The lizards hissed and began to move forward raising their weapons the whole group moving into a semi circle as they broke into a run, several of them letting out a shrill war cry. Grevin quickly reached up and pulled his hood back down with his free hand while the other drew the blade from his side. He broke into a run as he reached back and drew his other blade free shifting into a lowered stance, his blades held out at his sides in an angle. He turned himself so that he would strike the leftmost portion of the semi circle first, his eyes locking onto a dark green lizard brandishing a large sword, he would be slower than some, a good first target.

Grevin took a single steadying breath before launching himself into the air just as the lizard swung the blade, causing it to move harmlessly under his legs. He took the opportunity of the beast being thrown off balance to twist himself into a spin, his left blade easily slicing through its neck severing its head from its body. He continued his spin as he landed, his right blade lashing out striking a deep wound across the stomach of another swordsman, its entrails spilling out as it fell to the ground, Grevin already moving to his next targets…two down, thirteen to go.

The lizards had begun to regroup, but it was too late for a red spear wielder who had tried to strike with a simple spear thrust only to have the weapon knocked to the side sending it out of his hands, his feet knocked out from under him and a single blade stroke across the neck causing his blood to spill out onto the stone path…three down, twelve remaining.

Grevin took a moment to shift his stance and move back as two sword bearers ran forward in an organized stance, one orange and another tan, each one assisting the other in their attacks. When one would strike, the other would defend it from counter attack. Grevin side stepped tilting his head to the right as a blade thrust barely missed his hood…and his head. He parried the blade to the side with his left and brought his right in from the side only to have it be blocked by the other warrior, the sound of metal striking metal filling the air. Grevin quickly stepped back trying to get some distance as the two pressed forward in an attempt to gain further advantage.

Grevin raised his right blade up blocking an overhead strike from the tan one only to have to bring his left blade in to knock a thrust at his chest by the orange one to the side. He pushed the first blade away knocking the tan lizard off balance giving him the opening he needed. He stepped forward enough that the orange lizard couldn’t effectively strike him and clenched his grip on his swords handle and brought it forward with as much force as he could muster at such a short distance and connected it with the orange lizards jaw. The sound of shattering bone filled the air, the warrior crying out dropping its weapon as it clutched it shattered jaw, falling to the ground writhing in pain.

Grevin quickly turned raising his left blade blocking another blow from the tan warrior and easily dispatched him with a sword through the chest. He then turned his attention to the still whimpering warrior at his feet. He decided the best course of action was to end it quickly so it didn’t suffer, a quick thrust of a blade through the color bone into the heart and the deed was done.

The rest of the lizard men had regrouped in the time it had taken for him to finish off his last one, and were now standing in two columns of five each, every single one of them snarling and snapping their teeth, rage flashing in their eyes. Grevin slowly turned himself to face them his feet in a simple stance; his blades relaxed at his sides a small smirk coming to his lips. They were angry…anger can make an undisciplined warrior sloppy…that made his job easier. He sheathed his right blade and slowly raised his hand so his palm faced the air. He motioned for them to move forward with a simple gesture. “Come on…”

The lizards hissed and surged forward taking the bait, revenge for their fallen comrades the only thought in their minds. Grevin sprang into action, reaching for one of his daggers and throwing it swiftly into the ranks, burying it in the chest of one knocking it back off its feet and onto the ground, its death quick and relatively clean. He yelled as he quickly redrew his blade and flew into the pack, his mind slipping into his old training exercises that he would practice in the back woods of Sweet Apple Acres.

He spun once knocking away the spears thrust at his torso and continued into a series of sweeping blows slicing at the lead lizards torsos sending splatters of blood into the air as he continued onto the next two in the ranks. He continued his forward momentum and drove his weapons into the stomachs of the next two shoving them back into the two behind them, knocking all four to the ground. He pulled back his weapons and threw himself into the final three standing targets striking and moving with as much speed as he could muster, his blades lashing out striking his opponents without mercy. As the last two lizards rose back to their feet Grevin greeted them with a simple thrust of his swords into their necks ending their existence with ease.

For several moments there was nothing but silence, the only sound being the wind whistling its way through the now ruined marketplace, causing Grevins cloak to rustle with each gust. He slowly sheathed the blades once more and slowly made his way around the battleground picking up his daggers from the fallen lizard men ignoring the glaring eyes of the now fuming dragon. He finally turned glancing at the ponies who were all watching with dropped jaws before turning his gaze to Kaiser and crossing his arms across his chest. “So…looks like it’s just you and I now Kaiser…still think that you have the right to come and do as you please here?”

The dragon reared its heads back and roared violently, a burst of fire shooting into the sky, the creatures rage over the loss of his warriors quite evident. Slowly the beast moved towards Grevin with even, deliberate steps. It lowered its heads down and simply glared at him with narrowed, red eyes a subtle but still troubling growl sounding from its chest. “You think yourself to be quite the warrior don’t you? Well I would have to agree with that assumption…so I’ve decided to give you an opportunity.”

Grevin tilted his head to the left slightly as his hands returned to his sides, one resting on the pommel of his blade. “An opportunity? What do you propose?”

Kaisers middle head smirked as the other two pulled back and looked over at Shining, Cadance and rest of the school group. “It’s clear your talents are wasted protecting such a weak bunch of creatures. You could do so much more with your talents. Join me and we can rule this world as partners.”
Grevin glanced over his shoulder at Shining Armor who, as well as Cadance and the others had a look of pure worry in their eyes. Was the one who just saved them about to allow them to perish without a second thought? Would he try to destroy Equestria?

Slowly he turned his head once more to face the foul beast before him and he quietly cleared his throat. “It is a tempting offer I must admit…”

Kaisers eyes widened with anticipation, he could sense his victory coming, he could taste it. “So…we have a deal then, Partner?”

Grevin chuckled a bit before sliding into a growl. “No way you fucking piece of shit.” In a single smooth motion he leapt backwards while moving his hands forward over each gauntlet removing the daggers from their sheaths. As he landed back a few feet he launched the blades and buried them into the eyes of the dragons middle head. Kaiser jerked his head back roaring in pain as the other two surged forward with gnashing teeth, intent on killing him. Grevin dodged to the right but wasn’t fast enough to avoid being struck on his left thigh, his blood flashing on the teeth of the left most dragon head. He grunted in pain and looked back at Shining who had taken several steps back away from the fight. “Shining, I need your help now! Get-AUUGH!“

Grevin never got a chance to finish his sentence as Kaiser had quickly turned and slammed his tail into his side, throwing him into the air across the street and through the outer wall of Café Diem sending brick, glass and dust flying through the air and onto the ground. The dragon howled and shook its middle head as the other two glared at the rubble of what used to be the hottest café in all of Canterlot. “You impudent fool! You throw away a grand opportunity and take the sight of two of my eyes?! I shall fish your broken body out of that rubble, rip your legs from your torso and make you watch as I rend the flesh from these pathetic creatures!”

Shining gasped as he heard the dragon speak, thick blood still dripping from its wounded eyes, the cries of the fillies and colts behind him forcing him to try and think of something that he could do to help this situation. Where was the royal guard? Surely by now they would be organized enough to come help, but no…nothing…they were on their own. His attention was drawn back to the now destroyed café, the rubble and dust finally beginning to settle and for a time there was mostly silence, the only sound being the whimpering of the children behind him and the heavy breathing of the dragon. He thought back to what was said about getting into the beasts head, but before he could allow his thoughts to focus properly his attention was once again drawn up to the remains of the café…something was moving in the rubble.

He couldn’t believe what he saw next. Slowly some bricks were pushed over and rising from underneath, covered in dust, pieces of glass with blood dripping from his exposed face, his hands shaky as he rose to his feet, his shoulders heaving with each breath. To survive a hit like that seemed impossible…the impact from the tail alone should have shattered his ribs and the force of slamming through the wall of the café should have shattered his neck, and broken his spine. Yet despite all that, there he was rising up to his feet, looking a lot worse for wear, but still ready for more. Shining couldn’t help but smirk as he watched Grevin turn his bloodied head to the side and spit a thick wad of crimson from his lips to the ground below and then in a gravely voice say a single phrase. “Is that all you’ve got?”

Shining quickly realized that he had to do something to help. While Grevin was able to take a hell of a beating he couldn’t keep it up forever and would eventually fall…he had to do something. It was then that he had a moment of inspiration.

Kaiser growled, smoke rising from his multiple nostrils, “Perhaps you’d like the feel of my teeth next!” He lunged forward roaring as he went. Grevin didn’t move, waiting for the right moment to jump out of the way but just as the dragon approached striking distance but before that time came it suddenly stopped moving. Grevin watched as the dragons two sets of good eyes widened and then clenched shut as it began to stumble around howling in pain. Grevin watched with a small smile as the dreaded Kaiser dragon fell to the cobble stone path writhing in pain. He glanced over at Shining who’s horn was glowing with a fierce light “…its about time…”

Kaiser growled and clawed at the ground as his eyes locked onto shining. “Y…you…what are you doing to me?”

Shining simply narrowed his eyes and slowly stepped forward approaching the beast. “I’m taking the advice of a friend of mine…getting into your head. You come into my homeland…attack innocent ponies…destroy shops, homes…and now you’re going to pay for what you’ve done. You have the ability to sap my shield just by standing next to it…or touching it, but there is something I can do with my shield that you didn’t anticipate.”

The dragon growled and snapped its teeth. “Inside me….no…”

Shining nodded his head. “Yes…right now I have three tiny shields in each of your skulls, slowly expanding, pressing your brain against you skull, squishing it into a pulpy mass…this is your punishment for all the pain and grief you have inflicted on the residents of Canterlot…”

Shinings horn flared once more and the dragon’s three heads bellowed in pain, raising their faces to the heavens before falling silent and collapsing to the ground with a solid, earth shaking thud. Its body shook for a few moments as blood leaked from its eyes, noses and mouths before it finally stilled and ceased all movement. The beast was dead, it was over. His horn began to lose its glow as he released the magic and to his surprise the lizard men as well as the dragon began to turn to dust that flowed into the air disappearing into nothingness. Soon all that remained were the weapons Grevin had used in his fighting, all of which lay completely clean of all blood on the stone road. If it wasn’t for all the damage and injuries, it would be as if nothing had ever happened.

Shining watched Grevin jump from the upper level of the café to the ground below his face still bloodied from some cuts on his forehead, his left hand wrapping around his waist holding his torso, clearly nursing his ribs. “Mr. Hades…are you alright?”

Grevin nodded as he wiped the blood from his face with his free hand before making his way over to pick up his weapons his gaze wandering to Cadance who appeared to be using a spell on the mare that was attacked. “I’m fine…”

Cadance frowned as she touched her glowing horn to the mare and watched as her exterior wounds began to close up and heal but as the spell faded, the mares eyes didn’t open, and she wouldn’t breath. Cadance saw the fear in the school children’s eyes, especially the mares own foal and quickly turned to get help. “Shining! Grevin! Quickly!”

Grevin frowned and ran past Shining a pit forming in his stomach. He slid to his knees next to the fallen mare as he looked into the princesses’ eyes. “What’s happened?”

Cadance took a small step back as Shining moved to stand beside her. “I…I tried a healing spell but it isn’t working. She isn’t waking up.”

Grevin closed his eyes trying to calm himself as he called upon his magic the familiar feeling beginning to flow from his core to his hands, the warmth that he was all to familiar with returning to him once more.

Cadance blinked as she watched something amazing happen. The dark aura around Grevin began to fade and soon a strange glow began to emanate from his hands. She watched with awe as he placed his gloved hands on the mare surging a powerful magic into the mare. She waited a few moments seeing a frown begin to form on Grevins lips and could only gasp as she watched him surge more magic into his hands, blood beginning to drip from his arms. “Grevin…”

Grevin growled as he concentrated on his task, but it wasn’t doing any good. The mares wounds were mostly healed, and what remained would be taken care of quickly, his blood beginning to wet his shirt at the shoulder and left side as the wounds transferred. Despite all this, her heart wouldn’t start, her lungs refused to fill with air. He couldn’t let this happen, he wouldn’t, it was his responsibility he had to make things right. His magic surged further forcing his vision to begin to fade as he tilted his head back. He could barely hear the gasp from Cadance as he pushed himself further, his vision dark to the point that all he could see was the faint glow of the sun in the sky.

Shining watched Grevin in awe only briefly noticing the look of shock and concern on his wifes face. He had never seen anything like this before, even with all the magical feats that he had witnessed as a member of the royal guard. He stepped back as the glow coming from his hands flared and his head began to tilt back his eyes beginning to lose their red hue. Shining heard his wife gasp as the once red eyes began to shift into a pale white, then a faint shade of blue…this didn’t feel right. “Mr. Hades!...Grevin!” Shining yelled at the man but there was no response, he simply stared into the sky the color beginning to drain from his face. Shining knew that the mare was gone, and if he didn’t act quickly Grevin might follow. He surged forward, wrapped his forelegs around his mid section and began to pull with all his might separating the two pulling the now unconsious warrior to the ground.

Shining sighed as he slowly rose to his hooves and looked down at the beaten warrior and the dead mare...he was going to have a lot to explain once he got back to the castle. Turning to Cadance he couldn't help but smile, thankful that she was alright and that more life wasn't lost in the battle. He quietly cleared his throat and nodded to her before speaking. “Princess...can you please go find the nearest royal guards? We need to get our friends to the hospital.”

-Several Hours Later-

The Mane Six had finally returned to the castle with both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Their search for Discord had not gone as planned and the Lord of Chaos had once again eluded them. It seemed he was quite serious about going out and seeing the land before taking more action. For the most part the group had done well together in staying focused on the task before them, but as time went on some of them couldn't help but allow their minds to wander to the situation in Canterlot. Fluttershy for one had expressed her extreme desire that everypony was alright and that there were no injuries or deaths from the incident. The rest of the group shared her sentiment but for at least two of them, their thoughts were directed at a more specific group, Shining Armor, Cadance and Grevin.

As the group made their way into the throne room they discovered three ponies waiting for them standing just before the thrones. First was Princess Cadance, the next was Lieutenant Spearhead who was sporting a swollen black eye, and finally Shining Armor who was scuffed up but no worse for ware. Twilight eagerly ran past her mentor and into the arms of her brother a bright smile forming on her lips. “Shining! Thank goodness you're alright!”

Shining returned the fierce hug before stepping back a soft but small smile on his lips. “We're all lucky to be alright...The market place was attacked by some kind of three headed Dragon and a band of lizard men. They were unlike anything I've seen before.”

Princess Celestia stepped forward and sat herself on her throne, Luna soon taking her place next to her in her seat. “Captain, please explain in detail what happened?”

Shining nodded and gave a polite bow before clearing his throat. “Cadance and I were enjoying our lunch at Cafe Diem when there was an attack. A large three headed Dragon and its warriors of lizard men began to destroy the market and attack innocent ponies. A group of school age foals were going to be attacked so I did what I had to do and put a shield around them, trapping myself and them under an assault. As it turns out, the Dragon had a special magical ability that seemed to drain magic near its very presence. In fact, the moment it touched the shield I felt a backlash in my skull that almost made me fall to my knees.”

Cadance stepped forward taking a moment to look at the group who had now seated themselves around them listening quite intently. “He's right. I watched it happen, and I've never seen anything quite like it. After a few minutes his shield collapsed and those lizards rushed in and held him down at spear point. Others went after the school foals and one tried to protect them…a mother…she…well…she was killed.” Cadance looked down her tone somber and quiet as the rest lowered their heads with drooped ears.

After a few moments Cadance cleared her throat before continuing. “After that everything went a bit crazy. I could only watch as a dagger impaled itself in one of the lizards holding down Shining, and the next thing I knew Mr. Hades-“

Pinkie Pie cleared her throat and held up a hoof with a small grin on her lips. “Grevin…just call him Grevin.”

Cadance couldn’t help but smirk at the pink wonder before continuing her tale. “He all out attacked the lizards that had cornered the group and Shining, dispatching them with great ease…unlike anything I had ever seen before. He had the aggressors taken care of within a few seconds and tried to get the Dragon to leave Canterlot, but it didn’t work out the way we had hoped.”

Shining nodded. “The Dragon seemed to recognize Grevin…called him a Dracien. Grevin ended up having to fight the rest of the lizard men off but before he could begin to fight the Dragon, it hit him with its tail, sending him into the outer walls of Café Diem…though that didn’t seem to faze him to much.”

Luna cleared her throat drawing their attention to her. “Captain…I take it that the Dragon was defeated by him?”

Shining shook his head. “No…I did it...and after everything had settled he tried to heal the mare, but it was too late. He ended up pushing himself too far and ended up passing out. He’s in the infirmary right now, as is the son and husband of the mare that died.”

His attention was drawn to the sound of hooves on the marble stone floor, and as he turned his head he could see a glimpse of a pink tail trailing behind Fluttershy as she ran from the room.

The group paused as they watched her go, several of them locking eyes with one another before they all turned to look at the princesses who both gave a curt nod signaling their approval. Moments later the remainder of the Mane Six ran out the door led by Twilight and Applejack.

Celestia turned to face Cadance a small sad smile on her lips a tired look forming in her eyes. “Alright Cadance…tell us again what happened but this time leave nothing out….and Shining?” She turned her head to look at the Captain of the Guard. “You are to never speak of what we say here…am I understood?”

Shining nodded once giving a small salute. “Of course Princess I will not say anything. I understand my duty.”

“Good.”

*Infirmary*

It had been a very long day for Brawny Boulder and his son Chip. His wife had been killed in the attack on the market…it was supposed to be a simple class trip to see the market. Blossom was so excited to chaperone, a chance to spend more time with her son…and now she was gone. The gruff looking earth pony shook his head as fresh tears flowed from his tired brown eyes and dripped down to his brown coat. He looked down at his son who was sniffling quietly at his father’s hooves and gently pulled him into a hug. “We’ll be ok son…” The young colt simply nodded not looking up at his father.

Brawny’s attention was pulled to a simple doorway in the royal infirmary when a small cough from a Pegasus nurse cut through the air. “Mr. Boulder…he would like to speak to you…alone please.” Brawny nodded and glanced to his son. “Would you watch my son please?” The mare nodded and stepped past him as he moved into the room. “Of course.”

Brawny was a simple pony, he had never been to the castle and he wished that he were there under better circumstances…and he wished it wasn’t the infirmary. He moved around some empty beds and as he rounded a corner he came across one of the most unusual sights he had ever seen. Sitting up in a bed was a creature that had shaggy dark hair, somewhat dark skin. It had bandages wrapped around its torso, shoulders and arms, its legs were covered by a blanket. As Brawny moved closer he couldn’t help but notice that the creature had its eyes closed and in its hands was a single, clean, sharp dagger. “You…wished to speak to me alone?”

The creature nodded as it slowly opened its eyes revealing their blood red hue. “Aye…I, wished to apologize.”

Brawny frowned as he sat on his haunches. “Apologize?”

The creature nodded. “Yes…my name is Grevin Hades and it is my fault that your wife perished this day.”

Brawny sat there frozen for a moment as he took the words in. “What? I was told that the lizard men killed her…”

Grevin nodded his tone solemn and quiet his gaze looking at the blade in his hands. “They did…but they were taken from the depths of my mind by a powerful magic. Those were creatures from my homeland…and since they were taken from my subconscious…from me, it is my responsibility.”

Brawny let his gaze fall to the dagger in the mans hand. “And why are you telling me this?”

Grevin closed his eyes once more. “I want you to understand that I’m giving you a choice, a very important choice. You could keep this from happening again. I was there when she died. I was on my way to help, to do what I do best and fight. I saw them attack her before I could get there to do any good. Once I was there I could have healed her, I could of kept her here so you would still be a family but I wasn’t fast enough in fending off the aggressors. It is for all these reasons that her blood is on my hands. So now I’m doing the only thing I can do.”

Brawny narrowed his eyes, his anger growing. “Is that why you’re holding that dagger? You intend to offer up your life in some sort of trade? An eye for an eye…a life for a life?”

Grevin nodded his voice calm and smooth. “Yes, but there is more to it than simply that. Those creatures were pulled from my mind…and it could happen again. There are more creatures that I have knowledge of…some which could be far worse for the people of Equestria. If you take advantage of what I’m offering you could save countless lives. You could be a hero, and avenge your wife by killing the one who caused the whole mess.”

Brawny grit his teeth and stared at the blade for a few moments taking time to think things through. Here was the one responsible for his loved ones death…the one to hold accountable, the one who should pay and he was offering up his life. At the same time, this is the one who saved his son…his sons entire class and teacher…not to mention Princess Cadance and the captain of the royal guard. If he took his life he would be preventing such travesties from occurring again but at the same time he could be killing off a true hero who cares for the welfare of others. He closed his eyes and sighed thinking about his wife and what she would want. After a few quiet moments he nodded as he reached his decision. He slowly reached a hoof forward and quickly knocked the blade away. “No…I don’t believe you don’t see the full picture. My son is alive because of you…not to mention all of his classmates, and countless others…you are a hero.”

Grevin shook his head as he brought his gaze back down to the blade that now rested next to his leg on the bed. “I don’t think you fully understand…if it wasn’t for me they wouldn’t have been any danger at all. Many wouldn’t hesitate at this opportunity.”

The earth stallion narrowed his eyes and was about to speak when a soft gasp pulled both their attention from their current conversation to the doorway where Fluttershy stood in the doorway with a slightly dropped jaw and wide eyes brimming with tears. Brawny stepped away as he glanced at Grevin. “I think we’re done here but before I go I want to say thank you for all you did today…I’m sorry that it happened but I know my wife wouldn’t wish me to harm another in her honor…especially when that individual is as brave and remorseful as yourself. Thank you Mr. Hades I wish you well.” Slowly he made his way back to the entryway and past the trembling mare who made her way inside shutting the door behind her.

Grevin watched Fluttershy as she hesitantly made her way into the room her soft cyan eyes staring at the man in the bed who wouldn’t meet her gaze. She slowly stopped at the bedside and propped her forelegs on the edge bringing her eyes level with his. “G…Grevin…”

She watched him carefully taking note of the red soaked bandages wrapped around his arms and the black and blue around his torso. She could smell the scent of his sweat on his skin, and she could see something she didn’t like in his eyes. “Grevin…did you offer your life to that stallion because of his wifes death?”

He quietly nodded as he reached to his side and pulled the blade back away from the nervous mare and placed it on a nearby chair that held his cloak and gauntlets. “I did. It’s my fault his wife…the mother of his child died. He deserved the chance to have retribution.” He kept his gaze averted doing his best to not meet her eyes.

Fluttershy frowned and leaned forward her wings beginning to flap raising her up so she could move closer, nearly setting herself onto his lap. “But…um…don’t you care what happens to you?”

Grevin quietly raised his gaze to meet her, his eyes locking with hers and spoke with a soft voice while shaking his head. “No…no I don’t. I have been nothing but a burden on this world and now I’ve unleashed a terrible being upon it…one that can pull terrible creatures from the depths of my mind and unleash them on innocent peo…ponies. I intend to fight for your home…but if I am killed in the process, then at least that means that nothing more can be unleashed on this peaceful land.”

She whimpered and shook her head, her pink mane moving in front of her teary eyes. “But…what about everypony you know…What about Twilight, Rarity, Applejack…me?”

Grevin looked away his voice hardening. “I appreciate everything that you all have done for me, but its clear I’m just a threat to your home. If I wasn’t here Discord wouldn’t be on the loose, and that mare wouldn’t be dead. I’m a risk, a very dangerous threat nothing more.”

Fluttershy pulled back as a soft gasp escaped her lips. She felt her tears flowing down her cheeks and her frustration rise. She felt her eyes narrow as her heart ached and her temper flared. “How dare you…”

He turned his head to face her hardened tone catching his attention, but a split second later his head was snapped to the side by a solid slap from her forehoof. He reached his hand up to his lip feeling his tender jaw as she moved in closer her hooves resting on his chest pushing him back into the bed.

Her eyes narrowed as she locked eyes with him, her breathing heavy. “How dare you say that…that pack of lies. You think you’re a threat?! From the very moment you arrived in Equestria you have been nothing but a hero! You saved Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom without hesitation! When you were confronted by Applejack you didn’t attack, you tried to escape and keep the peace. When we pursued you, you didn’t attack and you tried to hide to avoid a confrontation. When there was that accident in the castle you could have left me to die!”

She paused as she leaned in her eyes flowing with tears. “But instead you risked your own life and saved me....At the hospital you could have easily escaped by hurting others but you didn’t, you listened to us and accepted your situation. Your entire time in Ponyville you were worried about how you would affect other ponies…and recently you saw that there was a threat to the citizens of Canterlot, even Equestria as a whole and you went against Princess Celestria and saved Shining Armor, Cadance, as well as those school children! You even offered yourself up to that stallion as some sort of apology! How dare you think of yourself as anything other than a hero! You’re a good man plain and simple!”

Grevin frowned and took a breath to speak only to have her place a hoof against his lips while she leaned in her eyes making him take pause. “Don’t…don’t you dare argue that fact! You’re mysterious and sometimes cold but you’re kind and gentle...and you mean so much to everypony…” She let her hoof drop as her eyes softened. “Even me…so please stop trying to make yourself out to being a bad guy…you’re anything but.”

She sat back on his leg as her eyes softened and her timid nature returning. “Um…if you don’t mind me saying that is…” A sheepish smile coming across her lips as she looked down at her hooves when a soft touch on the side of her face caused a small squeak to escape her lips making her look up at the bandaged man before her.

Grevin sat there a moment his fingers brushing through her soft pink mane for only a moment before letting it fall to his side once more, his eyes relaxed a small smile on his lips. “Thank you…I suppose I’ve become accustomed to being seen as the bad guy…Thanks for keeping me in check.”

She hopped down to the side of the bed once again and slowly stepped back her cheeks bright red. “You’re welcome. I’ll…let you get some rest. I’m sure you’ll want to get back to your room soon.”

He nodded and rested his head back closing his eyes as she made her way to the door. She looked at him silently a moment before stepping backwards through the doorway shutting it behind her quietly. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before turning around to go down the hall only to stop short when she came face to face with the rest of the Mane Six. She squeaked as she backed up against the now closed door, taking note of the various wide eyed looks…as well as some of the more upset ones.

Rarity broke into a small grin as she looked at her friend. “Fluttershy, darling, I had no idea you felt so strongly about Grevin. I think it was rather sweet how you kept him from thinking himself a monster.”

Fluttershy peeked out from under her mane to see Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity all beaming while Applejack and Twilight both had smaller smiles and something else in their eyes. “Um…well, I’m just trying to be a good friend.”

Pinkie Pie giggled and jumped a bit. “Well you were almost as good as me at putting a smile on his face. Oh, I know we should throw a party for him tonight when he gets back to his room!”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Pinkie that’s not a bad idea. He was pretty awesome saving those ponies...He’s not as cool as me, but he’s still pretty cool. Come on, lets see what we can throw together.”

*Later That Evening*

Grevin popped his neck as he made his way up to the guest tower where the rooms were. Other than Fluttershy, the nurse, and Brawny he hadn’t seen anyone in the infirmary. Even as he made his way through the castle he saw hardly any guards or staff and the ones he did see didn’t do more than make eye contact with him. Perhaps he had angered Celestia to the point that he had become a marked man. Honestly he expected himself to be placed under arrest as soon as he was cleared by the nurse due to his assault on Spearhead.

His weapons were already back in his room taken by some of the castle staff and he was looking forward to another hot shower and a good nights rest before he would meet with the Princesses once again. He sighed as he shifted his cloak about his shoulders and made his way up the final staircase into the main meeting area to find the Mane Six sitting and waiting for him with a large amount of food, various drinks and a series of streamers strewn about the room.

Pinkie Pie grinned and bounced over to him. “Welcome back Grevy! We’re glad you’re alright! We have all kinds of food and drinks here and we’re all ready to have a little party in your honor!”

Rarity smiled and stepped forward a glass of bubbling clear liquid floating in the magical aura of her horn. “Here, you should have a drink. I asked for it to be brought in especially for this little event.” She placed the glass in his hand and watched as he took a slow sip only to sputter and cough a few moments later. “Oh dear, are you alright?”

Grevin nodded and patted his chest clearing his throat. “Yes…I just am beginning to think that all you ponies like your drinks to have enough kick to knock someone like me out cold.”

Rainbow Dash laughed as she flew around the room a bit. “I have a hard time believing that. Maybe we should have a drinking contest sometime”

He shook his head as he took another drink. “No, no that’s alright. I think I’ll just settle for some dinner.”

A moment later he found three different plates of food being presented to him, one being held in a purple magical aura, Twilight grinning up at him from just behind it, another being held up in the hoof of Applejack who was smiling with bright green eyes from under her hat, and the last being held up by a floating Fluttershy who was peaking out from under her pink mane as she floated in mid air, a soft smile on her lips. Grevin paused taking a moment to look at the three mares and slowly reached out picking the plate held in Twilights magical aura causing the purple mare to do a small dance as he stepped back. “Um…Thank you.”

Applejack frowned as she set her plate down on a nearby table only to be soon joined by Fluttershy, her eyes narrowed as she watched Twilight do her small victory dance. She cleared her throat drawing the attention of her friend away from her focus and motioned to join her in another room. “Hey Twilight, can I speak with you and Fluttershy for a little bit?”

Twilight turned to Pinkie Pie “Hey Pinkie, don’t let the party get to rowdy without us ok? We’ll be right back.”

The pink mare grinned as she made her way over to the drink table. “Oki Doki Loki Twilight. Don’t be gone too long though. This party is just getting started.”

Grevin frowned as he heard Pinkie begin to ramble on about party games and the food while Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy all made their way into Applejacks room shutting the door behind them.

Applejack locked the door as her two friends settled into the room, Fluttershy laid herself on her stomach on the bed while Twilight sat herself next to it. Applejack sighed and turned to face her friends her ears drooped a bit. “I think we have a small problem.”

Twilight blinked and tilted her head to the side. “What do you mean Applejack? Is it something about Discord?”

She stomped a hoof down a grimace crossing across her features as she cast a hard look at her friends. “Dag nabbit, you know exactly what I’m talking about…you two are trying to get in good with tall dark and handsome out there.”

Fluttershy ducked under her pink mane, her cheeks flushing red as she looked away. “I…I…what do you mean?”

Twilight’s ears slid back as she frowned. “Applejack I may like him a bit, but I hardly see what that’s any concern of yours.”

The orange farm mare frowned and looked to the side. “Normally Twi, it wouldn’t but…” Her ears drooped as she sat down. “I…I like him too.”

The three sat in silence for a few moments as the words sank in before Fluttershy spoke again. “Um…I…do too. He’s a good friend.” She smiled brightly in a vain attempt to pull the conversation in another direction. Twilight and Applejack both rolled their eyes and turned to look at their friend.

Twilight sighed. “Fluttershy, I think Applejack means romantically.”

Fluttershy blushed a deep crimson and looked away. “Oh…my…” Her wings popped open and she jumped a bit as she shook her head. “I…I…oh…who am I kidding. I think he’s amazing.”

Applejack nodded her head a small smile on her lips. “Yes he is…”

Twilight smiled softly as she cleared her throat. “So…when did it start for you two? It started for me the night of his welcome to Ponyville party. He was helping me home and I just…fell…literally. He caught me and even helped me into my home, and now he’s even saved my brother and Cadance.”

Applejack smiled. “Well it had to start for me when he saved my sister. After that it just happened.”

Fluttershy lowered her head her wings still extended her cheeks still blushing. “Right after he saved my life. When he healed me it felt so warm…and just right…” She frowned as she shook her head and looked at her two friends her eyes softening. “But…girls, if we all three like the same male…what will happen to our friendship? I don’t want anything to come between us.”

Applejack sighed as she lightly chewed on her bottom lip. “Fluttershy is right…what do we do? I don’t want to loose our friendship and I don’t want to go and avoid my feelings.”

Twilight nodded as she brought a hoof to her chin in thought. “I don’t want to either…do you think our friendship can overcome something like this?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Um…I think it can. We’ve been through so much together already.”

Twilight nodded. “She’s right…so no matter what we’ll stay friends, but from now on its going to be a bit of a competition for his heart…”

The cream colored mare sighed. “If we can get him to open his heart up to us.”

Applejack patted her chest a confident smirk on her lips and a glint in her eyes. “Oh I think I can get him to relax a bit.”

Twilight frowned as she rose to her hooves and stepped forward slightly her eyes taking on a look of determination. “Not if I get him to do it first.”

Applejack smirked at her friend a moment before chuckling. “Is that a challenge Twilight?”

Twilight smirked as she stepped past Applejack flicking her tail ever so slightly while unlocking the door and making her way back into the main chamber. “Maybe…but I know one thing for sure. I’m going to be getting some advice from one of the best teachers in the subject of love.”

Fluttershy giggled as Applejack took off after the lavender unicorn a competitive glint in her eyes.

*Main Guest Chamber*

Grevin noticed that Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight all separated themselves from the rest of the group and moved into A.J.’s room closing the door causing a small lump of worry to form in the pit of his stomach. His worry was short lived when a cheerful yell from Pinkie Pie drew his attention to the other side of the room where he was surprised to see Cadance and Shining Armor making their way into the room, bright smiles on their faces.

Grevin quietly picked up another drink and took a sip as the other other two mares in the room surrounded the couple asking them varied questions ranging from how they were doing since the attack to what they have been up to since the royal wedding. He let his hood fall back enjoying the feel of the cool air on his skin a moment before taking another sip of his drink enjoying the slow burn of it running down his throat. He rested his back against a wall and glanced over his shoulder catching a brief stare from Cadance who held a very slight smirk on her lips that quickly disappeared as she turned to speak to Rarity.

He frowned and took another drink closing his eyes as he tried to push the events of the day down from the front of his mind. He wanted to enjoy this small party that the girls had worked on but that look from Cadance didn’t sit right. He would have continued his thoughts but the sound of hooves getting closer caused him to open his eyes to see Shining Armor trotting over while holding two mugs in a solid blue magical aura.

As Shining moved closer, one mug floated over to Grevin who quietly took it and raised it while giving a simple head nod. “Thank you.”

Shining grinned and gave a small nod as he took the other mug in his hoof before taking a long swig. “It’s been quite a day hasn’t it?”

Grevin nodded as he sipped the mug of hard cider. “Indeed...” He paused as he watched a door across the room open just before Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy all of whom had a small smile on their lips. “And I get the feeling that it isn’t quite over yet.”

Shining followed his gaze watching his sister and her friends all run up to Cadance who was telling some sort of story to Rainbow Dash. He smirked and shook his head, his eyes closing as he sighed and took another drink. “They like you, you know.”

Grevin shook his head and looked away letting his eyes find the bottom of his mug deciding to not look over at the group of mares. “Perhaps but I’m not interested…”

Shining perked an eyebrow as he looked at the brooding man. “Oh? And why is that?”

Grevins voice grew quiet his eyes hardening. “I tried that whole love thing a couple of times in the past and always got burned. Now I try to avoid it as much as possible. Besides I am pretty certain that anyone interested in me can do better.”

Shining shook his head a small laugh escaping him. “Good luck telling them that…I can tell you right now that you have at least one set of crosshairs on you. Once Twilight sets her mind to something she doesn’t let anything get in her way…oh and before I forget.” He narrowed his eyes and gave a long hard look at Grevin. “Be good to her…otherwise there may be a repeat performance of what happened to the dragon in the market…ok?”

Grevin laughed softly and nodded. “Fair enough…but I doubt it will be an issue.”

Shining shook his head once again. “Maybe, maybe not but I wouldn’t be a good brother to her if I let her get hurt.”

Grevin nodded quietly as he finished his drink. “Perhaps I should retire while the others are occupied.” He turned pushing off the wall and set his now empty mug down before making his way towards his room. “These drinks pack a punch and I’m a bit tired anyways. I hope you have a good evening captain.”

Shining nodded as he stepped away and began to make his way towards his wife and his sister. “Good night Grevin. I hope you sleep well…oh and please call me Shining.”

Grevin chuckled as he did his best to remain quiet and avoid drawing attention to himself as he made his way towards his room but he failed to notice that Fluttershy had been watching him from the corner of her eye, lingering on him as he moved silently around them making his way to the door. She smiled softly at him as she watched him open the door and slip inside without drawing the attention of others…at least that’s what she thought until a soft chuckle in her ear caused her to squeak and turn to see Rarity smirking at her with half lidded eyes. “Really darling, if you like him you should tell him. Go after the stallion or man that you want and show him just how you feel.”

Fluttershy shook her head and glanced over at Twilight and Applejack worry welling up within her. “Oh no…I don’t think…I mean…I um...”

Rarity chuckled and flipped her mane away from her eyes. “Really Fluttershy, if you don’t tell him how you feel then another mare could swoop in and ruin your chances. You would then run the risk of regretting never taking the chance…don’t let that happen.”

Fluttershy paused at that thought and sighed. Rarity was right, she should just be honest with him and express her feelings. If she didn’t she could easily find herself pining from a distance which would make her miserable. She could at least have some closure if she spoke to him. Her eyes brightened as she turned to look at her friend. “You’re right…Thank you Rarity.” She grinned and trotted off to her room as her mind began to think of a plan to go about talking to the one who held her attention. Twilight and Applejack watched their timid friend trot off both frowning slightly as they watched her go.

*Infirmary*

The mare known as Nurse Tourniquet had finished her charts for the day and had made her way out of the castle and into the main city of Canterlot. She turned off the main street and down a small side alley her light brown coat blended well into the shadows as she approached a small door tucked away in an old looking building. Once there she reached out and knocked on the door and after a few moments a simple panel opened and a raspy voice spoke. “What are you doing here!? Your assignment was to watch the castles personnel and inform us of any new developments with the guards.”

The nurse’s eyes flashed a fiery green as she smirked. “Oh, I think you’re going to want to know about this.”

Author's Notes:

Authors Notes:

Hi guys I want to say thank you for your patience with me as I tried to get this chapter out. I also want to apologize if the last few paragraphs feel a bit rushed or oddly paced, I had to piece them together bit by bit over several days with a little one crying on my shoulder.

I hope that this chapter meets the quality you all have come to expect from me. I have to admit at first it was pretty difficult writing the fight scene but as I got further along it seemed to come a little more smoothly.

I will also say that since the girls know about how each other feels about our protagonist perhaps things will become a lot more heated in future chapters. As for activity in Canterlot…well we’re not quite done yet. After all, Grevin still has to deal with the fact that he assaulted a royal guard and disobeyed a direct order from Celestia. There is also the question as to what Cadance told Celestia, and of course, what will happen when they all return to Ponyville.

I may have to go back to a smaller chapter format for a time until my work slows down and I can dedicate more than ten minutes a day to write. I do hope to have a chapter out for Halloween/Nightmare Night. It may be early or late but it will eventually be posted.

As always thank you for taking the time to read my story and if you liked it please favorite it and please review. I have to admit, reviews are becoming a driving force for my writing drive and I’m always eager to read what you all have to say. Again I hope you enjoyed reading this latest installment and I hope you have a great day. /)*(\ -Grev.

Edit: some fitting music for the chapter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFqvcVgpylI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReZBWZDmWgc