Daring Do's POV
Klugetown

He was a shrewd negotiator and knew how to bargain in order to get the highest price on his products. So, that was working in his favor to get me to pay a higher price than I was offering. He was also a tall, lanky-looking, unkempt, gray-skinned lizard-looking creature with battered drags for clothes that smelled like he hasn't taken a bath in months. Which is no excuse considering there's plenty of water at the docks to use. All that worked in his favor in getting a higher price from me because I wanted to get the cracked clay tablet as fast as possible. One reason was that it was valuable. The second reason was simply to give my poor nose a chance to recover from the smell this creature was wafting in my direction. "Twenty bits," I narrowed my eyes at him from across his rickety wooden stand while trying not to take any deep breaths around him. However, one thing working in my favor was that he had no idea that he had a tablet that told the location of a treasure long lost to the Saddle Arabians. Specifically, an old royal treasure that was stolen long ago and hidden. And he had no idea he had it. If he did, he would be trying for five times as much as he was wanting.

"Twenty one," he said haggled back while narrowing his eyes at me and leaning forward on the wood as if to intimidate me. He probably knew that he smelled bad and was probably using it to hasten a sale. Well, buck him then because it was working. I wanted to get it and get out of there ASAP because others were getting curious, so I took it.

"Done!" Reaching my head back, I grabbed my bits bag, put it on the table, and after taking a quick look around, I counted out the bits. A pony can't be too careful in this place with murders, pick-pockets, and everything in between walking around. Klugetown was known to be a safe haven for all kinds of illegal goods, crimes, and the criminals that commit them. And because this place was part rock sculpture and part rickety shanty that was made from who knows what, there were plenty of places to hide and ambush the unsuspecting victims. This was why I was careful to watch my flanks because I felt eyes on them. Once he accepted the bits, I quickly put my bits bag and the tablet into my saddle bags. Then turned around, spread my wings, and quickly took flight. The one good thing about this place was that there weren't any creatures that could fly living here. So, a cloud was the perfect place to relax and examine the tablet at my leisure. Luckily for me, there was one above the town.

"All right, let's see what we have." After landing on the cloud, high above the city, I reached back, took out the tablet, and examined it in my hooves. It was definitely a treasure map, of sorts. Just not a traditional one of an actual map. This was more of a riddle that told of the location. I muttered out the words, letting them raddle around in my head for a little bit before it dawned on me where it was leading me to. And when my head figured it out, my blood started running cold. Or at least, cool. Because not only was it a place shrouded in mystery, but it was also a place said that was once the home of a dark entity.

The Well of Shades.

"Well, buck me. Some say that dark whatever it is, is still there." With a grumble, I reached back again and put the tablet away. "The last thing, I need is to possibly tangle with some dark entity that might or might not be there," I muttered to myself while staring off into the distance. "I could go to Princess Celestia about this," I muttered quietly to myself while thinking about how to handle it.

Then paused, looking to the right after seeing something out of the corner of my eye. And that something was trouble. Trouble that I recognized as the Storm King. Or at least I did after remembering hearing about what happened to Twilight, a dragon named Ember, and the fox creature named Emmit after I flew off the night they rescued me. I left almost immediately after waking up because I had things to do. Things to check up on. The repairs to the ship were obvious. Wood and metal that were new stood out brighter and cleaner than the old material of what was left of the ship. The air bladder above had a huge patch in its side that was a slightly brighter color indicating that it's been repaired. I was thankful, for moments like this, that I was a pegasus. Because after lowering myself against the cloud, I flapped my wings softly to glide myself closer to it to get a better look.

The residents below were largely unaware of the danger that was now docked at their airdock. After a couple of big and burly creatures secured the ship to the dock, a purple pony with a broken horn wearing dark blue and black armor stepped off the ship and onto the dock. She wasn't alone either. Chrysalis was with her as well. The big burly grunt soldiers looked like some sort of ape-like creature with a faceplate for a protective mask. They walked side by side down the dock with Chrysalis' horn already glowing while the broken horned mare's horn was sparking with wild magical energy. Behind them, a good number of those big creatures followed them with spears. And they definitely weren't here for the scenery. They were here to cause trouble. And they were marching like an invasion force down the path on the side of the cliff down to the city below.

Now, I might not care for the city or the residents because all the residents here were the lowest of what society had to offer. And even though I don't know anything about war, I knew what they could do here. If the princesses weren't told that the Storm King was here then they could establish a foothold. What I didn't know was why Chrysalis was with this broken-horned unicorn? I had to stay as long as I could to find out. Or at least as long as I could safely stay hidden from Chrysalis. One thing I did not want to do was get captured again. It wasn't fun the first time.

Using my wings, I stayed hovering above Chrysalis and this broken-horned mare hidden on the cloud as they marched into Klugetown. And march they did through the main street. Dust was stirred up behind the two mares because the creatures were marching in sync. Every creature and residence came out of hiding, out of a building, or out of their stalls to see what the commotion was all about. When they finally figured out what was going on, one heavy-set burly-looking shark-like creature decided to be foolish enough to voice his opinion on the matter.

Walking out into the dusty street he marched right up to the broken-horned mare; challenging her. "Just who are you and what is your business here?"

The broken-horned mare didn't flinch and just smiled at him, saying in a calm but firm voice, "I am Tempest Shadow and this town is now in control of the Storm King."

The shark creature was the first to laugh, followed then by the surrounding crowd. This town must pride itself on being unconquerable because of the lawlessness of its residents. And probably because that hasn't been challenged until now, I don't think they expected what happened next. I wasn't expecting what happened next. The level of brutality from them. The shark creature stopped laughing and actually started rushing at the broken-horned mare. Only to get stopped in his tracks by a quick back kick to his stomach. Doubling over he let out a loud and explosive OOF. But the mare didn't end there. Because the creature was doubled over in front of her, as if bowing, she quickly back-stepped, let out a battle cry-like yell, and then jumped up performing a summersault in the air as her rear hoof slammed against the back of his skull. Knocking him out cold, he slumped to the ground unconscious.

In the pursuing silence, the rest of the residents looked on with surprise that he was so quickly defeated. And they didn't like it. One by one I noticed faces turn from curious, to shock, and now anger. I was close enough to hear Tempest say, "They always resist at first," just before everything went to Tartarus. Most of the creatures that witnessed what just happened rushed forward; yelling in anger and righteousness. Tempest, Chrysalis, and the soldiers sprung into action as well. Chrysalis used her magic to hurl glowing green balls at the charging horde. I watched in horrific awe at what those green things could do. They turned creature after creature to stone. Tempest was using her martial arts to knock out any that got near her or Chrysalis. The unlucky creatures that got passed either one got a painful death at the hands of the soldiers behind them. Using their spears, they ran through the rest of those that were brave enough to fight back.

The fight in the street lasted only minutes. Blood was pooling on the ground behind the two mares and unconscious or turned to stone creatures were in front of them. The last act was Chrysalis using her magic to hurl a green ball against the unconscious creatures on the ground. After turning them to stone, Tempest used her magic to blast the stone figures into chunks, pebbles, and stone dust. In essence, killing them.

The Storm King with Tempest and Chrysalis had just invaded Klugetown and they weren't taking any prisoners either.

"Soldiers!" Tempest yelled back, "gather the rest of the residents and put them to work! We have some ships to build."

Obeying orders the soldiers rushed forward with spears at the ready. I watched in horror as the rest of the residents tried hiding in their homes or buildings in a vain attempt at getting away from the soldiers. But it was no use. The rest of them were too afraid to fight back after the slaughter they had just witnessed some minutes before.

I had seen everything that I needed and now it was time for a hasty yet silent retreat. With the goal of using the cloud for cover, I started guiding the cloud away from the town while gaining altitude. Right now, height and distance was my friend. The princesses needed to be told about this ASAP.

Emmit's POV
Two days later
Canterlot

"I was hoping beyond hope that I wouldn't have to announce this to all of Equestria and the surrounding nations," I said dejectedly while watching Tia in the mirror comb my short yellow spikey hair of my ninetales form back against my head to be more smooth and presentable. Tia, Luna, and I were in Tia's room getting ready for an announcement. Tia on one side of me combing my spikey mane and a very pregnant Luna slash Nightmare Moon on the other side of me. All three of us look into the mirror with somber looks as if the mirror will show us a different future than what's to come. That somber mood was felt in how Tia combed my hair down against my head with slow sure strokes; making sure each strand of hair was in its proper place. "That we didn't have to tell the public that this nation is going to war."

"I know," Tia responded softly as she used the comb to put the last strands of my hair against my head; willing it to obey. "I didn't either. Equestria hasn't seen war in a very long time."

"Indeed," Luna echoed with a slow somber nod of her own as she watched my reflection in the mirror. "However, with your aid in weaponry and ideas, maybe it will be short and quick with little casualties."

"One can only hope," Tia sighed out in response. Then put down the comb and smiled at me in the mirror, "There, all done and looking handsome."

"Indeed," Luna agreed with her with a smile of her own before morphing into Nightmare Moon, now with a grin on her face. "Our husband is looking handsome and getting us aroused enough to hump his bones as Rainbow Dash puts it." A second later, she leans in and seductively whispers into my ear, "Perhaps we can tease you during the announcement. Get you hot and bothered so much that you will lose your mind to the idea of pleasuring us completely before we fall asleep."

Tia joined in on the light teasing with a smirk that was quickly growing into a grin of her own as she winked at me in the mirror. "That would be a pleasurable way to end the morning and temporarily get out minds off of all this unpleasantness."

After a couple of quick knocks on the door, it opened and a mare guard poked her head inside, simply saying, "It's time, your highness, your majesty."

"Thank you," Tia told her then looked over at me. She didn't need to say anything to me for me to know what she's thinking. So, without a single word to each other, we turned toward the now open door to give the news that Equestria is now in a state of war. I let them exit the room first then put a couple of tails around them both, walking between them down the hallway with the mare guard in front and another guard behind us. Nothing was said again as we walked down the hallway with the only sound being the clip-clop of hooves against the smooth polished stone floor. The sound of their hooves, and the hooves of the guards, was almost like the pounding of drums as if the drums of war.

Twilight, Ember, Queen Novo, and Thorax were waiting for us in the throne room where they would walk out with us to address the crowd outside. Which consisted of ponies, changelings, hippogriffs, dragons, and everything else were waiting outside for some big announcement. All four gave us small smiles as we walked up to them as they stood in front of the large double doors that led to the courtyard. Although, the look that Queen Novo was giving me had some small chills crawl up and down my spine because of the way her eyes roamed over my body. I didn't mind the looks Ember and Twilight were giving me because they were in the herd. Twilight was very pregnant, Like Luna, at this point and was glowing with new life. Ember always had a possessive look in her eyes that I appreciated. And none of them were wearing any royal regalia, not even Queen Novo who is known for some rather extravagant hippogriff dresses. Thorax, the new leader of the changed changeling kingdom has never worn any regalia. And Ember has never worn anything whatsoever.

"Thank you for coming, Thorax," I told him, giving him a smile and a firm nod before doing the same to Queen Novo, "Queen Novo."

Thorax responded with a smile with a firm nod. "After you approached me with the news of a possible war with this Storm King, I started to make an effort to tell the rest of the changelings about it. After the news went out, word quickly reached me that the kingdom wanted to help in any way possible. Thank you, Emmit and princesses, for letting them do their part to keep Equestria safe."

Queen Novo smiled at me but that smile, along with the look in her eyes, held in them a wild desire for me. She's always been flirty with me every time she's been with me. Lately, though, she has been more aggressive with her advances. The first time she met me after rescuing her, she quite literally grabbed my cock and balls while we were on Captain Celaeno's pirate ship. Ever since then, I've had to be careful around her and my herd has warned me not to be alone with her. She also echoed Thorax's statement. "As you know, there have been many hippogriffs who have already joined the ranks of Equestria's military since my rescue. And I will happily tell all of Equestria my gratitude for saving me from the old changelings and protecting me from the Storm King."

And probably show it, too no doubt.

"Other dragons, especially our younger ones, have already journeyed here to Equestria to help train and take part in this war effort after my father announced it to all dragons present."

"Oh yes," Twilight exclaimed with a smile up at Ember, "there are quite a few dragons in the crowd outside. As well as changelings, hippogriffs, griffons, and yaks. I even think I saw a buffalo in there as well but I'm not sure. So, with everything and every creature ready outside, there's no time like the present."

We all walked out after the doors opened. Tia and Luna walked out beside me with the rest of them filing out on either side of us. And to the waiting crowd. The massive courtyard was filled with ponies and creatures from all around Equestria and surrounding nations. I was pleased to see them all intermixed with one another instead of being separated by kind. Hippogriffs, ponies, dragons, yaks, changelings, and even a few griffons and zebras were all intermixed within the courtyard. All waiting with hushed or at least quiet murmurings about the possible announcement. All of the quiet murmuring and conversations in the crowd, ceased as we all walked out and to the steps that led down to the courtyard.

Rumors of a possible announcement of war had already circulated around the nation, so it wasn't surprising that the crowd hushed to a somber silence. Where the only sounds heard were the rustling of the flags and the wind that blew them.

Tia used her magic to enhance her voice before speaking. And when she did, she made sure that the tone in her voice conveyed every bit of confidence that we would defeat the Storm King. "Greetings to every creature in attendance for this very special and very somber announcement. I will not mince words or beat around the bush. For about almost a month now, I've allowed newspapers to circulate the rumor that a possible war was coming to Equestria. I am here to announce that it is no longer a rumor but a fact. We are indeed at war with a tyrant from the south called the Storm King."

As the crowd murmured again that sounded worried and concerned, two pictures were unrolled like huge banners behind us for the whole courtyard to see. "We do not know what the Storm King looks like yet, but we do know about their soldiers and a broken-horned pony named Tempest Shadow. Why Tempest Shadow has aligned herself with the Storm King is unknown. However, what is known, is that she, along with Chrysalis, and a number of her soldiers have invaded and taken over the small criminal town of Klugetown. The Storm King's invasion of Equestria has already begun."

That's when the crowd started to really sound more worried and concerned as their voices were murmuring louder than before. I even picked up some of the questions from the front of the crowd wondering if we even are ready for a war. Tia picked up on that as well. "Because we've been at peace for so long, many of you wonder if we are ready for a war." With a knowing, and teasing smirk, my way she finished by saying, "So, let my husband answer that question."

With a grin, I suddenly raised my head letting out a long loud ethereal howl that echoed throughout the courtyard. One by one, five ships shimmered into existence above us. Directly above us was Captain Celaeno's pirate ship with her sails folded for more room to fit into the courtyard. Around the courtyard four freshly made and fully trained Equestrian ships appeared around the outer perimeter, facing inward. The crowd's murmuring changed from concerned and worried to that of awe as the ships appeared. As the crowd looked up at the airships above there was one thing I was looking forward to. One thing that I've always wanted to say and do ever since seeing the movie "300". With my head held high, I looked up at the ships above, and with pride in my heart, I yelled out, "EQUESTRIANS! WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?!"

Three cheers, one after another, erupted from the ships above and from the guards present around the castle and its courtyard. As I watched the crowd, there was an attitude of awe and wonder. After hearing the soft pop of magic teleportation behind me, I knew that Captain Celaeno and her crew were just teleported to the ground behind us. Tia used her magic to enhance my voice again, to address the crowd.

"Ponies, hippogriffs, dragons, griffons, zebras, changelings, yaks, and creatures beyond," I called out to the crowd to get their attention once more. "Now is the time to put our petty differences behind us. Because the Storm King is a threat to other nations other than Equestria. The Storm King has already attacked and burned Panthera nearly to the ground. There is an anthropomorphic cat behind me. His name is Capper. I'll let him tell you." Turning my head around to face him, I watched him walk forward to the front and waited for a second for Tia to amplify his voice as well.

Having not seen him for a while, there was a definite change in him. His body was more fit than before which told me that he was pulling his weight on the ship. He was also dressed more like one of the crew as well which told me that he was incorporating himself more into the crew. And the steel resolve in his eyes told me that he wanted to do his part against the Storm King. His stride was calmer than ever as he walked to the front. And his voice, even though filled with sorrow for his own country, also held that steel resolve in it. "I am Capper of Panthera. My home has already been destroyed and is now under the tyrannical rule of the Storm King. We are mostly passive, so we had no defense against him and were easily beaten. My leaders even tried to buy their safety, but without success. Peace with the Storm King can't be bought. So, I fled. After some bad decisions, I wound up living in Klugetown and under a debt that I could not pay." He paused to turn and give me a grateful smile before addressing the crowd again. "Emmit, Ember, and Princess Twilight were gracious enough to help me and give me a chance at a new life. And a new hope for my people under a tyrant rule. So, I gratefully will fight by his side and by the side of Equestria. Because I'm through running."

When he was done, it was Queen Novo's turn to speak to the crowd. "I am Queen Novo of Mount Aris and Seaquestria," she began with a front claw against her chest and a head bowed. "Mount Aris was attacked by the Storm King as well making us retreat down to the sea below. We too were unprepared for the sudden and violent attack. In our retreat, three of my soldiers and my niece were turned to stone. But thanks to Princess Twilight's efforts, they were made whole again. They are also responsible for my rescue from a rogue group of changelings. And was taken back home. Many have expressed their desire to join the fight against the Storm King and many are already in Equestria's military. I and the hippogriffs and seaponies stand with Equestria against this tyrant. And before all of Equestria, I want to thank Emmit for his efforts. For he has also given my kingdom hope again. And so, I pledge myself to him."

At first, I thought it would be purely political. Like a simple handshake and saying thank you or something along those lines. All that vanished when I saw the growing mischievous grin on her face. One second after recognizing that grin and what she could possibly do, she sat down in front of me, grabbed my head in her front claws, and drew me in for a passionate kiss. Needless to say, I was very surprised at this. I kept my eyes wide open while watching her lock beak with me and her claws against my head wouldn't let me retreat either. Another surprise was that neither Tia, Luna, Nightmare Moon, Twilight, or Ember were breaking this up. As she was kissing me, what she said finally clicked with me. And so, I pledge myself to him. Wait... Does that mean what I think it does?

While I stood there in shock at her sudden actions, the crowd hooped, yelled, and whistled encouragements for her to keep going. After what seemed like forever, which was probably just another minute of exaggerated kissing, she pulled back and quietly said, "Thank you, Emmit."

The only thing my mind could do was mutter out a soft, "You're welcome," and watch her sashay away from me. Which had the crowd chuckling, giggling, and amused at the dopey confused expression on my face. And saw Ember, and her amused look, walk up beside me and turned to the crowd with her head held high in pride.

"I am Ember, daughter of Dragonlord Torch of the dragon lands," she yelled out with her voice echoing with pride. "I also stand with Emmit, my chosen mate, in battle. For he has freed my spirit and shown me joy and happiness." Then she too turned to me, grabbed my head, and gave me a passionate kiss. Unlike Novo's kiss, this one I returned with just as much passion behind it. Once again, the crowd cheered on.

She stood aside as Thorax stepped up with a grateful smile and a nod at me before addressing the crowd. "Most of you know about how I left the hive to find friendship. And I happily stand here today as the leader of the new changeling kingdom. Because of the efforts of Emmit and those with him we are now able to live freely within Equestrian society. Many changelings have also expressed a desire to join the Equestrian military and have happily done so. Because Equestria has welcomed us within society to live freely and explore our lives, we are also willing to stand with Equestria and use our talents and abilities to help protect our homes, our families, and our friends." After that, he turned to me with a smile.

I leaned my head back a little and cautiously warned him, "So help me don't you dare try and kiss me."

He just chuckled, shook his head, and offered his hoof to shake which I gratefully shook with a relieved smile. Some in the front row or two in the crowd chuckled in amusement. As well as the ones standing around me. After his last words, it was time for me to wrap it up.

"It's time for all of us within Equestria and outside Equestria to put our differences aside and stand together to defend our homes. The world I came from was torn by war after war after war of some sort. Taking lessons from that past and history, I know that almost every one of you are wanting to help in some way. Whether that's directly enrolling in the military or something else, there's always something that you can do to help. The ones that can't join the military for whatever reason can still help by donating materials or growing their own small garden. In the past in my home world, others helped the war effort by growing what they called 'Victory Gardens.' They were gardens as small as a few plants in a windowsill planter to an entire backyard garden. Once ready for harvest they would give what they could to help feed the military that protected their freedoms. You all can do the same. If you don't know how to do a garden, that's ok. There are information kits already made with seeds already that are being sent out to your local mayor's office for you to pick up and read. Or you could simply help somepony else with their garden or orchard. Every creature can do something to help. And only with your help can we stand together to defend our homes, our family, and our friends. And then free others in need in other countries like Panthera."

I was happy to see and hear the crowd applaud and respond with such energy and passion to my speech and what the others had to say. The applause was long and loud as the crowd cheered us on. And the atmosphere was filled with pride and hope.

Tia ended the announcement by announcing, "The throne room will remain open for those wishing to enroll in the military or ask further questions. And we thank you for your service and help." And with that, we all turned and walked back inside the castle; ready to spend the rest of the day either answering questions or enrolling creatures into Equestria's military. Inside the throne room there was one long table off to the side for anypony and anycreature to sign up. There was about ten ponies present with information packets for those simply curious and paperwork for those ready to sign up.

While walking back inside between Tia and Luna with a couple of tails around them, I wasn't sure if I should talk to Novo or not. I probably should, but part of me wanted to simply keep my distance in self-defense. After we all walked over to the throne area of the room and stood around each other at the base of the dais, I decided to do so anyway. I was still standing between Tia and Luna when Queen Novo decided to walk up and stand in front of me with a knowing smirk on her face. "Alright, I just want to know why Novo kissed me and why none of you stopped her?"

Queen Novo is a perpetual tease and now was no different. She faked being hurt by putting a claw against her chest and scoffed at me with a hurt look on her face. "I am not that bad of a kisser."

It was really hard to not roll my eyes as she tried reeling me in. "No, of course not. But I also want to sleep with these ladies sometime in the future."

Luna turned my head to her and gave me a soft kiss that calmed my fears. The tone in her voice and what she said next told me that there was probably more to this than I thought. "Worry not husband," she teased me with a knowing smile, "for we've given her permission to flirt with you."

"Flirt yes, fondle no," Twilight said as she looked over at Novo with a warning look.

"No more grabbing his balls," Ember put in with a warning tone in her voice as well.

"Quite," Twilight agreed with a nod, "although the look on his face when she grabbed him was funny to watch."

Novo held her head up in a proud manner as if offended, "I made a promise not to fondle him and I will not." She then looked at me again with another mischievous grin, "However, I made no promise not to tease and flirt."

The first ones in after us were Captain Celaeno and her crew with the unmistakable sound of the soft click-clacking of parrot's feet against the stone floor. And the click-thump of Captain Celaeno walking up to us. The sight of the captain and her crew walking up to us with happy looks on their faces brought a smile to my own as our conversation stopped, so we could greet them. "Captain, you are your crew are looking well." Then paused to look at Capper with a happy little smirk for him. "It also looks like your time with them has done you some good, Capper."

There were a few soft "arr" of cheers for him as Capper gave me a slow nod in agreement. Humility was in his voice which matched the look on his face when he said, "Yes, it has done me good I'll admit. I needed to see it more of an opportunity than any sort of punishment or fear. An opportunity to gain confidence in myself again after everything that's happened. An opportunity to fight for the hope of Panthera. So, thank you."

"You're welcome," I said in return; my heart happy that he's turned his life around. "And we'll see about Panthera one day. I promise."

"Yes, thank you," Captain Celaeno spoke up with a soft humble smile at me. "We are pirates once again and doing what we enjoy." Her crew cheered softly at that just as some ponies from the crowd outside began walking inside.

"And by the reports, you've trained the crews well," Tia teased in good nature. "You weren't successful in pirating the last couple of payments."

She and her crew knew it was all in good fun and a compliment above all else. Which was why the captain smiled at us. And was going to reply but the coming ponies from outside, and a couple of young ponies interrupted all that. The young colt and filly came running up to us. I noticed that the two were followed by a mare and stallion which were likely their parents. I've never seen young ponies look so excited as they ran up and started immediately questioning them. "Wow! You are really pirates, aren't you?" the young colt asked, though it was more of a rhetorical question as he ran up to Boyle and Mullet.

"I bet they even say, 'Arr,'" the filly added as she practically skipped up to Captain Celaeno.

I did my heart good to watch the two so excited to see pirates. And it had the girls giggling and me chuckling to see and hear the captain and her crew say, "Arr," for them. Which had them all excited when they found out they were right and had the pirates cheer for them as their parents trotted up with an apologetic look on their faces. "Sorry about these two," their father apologized as he, and their mother, trotted up, standing behind their kids, "but both of them are really into pirates."

"It is alright, think nothing of it," Luna told them with a heartfelt smile down at the two kids.

"Yeah, all kids wish to become pirates at least some point as they grow up. I know I did," I added with a wink down at the two kids as their parents looked over at us with a grateful smile.

The crowd from outside had already started to really file in with quite a number of ponies and other creatures heading for the military table. The ponies at the table got up to mingle among the crowd to answer any questions some would have. Which meant that the throne room was starting to echo with conversations. Some, however, were heading over to us with a few press ponies walking up. "Your highnesses, your majesty can we have a few words?"

When my ears picked up that question, my inner asshole wanted to have some fun with it. However, as soon as I opened my mouth, both Twilight and Tia looked over at me with a stern look as they said simultaneously, "Don't."

Of course, that got almost everypony there a little confused, especially the two kids in front of us. "Don't what, princess?" the young colt asked while looking up between Twilight and Tia with a confused expression.

His confused expression was echoed by his sister as she, too, looked up and asked, "Yeah, why do you not want him to say a few words?"

And before anypony could answer the young colt turned to his sister with an idea, saying, "I know, let's say a few words for him." After a quick nod from his sister, they both turned to the press pony with the colt speaking first. "We know some great words. Like Pirates. You know, like the pirates standing right here."

"Yeah! And 'Arr' is another great word," his sister echoed him.

"Wait, is that even a word?" the colt suddenly asked his sister.

"Arr," all of Celaeno's crew responded excitedly, though with giggles and chuckles mixed in due to the kid's antics.

His sister shrugged her shoulders and then looked to her brother, saying, "They think so."

Celaeno and her crew weren't the only ones amused by the kid's antics. I was greatly amused by them. I used my telekinesis to hide behind Tia's flowing mane while my body shook slightly as I tried to reel in my growing laughter. Others around us were also giggling and chuckling along with us as well. Except, Tia and Twilight. They both hung their heads with a slight groan of annoyance. This was almost too good.

"Let me rephrase that," I heard from the reporter as his voice took on a more tongue-in-cheek tone to it. "Do you have plans to recapture Klugetown from the Storm King's forces? And if so, when?"

Steeling myself against my growing laughter, I pulled my head out from behind Tia's mane to look at the press that had gathered around. Even the two foals who stood in front of us were also curious. So, I returned the reporter's look with a somber look of my own and a firm nod, "We do have plans, yes. But I hope that you understand that I can't speak in any detail about those plans. Just in case Tempest has her eyes on Equestria's press. We don't want to give anything away."

At first, I thought he would protest but after a few seconds of thought, he gave me an understanding nod and a small smile. Then he stayed silent to let another press pony speak. Although, this time, it was the mother of the two foals that were still standing in front of us that asked, "By what we saw and heard, I take it you've taken an active part in the military?"

"To a certain degree, yes," I told her before clarifying some. As I talked to them, the crowd behind them had grown with the throne room being filled with every manner of creature in conversation with the recruiters or waiting for a chance to speak to us. "I've taken lessons from my world regarding some tactics and, yes, even weapons. And I will be personally leading the team to take back Klugetown."

Of the ponies and other creatures that had surrounded us, that was a shock to them. More than likely it was because the princesses have never known war or seen the princesses at war. "You would do that?" one of the mare press ponies asked as she looked over at me with wide eyes and a slack jaw.

I looked over at her, giving her a quick firm nod. "I would and will."

A pony from the crowd, from the general populace, spoke up. "But, your majesty, you don't have to do that." I could tell that his statement was also felt by the many around him; echoed with soft murmurs or nods of agreement.

"You're right, sir, I don't," I told him as Ember, Captain Celaeno and her crew, and the rest around me looked over with pride. "But I chose to. If you don't learn from history, then you are doomed to repeat it. There have been great leaders in the past in my home world. Learning from them is why I have chosen to lead the team personally. That is also why I chose to go through the same training as the rest of them. A leader leads. They don't follow. One such leader from my home world's military was named Patton. And he was greatly loved by the soldiers he led. Why? Because when other military leaders pointed their fingers and told soldiers where to fight from the safety of their plush luxurious bunkers. Patton led the men and said, 'Follow me.' He led from the front while eating with them, sleeping with them, and leading them using the same equipment they did. I've learned that great leaders lead by inspiring others to stand with them and not commanding others to go in front of them."

"Even I am doing my part," Tia said to them with a wide smile and pride in her voice. "There are some things that need to be made with powerful magic that only powerful unicorns or princesses, like myself, my sister, and Twilight, can do."

"So, what can we do then?" the little filly asked which brought a smile to not only her parent's faces, but to the rest of us as well.

"Oh, there are lots of things that you can do," Tia's motherly glow was really brought out as she smiled down at the little filly. "Helping your neighbors grow a garden, gathering up donations, or simply letting your friends and neighbors know what was spoken of today."

"We will, your highness," the filly returned happily, practically bouncing in place.

"We'll do our best," the colt said, echoing his sister while beaming up at us with that youthful enthusiasm kids are known for.

"I know you will, my little ponies," she said with a motherly smile and tone of voice while leaning up against me. And with that, the family was off with the little colt and filly waving back at us. As they walked away, I took a glance over at Luna beside me and then at Twilight on the other side of her. Both of them were looking at the two young ponies with a smile that said their motherly instincts had kicked in. Both had that motherly glow about them. Twilight even reached down with a hoof to rub against her growing baby bump while she watched them walk away.

We all spent the next few hours of what was left of the morning talking and conversing with the public and press. The throne room was busy and loud with the preparation of war with ponies and creatures asking and answering all manner of questions. Most were asking what they could do to help while others asked how they could help protect their town from invasion. This was also the time for the general public to meet and greet not only Captain Celaeno and her crew but also the crews of the new Equestrian Airforce and some of the soldiers. All in all, we thought it went well but were also glad to break for lunch. Only lunch was going to be in the herd community. The girls also invited both Thorax and Novo to join us as well. Unfortunately, Celaeno and her crew had to return to duty.

^_^

"Daddy!" little Solar, my daughter with Tia, saw me first as we all approached the gazebo in the center of my herd community. We built the large gazebo over the small stream that runs directly through as a centerpiece and meeting area for communal events such as this. And because our little community has been finished for a couple of months, the word has gotten around to the animals that it's also a sanctuary for them. So, there were birds and small animals of all kinds in and around the gazebo giving it a quite cozy and relaxing atmosphere. There were larger animals that were around the outside of the gazebo as well milling about as if sentries guarding the place. Lunch was laid out like a picnic within the gazebo all ready for us. All in all, I was very happy with the way everything turned out. It was a great peaceful and quiet place to raise my family. As I sat my butt down on the ground just outside the gazebo and hugged my daughter to my face, I vowed that it would always stay that way. When she said, "I love you, Daddy," to me my heart seemed to burst with pride and joy.

"I love you, too, my little ray of sunshine," I whispered back to her then gave her a kiss on her cheek when she pulled back.

She didn't hesitate to flutter over to her mother saying, "I love you, mommy," to her while also hugging her face as well.

"I love you, too, my daughter," Tia told her.

"If nopony objects, I'm going to bed," Luna spoke up softly with a wide happy, and content smile on her face as she watched little Solar. "I've been up far too long already."

I loved my daughter's response. After she looked over, saw Luna, and heard what she said, my daughter fluttered over and hugged her face. "I love you, Aunty Luna."

Luna was startled whenever she would do that, but pretty quickly got used to my daughter's face-hugging antics. Now, Luna just hugs back while closing her eyes with a pleasant happy look on her face. "I love you as well."

Then it was my turn as I stepped up to her and kissed her when my daughter pulled away. "I love you, my Luna, my Nightmare. Sleep well." After she kissed me, and after I kissed her baby bump whispering that daddy loves him or her, Tia said good day to her as well. Then she dismissed herself to sleep the day away.

"Thorax? Queen Novo? Welcome to our herd community slash animal sanctuary," I announced to them with a sweep of my paw then walked into the gazebo. A large thick king-sized plush blanket covered the floor with Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy with our foals already waiting for us. And because they were sitting all on one side, I was able to walk behind them to greet them and our foals. Behind them, because I didn't want to walk on the blanket where all the wonderful food was. The rest of our foals were asleep, so I let them sleep while I started greeting Pinkie first with a deep kiss.

"Welcome to our humble home, Queen Novo. And welcome back, Thorax. I am Lady Rarity," she greeted Novo with a smile and a wave of her hoof. Thorax simply gave her a happy smile and a nod of greeting. Then lowered her head to gently nuzzle our son, speaking quieter, "And this is our son, Bruce Knight. I wanted him to have a full human name."

While Rarity was talking, I whispered, "I love you," to Pinkie after our kiss which she whispered back in her cheerful way. Then lowered my head down to our son to whisper the same to him. Meanwhile, Thorax, Novo, Twilight, and Tia walked in to lay down on the other side of the large blanket. All while, my daughter had jumped off of me, down to the blanket, and started nibbling on some very small meat pieces.

Before Novo could even answer Pinkie introduced our son to her, "Emmit wanted our son to have a human name but my family wanted him to have a Pie family name. So, his full name is James Aggregate Pie." Because our son was still asleep, curled up next to his mother, she spoke softly but none less excited as she always was.

Fluttershy was next as she nuzzled our two foals as they slept curled up against each other up next to her. "And these two are Shadow Blaze and Midnight Aurora. Both are the first ever true thestril ponies in all of Equestria."

When Novo looked over at me, she appeared a little confused at that. After stepping over to Rarity and greeting her with a passionate kiss, telling her that I love her, I clarified, saying, "About a year and a half, or so, ago there were a number of fruit bats that took up residence in Applejack's apple orchard." While I was speaking, Rarity whispered into my ear that she loved me dearly. "After an experiment went wrong, we accidentally gave Fluttershy fruitbat attributes." That's when Fluttershy turned into Flutterbat, so I stepped over to her, leaned down giving her a passionate greeting before continuing with my tale. "And Flutterbat was born. Flutterbat has turned into Fluttershy's sexual deviant side. And the Tree of Harmony and the Empress both noticed that if Fluttershy slash Flutterbat were to ever have foals with a normal pony then there was a strong chance of those foals wanting pony blood. Basically, turning them into vampire ponies. That's where I came in. The Tree of Harmony was able to use me to turn these two foals into omnivores, like me, instead of vampire ponies. And whenever these two have foals of their own, they will also be omnivores as well. Thus starting the first true thestril pony race of Equestria."

Thorax already knew all this, so he wasn't surprised after I explained it all. Novo was, however. While I explained it to her, I watched as her eyes widened and took glances down at the two foals sleeping about three feet away from her. That shocked look turned to awe as she looked between Rarity, Pinkie, Flutterbat, and the surrounding area. Then slowly turned into a flirty grin at me. "My, haven't you been a busy barracuda."

With a light chuckle, I laid down between Fluttershy and Twilight while using my telekinesis to levitate over some bread, meat slices, and cheese for a quick sandwich. "It's been a wild ride so far and it's not over yet."

That flirty teasing grin was still on Novo's face as she levitated a banana up to her, looked at me over the tip that she was slowly unpeeling, and then started licking up its length after winking at me. "And now Twilight and Luna are both pregnant. You are going to have a big family very soon." Yeah, I knew what she was doing and so did the others as well. "Are you sure you can handle it?" she asked then slowly started sliding the banana into her mouth while grinning at me.

"Believe me, Novo, he can handle it," Tia came to my defense as she spoke to Novo in a hushed sultry tone of voice then gave me an alluring wink of her own.

"Sure he can," Twilight agreed while missing the undertones completely because she wasn't paying attention. She was hungry and was mostly busy mixing together a chicken salad sandwich for herself. "He's doing a fine job with little Solar and when the foals are grown up enough, he's already gotten a decent homeschooling regimen together."

Seeing that Twilight missed the sexual undertones completely, Tia decided to up the ante and lift her own banana to her face, unpeel it, and start licking and sucking on hers as well. While also giving me an alluring and sultry wink of her own. Twilight was the only one that missed the undertones. Pinkie was giggling quietly with a hoof to her mouth. Rarity decided to start licking and sucking on her own banana. Flutterbat lowered her head down to my neck to gently run her sharp fangs lightly against it. The whole thing was doing a number on me as Flutterbat's fangs sent a pleasant chill up and down my spine. Seeing Novo, Tia, and Rarity all licking and sucking on bananas was getting my body a little warm and stirring my member within its sheath.

That's not what Novo meant, Twilight darling, I heard Rarity's telepathic voice over the link.

I watched as Twilight lifted her head to look around for the first time since she concentrated on making her sandwich. What do...you...mean? Twilight's telepathic voice trailed off as she spotted Rarity, Tia, and Novo all licking and sucking on bananas. Then her face started to blush as we heard, Oh...that's what she meant.

Ember, darling, would you do us all a favor and love our Emmit while he's away? Rarity telepathically asked while looking over at Ember who was chowing down on some of the bigger meat pieces that we put out just for her.

She looked over at Rarity first, giving her a quick nod before looking over at me. Of course. Mating season for dragons will start while we are in battle at Klugetown. So, I look forward to many hours of mating. Then going back to her meat meal.

Meanwhile, poor Thorax looked completely out of place and embarrassed, so he was simply looking down and concentrating on eating the fruit that was levitating in his magic in front of him. And because of that, I think that he tried starting another line of conversation to hide his embarrassment due to the sexual inuendos that were going on. However, what he asked got my daughter's attention. "So...um...when did you say that you were leaving for Klugetown again?"

Before I could even answer, Solar dropped her strawberry that she was nibbling on, stepped over to my face, and gave me the biggest saddest puppy-eyed look. "Daddy leaving?" she asked with that look that broke my heart. Well, that pretty much stopped everything. And now, Thorax was embarrassed for another reason. This was because everypony was giving him slight glares because Solar heard him.

Leaning in, I gently kissed my daughter and hugged her to me. "Some bad creatures are hurting others and Ember and I have to go and stop them. So, yes, I'll be leaving after lunch, and honestly, I don't know exactly when I'll be back. But I promise to come back and come back as quickly as possible. I love you and your brothers and sisters, so I'll always come back. I just have to go stop some bad creatures from hurting others."

She hugged me as tight as her little front paws and rear hooves could. It was painful to see her focus all her attention on me for the rest of lunch, so she could get as much time with me as possible before I left. It was more painful to leave and see the saddened look on her face. However, she did feel better after Pinkie promised to come back as soon as I could. It also helped her to know that I was leaving to keep others safe from bad creatures. But leave I did after spending a wonderful time with my family. And with Ember by my side, we boarded the fastest, and sleekest, airship to Klugetown.

Next Chapter: Chapter Two: Klugetown Estimated time remaining: 7 Hours, 2 Minutes