Dawn took a deep breath and let it out slow, trying to keep herself calm when she saw the fence. A couple of the guild members were talking just outside the main building before a sharp whistle sounded briefly and a dull familiar passing of air could be heard above. Dawn looked up and gave a quiet sigh as Firestorm, a reddish orange coated pegasus with a red mane and tail, landed in front of them noiselessly. The other two ponies looked over to them at the whistle and started to trot forward.

"What'd you want now?" Storm asked without any preamble, her annoyance transparently clear.

Stonewall looked to Dawn before stepping forward with an air of professionalism. "We have important business with your guild." She said formally.

"Figures." She said, tch'ing through her teeth briefly before replying, "You never come without needing something."

'Would it ever kill you to have some fucking common decency Storm?' Dawn thought to herself before answering. "Yeah, been busy between healing ponies, advancing healing magic across the kingdom, and now something even more crucial." She replied with her brows narrowing. "I was told by Celestia you and three others were chosen to help out with a project of ours, but we had to negotiate with the guild itself for fair price."

"Yeah," Storm replied, clearly getting colder toward Dawn, as if sensing the mare’s thoughts. Her words weren't minced and her stance was stiff, "it's not like we had any other missions we had to get around to doing."

"If you want to say or do something Storm, then just bucking do it." Dawn said strictly, looking at her with an oddly intense glare, "We don't have time to be standing around and jousting with words."

Stonewall looked at Dawn, blinking in surprise. She knew Dawn didn't like Mega Bitch, but this response surprised her.

'I don't like her.' Chryssy said with a bit of annoyance.

Firestorm glared at Dawn, as if angry that she dared challenge her. "If it weren't for you being pregnant, I'd have you show me why you th-"

"Dawn?" A voice called out from behind and above Storm. Approaching in flight was a light gray pegasus with white flight feathers and wearing an older almost leather looking wonderbolt vest from a few decades prior. His hindquarters and hind legs were particularly mottled with black splotches, one of them even partially covering his cutie mark, a crusader's shield with sword behind and quill on front.

"Hey Night." Dawn said cooly. "We're still getting along about as well as ever."

‘Well that means he's not been possessed at least… unless he is using an illusion spell.’ Stonewall thought as she looked him over.

Nightfall looked between them both, a band of gold 3/4 hoof high, just above the ankle of his main hoof and with an opalescent pillar-like gem set into the forefront was worn. Upon closer inspection it showed various etchings of magical matrices were visible in the gold. "So, what's up Dawn? Celestia made this sound damn urgent."

"It is. We have one mundane thing to go over, and one thing we'll only go over with you and Storm, if you think you can help."

"Told you she only ever talks when she needs something." Storm muttered over to him, barely audible.

Stonewall looked at Storm when she spoke making it clear she heard her, Dawn frowning slightly as she had been. Storm looked at Stonewall with an air of contempt before looking over to Night a bit more softly as he spoke, but still agitated.

"Dawn. You know I went out into somewhere remote so I couldn't be a threat to anyone. You sure it's important?" he asked, sighing slightly at the end, as if sounding tired and worn out, despite his appearance of being very physically fit.

"Serial killer important." She said quietly. "And that's not to be repeated for reasons similar to how we ended up here."

Fire Storm made a tch sound again and said, "You'd better come to the tower then. Nopony's in there other than Allen and he has other projects he's been working on."

"Storm," Dawn said quiet and low, "I said if you got a problem, get it out into the air. I'm not going to work with you if you don't calm your flanks down and work with us rather than against us."

"Sounds good to me." Storm replied, turning away while saying, "Come on Nightfall."

Nightfall let out another sigh and shook his head before looking between Storm and Dawn.

Stonewall began to walk towards the tower, seemingly oblivious to what was going on around her. Dawn felt her magic flash to her horn in anger, making it glow for a split second before she calmed herself and refocused to the task at hand.

"You said serial killer?" Nightfall whispered to confirm.

"Yeah. It’s a reason why I'm not taking any shit today. When we first started investigating, there were two mares murdered. We have reason to believe it's going to be a hell of a lot more than that by a revolutionist who has no qualms of sacrificing others." She whispered, quietly enough to keep it to themselves.

"I'll deal with Storm, meet up in the tower. Dunno how much use we'll be, but we'll hear you out." Night replied before going to follow Storm, who had already taken off to the guild hall itself.

'You know, I was half tempted to ask her if she wanted to test Stonewall here, but she'd probably think I wasn't able to fend for myself.' She half thought to herself, half to chryssy. 'As bad as it sounds, I almost wish I wasn't pregnant just so I could try to put her ass on the ground.'

'You have my permission to slug her. I really don't like her.' The Queen said, annoyance having steadily grown the more Storm had treated Dawn poorly. 'If not for this guild being of some use to us I'd avoid them like one avoids a garbage dump… actually this is a lot like that as you only go to a garbage dump when you have need of it but it's not pleasant.'

'It's just her that I have the problem with. The rest of the ponies here are good or well-intended, even if a couple have shadier pasts, but even so… that bucking mare, and she's the one he falls in love with.' Dawn sighed before chuckling by the end, saying quietly to Stonewall "Chryssy said I had permission to slug her. I'll hold off while I can, but it's so damn hard... Personally, I'm hoping to see Gallade and Char again. Those two are so cute together."

Dawn briefly thought about Nymph, and wondered if she should look around for them.

'He has terrible taste, she will bare inferior offspring and probably do poorly at raising them.' She said as if insulted by the idea.

"Ooohh don't worry. It took a lot of self-restraint not to deck her." Stonewall said with a grim smile.

"Well, if things don't turn out well, we could always challenge her later. Then it'd be appropriate and satisfying." Dawn said quietly to not be overheard, sharing in the smile as she opened the door to the tower, heading up the stairs after they were both inside. "There's an idea, you could challenge her, point out you'd be training me in combat and want to see how she stands up to it. Neither Nightfall or Storm would be able to r-" Dawn stopped, instantly frozen in surprise as Storm seemed to be ahead of them, her hair was done up differently than the mottled hair they had seen before. She seemed to have more care put into it and less sweat along her mane near the neck.

Stonewall blinked and tilted her head, curious at the sight. Storm waved for Dawn to stay put and quiet as she carefully started to approach Dawn. She seemed to look at Dawn with that air of haughtiness, but said nothing and then moved to walk past them, making Dawn smile as she didn’t detect any hostility.

"You're slipping Nymph." Dawn said.

There was a flash of familiar green fire around her as a slightly tall changeling was visible, similar in proportions to Twilight compared with other changelings. She had purple wings, and her back was purple, but the rest of her body was the traditional black with a set of deep blue eyes. Stonewall blinked and tilted her head at the sight.

"You're never that certain that fast..." Nymph said.

"So this is her. Interesting." Stonewall said looking her over. "Worker class if I'm not mistaken."

Nymph frowned and looked at Stonewall closely, "What are you talking about? I am queen, the Everfree Patrol is my hive."

Dawn felt the Queen's presence in her mind again. 'This little drone? A queen?' She said. 'Hardly. She is of the worker class. How she isn't insane I do not know.' She said and Dawn felt both annoyance and curiosity from the queen.

"Riiiight." Stonewall said.

"And just who are you to judge?" She said forcefully, sensing their doubt and taking up a darker colored variant of Firestorm, standing proud, "I was raised in this hive, and there was no queen but Nightfall. He turned it down. I would have followed him, so when he said he wouldn’t be queen, it fell to me! When I am done growing, I will be his queen!" she replied with firm certainty and resolution.

'Well, they might operate differently here, that's one possibility. Should I try to create a link with her and act as a proxy?'

'If you desire.' Chryssy said leaving it up to Dawn.

"That's classified ma'am and for now you, aren't cleared for it." Stonewall said formally.

"Nymph, I have someone who wants to speak to you briefly, if you'll permit it." Dawn cut in, trying to divert from a confrontation.

"And who is it?" Nymph asked, eying dawn with concern.

"A proper queen." Dawn replied, without realizing how her words would have been taken as she then used her spell to open a 'line' to Nymph, including her with the contact with Chrysalis.

'W-what are you doing!' Nymph's mental voice echoed in Dawn's, sounding much like the young filly changeling that Dawn had originally met her as. Dawn instantly wondered if she had forced herself to grow with all the emotions around her to be more adultish because of Nightfall and his leadership through that time, only to see a power vacuum.

'Most likely little pony.' Chryssy said in the link, echoing Dawn’s thoughts.

‘From her age, she is barely old enough to be out of the hatchery much less this size.' She said. 'Something that is very bad for her body and will weaken her a great deal physically.'

'W-who is that?!' Nymph thought loudly, sounding slightly panicked.

'Nymph, meet Chrysalis, Queen of a changeling hive. We're in the link'

'What's the link?' she asked, still sounding slightly panicked.

Chrysalis sputtered in the link. 'How in the name of the Mothers do you not know what the Link is?' She asked as the link flooded with utter confusion before she was back under control. ‘Ahem.' She said. 'Do not be afraid little drone. I am Queen Chrysalis of Ridgeback Hive.'

'Who're the mothers? I... this is confusing!' Nymph seemed to reply, her visual stance clearly shaken, as if she were unable to hide how she was actually feeling. 'What's the ridgeback hive, I am Nymph and I will be- no, am - queen for the Everfree Patrol!'

The queen sighed. 'The mothers are the Queens who came before us. The mothers of every Hive ever. Without them, our race wouldn't exist.' She said gently and Dawn felt positive and gentle emotions directed at Nymph. 'The Ridgeback Hive is the name of my Hive, little one.' She said gently, almost motherly.

'I... you're not my queen. Nightfall is! He took me in, raised me, and I will protect my hive!' she said, her confusion continuing to grow along with her desire to resist.

'Nymph... I remember when we first met. You were lost, alone, and trapped with those that didn't understand you.' Dawn said quietly and gently, as if echoing what Chrysalis was doing. 'I don't blame you for making the guild your family. I wanted to take you in quite badly, you even said you as much before we parted, remember?'

'Y-yes...' She replied timidly. ‘I remember, but-‘

'It's only natural to want to protect those that take you in, to fill that gap that was left when you're separated or cut off. I think it's admirable you would push yourself so hard to protect those you love.' Dawn interrupted, reinforcing them and taking a different approach.

'It is. To defend what you view of as the Hive… it is what we do, and to find Friends of the Hive is rare indeed. Such people should be protected.’ The queen said proudly. 'Calm yourself little one. I do not wish to harm them.'

'G-good.' Nymph replied nervously, 'we know how to defend ourselves against danger.'

'I'm sure you do.' Dawn said, attempting to preempt what the queen would say so she could get to the heart of the issue as she saw it. 'Though I'm sure you have a lot to learn still. You want to be able to defend your hive more, correct?'

'O-of course! It's everything to me!' she replied, wondering where this was going.

'Then you will need to spend time about your own kind and learn how to be a Changeling.'

'No! They stole Nightfall's mate, Storm! I am changeling, but I am different from that!' She resisted, though Dawn could have sworn she was seeing more fear of the unknown than an issue with her past, but wasn’t sure if she was projecting herself onto the adult sized foal.

'Listen to me little one.' Chryssy said, sounding exactly like a mother speaking to a scared child. 'If I wished to do that, why would I speak to you first?' She asked. 'And why would Dawn introduce us if I wished harm?'

'I... This is weird... Why are you both in my head?' She replied, still hesitant, but less noticeably afraid.

'Dawn has allowed us to Link and communicate over vast distance.' She said. 'I am in Manehatten.'

'I don't want to intrude on you any more than we need to Nymph, and if you want a break, I will respect it. We were concerned because in Chrysalis' experience, a changeling without a link or a hive of other changelings to be around... they don't feel so well and very quickly. You found a substitute, and good ones, but it might not hurt to spend a little time now and then with other Changelings.'

'I... will think about it, but only to protect my hive!' she said clearly, still hesitant but not wanting to pass up a chance to improve for her Hive.

'That is all I ask little one.' Chrysalis said, continuing the maternal role.

'So, what exactly would you do? You're not actually going to bring changelings into Equestria... are you?'

'I will teach you how to think like a changeling, as well as how to properly use your magic, and what not to do with your abilities.' Chrysalis said.

'I've been doing just fine on my own so far!' Nymph protested, sounding half proud of herself, though pausing and asking, 'So would I have to go to Manehattan then? Only if I did this mind you.'

'No. We will meet at Dawn's home.' She said. 'I wouldn't ask you to go to somewhere so unfamiliar to meet a total stranger, even if Dawn does vouch for me, so we will meet at Dawn's place.’

'I... can do that. I know where she lives.' Nymph agreed.

'We'll request for you as one of the members of the Patrol that come for one of our errands.' Dawn stated, 'After all-'

"Hey green, you coming up or what?" Storm's voice called out from upstairs, breaking Dawn’s link connection to Nymph out of surprise.
Dawn's immediate reaction, after jumping in place, was the thought 'Oh you bitch...'

'Calm yourself my little pony.' The Queen said their link still maintained with her aid. 'Just calm yourself.'

Dawn nodded mentally, feeling like she couldn’t escape the idea Chrysalis was telling herself this as well. She took a deep breath before calling out, "Yeah, had some business with Nymph."

Dawn walked up the final flight of stairs to the last completed level of the tower where Storm and Nightfall were waiting around a solitary table with several chairs. Stonewall followed and pulled a chair out for Dawn. Dawn nodded her thanks with a gentle smile to Stonewall before sitting down on it.

"You want to secure the room or will that be necessary?" She asked, lightly turning her head toward Stonewall.

"Secure it for what?” Nightfall asked, thinking she was asking him. “We've known each other for two years Dawn.”

Dawn shook her head, "Not what I meant. Stonewall?"

Her horn glowed and in a moment so did the walls for a second, then the wall’s glow faded.

"It is secure." She said, standing behind Dawn, playing the guard role perfectly as she stood as still as a statue.

"What we're about to say, like our mutual secret Night, is not to leave this room under any circumstances without either of our approvals."

"Tch. I've kept Night's secret safe, and his location safe ever since you botched up fighting Svi-"

"Storm!" Nightfall said firmly, cutting her off before looking at Dawn, a slight scowl on his otherwise grim face, "You know me well enough to know that I wouldn't spill any secret."

"I do. It's not for my benefit." Dawn replied, turning to Stonewall, "It's for hers."

"What we are dealing with isn't like a threat this Equestria is familiar with. It's dealt with threats some quite deadly but none of them come close to what is lose in it as we speak." Stonewall said.

"What do you mean?" Nightfall asked, tone returning to his serious nature when meeting Dawn, "This have to do with the serial killer thing you mentioned?"

"Yes, though he isn't just a serial killer per se." Stonewall said, using her magic to pull out the mugshot. "This is Solar Flare. He graduated at the top of his class at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. He is intelligent, charismatic, extremely careful and ruthlessly efficient.” She said. "He’s dedicated his life to the eradication of the Equestrian Government and the removal of the alicorns by any means necessary."

Nightfall frowned as he absorbed the information. Storm looked at the picture before chiming in. "Why the hay would he want to do that? How could he be ‘intelligent’ and be this stupid?"

"Because he believes the alicorns are holding back the potential of the ponies with how they rule." She said. "And I can assure you, he is far from stupid. It took over a decade for him to be captured, and in that time he succeeded in killing half the High Council and had three nearly successful assassination attempts on the Royal Sisters, one on Luna and two for Celestia. He nearly sparked a war with several of Equestria's allies through carefully orchestrated attacks designed to look like Equestria was behind them. He firmly believes the ends justify the means, and will see the ponies free from the Alicorn’s rule even if they will rule over a pile of ashes."

"Tch, sounds like a pain. We could find him, right Nightfall?"

"No." Night replied simply, putting his hooves on the table. "I'm not involving our guild in that one."

"Ah... is that so?" Dawn asked, to double check.

"Yes, it is." he replied with a sound of annoyance. "I'm not getting any of my guild tangled up in that, and you've gotten training to help with those big threats by now I'm sure."

"You'd think. I've learned more from Stonewall here in two weeks than my entire time as a princess so far."

"The guard isn't equipped to handle such a threat.” Stonewall added, “We are bringing in specialists trained in dealing with such threats, but they are few in number and limited on equipment. The fact is, your guild would be a great asset in the apprehension of Flare… and I'm sure will be handsomely rewarded for such a deed."

"Oh really, and what are you going to offer?" Storm asked, curious just how much they were going to offer, even though she would still refuse.

"I already said no." Nightfall said, shaking his head. "This is too dangerous. A rule I've had since the beginning is no going directly after anypony that's killed another. We risk our lives on some jobs, but this is something else. I don't care what you would offer."

"Not even for a chance to go home?" Dawn asked, figuring that might be an offer on the table.

Nightfall’s expression shifted for the briefest of moments, a glimmer coming to his eye before it darkened.

"You should know better than to try and make that promise again, Green, after you failed him." Storm huffed, annoyed by that offer.

"Fine. Then how about a threat." Stonewall said stepping forward. "The fact is, you’re the equivalent of special forces here from what I understand, which means you will be approached and offered a chance to join him. However, should you refuse and show your loyalty lies with Equestria, he will proceed to eradicate your little group so you don't get in his way."

Nightfall looked at Stonewall in concern, evaluating her in silence while Storm looked on in a mix of strong disbelief and concern.

"So you're dealing with a terrorist." Nightfall said.

"Yes, from another version of Equestria. Like one that’s a mix of the world we came from and here, even more tech than us actually." Dawn clarified.

"The hay is a terrorist?" Storm asked, looking between Dawn and Nightfall.

"That's why," Dawn continued, as if uninterrupted, “I said a chance to be home would be open to you. They have tech to retrieve lost citizens or to send people back, though you’ll need to speak to Stonewall for details. As far as a terrorist goes, they are someone or a group of people who use fear and force to make changes to the world."

"If you still do not wish to get involved then that is your choice.” Stonewall nodded. “You are free to make your own decisions and we will move onto the next item on the list of things to do."

Nightfall seemed to silently sigh as he sat on the chair, looking at the table, then to Fire Storm, then to Stonewall, "I gave up trying to go home, I promised her that, but I have to know. Is what Dawn said true, about going home?"

Storm seemed to look at him in disapproval and worry.

"Don't know. Never dealt with a situation like yours. Usually, we track the unique signature of the subject, but your body isn't your original one."

"After two broken promises,” Nightfall said after a pause, shaking his head “I've learned my lesson. What would you want from the Patrol for this terrorist?"

"Just anyone skilled in investigation, observant, as well as able to fight. While Flare prefers to use others to do his dirty work, he is a fully capable fighter both with magic and hoof to hoof."

"How strong is he in hoof to hoof or environment changing magic?" Night asked, sounding serious.

"He is decent, not a soldier but definitely not to be taken lightly. He doesn't alter the environment, he uses it to fight for him."

"So gallade is out.” He answered before explaining, “She’s our winter making specialist. What else is do we know about this pony? How does he try to do things, personality, anything."

"He is skilled in teleportation magic. He is a very calm and collected person, very careful. Prefers to rely on his own skill, rather than magic to enforce loyalty, and isn't above using anyone he needs to." She said. "I have footage of one of his attacks that claimed the lives of 4 of the High Council."

"Show it." He said, "I need to know what we're up against."

She nodded and pulled out her tablet and set it so they could see it once the video from before was queued up and then she hit play and listen as the reporter begin to talk and the events shown to the guards played out.

Nightfall watched intently, Storm more confused at first, clearly seeing but not understanding. When it finished, Nightfall went quiet, contemplative.

"That the world you're from?" Storm asked, looking between Dawn and Nightfall.

"No Storm, we were human." Nightfall clarified

"What they could do was similar though." Dawn said

"This... this is beyond anything we've attempted before." He said, thinking "Even sending our rogue would have huge risks.

"Exactly why the guard here isn’t enough." Stonewall said. "Right now, we are lucky and Flare doesn't have access to that sort of hardware. But he still has his mind and can do a lot of damage if he gets his organization up and running here. You saw how little he cares about civilian casualties."

Stonewall nodded, even Storm seemed to have less of her usual ‘cool’ attitude at the prospect.

"We got this though, right?" Storm asked. "We're the best fighters in the guild, he doesn't stand a chance."

"Guard… I don’t know your name, but do you know the same fighting style he uses?" Nightfall asked. "How much training he has?"

"I'm not trained in his style no, it seemed to be a mix of Saddle Arabia Bomo and Zebra Gentaz." She said. "And I know he took on three royal guards at once who were armed and killed all three of them"

He grew quiet again, thinking.

"Let me put it this way, do you think you can fight, alone or together, and kill him?” Dawn asked. “You won’t be able to rely on the bracelet either. He just has to interrupt how it works, and he's more adept than I am now, let alone when I made it."

"Sure he could, I’ve seen how he can fight, when he really wants to win, like when I was captured, you killed those changel-"

"No." Nightfall said simply and firmly. "We aren’t going to risk hand to hand combat with him."

"Oh come on Night, you never back down from a challenge!"

"I said no."

"Storm... let me put it this way," Dawn added for emphasis, "if you can beat Stonewall here, you might stand a chance."

"Tch, i could do it with both wings tied as long as they can’t use magic." Firestorm said.

Twilight looked at her. "Shall we test that theory?" She asked, still disguised.

"Let’s do it!" She smile, full of confidence from all the other times she had sparred and won. "I beat Nightfall half the time as it is!"

"Where should we hold it?" Dawn asked, noting Night’s frown of disapproval, even as he said nothing. "Do we want watchers beyond Night and me or no?"

"Makes no difference to me." Stonewall said.

"Let’s use the sparring circle in the training grounds." She said, soon hopping down and already going for the window to jump out. Nightfall frowned, shaking his head briefly before following Storm out the window.

"As you wish." Storm said as they left, then looked at Dawn. "How far do I take this?"

"Your judgement, but I’d aim for pinning and short term issues. If she gets too rough, I’ll heal her when you break a bone." She replied quietly.

"So I'm clear to put her in her place." Stonewall confirmed.

"You got it. Keep in mind I’ve got power enough for minor injuries and for a major bone fracture, possibly break." She said, a slight smile forming as she added quietly, 'Storm, for all her bravado, won’t know what hit her. I just hope the lesson is learned.'

"Not one bit. We’ll see to the second part." Stonewall said as she began to walk down the stairs.

Dawn followed, going to the outdoors with Twilight toward a back wall where a simple dirt circle outlined with wood planks was laid. Storm was doing some stretches and moving her body in ways Dawn guessed were warmups. Half the time she was up on her hind legs, even jabbing once or twice.

"So... do I use all my skills and fight how I fight, or do I fight like a normal pony?" Stonewall asked.

"Fight how you want, Nightfall and I haven’t been beat yet." Storm smirked before adding, "we've tested it against some of the best."

"We shall see how "the best" stack up." Stonewall said cracking her neck. "To be fair I won't use any magic, strictly hoof to hoof."

Storm snorted and smiled, "Well, we'll see how long that lasts." She replied and rose up, holding her forelimbs up and wings out for balance as she took a deep calming breath and let it out.

"Fighters ready?" Nightfall called.

"As I'll ever be." Stonewall said still standing there as the guild members present started to gather around.

"Fighters, get ready... start!" Night called as the others chuckled and started to take bets on how long the newcomer would last.

Stonewall remained standing where she was. Storm stood in place, watching her opponent warily, looking for the right moment to strike. She was confident, but she didn’t want to rush. After about fifteen seconds, when she realized her opponent wouldn't move, she smiled and charged in, going for an obvious jab.

Stonewall leaned to the side allowing the jab to pass through where she had been

Storm smirked and gave her body a strong sweeping kick, having planned that all along, and at the same time moving a foreleg into position for a strong stomach punch to wind her opponent and end it early when they couldn't dodge in the air.

Stonewall kicked off the ground and grunted as the blow hit her but not as hard as it would have and she landed on her side, rolled and came back up onto her hooves smirking. "Was that a love tap?"

Storm seemed to smile, despite her eyes showing annoyance, "A warning."

She stood in the center, looking at the challenger who was closer to the edge than before, wondering if she should attempt a rush or not.

Stonewall stood there, looking completely relaxed.

Storm continued to wait, eying her with a mix of frustration and scorn. She wanted to win, but she lost far too often to Nightfall by being too hotheaded, and she wasn't about to be shown up by making the same mistake.

"So…" Stonewall said, "Lovely whether we are having."

"You gonna take this seriously or what?" she asked impatiently

"If I have reason to yes. So far not much of one has arrived."

"All right, you asked for it." Storm said as she charged forward, closing the distance between them with the aid of her wings, stopping suddenly yet perfectly in a rare demonstration of technical aerial expertise, threw a couple punches, then an uppercut.

Stonewall moved with grace and precision as she dodged them. "Stop trying to hit me and hit me."

Storm yelled as she continued to attack aggressively, shifting between jabs, sweeps, kicks, and anything she could before Nightfall called out, "Storm, remember our own fights!"

Nearly instantly, her mind cleared. She frowned in frustration at her short fuse and retreated back toward the middle of the fighting circle.

"Aww. I was enjoying our dance." Stonewall said

"Got none of your own? Have to let a mare show you around?"

"Just being polite." She shrugged. "Don't want to be rude."

Storm glared, but stayed put, determined to have her opponent come to her now.

"So you forfeit?" Stonewall yawned.

"You're the one that hasn't done anything. You giving up?"

"No just figured I'd be sporting and give you at least a chance to try."

She snorted, growled, then spoke, "I'm just getting warmed up.. If you're not serious, then we're going to have to make this interesting..."

"Feel free, I was getting kinda bored."

"What do you wanna bet? Winner orders the loser around for a week? Bits? Duties?" She smirked, feeling better at their position. If her opponent wasn't even attacking except with words, she couldn't possibly lose.

"Since this is your turf I'll let you decide the terms. You bet what you'll get if I win, and what I'll get if I win."

"I wouldn't Storm..." Nightfall warned.

"Relax Night, I got this." Storm said, "Winner obeys the loser for a week... I could use a waterpony."

Stonewall smirked. "No limits on what can be ordered?"

"Why? Afraid I'll ask you to take out the waste buckets? We got the toilets installed a year ago." She taunted again.

"No, just want to be clear so there are no complaints later."

"Oh I won't accept any complaints from you. Come on!" she half yelled, getting a snicker from one of the ponies present, a stallion Pegasus.

"Ok, deal."

Stonewall no sooner than said her acceptance than she darted forward with impressive speed. Before some ponies watching could blink, she was on Storm, reaching for her throat.

Dawn couldn't help but gasp in startled surprise, barely was able to follow with her eyes what happened.

Storm looked on in surprise but moved one of her limbs, attempting to move the limb out of the way while she positioned her other leg for a punch to Stone’s side.

Stonewall grabbed her limb, unseen fingers digging into the flesh as she changed direction to move to the side, twisting Storm's arm as she pulled her along the ring.

She gasped, flaring her wings out to slow her momentum and dug her rear hooves into the ground to try and redirect the momentum as best she could, not even realizing how heavy Stonewall was.

Stonewall smirked and jumped behind her, letting Storm’s arm go as she put her own around their neck. She pressed on Storm’s neck as she pulled Storm back until they were both on their back hooves, Storm barely able to breathe, only just enough.

"So, since you want to play soldier, let an old soldier teach you the ways of the field. Study closely!" She said, then moved backward, pulling Storm with her as Stonewall fell back and threw Storm behind her. Storm quickly put her hand down and pushed herself off, pulling a version of a back flip as she did.

Storm had struggled against Stonewall as she tried to fight back, frustrated as to how their limbs were like metal. She felt her world turn upside down and prepared herself for the impact and what she'd do after. Her head hit the ground and she turned her backward momentum into a roll, intending to dive straight at them with a charge for a heavy blow from the added momentum. Stone wall was suddenly in front of them as they came up, smirking with glee.

“Let's begin" Stone said happily as she grabbed her wrist. “If I'm faster than you." She shifted her arms and there was a sickening pop from Storm's wrist as the bones snapped and then she let it go and jumped back.

Storm screamed and clutched at it while the other guild members looked on in surprise, then looking to Nightfall. He looked angry now, ears flat against his head as if trying to ignore the sound but watching intently.

"Next!" Stonewall said and lunged forward, ramming her shoulder into Storm's chest to send her sprawling back, landing on her back as her wings flared helplessly. "If I'm stronger than you."

She stomped on one of Storm's wings. Another popping sound was heard before she grabbed Storm by the throat and lifted her off the ground, standing on her back legs. Storm was held off the ground by the invisible finger around her throat as Stonewall simply smiled.

"Enough!" Nightfall lunged forward to break it up, the other onlookers doing the same. "Stop it and let go of her! You've done enough!"

Night looked at her with an intensity that betrayed an intent to kill if not listened to. Dawn stepped forward, feeling some empathy for Storm, but focused on what was needed to truly stop the issue, even as Storm screamed. Storm’s wing was limp and she cradled her wrist, but to her credit, did not shed a single tear

"Stonewall, you've made your point I think. Let me tend to her." Dawn instructed.

Stonewall looked between the groups, the same friendly smile on her face. "Very well, I think the point was made that I can kill her." She said, tossing Storm to the side as if she were dead weight. "Class dismissed." She said dropping down onto all fours.

Nightfall growled at this mistreatment and looked on as Dawn let her horn glow. Dawn prepared the magic and her horn glowed a dark forest green as she and Starlight Dusk carefully put Storm's wing back into place, healing any damage sustained slowly. It took Dawn a good few minutes before she turned her attention to healing the wrist, feeling their magical reserves get weaker.

"Stone... I don't give a damn what you could offer, or whatever help you wanted. The Everfree Patrol will not be a part of it. I want you out of our grounds, permanently." Nightfall said, glaring at her with such an intense gaze that it was clear he was worked up to have a fight. Unnoticed by him, the bracelet gem glowed slightly, a dark green much like Dawn's own, as if both the magic stored there and a bit of Svikopi's had been mixed and was being readied for use.

"That is fine, I got the help I require." She said. "There is also of course the matter of Celestia's request but I’m sure Dawn can handle that."

Dawn nodded, continuing the rather delicate work of healing the fractures.

"Dawn," He said, clearly still angry, turning to her. "I want you to leave and not come back without a damn good apology, and even then...." Nightfall's eye held a tear as he looked at her. Dawn simply looked back at him, pausing her healing as she turned to him.

"You really don't have any fucking clue what you're dealing with… I'm sorry that you didn't realize it, but I'm not sorry for letting this happen. You thought yourselves invincible, and I already resolved that I would heal whatever wounds inflicted so nothing damaged was permanent, and you would have a better idea of what you were up against. I had hoped you would understand that this pain and experience would be valuable teachers for what we are up against... If I was wrong, then I truly am sorry I misjudged you."

"I’m sure Storm learned a lesson, which is good. She will need what she learned for what's to come." Stonewall said calmly.

"Out..." Nightfall said, quietly but firmly just as Dawn finished healing Storm, who flexed their now healed body to test them. "I never want to see you again... Not for a damn long time."

"Fine..." Dawn said, taking a breath and turning around. "If you wish to break a friendship over a difference in opinion when I already repaired the damages dealt without being asked, then that is your choice... petty as it may be."

Dawn sighed inwardly and then looked to the rest of the group, "If anyone else wishes to see me, you know where I live. I hold no ill will to any of you, or Nightfall for that matter." She looked on at the crowd of 6 onlookers that were now present beyond Storm and Nightfall, in particular Charred Salamander, and the light blue alicorn sized and shaped unicorn mare, Gallade. Those two looked between everyone as if trying to figure out what happened and with concern

Dawn on the other hoof, slowly started walking away toward the gate, feeling a great deal of sadness, but determined not to cry at her loss.

"Very well, we will leave.” Stonewall said, “Have Storm meet us in the clearing a mile south of here."

"No." Nightfall said, "Get th-"

Storm raised her now healed hoof to Nightfall's mouth, as if indicating that she would follow the terms she had set. She glowered at Stonewall, then jumped up with a flap of her wings to clear the wall and flew southward of her own accord, all through which her wingbeats could not be heard.

Nightfall looked on and sighed, before saying grimly, "Bring her back in one piece... and if I find out she's been hurt, or killed, Nothing in any world will stop me from killing both of you."

"I keep my subordinates safe." Stonewall said as she turned towards the gate and began to walk.

The rest of the guild turned to Nightfall, who simply walked back to the main building and tried to keep it together.

Dawn sighed again, now outside the fort and clearly sad. For all she tried to hide it, and wasn't sure what she wanted to hear, or from who, but she was trying hard to keep it together as she felt that connection with him break, in spite of their commonalities and history to that point.

'Do not blame yourself little pony. You did nothing wrong, and if he wishes to end your friendship over a dose of reality then that is on him.' The Queen said comfortingly

Dawn nodded, yet still feeling like she was on the verge of crying, 'And yet, it doesn't seem to make it better. I tried to help him get home, only to bust up his portal even further beyond repair because of Svikopi. He still hasn't forgiven me I think, it feels like it at least... Then when I shattered my horn, I fear he blames me for Svik on that one too, that I should have been stronger so he wouldn't have been possessed in the first place.'

'Meadow Dawn.' The Queen said sternly. 'What you did was necessary in order to save Equestria. Had you not done so, then you would have been taken over and then Svikopi would be loose to do who knows what. What you did bought everyone the time they needed to stop him, and shattering your horn has to be one of the single most painful things that can happen to a unicorn. If he cannot see the strength you possess, then that is his fault and not yours. He is the only one who is unable to deal with reality. Not you.'

Dawn nodded and took a deep breath, starting to stabilize herself even as the archway to the guild grounds was behind them for a distance, trying to soak in her words.

'Thanks Chryssy… It's just a shame he chooses not to deal with it, but with his pains, I simply cannot blame him.' Dawn said before she let out her breath slowly, controlled before she flexed a wing to wipe at her eyes and dry the edges off.

'Yes. It is.' The queen answered simply.

Dawn looked over to Twilight and quietly asked, "Got anything you want to say on the matter, now that Chryssy's helped calm me down?"

"They were not what I expected." She said.

"Yeah... Nightfall's... changed..." She said, repeatedly pausing as she thought back to what he had been like. "I still stand by what I said about the rest of the guild, just..." She sighed again, wondering if Storm would be in sight soon. "It's just a shame."

"I suppose. I was expecting something… more. But if a simple fight like that upsets them, then it's best we do not involve them."

"Yeah... Their espionage was really good with one pony, and Gallade was capable of creating winter in mid summer without much effort. I hear she used to be called the Wendigo of the Western Wilds before Nightfall had her join. Pulled her out of her despair over her brother particularly, from what Char told me, while also admitting that he tried sneaking into her room often to be closer to her cool air and talk to her. One point, she nearly froze him, but stopped when she saw that he loved winter so much he would have frozen in place with a smile on his face. I bet there's more to it than that, but…"

"It's romantic." Stonewall smiled.

"It really is. She enchanted his scarf with some of that innate power of hers, and he's always a lot more cheerful and patient when it's cold, and irritable and short tempered when it's hot. He loved that handkerchief immensely as it was from his mother, who helped him to get out from his oppressive dad and still abused brothers, and now also being from a pony he really likes and would love to be with, even if she wasn't the heir to a fortune in a gem refining business... Yeah, he deserves every bit of happiness he can get." She said, realizing she was rambling.

Fire Storm stood in the distance, clearly facing toward them but not moving from her spot, and soon they all were in the clearing.

"Ready to go? We got a long flight ahead of us." Stonewall asked.

"I can keep up, as long as you're not as fast as Nightfall anyway." She said, frowning as she looked over Stonewall closer.

Dawn stretched out her wings and said, "Not for a long flight no. I used up a lot of magic healing as it was, and my wings aren't used to long flights yet. I'll let you know when I feel like I've reached my limit."

"How the hay are you gonna fly though Stone? You said we have a flight. Gonna suddenly sprout wings on me?"

Stone smirked as her horn melted away and wings grew on her back. "Pretty much yeah."

Storm looked on and frowned while Dawn merely chuckled, "You have absolutely no idea who you're dealing with... wait till you meet their better half, if you get to." Dawn turned to Stone and asked, "What's our destination, Ponyville?"

"Yeah, that was..." a twig snapped behind them and Stone spun around as a rifle appeared floating beside her.

Four ponies, dressed in torn up dark green uniforms and looking half-starved, stumbled into the clearing. One was holding the end of a makeshift stretcher that a pegasus laid on with torn cloth wrapped around their middle and held together by vines.

"Oh thank the gods!" An earth pony mare said as she saw them. "I didn't think we'd make it."

Dawn quickly moved forward to the pegasus and started evaluating their wounds, "What happened?"

"We… We don't know. We were doing survival training and… we were supposed to be extracted a week ago… but the instructors never came. We waited but… we started trying to hike out three days ago." the mare said between breaths

"Training in the Everfree is nearly crazy here!" Dawn said, Storm looking on in confusion, "Even though the timber wolves have been tamed by the Everfree Patrol Guild just a mile north, there's too much else they can't fend off easily." She paused and looked at Stonewall, "I can heal them to stability, but it's going to eat up all the magic I have to accelerate their body's natural healing."

"That's the point." Stonewall said. "The Everfree is the most dangerous place in Equestria. Where better to train soldiers how to survive?"

The mare looked between them then pointed at the unconscious pegasus. "Do Storm Cloud first....he got torn up by a manticore… We did the best we could." She said, "We’re low on ammo… last count has three bullets left between us… Oh gods, you have no idea how good it is to see friendly faces… I just wish we'd found you sooner."

Dawn nodded, horn starting to glow as she worked on the most vital spots injured, speaking softly as she tried to focus, "I'm Meadow Dawn, Princess of Hope. The orange red pony is Fire Storm, and you already know 'stonewall.'"

"W-we do?" The mare asked, confused. "Princess of hope?"

Dawn nodded slightly, "If you're with the EDF, absolutely. Fire Storm’s a pegasus from this world, from the Everfree Patrol, who just lost a bet to the commander." She smirked, knowing they should have pieced it together by now. "She's our ally for a week."

Dawn had finished healing any damaged internal organs and set to work healing any fractures or dislocations, pushing herself to her limit with Starlight’s help. The pegasus had multiple as well as multiple gashes.
"Other world?" The Pegasus blinked. It was clear they weren't in the best mindset to figure out anything, due to having been surviving for so long in the Everfree.

"You've been Displaced." Dawn said calmly, "sorry, I can't speak as much, this is delicate work."

She continued to focus as the wounds slowly healed themselves, pushing out any debris that made its way into the wounds and purified it, before they finally only had some minor scrapes and bruises. Dawn stood there, feeling weak-legged, but doing her best to hide it.

"Who's next?" She asked, unable to hide her shaking despite her best efforts.

"We-” she was about to answer before paused, noticing her shaking, “are fine ma'am. Don't worry about us."

"Nonsense..." She said, taking a deep breath, and turning to the closest one to assess their wounds with her magic.

They stepped back and stood tall like the other four.

"We are fine ma'am." A unicorn stallion said.

She frowned, but seemed to respect their choice. "What's your call Stonewall? We taking them with us?"

"Well, we can't leave them here. They are recruits." She said.

Dawn nodded, "Alright. Come." She said to them, echoing Twilight's order to them as she ignored spots in her vision. "We're heading to Ponyville, southeast of here, and about a quarter day's travel by hoof or half an hour by flight, unless I really had misremembered it. Everyone here a pegasus or no?"

The earth pony and the unicorn blinked in surprise. The only pegasus of the group laid unconscious in the makeshift stretcher.

"Um… ma'am? Are you feeling alright?" one of them asked.

She blinked as the spots faded and revealed they were not and shook her head, "Y-yeah, sorry, Just a bit oblivious at times... Anyway, after you Stonewall."

Storm snorted but said nothing. Stonewall nodded and led the way back.

Dawn walked on, feeling lightheaded and weak, but pushing on in spite of it, not wanting to have the soldiers need to carry another body as it was. The one pony was sure to wake up once they were rested, but she wasn't about to rest even if they woke unless necessary. She felt herself bolstered slowly, feeling some kind of energy flowing into herself, and pressed on through minute after tiring minute.

Dawn sighed in relief when finally the eyesore of a castle came into view, more so when they stood at the doorway to it. Ignoring the looks of any ponies nearby, she opened the door for them and ushered them to go in.

The soldiers walked in, followed by Stonewall who had been moving with them. "Never thought I'd be happy to see this place." Stonewall muttered.

Dawn nodded, not daring to put forth more effort than she had to. She began moving to the front of the pack to guide them toward the guest rooms, not daring to stop.

The group followed Dawn, the group of dark green clad ponies in particular were starting to show how tired they were, now that they were well away from that forest and safe, adrenaline leaving their systems.

Dawn finally got up the stairs and opened a couple doors, thankful that her poor memory remembered the directions to the guest rooms.

"Here's a couple rooms to rest up in." she took a deep breath and tried to think of what she was going to say, but completely lost track of it, shaking her head and saying, "if you need anything, I'll be in this room to the side." She finished, slowly heading toward that room.

They walked in and looked around a couple of them swaying on their hooves as the earth pony approached her. "Thank you ma'am. Just wish we found you three sooner before the others… Well… there was 14 of us when we started." she said looking down before looking up. "But… Thank you ma'am, truly. We won't forget this."

"It’s a shame. I would have wanted to help everyone… but all of you are far stronger than I am right now. Rest. We'll get food ready as soon as Stone feels up to it or I get my strength back. Thank you for your words, and rest up." She said wobbling before going into her shared room, getting on the bed, and collapsing.

Stone checked on her. "You ok?"

"Exhausted." She replied, "I... may have used a bit too much magic between Fire Storm's injuries and the other pegasus."

Dawn looked up, and saw Storm behind Stone, keeping quiet, but looking down at her. She almost would have sworn that she was looking down on her, judging her for her fatigue, but she might have just been tired and didn’t want to think of more ill toward her.

"Food would be wise for everyone I think. It's just about lunch as it is, and they look starved."

"Whoa, What happened to you guys!" Spike's voice called in the hallway, seeing the EDF troopers.

"Odd, your reserves should have easily been able to handle all 5 of them." Stone said. "Something we will work on." She said turning to go and then looked at Spike. She froze, realizing she was still a pegasi… ‘damnit.’

"Just ran into a bit of trouble." Stonewall said.

Dawn nodded, "My magic is... not very efficient yet. Starlight and I usually take a day to recover from healing just one pony's injuries as it was when I was a unicorn."

"W-what kind of trouble?" he asked nervously, seeming to not notice just yet.

"Just some lost hikers who ended up in the Everfree. We saved them, but they needed some healing and the Princess is tired now. I was just about to go and get them some food and water." Stonewall said trying to carefully shift to unicorn.

"Oh man, that's no good." Spike said, looking at Stone more closely after the change happened, then rubbed their eyes and looked again, "Huh, that's weird. Last time you were a unicorn, but I could have sworn you had wings just now."

Dawn passed out, breathing quietly in her dreamless sleep as she laid prone on the covers. Storm snorted, but said nothing as she looked at Stonewall.

"Probably just a trick of the light, or you're tired too. Maybe time to take a break." Stonewall said, looking at Dawn and smiled before looking at Storm. "Keep an eye on her." She ordered before started to head for the door.

Firestorm huffed but did as she was told.

Spike shrugged, but headed down the hall toward Stonewall. "Well, I have to go help make Twilight's lunch, I'll come with ya!"

"Good,” She nodded smiling. “We can make everyone a nice meal."

He chuckled in his own deeper shakey way, "Yeah"

Spike's tail waved in the air as he walked to the kitchen, half waddling with how young he was, and after opening the door, he said, "What're we making? I could go for some gem cake."

"Well, I don’t think that would agree with us very well Sir Spike." She chuckled as she started to get out vegetables. "I was thinking of a stew."

"Oooo, what kind of stew? I could go for some chicken!" He said, still more thinking of himself rather than the guests.

Stonewall stopped. That did sound good. But alas it could not be with so many ponies nearby… but she could dream. Maybe she could make some for Spike and swipe a bit. Yeah. “we will make you a bit of chicken stew." She said

"Awesome!" he chuckled, "Twilight doesn't give me too much meat, says the smell makes her feel sick, but sometimes you just wanna eat something, ya know?"

"Yeah know how that can be." Stonewall chuckled.

Spike looked at her interested, "Oh? What food do you crave sometimes?"

Meanwhile, in the guest room where Dawn rested…

Fire Storm continued to watch over the vulnerable mare, then sighed, looking back to the door before unbuckling their saddlebag and taking it off. She hated that mare, and almost wanted to dig through their saddlebag but thought better of it. She wouldn’t stoop to Dawn’s level in her eyes. If Dawn dug through her things, she’d simply beat the lesson into her. Dawn wouldn’t be able to do that to her, but this ‘stonewall’ could and wouldn’t hesitate to.

A knock came to their door. Storm sighed, debating if she should answer it. After all, her only instruction was to look after Dawn. She eyed the door and thought about letting it go but decided against it. Storm knew she couldn’t afford to have ‘stonewall’ angry at her, with their ridiculous amount of strength and changeling ‘unicorn to Pegasus to unicorn’ thing.

Storm opened the door to see the mare from the group in the forest.

"Oh hello… Um, I didn't catch your name?" The mare asked.

"Storm. Fire Storm" She said, standing in place and looking at her impassionately.

She nodded and smiled. "I'm Steadyhoof. It's a pleasure to meet you Storm."

"So what the hay were you 'training' in the Everfree?" She replied, avoiding the pleasantries and going straight for what she wanted to know.

"Survival." She said. "Next month it was to the Frozen North."

Storm blinked and looked at her with a mix of confusion and concern, then scowled, "Who in their right bucking mind would even think of doing that! That's crazy! Some of you died already even, right? What kind of irresponsible stunt is that!"

"We weren't supposed to be out there that long and… The instructors are supposed to make sure we don't suffer any casualties… but… well, it seems they didn't come with us."

"Why the hay not! Is Stone your leader, cause then I’ll give them a piece of my mind!" Storm asked, readily thinking Stone was behind it somehow. It was one more weird piece that didn’t fit, even with that ‘other world’ they said.

"I don't know! Over half the class wasn't transferred with us. Just us 15 out of 40 recruits." Steadyhoof answered.

Storm grumbled and looked over to Dawn, thinking about how ‘green’ had bothered to help once she saw them, before looking back to her, not about to be outdone, "Just… next time, get someone from the guild. We would have sent the timber wolves Nightfall tamed to help."

"Guild?" She asked confused.

Storm frowned, looking at her, "Haven’t heard of the Patrol? That's new. We barely got started two years ago and already everypony in Equestria knows about us."

Storm was baffled how they didn’t know about her. The video shown a different place and several names she didn’t recognize, so if that’s the other world, then the names she recognized must be since they arrived in her own world. She felt her jacket, a light fabric matching her coat color meant to lessen drag from air flow, held a pin of her guild’s emblem, indicating her membership and it was silver in color to indicate she was second in command.

"No, I haven't. What is it?" Steadyhoof shook her head.

Storm blinked, and then laughed, "Oh geez, don't know anything about the Everfree Patrol, but you go off to train in the Everfree like you're going on a picnic... this is just rich."

Steadyhoof eyed the strange mare with almost hidden disdain, wondering about the sanity of this pony. Storm soon calmed then seemed to look at her more seriously.
"The Everfree Patrol’s something Nightfall came up with. Wanted to be in a place that was closer to what his home was like, and wanted to help out ponies that weren't getting helped out by the Guard. Thieves, disputes, fights, you name it, we can probably do it. We only ask payment as much as they can afford, hay, we only get paid half the time. Still, keeps us fed and ponies safe.”

"So… you're mercenaries." She said scrunching her nose at the idea.

"That's… partly right, I guess. Why, you got a problem with that?" She asked, staring down the mare firmly.

"It’s just, I don't like people who are only loyal to the highest bidder." She said annoyed. "You want to help, join the Equestrian Defense Force or the guard."

"Tch, haven't heard of that before and we don't just go to the highest bidder. We got our morals too, and we won't do anything against the law and help out anypony who needs us. Celestia has a Captain stationed in the guild to report to her just for that reason!"

"Tsk.” Sreadyhoof frowned, “Sounds like you spend too much time on that first if you don't know about the army that is all over the damn nation."

"Who the hay are you kidding? I've flown all over Equestria on missions and I never met anything like whatever you’re talking about! Besides, what kind of outfit were you all wearing anyway? Only the guard have uniforms like that, unless you work in some sort of store anyway."

"We are the military, the ones called in when the guard cannot handle the situation." She said. "We are the equestrian army. How you haven't seen our bases everywhere is beyond me."

Storm visibly pulled her head back and squinted her eyes at them in strong disbelief, "Fine, you n me are going to go look for these supposed bases of yours after my week is up."

"Fine. By me. Can't wait to see the look on your face when you see the army, air force and naval bases. Not the mention the Castle of Friendship."

Storm laughed, "Who the hay are you kidding? We're IN the castle of Princess Twilight. Who else has a crystal castle? Geeze, you need more rest than I thought."

"This isn't the Commander's castle." She said. "This place wouldn't withstand a single air strike. The Castle of Friendship is the single most fortified base of the EDF designed by the Commander herself to withstand an army."

Storm frowned, no longer finding this funny and bumped their shoulder with a hoof, "Come on, look around you! The entire freaking place is made out of crystals. What else other than Princess Twilight's castle would have that?"

"The Commander would never live in such an eyesore of a material. This isn't the Crystal Empire, her castle is a fortress."

"I'd go and take you myself to her throne room just to prove you wrong if I didn't have to watch over pregnant princess..." Storm grumbled, her tone of voice clearly indicating her disdain of Dawn in spite of her actions that day.

"If you don't want the job why did you agree to it, merc?" Steadyhoof looked at her, a very slight smile showing on her face.

"I didn't!" She said, nearly growling, even dripping with a little venom in her tone at first when she continued, "I fought that changeling Stonewall, and bet that winner could order around the loser for the week. They won, but not without breaking my hoof and wing in the process." She added a mumbled, "Breaking the rules too..." before speaking up, "I hate it, but I'm a mare of my word... but the second that week's over I'm flying the hay back to the guild so we can finish our jobs actually protecting the ponies that the guard doesn't!"

"The hell you talking about a changeling?" She asked. "I didn't see any changeling and what do you mean breaking the rules? And the guard does protect ponies." She said, her tone having grown a little softer at the mention of being a mare of her word.

"Stonewall was a Unicorn when I met them, and when you lot showed up, she was a Pegasus, and then when Spike came along, she was a unicorn again!"

"If they were a changeling why are they in disguise huh? There wasn't a reason to be."

"Who the hay are you kidding?” Storm asked, growing infuriated at their ignorance. “Only Changeling in Equestria able to be themselves is Nymph, and she's allowed it cause Nightfall vouched for 'em and put them in the guild!"

"What are you talking about? Changelings have been a part of Equestrian for over 50 years. My best friend is a changeling." Surehoof said, feeling confused at their anger until an idea struck, instantly souring their conversation, "Unless you're one of the purist bastards."

"No, they haven't!" Storm grimaced, "those bugs just invaded Equestria not 10 years ago, and just last year they sent drones to kidnap me so Queen Chrysalis could steal Nightfall's love from me and get to him!"

"Oh, of course, should have known you’d be a fucking racist." She said with great annoyance. "Why don't you go hang out with the rest of the Purist scum and you can all swap stories about how the hive did this or that without any proof."

"I've still got the scar to prove it!" she said, bristling and having her fur rise up while her wings started to come out, really feeling like they were asking for a fight. She showed her underside and the scars that laid underneath, along with a couple bite marks that were clearly changeling in nature, an indicator of her kidnapping.

====

Spike helped get the food made, readily using a knife with some ease to cut his veggies and the chicken while Stonewall helped him with other things. He even remembered to wash his claws after dealing with the chicken, using his tail to turn on and off the water.

After only a couple minutes, yelling could be heard from down the hall.

“Huh, that’s weird.” Spike said, "Uhm Stonewall, what in the world is going on down there?"

“Good question.” Stonewall said, watching the dragon go find out before moving to go down to the source of the yelling behind him, as silently as she could and unnoticed by the dragon.

Dawn groaned as she was starting to wake, getting up and looking between the two arguers. Despite her weakened state and without thinking, she used more magic, grabbing them both and pulling them apart.

"ENOUGH YOU TWO! Stop yelling at each other and actually listen for one minute!" Dawn yelled, aiming to be overheard.

"But S-" Storm started before she felt her muzzle be forced closed as Dawn glared dangerously at her.

"But she-" Steadyhoof got out before her muzzle was forced shut as well.

"Storm, Steady... just... shut up and cool off." Dawn said before panting and let go of them both before continuing. "Storm, they're not from this world either, like Nightfall and me, in case you bucking forgot. Steady, you are displaced. The events of your world haven't happened yet and you're getting worked up over shit that Storm doesn't understand. You're part of the EDF? Don't let her get under your skin. And Storm, if you don't want to get beat up again, stop picking fights."

"What's going on down here!" Spike asked, having not yet noticed his follower.

Stone looked over the scene, very annoyed. "Recruit! Front and center!" She barked and Steady jumped before running down the hall, standing in front of the disguised commander, and slid into a salute.

"Finally,” Storm sighed, “someone to put her in her place."

"Shut the hell up Storm,” Dawn warned, “before you get in more trouble."

"I'd listen to her STORM, unless you want to learn to fly without the use of your wings." Stonewall said in the same authority voice before looking at Steady. "Recruit, tell me. What group did you sign up for?"

"The EDF ma'am."

"And why did you do that?"

"To make a difference ma'am."

"So you respect the uniform?"

"Of course ma'am." She said sounding confused and respectful.

"Then tell me…” Stonewall nodded before nearly bursting out in the royal canterlot voice in her face, “WHY IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA'S FLAMING ASS ARE YOU DISRESPECTING IT HAVING A YELLING MATCH WITH A CIVVIE!?!!"

She opened her mouth to try and speak, but was cut off. "Laps! Now! Twenty-five around the outside of the castle, and move it before I add another 25!"

Steady bolted. Storm snorted quietly, upset at Stone's outburst, but was glad they were put in their place. Stone looked at Storm thanks to the noise she made.

"You can join her."

"What for!"

"Because I said so, that's why! Move it!" Stone said as a strange metal stick with a bubble like thing behind it appeared. There was a sound of compressed air whooshing before a paintball hit Storm's flank.

Storm yelped and growled at Stone aggressively before going to the window, opening it, and jumping out instead of risking a second paintball hitting her.

Dawn sighed, laying back down. She had drained herself further from the use of her magic and was disappointed in how that occurred. She looked to Stonewall apologetically. Spike meanwhile, was standing in the doorway, looking at what happened in a clearly intimidated and scared expression. He stood frozen, wondering what'll happen next. As soon as Storm left, Stone relaxed, making the paintball gun vanish.

"You ok Dawn?" she asked on her usual manner.

"Yeah... just exhausted still... I was almost asleep and then those two went at it... Steady was actually pretty polite at first, just got offended by Storm and had a lower tolerance for her attitude than I did when I first met her. They said you were a changeling, then Steady wasn’t sure why that mattered, only to reopen Storm’s old kidnapping wound from when she was kidnapped. Storm was accused of being a low-life merc and purist, while Steady’s only flaw was somehow thinking she was still home. Storm’s crime was refusing to back down, stemming from ignoring that they had a different home in the first place and her damn pride felt on the line.”

"Yeah,” Stone sighed, “she could use an attitude adjustment… wish I could toss her into Camp Mendez for a couple weeks. That would fix it."

"Yeah...” Dawn snorted with a smile, “I bet."

"What's Camp Mendez?" Spike asked, still nervous, but feeling comfortable enough to speak.

Whoops… Twilight thought. So she looked back at him to give a cover story. "Just something I like to call training for the guard is all." She finished with a chuckle.

"Oh. I'm gonna go back to the kitchen, watch the stew." He said as he laughed nervously and pointed a thumb out behind him before dashing off toward it.

"Hope we didn't frighten him too much." Dawn sighed.

"I'll talk to him later, but he is a lot tougher then he seems. I've seen it."

"I will be like that, I hope..." She sighed and stretched her body out, trying to will it into getting strong enough to function.

"You will Dawn. You will." Stone reinforced sitting beside the mare.

"Thanks Twilight." she whispered as she slid toward Stone from the weight, "I won't be a burden to you, not longer than I have to… no way."

"You aren't one now though." Stone said.

"B-but I couldn't heal five ponies and be fine... like you expected..." She whispered, remembering how her magic reserves weren’t as high as they expected.

"Dawn, you are an untrained pony who is doing advanced spells and dealing with some serious injuries. The fact you were even able to help the one was impressive."

"I will be better...” she said, shaking her head briefly, “but at least their life isn't in danger..."

"So you did help. The others are injured, but not in danger of dying like he had been."

"I'll try to remember that... might wanna check on whatever food you have cooking, I'd hate for it to burn." She said as she laid back down and started to doze, clearly exhausted to the point of being unable to stay awake.

Twilight nodded, really wishing her sentries were here to watch her. This alicorn really underestimated herself, but that would be fixed in time. Still, there was more food then Spike could handle, so with a sigh, she left her.

=====

Storm ran, grumbling to herself in her head as she ran. It wasn’t long before she heard the galloping of Steadyhoof behind her, slowly catching up.

The mare was soon passing her, being used to morning runs during training to ‘get the blood flowing’ and wake them all up.

Author's Notes:

And CTS recruited some one to help in the fight in classic CTS Fashion.

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