It had almost been a week since the battle of Canterlot, a week since the death of Moon, and close to a week since I betrayed Twilight for a deal...involving me with bedding with that damn whore of a Changeling queen. My headaches had become less and less frequent then before, however, this coming to making them even more painful at times. The potion the nurse gave me did little to help me at all. Outside now, the leaves on the trees now falling, proving that it was indeed fall. I noticed today that Twilight seemed a little more...how should I say this...lusty, I knew that her heat was on, but I didn't think it would be that fast. And true I did want a child with her, and my best guess for us to have a child, was for me to mate with her as my Alicorn self.

            Mike had fit in right at home with Applejack's family; Apple Bloom would tell me and the others that he seemed maybe as strong as Big Mac, and how she looked up at him like a second big brother in a way. Even Sweetie Belle thought of Devon as another family member of hers. As the wind grew colder, some of the ponies in Ponyville started to wear coats, some thinker then others though. Me? I wore a simple black pair of jeans and a simple white shirt with the Cutie Mark of Rarity's on the sleeves. I didn't mind the cold, I sorta liked it in a way, Twilight though on the other hand kept bugging me about me catching a cold, me, a cold? Please. I was about to get up and go home when I heard my name being called out. Looking over I saw the small Unicorn named Sweetie Belle ran up to me, before stopping.

            "What's wrong?” I asked kneeling down.

            "It's Rarity!” she cried. "She came home crying...more like wailing and wouldn't talk to anyone!”

            "Did Devon do something?” I asked thinking the idiot did something again.

            "No!” she shook her head. "He was with me helping me with my math, come on, maybe you can get her to talk!” I sighed and nodded my head slightly as I followed her to Rarity's place.

            Once there and inside, then I heard the crying, loud as anything I tell you. Devon was sitting on the sofa, rubbing his head that is until he saw me.

            "Hey man,” he spoke up. "I wouldn't try and talk to her...man she can cry and blabber.”

            "You girlfriend, not mind.” He glared slightly as I laughed going upstairs. Her door was closed as I sighed and knocked on the door.

            "Go away Devon!” the designer cried. "I don't want to talk to anyone!”

            "Rarity, come on...” I spoke as she gasped.

            "Brandon! No I will not speak to anypony, my life is runieddddd.” She then started to bail loudly as I backed away a bit. "Leave me to my suffering and my wallowing! Wait...can ponies even wallow?' she seemed to pause until she cried again. "Well if they can then leave me be to wallow in whatever we ponies wallow innnnnn!”

            "Rarity!” I cried tapping my foot. "Ether you stop crying right now, open up this door and talk to me, or I'm busting it in and messing up your hair!”

            "My hair?!” she screeched. "You wouldn't dare!”

            "Three...”

            "Darling please leave me...”

            "Two...”

            "You would never do that to a lady!”

            "One...”

            "Alright, alright!” I heard the click of the door's lock as I smiled. Worked every time.  Walking inside the room, I saw her laid out on her bed, her back to me as she hugged her pillow, sniffling into the pillow as she hiccup cried. I sighed and went over and sat on the bed.

            "Now Rarity,” I started to rub her mane softly to claim her down. "Tell me what is wrong?” she sniffed and wiped her face before sitting up to look at me.

            "W...well...” she started. "I went out today for some food for me and Devon...when this mean old pony came up to me, threw a dress I had made a while back, telling me it was ugly and trash like my face...Bwahhhhhhhhhh!” she then wrapped her arms around my neck in a death chock as I gasped and fell on my back. "He called me both ugly and my work ugly!” okay I could understand the part about her being ugly, which was impossible, for her being upset about; but her dresses? I guess she took her work to heart, and...oh crap...still softly rubbing my friend's hair, I chose my next words carefully.

            "Rarity,” I spoke softly as I sat up so she could rest in my arms, still crying softly. "Whoever said those things to you, is a complete idiot! I mean, your dresses, suits, whatever you make; they are stunning!” she looked up to me as she sniffled once more as I smiled. "And who cares what one ponies think, if your style was truly ugly would you be famous?” she softly shook her head as I wiped the tear from her eyes and smiled. "How about this?” I then smiled. "I know you always dreamed of making dresses for Celestia and Luna, so I'll offer you two things. One, I'll ask them to see if you can make them a dress for each,” I saw her eyes lit up; I knew this was one of her dreams. "And you may make me a suit, no limit, let your mind go, and I shall wear it outside the day it is made, plus the next day so everyone can see the work of Rarity!” she seemed a bit better, rubbing he eyes with the back of her hoof as she gave me a small smile.

            "You would...do that...for me?”

            "I would do anything for you and my friends...hell even Devon for goodness sake. Now, dry those tears, they do not suit somepony of your beauty!”

            After making sure she would be fine, I left out her room, watching her as she cleaned up her face and her hair, closing the door behind me, I then made my way downstairs.

            "She's fine now,” I told the two downstairs as Devon sighed.

            "Thanks man...how did you get her to open the door?”

            "Just say you'll mess with her hair,” he and the younger mare laughed at this as I made my way to the door, waving them goodbye as I now made my way back home.

            Yawning slightly since I didn't get any sleep last night mostly I made my way inside, hearing the sound of some laughter and chatting inside. Looking in, I noticed Twilight's mother and father there, Twilight on one side speaking, her folks on the other side sitting next to each other.

            "Are you truly sure you two are ready for this sort of thing?” I heard her father ask as I stood on the side, leaning on the wall as I listened, waiting to see if they would notice me standing there. I saw Twilight nod her head with a smile as she looked over, seeing me as she smiled and waved me over. Looking over at the two older ponies I nodded to each of them.

            "Morning you two,” I greeted them both. "What brings you two here?” the mother smiled and giggled under her breath as the navy blue pony spoke.

            "We've just came to visit, seeing how the last time we met was when Darkness tried to take over our home. And how are you feeling son?” again, it would take me a while for me to get use to that sort of word he used for me. Since the only time I was ever called 'son', was by my father, and I truly hated it when he called me his son. In a way, it reminded me that I was of his blood.

            "I'm fine,” I answered giving a nod as I sat next to Twilight. "Just a few head pains here and there.”

            'Are you alright though dear?” the mother asked me as I smiled and nodded.

            "Hey trust me,” I spoke with a small laugh. "I've been though a lot worse then a few head pains.” She slightly nodded; she truly did remind me of my own mother in a way. "What were you three talking about anyway before I came in?”

            "Well,” the mother spoke while looking to Twilight who was slightly blushing. "We also came because Twilight told us how you two are thinking about having a child or two. She was a little worried about what will happen if you two truly do have a child when you...err mate as you as your Alicorn self.” I saw her blush; this seemed like an embarrassed subject to talk about as I too felt my cheeks grow hot. "And she just wants to know how it will be, carrying a child you know?” I softly nodded, looking to Twilight as she slightly smiled. Giving a moment to think to myself, I turned to Twilight's father for a moment.

            "Sir, do you mind if I speak to you alone?” I saw that Twilight and her mother gave me a look, but then just smiled as they went on with talking with whatever. Her father nodded as he stood and I did as well, making our way outside, we went around the back as we sat behind a tree; that still had a few of the leaves left.

            "What would you like to talk about?” he asked me as I sat down next to him and sighed loudly as I rubbed my eyes. I was thinking about this for a while now, and I had to talk to him about it.

            "First off,” I started looking at nothing really. "I like to thank you, and your wife for not treating me like a prince...it's still taking me some time to get use to that title you know?” he only chuckled but nodded slightly about it. "Secondly, I would also like to thank you, for not frowning on me and Twilight being together.”

            "Now why would we do that?” he asked looking at me. I didn't answer, but I hard him chuckle and placed a hoof on my shoulder. "Brandon, as long as my daughter is happy, we are happy as we already told you. Is that all you wished to tell me?” I shook my head slightly.

            "I...would also like your blessing.”

            "My blessing?” he asked in confusion. "In what possible...oh...I think I see.” There was a long silence that followed before I then spoke.

            "Twilight is the love of my life,” I spoke softly. "I will never find a woman like her ever again, she means the world to me, and I want her to know this even more...I want to be her husband. And yes, I know that we've been only together for close to three months, but I mean...we're thinking of having a child together!” I smiled and softly shook my head before sighing again. "I just...where I come from, many humans men would go to the women's father and ask for their blessing, and I wish to follow in that example.” I turned to see him looking at me, I couldn't read his face, but he soon chuckled and nodded his head.

            "Then you have it,” wow...that easy? "Brandon, you and Twilight are good together, I know you will do everything in your power to keep her safe, and you will do anything to make her happy.” He smiled again. "So may I see the ring?”

            "Oh...ugh...” I laughed slightly rubbing my head. "That's the thing, you see...humans put their rings on their fingers and well...” he saw where I was going as he laughed slightly.

            "Unicorns put their rings on their horns,” he told me. "I'm sure the shop in Ponyville that sells such trinkets will have many wedding rings from you to choose from. When will you ask her?”

            "Tomorrow,” I told him. "After when you two leave I plan on going out to buy one for her.”

            "Well then,” he stood up as I did as well. "Let us go back and chat with the girls until the need for us to go comes.”

            Once we made it back inside, the two said nothing to what me and the blue pony spoke of, which I was glad, I'm sure he would tell Twilight's mother when they left though; I didn't mind that if he did. After when they left, it was just myself and Twilight, now normally I would write what we did...you know, that sort of thing, but these damn head pains, (I kid you not guys and gals, sorry) this is pretty much all I can write, so sorry, no sexy read for you this time.

            As I got out of bed slowly so not to wake her, I found my clothes which somehow were thrown all over the place, we did mate as myself being a Alicorn, so there was no doubt in my mind that Twilight may carry our child. She told me the night before that we would have to wait at least a few days to truly see if she was pregnant, not sure how; not really wanting to know. Slipping on my shoes I gasped and fell onto my hands and knees, grunting and growling under my breath as once more I was hit with the worst of all pains. After the pain stopped, I groaned as I stood up. I had to walk...Twilight's ring could wait for a bit...

            I don't know how, and I don't know how long it took, but for some reason I found myself outside the castle of where Luna and Celestia use to rule within. Walking inside, I wanted to make sure that the damn Changeling queen was not doing anything she was not allowed to do. I didn't get more then a few feet inside when I felt something hard hit me behind the head. I gasped, falling onto my side as I saw spots, red, and stars. My eyes glazing over, before I heard a soft chuckle...who was it...

(Twilight's POV)

            The sun hitting my eyes, I slowly opened my eyes and groaned before yawning loudly. Thoughts of last night rushed into my head as I gave a small smile, rubbing my belly slightly hopping that indeed I was carrying my lover's child. Turning over to wish him a good morning, I noticed he was not there, and no note. Strange, he always left a note if I was sleeping and he was out before I was up. Maybe he just forgot this time or that he thought I wouldn't be up until he got home. Getting out of bed and taking a nice quick shower, I came out to make some food in case Brandon came back, I wonder what he would have been doing at this hour of the morning anyway. When Spike came out, I asked if by any chance he saw Brandon off this morning, he did have the habit of waking u and falling back to sleep a few moments later. He shook his head and told me no as I shrugged it off. A light knocking on the door tore me from the food I had just made, going over, to see Devon standing there.

            "Hello Devon,” I spoke with a smile to my human friend. "What brings you here today?”

            "Hey Twilight,” he answered with a smile. "I'm looking for Brandon, seem Rarity spent all last night making him something and want to show it to him now.”

            "Well I wish I could help,” I answered looking around. "But he is not here.”

            "Really?' he asked rubbing his head. "That's...odd...”

            "Why?”

            "Well I saw him last night, seems he was on his way into Everfree Forest...though...he didn't look right.” Everfree Forest? Why would Brandon go there, and what did he mean by 'didn't look right'?

            "What do you mean by, 'didn't look right'?” I asked him as he shrugged.

            "His eyes I mean...they seemed empty, like he was under some sort of spell, I don't know; why?” under a sort of spell...empty eyes...that's when it clicked, I knew what that was!

            "Devon!” I cried out at once causing him to jump. "We have to go there now! The Changeling Queen did something to him!”

            "W...what?” he stammered as I nodded.

            "Hurry, get the others! Tell them to meet us by the forest; I have to send word to Celestia and Luna at once!”

            "R...right, and I'm sure Mike can help too, that dude can hit hard!” nodding I ran back and wrote quickly to the Princesses, Spike sending it off with his fire and followed me outside as we hurried toward the forest.

            Soon we were all there, walking into the forest very slowly. Rainbow Dash was up in the air as well as Fluttershy, seeing if they could see Brandon from the air, the rest of us, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, myself, Spike, Devon who was wearing his battle boots and gloves and Mike. Wearing the same style of clothing he came to Equestria with, he replaced his old hat, with a hat that looked almost like Applejack in a way. In his belt was a large hammer, seeming that the pole was twice the size of his arm, the hammer part being larger. He told us when we came running with Applejack that it was a sledgehammer, a tool used to smash anything needed smashing. He thought that if the Dark Beast did indeed attack Ponyville and he could help, this would be his ideal weapon to use. I thanked him for coming, he didn't know Brandon that well, but I was glad that we had more help in the fight. Rainbow and Fluttershy came down after a while as our speedy friend spoke.

            "Guys, I saw a lot of those Changelings going toward the old castle!” she told us while hovering. "I guess they made that their home or something!”

            "Sweet,” Devon answered with a smirk. "I can add a whole lot more headshots to my list!”

            "Did ya really just make eh Call of Duty reference there partner?” Mike asked raising an eyebrow, I did not know what this 'Call of Duty' thing was; but it left Devon smirking with his eyes closed as he nodded.

            "Really darling, must you play around while our dear friend is in a parleying mess?” Rarity answered looking at her newest boyfriend with a shake of her head.

            "Well do we all have a plan everyone?” Applejack called out. "Do you think the Element of Harmony will stop her?”

            "We'll have to wait and see won't we?” Rainbow Dash plainly answered. "Come on!”

            We entered the castle as quietly as we could; no Changelings were seen or heard at all, which worried me, and no doubt everyone else. A few meters inside the castle, a wall of black fire blocked the door as we all jumped back in shock as a small chuckle was heard.

            "Well, well, well,” the voice of Chrysalis was heard as we all turned to see her laying on a large stone throne, a wicked smile on her face as my anger grew. "And what might you little ponies be doing in my castle?”

            "Where is Brandon!” I screamed taking a step forward. "What have you done with him?” she seemed to laugh some more as my horn started to glow, ready to attack her at any moment.

            "Now, now dear Twilight,” she spoke rising a hoof. "No need to do that, you wish to see him? Then just ask nicely.” She chuckled once more before lifting her head and turning slightly. "Oh Brandon, we have some guests darling.” I watched with small glee as Brandon walked from behind her throne, his sword in hand and wearing the same clothing as the other day. But when I saw his eyes, my heart stopped. Chrysalis brought a hoof up and traced his cheek as he did not move. "You should be very happy for your dear lover Twilight,” she chuckled softly once more. "His love for you...it tastes so divine!” she licked her lips as I glared harder.

            "Hey, what about the treaty you made with the princesses?!” Devon spoke out as he came forward. "When they find out you've done...whatever to Brandon, you will be in big trouble!”

            "You all are utter fools!” we all turned over to the left as we took a step back, watching as Darkness himself came walking out, making his way to Chrysalis side. "To fall for such a trick that we made, fools.” Trick...this was all a trick?

            "We were going to play this little game much longer then this,” the queen spoke still rubbing Brandon's cheek. "But...we didn't think it would be this easy to make Brandon fall for the first part of our plan!

            "Do you wish to know what it was dear Twilight?” she asked looking at me as I glared as hard as I could, my horn glowing even brighter as she chuckled. "Brandon came here a little over a week ago, I'm sure he didn't think I would be here, but it made it all the easier. I told him that I would help in whatever fight Darkness here gave, as you all know I told you; but, I wanted something from him.” She chuckled again. "He had to bed with me, and he did so; and might I say, he is very good in the bed Twilight.” My heart stopped, Brandon...agreed to that. "Oh he told me that he wouldn't at first, but I convince him, he was worried about you so much he would do anything...and I mean anything...isn't that right Brandon dear?”

            "Yes...my mistress...” I chocked as I heard Brandon spoke, his eyes still the same, his voice... Brandon why...?

            "What he didn't know, was while we mated, I casted the very same spell used to control Shiny Armour, but this time, this spell with the help of Darkness, is much more powerful. You won't break him out that easily!”

            "And as much as I would love to kill him,” Darkness spoke looking to Brandon. "It seems his love for you, is so great, I'm sure it will serve to keep Chrysalis here and her Changelings very happy for the years to come.”

            "You monsters!” I screamed as I was about to run toward them when I felt Devon grab me. I squirmed and trashed, but he held a good grip.

            "Twilight, claim down!” he hissed under his breath. "You can't help Brandon if Darkness captures you, what if they do the same to you and hooks you up with himself?” he had a point...Brandon...

            "The second part of our plan was for Brandon himself to go to his so called 'sister' and well...kill them.” he snickered. "And since he is prince, he would rightfully take over the throne, and then give it to me!” he started to laugh coldly as did Chrysalis. "And now since you are here...I think a show is in order, Chrysalis if you will?” she smiled and nodded leaning to Brandon ear.

            "Brandon, be a dear and kill them all...but not Twilight, remember, the rest of them are the Dark Beast Darkness made to try and confuse you.”

            "Yes...my queen.” He brought his sword up as he started to walk closer. We all backed away slowly before Devon and Mike went up, ether putting up their fists, or pulling out their hammer.

            "Don't worry Miss Sparkle,” Mike spoke looking back at me as he threw his hat back, Applejack catching it for him. "We'll make sure Brandon here snaps out of it!”

            "Yeah, even if we have to knock it out of him!” Devon agreed with a nod as he looked back toward his friend and my lover.

(Devon's POV)

            Just what the hell was he thinking?! Doing a deal like that with the whore, and here he said that he would never fuck her...swag... Mike held his hammer in two hands as I brought my fist up. Thanks to the cowboy beside me, who I guess was a street fighter and also a wrestler, he taught me some new moves, so I grew a little faster and stronger. But damn, this was like one of those movies, old team mates fighting on other, one bent on killing the other, while the said other couldn't kill them. Man this really was sucking, I mean, this was my friend! Under the control of a whore who ordered him to kill us...well not Twilight, but fuckkkkk! Mike slowly went around Brandon, soon behind him as my zombie like friend was looking at me...though me, I don't know.

            "Protect...Twilight...” he muttered under his breath as he brought his left hand up, the shield Twilight's brother gave him coming into view as he got ready.

            "Dude, snap out of it!” I told him. "Twilight is already safe!”

            "No...” he spoke again. "Dark Beast...must kill...you...protect...Twilight!” he ran toward me while slashing his sword, I yelped and jumped back as he stabbed at the air, bringing my right foot up I went to kick him, but he too jumped back, Mike coming behind to shoulder tackle him, but Brandon swung around and slammed his chest with his shield, causing Mike to let out a rush of air as he tumbled back. I ran to attack from behind this time, jumping to punch with my head shot move. But his sword caught my hand; luckily it didn't cut though the metal as I stayed in the air for a bit, before I was pushed back. Me and Mike nodding to each other, we came at him from behind and front, me punching and even him attacking with the hammer, at this point, the only away we could stop Brandon, was maybe breaking a few bones. With his sword and shield, he blocked or parried our moves as if it was nothing to him. Then dropping both, he lifted his hands as they glowed white, making us both float before he slammed us on ether side of the walls.

            I groaned as I fell on my chest, looking up to see him slowly walking over toward the girls, they were backing away as I grunted and got up and ran toward Brandon, my fist up as I yelled, punching him hard in the back of the head. I watched as he was bent forward a bit, some blood trickling down his back as I flinched at the sight. And I backed away when I saw him slowly turning to look at me. He cracked his neck by craning it left and right before spitting out blood from his mouth.

            "...Ow...” ow...that was it, what the fuck?! I fucking punched him in the back of the head, with metal gloves and he said ow?! He then dropped kicked me with his knee causing me to fall onto my hands and knees, before he grabbed me by my afro and kneed me once more in the face. I cried out as I was then thrown backwards, blood pouring down my nose onto the floor as I saw red and blue. The sounds of screeching made me look to the side as I saw the sparks of his sword dragging along the ground as he came toward me. I rolled to my feet and landed on one knee as I panted and wiped the blood from my nose. He then looked behind me and jumped back as Mike landed before me, slamming his hammer on the floor causing it to crack all around us.

            "You okay there Devon?” he asked looking back at me as I nodded standing back up.

            "Yeah...any ideas?”

            "On how to beat him without killing him, 'fraid not,”

            "Dame it...” I cursed under my breath at this. "You think that maybe killing old Queenie over there might break the spell?” Mike thought about it I guess as Brandon edged closed as we got ready.

            "Don't think so,” he answered. "Remember, it's not just her spell, but that Darkness feller too!”

            "Fucking A...”

            Before we could go for another attack , the sound of wind caused everyone, even Brandon to look over, the wall of back fire gone as the Equestria Guards flew in, Shiny Armour in the front; the Princesses clad in black and gold Armour in the back.

            I think Darkness and Chrysalis both softly cursed that this turn of events as Brandon backed away toward the two vile ponies. Celestia and Luna walking forward as the Guards surrounded them both, as many of the Changeling minions started to file in, me and Mike backing up toward our friends.

            "Release our brother from your hold Chrysalis and Darkness!” Celestia spoke in a rough voice I had yet to hear from her before. Darkness chuckled.

            "Sure, when you give me your crowns!” the white Alicorn glared and said nothing. "Though I wish we could send Brandon here now to attack, I'm sure you would find a way to make him unable to do so, though other magic can not effect him because of the sword you made for him; I guess you might have made a way for your magic to work, and I right?” when she said nothing more Luna spoke up.

            "How low can you go,” she asked in a deep voice of her own. "Using someone we care for to do your work for you, have you know shame?”

            "I shall do whatever I must to have my dream, a world of darkness!” he then turned to Chrysalis. "Come, we must go.”

            "Tsk, no fun, no matter. Brandon come along now, we can not save Twilight yet and must retreat.”

            "Yes my queen...” he spoke sheathing his sword as he turned and made his way over to them.

            "B...Brandon stop!” Twilight cried as the Changelings surrounded their queen and Darkness, before his horn glowed black, surrounding them all before disappearing.

            The area felt cold, not a sound was heard, save for Twilight's crying as she fell toward the ground. No one said anything as her brother came up to her and try to help her; Brandon...what were you thinking you asshole...?