Author's Notes:

The reason for the numbering is due to the length and multitude of ideas transpiring. It was easy to split the chapter into three smaller ideas to be easier to follow.

FIVE YEARS (THREE YEARS AFTER HIGH SCHOOOL GRADUATION & TWO AFTER THE LAST VISIT THROUGH THE PORTAL [during epilogue])

“Brian, since you are royalty, you must have a guard with you,” Celestia said

“Last time I checked, Twilight doesn’t have one,” Brian retorted

“In name, no. But I have been examining the recruits to see if any of the unicorns would be fit for my guard,” Twilight said

“Fine, I’ll make a guard. But it’s going to be done my way,” he decided

“What do you have in mind,” Luna asked

“An elite squad of six. Two of each race that are going to be immortal.”

“You’re going to use forbidden magic,” A shocked Twilight asked

“I never said anything about magic. At home, there was a country known as Persia in ancient times, and among their soldiers had an elite group known as the Immortals. The truth was, if anyone died or left, they would be replaced so to the untrained, they couldn't die,” Brian explained

“Interesting idea. No one but you knows the members,” Celestia said

“How are you going to select those to move on,” Luna asked

“Years ago when I rebuilt the obstacle course, I used the US Navy SEALS as a reference point, but I just used the course as the rest of the training would be impossible. Now, I’m going to use the rest of the training.”

“What kind of training is it,” Twilight asked

“Treading water for an hour, carrying huge logs and running for upwards of twenty miles."

“That’s impossible. No one can do that,” Twilight argued

“Done it already. It teaches teamwork. The run is ten miles to a point and back. I’m only taking those that want to try.”

“What if they want to quit,” Celestia asked curiously

“There’s a bell the SEALS use, if someone rings it, they quit. I’m going to do the same thing.”

“Due to the nature of your guard and what you plan to put them through, I'm giving you permission to do whatever you must, under one condition: I do not want to know how you accomplished your mission,” Celestia decided

“You mean I have a license to kill,” Brian asked curiously

“If that is what you wish to call it; then yes,” Celestia said

‘Awesome! I'm a 00 agent,’ he thought

The next day, Brian went to see the recruits and inform them about his guard.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? As you know, this is the training for the Equestria military and those of you who succeed may be chosen for either the Solar or Lunar guard. I am Brian Dragnov, the only male prince and I’m creating the Midnight Guard. I will have a signup sheet for those of you who want a challenge. This will not be for the weak and you will have the option to quit at any time. Training will begin next Monday,” Brian said

Brian was surprised when the signup sheet contained two hundred names. He had to split the group into four and would train one at a time over a period of three months each. In addition to the time, he had to recruit a few of the soldiers to help out with everything. Brian decided to head to the military barracks to see a friend. Thorn was an earth pony with gray fur and red hair and had a red rose cutie mark.

“Thank you, Thorn. I needed some help with training and thought you’d be the best,” Brian said

“Not a problem. So, you’re actually having to create a guard. Never thought I’d see the day,” Thorn said

“I know. Celestia didn’t give me a choice so I made my own rules.”

“Before I forget, Quake will help as well. Dusk said she’ll be there so you have three trainers,” Thorn added

“By the way, we aren’t going easy on them. They can quit at any time and those who survive will be considered for advancement to the Midnight guard.”

“Sounds good to me. So, how’re you going to determine who moves on,” Thorn asked

“With all four groups, I’m hoping that some of every race survive. Ideally, two of each race would be chosen for their abilities. Pegasi for speed, earth for strength and unicorns for their magical ability. Hopefully the trend would continue as I’d like the guard to be immortal.”

“Immortal? What do you mean?”

“Simple, anyone who retires or else would get a replacement. Six there is, and six there stays,” Brian finished

“Sounds good to me. I’ll help for as long as my body will let me,” Thorn said

“Don’t push yourself too hard. We don’t need you dying of exhaustion.”

“Well, when the reaper calls, I’ll gladly welcome him," he replied

“Sadly, I met the sumbitch once. I think I’ve told you already.”

“Yeah, your parents killed themselves before you were sent here by Discord. The first time you mentioned that, I thought you were insane,” Thorn joked

“Sometimes I wished I was. Originally I felt I might have been better off in a mental institution.”

“Alright we need to change the subject as this is too damn dull. How many do you think might survive the training,” Thorn asked

“No idea. I just hope some survive.”

“Tomorrow, Quake and Dusk will be joining us. After that, we'll wait until Monday to start training.”

“Alright, I’ll head to bed and see you tomorrow,” Brian said

“Hey, we’re going to meet in the tower. Dusk’s comfortable there,” Thorn added

Brian headed to the room in the castle where he was staying and immediately fell asleep. Octavia knew that he would be spending extended amounts of time at the castle but told her husband that he had to see his family often. After training the first group, he would take a couple days to see his family and try to spend a day in the humanquestria as they graduate soon.

The next evening after spending the morning dealing with day court, Brian headed upstairs to the tower to meet up with his friends to discuss the training. Inside already was Thorn who had apparently been sleeping. Followed behind Brian was Quake. He was a sand colored earth pony with light brown hair and a broken wall cutie mark. Quake was known as the ‘Gentle Giant’ as although he stood the same height as Big Mac, the former wasn't one for violence. Many ponies created the rumor that he had once caused a massive earthquake, but Quake surprisingly never denied the claim. The fourth to arrive was Dusk. She was a solid black bat-pony and a former member of Luna’s guard.

“Wakey, wakey,” Brian said kicking Thorn

“So, the four of us are going to train new recruits? Well, three of you, anyway,” Dusk said

“You’re not helping? I thought you said yes,” Quake asked

“I’m helping, but mainly during late night/early morning. I’m a bat, remember? I don’t care for sunlight,” she said

“Actually that’s fine. I thought we might have a run during nighttime to challenge the recruits. You could lead them and make sure nothing happens,” Brian said

“Sounds fun. It’ll be good to stretch my wings,” she decided

“So, how are we training them,” Quake asked

“I’m going to have Discord summon enough of the logs the recruits will use for training. We’re heading to the beach for most of it where they’re going to train in the water. I've been through it when I was human and it sucked. If they want to quit, they simply ring the bell Discord will bring over.”

“Princess Celestia is okay with this,” Quake asked

“Well, I told her I’m doing this my way and she didn’t argue. As far as I’m concerned that was her time to object.”

“What do we do with the survivors,” Dusk asked

“Those who succeed will move on to a pool whereby the six members of my Midnight guard will be pulled from. Hopefully, two of each race survive.”

“You know, that’s what Luna’s elite guard was called. I am the only one out of the three of us to be in the elite,” Dusk said

“What did you do in Luna’s Midnight guard?”

“Sometimes it was advance warning for the ‘regular’ guards. Other times was worse things such as assassinations or sabotage. The funny thing is, her elite was all vampires,” Dusk said with a chuckle

“Well, princess of the night having vampire guards isn’t a surprise. I’ll ask her directly if she’s a vampire herself.”

“I am. Celestia is the only one that knows,” Luna said appearing out of nowhere “and don’t worry, we don’t drink much blood.”

“Glad to know, and I’m not telling anyone.”

On Monday, the group went down to see the new recruits to start training. As they entered, everyone was talking among themselves and didn’t notice Brian and the others until Brian spoke up and addressed the crowd.

“Alright, listen up! I am Captain Dragnov, your instructor. The three next to me are Commanders Quake, Thorn and Dusk. Your first order of business will be a ten mile run down to the beach. Cabins have already been set up for your stay. Now form up! Five rows by ten deep. This run is about teamwork. Anyone falls back, help them. You finish as a group or you all suffer as a group. More information will be given upon reaching the beach. Quake, would you do the honor of leading? Thorn, you will trail behind to check for stragglers and Dusk, you will fly ahead to observe our surroundings,” Brian directed

“Yes sir,” the three said saluting

“So, you’re heading to the beach to train? Best of luck to everyone,” Celestia said seeing the group off

The run was difficult but luckily everyone made it together. Thorn was surprised that he didn’t have much to worry about in terms of stragglers, but that may change later.

“Alright, see that bell in the distance? Anyone that wants to quit need only ring it loud enough for everyone to hear and you’re done. Any questions,” Brian asked

“What if we just head there,” someone asked

“You heard the Captain. Ring the bell and you’re done. As long as it’s not touched, that person is still a recruit,” someone else replied

“One major rule you need to follow: No magic, or flight is permitted. Everything is to be done with your own strength. Do I make myself clear,” Brian asked

“Yes sir,” everyone answered

“Good. Now head to the cabins. Five in each one. Dinner is at 6pm, and training will begin in the morning.”

After the recruits were released, Brian and then others headed to their cabin to relax.

“What are we going to do with them,” Dusk asked

“We’re starting early morning long before the sun rises. I’m not going easy on anyone.”

As everyone ate and turned in early, they would be lucky to get a couple hours of sleep before being rudely woken up by Dusk. Brian agreed that she would lead the group on a four mile run while the others slept and would take over in the morning.

“Alright, you three get some sleep and I'll lead them on the run. Two miles up and back, right,” she asked

“Yeah. We’ll see you in a few hours. Have fun,” Brian said

“Up and at ‘em! Let’s go,” Dusk called waking everyone up

“What? It’s nighttime,” someone said

“Perfect time for a run. Two miles up and back. Training will continue in the morning,” Dusk said

After the run finished, Dusk allowed the recruits to sleep for three hours on the beach, before Brian and the others woke up. Everyone had breakfast before training would continue.

“Discord, can you help me,” Brian asked

“Ah, after years I’m free,” Discord said causing Brian to laugh “What can I do to help you?”

“Could you retrieve about a dozen logs for me. I know you went to the SEAL training when you made the obstacle course and probably saw the logs I’m talking about.”

“Of course. You mean these,” Discord asked summoning the logs

“Yeah. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Besides, you’re the only one to call me for help,” he said

“Well, I figured you’re the only one to know exactly what I’d need. We’ll see each other soon.”

“Sounds good,” Discord said with a bow before disappearing

“Good morning everyone! These are going to be what we’re using for training. From here on out we will have a daily four mile run followed by surf training. You will also be carrying these logs. I recommend each pulls their weight or else,” Brian said motioning to the logs

“By the way, these next two weeks will be easy. Your third will be Hell. Those of you that survive to that point will understand what it entails.”

“How do we carry these,” someone asked

“Five per log. We may call out randomly to see who is or isn’t lifting and they will be punished. Now get going! Your first order of business is a two mile walk with these. Up and down the beach twice before jumping in the water,” Brian said

As the recruits carried the logs, Quake added the challenge of doing the run solely on the back legs while holding the log over their heads. With the complaints, Brian was reminding of when he participated in the very training all those years ago when he was human.

“So, what do you think,” Thorn asked

“Brings back memories. I did this as a human and I thought it sucked. When we get to Hell Week, they're going to know torture. Very little sleep and lots of work. I’m going to say majority quits before the end. We’ll be lucky if roughly 18 survive,” Brian said casually

“18 you say? I say less then 10,” Thorn countered

“No betting on the results. Brian knows how hard this is, so I will estimate a high amount of dropouts,” Quake said

“So, other then this, what're they in for,” Thorn asked

“They're going to run the obstacle course once a week followed by the mile run to and from the beach. I expect many to hate it and quit, but those who survive will move on to additional training.”

“What kind of training,” Thorn asked

“I wanted to run them through their own magic. I’ll have to have Twilight or a student of hers teaching the unicorns offensive and defensive magic. The pegasi will have to be coordinated with the Wonder Bolts to train in speed and stamina. But the problem is the earth ponies.”

“Our magic is different than others. We can control the earth itself and use it to our advantage when growing,” Quake replied

“Exactly. I’d like you, Quake to teach them about manipulating the ground. Creating walls or tunnels would help guard against enemies who wouldn't expect it.”

“Even I don’t know about that,” Thorn said

“I do. The rumor of me creating an earthquake wasn’t false. I once was so angry that I punched the ground and created the shockwave and unintentionally received my cutie mark at the same time,” Quake said “Where would we be training?”

“Well outside the boundaries of Equestria. Probably in the desert where not much exists. There are a couple towns there, but few and far between. It shouldn't cause too much trouble.”

“’Shouldn't cause too much trouble’. Famous last words, much? Seriously though, I don’t want to tell you ‘I told you so’ if something happens,” Thorn said laughing

“That’s why it will be done carefully. Other then the couple towns, I don’t know what else is out there. Dusk told me about the place, Klugetown, I think. Not somewhere I hope to go, but shit happens.”

“Looks the last group just arrived, what now,” Quake asked

“Surf training,” Brian said “alright drop the logs and head to the edge of the beach. You will link arms and do repetitions of 15 leg lifts in sets of 10.”

As they sat by the water, a few started complaining about the water but the surf managed to shut them up as they completed the sets. Each wave would knock them on their backs as everyone pulled each up to complete the next set.

“15-13, 15-14, 15-15. Fifteen sets,” they said in unison

“All out of the water. Day's over. Dinner at the usual time and tomorrow morning we're running back to the castle’s training grounds,” Brian said causing many groans from the group “ this is the easy part. Hell Week will be worse.”

As everyone ate and went to bed, Brian knew many were wondering what they got into. He thought back to his time in training and wanted to quit after a few days. It wasn’t the idea of disappointing his dad that made Brian stay, it was a coin flip that determined his fate, as arbitrary as it might have been.

As day broke across the beach, everyone was up and ate breakfast before they began the day's training. A ten mile jog carrying the logs to the castle where everyone would run the obstacle course before running back. While they ran, Brian settled in a moderate pace for the start as everyone would need the energy.

“Brian, to what do we have the honor of your return,” Celestia asked as they reached the castle

“The training grounds. At least once a week we are going to be headed here to use the obstacle course,” Brian said

Everyone dropped the logs once they reached the track and formed two lines to run. After a few hours they completed the course, and Celestia appeared with the current commander, Shadow Fire. True to his name, he was a gray unicorn with a red mane with a shooting star cutie mark.
“This is Commander Shadow Fire.

"Everyone will have lunch in the mess hall before you leave,” Celestia said as the recruits cheered

“Captain Dragnov, a moment alone please,” Shadow Fire asked

The two remained along with Celestia as the rest headed to lunch.

“What’s up,” Brian asked

“What kind of training are you putting them through? I know it’s not regulation,” Shadow asked

“My own. I’m human and was sent here by Discord. I’ve been here for years and became an alicorn prince. On Earth, there is a group known as the U.S. Navy SEALS. My father was a member and put me through the training. In order to be a member of my Midnight guard, the recruits will go through the same thing. I said I’d do things my way and you had a chance to stop me,” Brian said before turning to Celestia

“Just don’t push them too hard,” Celestia said

“If they choose to quit, I’m not stopping them. All they need to do is ring the bell to signal they're done. If they want to rejoin the training for either the Solar or Lunar guard they can, just not mine.”

“Why not give them a second chance,” Shadow asked

“If I do, they will be scrutinized harder due to their previous attempt. They would only get one chance, fail a second time and it’s over.”

“Alright, just be careful. Now go join the others in getting lunch,” Celestia said

Brian and Shadow headed inside and managed to eat before the group grabbed the logs and ran back to the beach. Once they returned they were told to hold onto the logs as they completed 15 sets of leg lifts.

The remainder of the week went the same way with the group completing leg lifts although they added pushups and sit-ups to the training. Brian was surprised that no one had decided to quit after the first week, but figured that would change in the upcoming weeks. Week two was the same to start but Brian decided on adding a run to the castle where a pool was set up to run laps.

“I never said this was easy. I'm putting you through the same thing I went through. Luckily for you that some things will be skipped,” Brian called while they swam

“I think next time, I’ll join them in the water. I haven’t swam in a while,” Thorn said

“Last lap. Afterwards get dried off as you’re running the obstacle course next,” Brian said resulting is some groans

Everyone dried off and ran the course before having lunch at the barracks. When they returned, pushups and sit-ups were completed. Once they finished for the day, the first person to quit rang the bell before heading home.

“Sorry, Captain. I couldn't do it. I’m going to retry for the princesses’ guard; no offence,” the pony said before leaving

“Best of luck to you in future endeavors,” Brian said

By the end of the week, four more dropped out leading the total to 45 recruits going into Hell Week. On Monday the training started before Celestia rose the sun with the recruits starting with their usual ten mile run to the castle holding the logs. Once there, two laps of the obstacle course were completed before heading back to the beach.

“Captain, what are you doing with the recruits,” Shadow Fire demanded

“Training, Commander. This isn’t called ‘Hell Week’ for nothing. I’d leave the comments to yourself about my methods,” Brian retorted

The recruits barely made it back to the beach when they were ordered to complete 15 sets of leg lifts in the surf, followed by the same with pushups and sit-ups. Once finished they were given an hour break before continuing with another lap around the beach.

“C'mon Captain, give us a break! We’ve been running all day,” one of the recruits said

“Welcome to Hell Week. I’m actually going easy on you by giving you breaks,” Brian said

“Cap, let ‘em rest for a while,” Thorn suggested

“Finish up and get some food. You’re done for the day,” Brian said to their delight

Brian and the others hung back a moment to talk as Dusk joined the boys.

“You need to give these guys a break. We know you ran this as a human but they won’t survive,” Thorn said

“Agreed. I can take it but they can’t. Hell Week or not, they aren’t going to keep up. We can run them each day but let everyone rest in between,” Quake said

“I’ll take the night training as usual and probably just have them do pushups and whatnot,” Dusk said

“Alright, I promise to take it easy. We'll run the same tomorrow but once they get back, that’s is for the day,” Brian said

As promised Dusk led the group in simple exercises while Brian and the others slept, but Brian wasn’t able to sleep much. He realized that he was pushing the recruits harder then normal and needed to change. After all, it was true that Brian completed the SEALs training as a human, but ponies may not have had the same amount of stamina.

Throughout the week, a total of ten recruits dropped out leading the total to 35. The training continued with the ten mile run to the castle, followed by the obstacle course and run home but Brian agreed on giving them a break before continuing.

After the first four weeks passed, Brian decided on teaching everyone emergency treatment. While most injuries could be fixed with magic, Brian wanted to teach them about conserving magic in case it was needed. Most of it was basic as the only injury might be a sprained or broken limb.

“You know unicorn use magic to fix injuries, right,” one of the recruits asked sarcastically

“And what happens if you break something and a unicorn isn’t nearby to fix it,” Brian asked

“Point taken.”

Brian knew basic human anatomy and had to alter some things to fit equines. Luckily, it took only one day to learn as everyone found it simple.

Other then just teaching about emergency treatment, Brian decided on adding topography to the studies. He asked Discord for a few topographic maps of his home so the recruits could learn.

“Alright, we're going over something different. Take a look at this and see what you recognize,” Brian said pulling out a map of Mount Everest

“Judging by the lines, this is a huge mountain,” someone said

“Good. Now, how would you go about scaling the mountain,” Brian asked

“Just fly to the top,” another said
“Not recommended. The height is too much a challenge to fly. The only way is to climb,” Brian answered

“Where is this at? It doesn’t look like anything in Equestria.”

“That’s because it’s not from Equestria. This is Mount Everest from my home. In fact, this is the world's tallest mountain at over 29,029 feet. Flight would be impossible due to the lack of oxygen the further up you climb,” Brian explained

“Why show us this,” someone demanded

“In combat, you need to know your surroundings. Desert areas have certain problems a forest or mountain does not. Determine where you can set up a point of defense and focus of that. If an enemy is posted on a mountain and is expecting an attack from the air, you need to surprise them by doing something unexpected,” Brian said “This is what we are going to spend some time on. Entering from the sea will also be taught as will mountain climbing.”

“Do we really need to learn this,” another recruit asked

“Let’s try practically. One volunteer to fight me,” Brian said as Thorn stepped up, surprising everyone

“I’ll take a whack,” Thorn answered

Before Thorn could throw a punch, Brian used a flash of magic from his horn to cause a small sandstorm on the beach where he took to the air in the confusion.

“Where are you looking,” Brian called before landing “That is what I was talking about in knowing your surroundings. All I did was use the sand to my advantage. If I wanted, I could kill you in the confusion and leave before anyone saw what happened.”

“If that’s land based, how different is water combat,” a recruit asked

“We're going to learn that,” Brian said

Afterwards, Brian joined the group in 10 reps of pushups and sit-ups before they had dinner. The next day Brian had everyone run two laps of the beach before he had a marker set up one mile off shore.

“We’re going for a swim. See that marker; two laps up and back,” Brian said as he jumped in “No wings. Just use your arms and legs. This is the same as the pool.”
Wanting to have fun, Brian was switching strokes between laps going from a breast to side before using a back stroke all the way back to shore for the second time. Not surprisingly, he finished first and waited as everyone ended with Thorn and Quake being the last two to arrive having swam for fun.

“Water combat is different from any other because here, we don’t have oxygen tanks for scuba divers to use. To make up for that, this will be taught but probably not used as you would have to hold your breath for a while,” Brian said

“So we’re learning something that won’t be used? That’s really smart,” a recruit said sarcastically

“Like I said, I doubt you’ll be able to hold your breath for a while. This would be used for enemies that are situated on water, perhaps a boat. Let’s say, one of the princesses have been kidnapped and are being held at sea on a ship. Because they are expecting an aerial entrance, you would have to enter by water and climb on board,” Brian explained

“Point taken, but why do we need to learn this? I don’t think anything like your examples would ever happen,” the recruit replied

“The point is to become invisible and be seen in places you aren’t. Knowing your surroundings helps with this. Honestly, I’d hope that nothing like my examples happen, but if they do, I’d hate to be the one to say ‘I told you so’. Shit happens and it’s best to prepare for the worst just in case. We’re going to spend the next eight weeks training in aerial and water combat just to be safe.”

Over the remaining eight weeks, quite a lot of recruits dropped out leaving only fifteen left to graduate.

“Congratulations to all of you. You are the first graduating class of the Equestrian Navy SEALS. All of you will move on to training with your own kind to learn more about individual magic. Pegasi will use speed, unicorns will learn offensive and defensive spells and earth ponies will learn how to use the earth itself to your advantage,” Brian said

Brian handed each of them a challenge coin with the Equestrian flag on one side, consisting of Luna and Celestia curving around each other with a sun and moon between them. The other side consisted of the U.S. Navy SEAL trident of the eagle perched on a fouled anchor with a trident and flintlock pistol in front. He had nine others made which would be given to Sunset and the others once he went through the portal.

“Out of all the recruits you started with, you are only down to a measly 15? You obviously don’t seem to be a good instructor then,” Shadow Fire said sarcastically

Hearing that insult, Brian had both swords drawn, with one being hovered behind Shadow’s head while Brian held the other to his throat and said, “watch your tongue or I cut it out. I trained the recruits differently because I can. I never forced anyone to stay and those who left did so on their own. Don’t ever compare me to anyone else. Do I make myself clear?”

“Fine. Remove the blade would you,” Shadow Fire asked

“Thorn, Quake; I’d like to ask the two of you to run the next three sessions. I’m going to supervise but just not as often to see if that makes a difference in success rate,” Brian said as he sheathed the blades

“Of course. The two of us will help and I know Dusk will join as well,” Thorn replied
“Thank you both very much.”

After three months of not seeing his wife, Brian headed home and was immediately bombarded by his wife charging towards him as he opened the door.

“Long time no see. I missed you during the three months and had Vinyl over to help out with relief,” Octavia said giving him a crushing hug

“Can’t…breathe,” he gasped

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just been a while since I’ve seen my husband. How’d the training go,” she asked

“Out of 200 original applicants that was divided into four groups of 50, 15 were successful.”

“15 out of 50? Was training that hard,” she asked

“Kind of. If I put them though the actual course, more would have failed.”

“What kind of training is it?”

“Swimming, running long distances. I added emergency medical training and combat in mountainous and water areas.”

“Dad,” Harmony and Melody said running towards Brian

“Hey kiddos. It’s been a while.”

“Brian, you just received a message,” Octavia said handing him a letter

Brian, when you get the time please come to my castle. Our friends want to see us- Twilight

“Sorry, our meeting is so short. When I return we'll have time together,” Brian said hugging his wife

“It’s all right. You consider them family and miss them,” she said

“Thank you. Like I said, we’ll have a proper celebration when I return from the other side.”