The crackling sound of burning wood and the hiss of electric popping was all he could hear around him. The young foal opened his eyes, he could see many stars but the smoke from the burning embers around him were covering a few of them. The colt tried to sit up but it was no use, his body felt completely drained. He turned his head to look around, he was lying on his back in a crater of scorched plants, and every other second he could see some kind of electric arc come off the ground and make contact with a scorched stump or even a part of his body. In the shadow on the outside of the crater, he could see glowing eyes of some kind of creature, hidden in the shadows. The colt was afraid but he was too weak to get up and run. As the creature got closer, it put its paw on the edge of the crater. Almost immediately, an arc of electricity jumped out of the crater and hit the monsters paw. When this happened, the large creature that was still hidden in the shadows, jumped back in fear. Then it gave up and walked away, vanishing into the forest. The young colt was relieved to see that he was safe, but the fear he felt only further exhausted him so the colt closed his eyes and faded into a deep sleep.

Later when the colt woke up, it was morning. The sky was blue but he could only see what was over the crater, all around that the thick trees covered everything. When the colt sat up, he felt an immense pain in his left wing. When he looked at it, it was double jointed, in other words it was broken. As he continued checking the rest of his body, he saw an assortment of bruises, scrapes, and cuts along with that, he also discovered his cutie mark. A Star with lightning stretching from a cloud in the center, to each tip. He knew it was called a cutie mark, but he couldn’t remember why it was important, or what made it so special.

As he picked himself up off the ground, an arc of electricity jumped from his mane to the ground. This surprised him and mad him jump, but since it didn’t hurt he didn’t pay too much mind to it. He could feel the ground had a large amount of electricity stored in it as if he were standing on top of a massive thundercloud, but like the small arc, he didn’t pay much attention to it since it didn’t seem to have any effect on him. When the colt climbed out of the crater, he looked around, “Where am I? I don’t know this place. I… I don’t know…”

All of a sudden, he could hear growling in the brush near him. The colt looked at the brush as he slowly backed away, “Hel-hello?... is… is anypony there?”

The young colt didn’t know what to do. He continued backing up until he started to see the eyes of whatever it was that was making the noise. When the eyes looked directly at him, he immediately reacted by turning and sprinting away. At that moment, a massive manticore jumped out of the brush and started chasing the terrified colt.

The colt galloped as fast and as far as he could but the manticore was quickly catching up to him. The colt was too afraid to think straight, feeling that this was the end, he turned his head to look back at the manticore but while he was looking back, he didn’t watch which way he was going and he tripped over a log on the ground, and rolled a few feet. When this happened the manticore jumped over both the log and the rolling colt, passing them both up, so he slowed down to turn toward his small prey. By this time, the colt had shuffled to his hooves and started running back the other way. This only angered the manticore more. The terrified colt galloped into a small clearing where he could see some weather pegasi working in the clouds. The Young colt stopped and yelled as loud as he could, “HELP!!! SOMEPONY, ANYPONY!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!!”

It didn’t seem like the pegasi could hear the terrified colt, the colt continued trying to call to them, “HELP ME!!! PLEASE SOMEPONY!!! PLEASE HEL…”

At that moment, the enraged manticore jumped out of the bush and attempted to pounce on the little pony. The young colt ducked towards the manticore, ran through its legs and back into the forest. The colt was tired, terrified, and wounded, but despite all that, he ran as fast as he could to get away from the terrifying creature. While he was galloping, the colt saw a log on the trail, when the colt jumped over it he failed to realize that on the other side was a steep hill that he couldn’t land on. He tried opening the one wing that worked but it didn’t help, the young colt landed, lost his footing, and rolled down the hill making his broken wing hurt even worse. When he stopped rolling at the bottom of the hill, the colt used every bit of strength he had just to pick himself up off the ground, the pain in his wing made him tear up, but he knew this wasn’t the time to cry. When the colt looked up the manticore landed in a small clearing near the base of the hill. The colt knew that he couldn’t run anymore, if he was going to survive this he had to fight first. The colt reached for a branch that was on the ground next to him and readied himself for an attack.

The Manticore circled the brave colt, watching his every move; it wasn’t going to let its meal get away this time. When the manticore stopped circling it jumped into the air toward the foal, the colt reared the branch back, ready to swing but before the monster got close enough, a bolt of lightning came from above and struck the ground between the him and the beast. The manticore jumped back and looked up. When the colt did the same, he saw three pegasi, a black one, a blue one, and a brown one, all hovering near a cloud, the blue pegasus spoke “Hit him again!”

The black pegasus kicked the cloud as hard as he could causing a bolt of lightning to strike the ground near the manicore’s paws. The manticore roared in anger at the pegasi but instead of attempting to fight back, it turned and ran back into the forest.

The three pegasi landed near the relieved colt, then the brown one spoke, “Wow that sure was a close one.”

The black pegasus spoke next, “You ok colt? You’re lucky we saw you when you ran from that clearing at the top of the hill. I gotta say, you got guts taking on a full grown manticore like that.”

The young colt put the branch down and shrugged his shoulders, “I… uh… I didn’t know what else to do so I decided to try.”

The colt felt embarrassed as the three pegasi laughed at his reply, then the brown one spoke again, “Well at least you tried, say what is your name little one?”

The colt replied, “my name is… uh… my name… is… wait, what?... what is my name?”

The three pegasi looked at each other then looked back at the colt. The brown pegasus spoke again, “Wait, Wait, Wait. Hold your horses now. You mean to tell us that you don’t know your own name?”

The colt lowered his head in embarrassment, “No… I… I can’t remember… I can’t remember anything.”

The three pegasi looked at each other and started talking over the situation, the blue one spoke, “What should we do? Should we take him to his parents?”

The black replied, “If he can’t remember his own name, what makes you think he’s going to remember his parents?”

The brown one sighed, “Look, Cloudsdale is only 3 miles from here, if we take him to the royal guard office there, then they will handle it in the best way, right?”

The other two replied, “Right!”

The grouped looked back at the colt as the brown pegasus asked, “Do you know how to fly little one?”

the colt lowered his head and replied, “I think I do, but it wouldn’t help.”

The blue pegasus replied, “Why is that?”

The young foal turned to his side and exposed his broken wing to the three pegasi, the brown one spoke again, “ouch… well that settled it. You’re not going to the royal guards, you’re going straight to a doctor for that wing of yours.”

“But how will I…”

“Don’t worry little colt we got this completely covered, the three pegasi flew into the sky and grabbed a wide cloud, then they pushed it to the ground in front of the colt. The brown pegasus smiled, “Hop on colt, it’s a good thing you’re a pegasus, this wouldn’t work if your were an earth pony or a unicorn… then again if you were one of them, then we would be leading you to Canterlot, but that’s much further than where we’re going.”

The young colt felt nervous as he stepped onto the cloud, it looked so soft and weak, could this white ball of fluff really carry him without falling apart? As the pegasi pushed the cloud off the ground and into the sky, the colt became amazed by how the world looked form that height, he didn’t know if it was the first time he ever flew this high before, but this was the first time he could remember being that high. As they continued on their trip through the sky, a large flying convoy flew by. On it there where a large number of pegasi wearing armor, both leading and following a carriage that held two alicorns, one was a tall white mare with a rainbow mane that can only be described as mystic. The other was a beautiful blue mare with a mystic blue mane. Just looking them, was enough for the colt to know that they were important. As they flew by both mares looked at the colt and smiled.

The colt smiled back, then asked the brown pegasus, “Who are they?”

The pegasus smiled as he replied, “They are the royal sisters, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. It’s an honor to be acknowledge by them, you should feel proud.”

The colt felt embarrassed, “Why? Who am I to be acknowledged by princesses? Who am I, period?”

The black pegasus replied, “You’re the brave little colt who survived an attack from a manticore and still had the courage to fight back! Don’t down talk yourself little guy, with your bravery, there aint no telling what your talent is. I mean, I have never seen a cutie mark like yours before, whatever your talent is, it’s something truly special.”

The colt felt a little better after hearing what the pegasus told him, but it didn’t help much, he still didn’t know anything about himself… to include his talent.

While watching the princesses’ carriage, the colt noticed that they landed in the area near where he woke up. He could only wonder what it was that caused that area to look like it did. The crater, the electricity in the ground, the charred and burned trees all around that area, all leading to what could have caused him to lose his memory. Whatever happened it caught the interest of a few princesses so it must have been something big. The black pegasus pushing the cloud, called out, “There it is straight ahead. Welcome to Cloudsdale little stallion.”

The young colt looked into the distance but there was no town in sight. The colt looked at the pegasus and asked, “Where?”

The three pegasi smiled as they looked at each other, then the blue pegasus pointed up, “Cloudsdale is in the clouds, try looking up.”

The colt turned and looked in the direction the pegasus was pointing, but he couldn’t believe his eyes. Above his head was an entire city floating in the clouds. The colt watched in awe as they flew over a portion of the city and stopped at the hospital. Shortly after the three pegasi checked the colt in and had his wing patched up, the doctors started asking the colt series of questions. The colt felt embarrassed that the answer he gave to most of the questions where either “I don’t know” or “I can’t remember.”

This made the colt feel uncomfortable, but in hopes that the doctors could help him, he answered every single question as honestly as possible.

After staying with the colt for most of the day the three pegasi decided, it was time to say good-bye and wish the colt good luck on finding more information about himself. As the sun went down, the doctors had no reason to keep the colt since his wing was already bandaged, so they took the next legal action and sent him to a nearby orphanage where he would be staying until his parents were found. When the colt arrived there, they sat him in a large office, and then an old pegasus with glasses trotted in and looked at a file.

The old pegasus read a little from the file he had, then he removed his glasses and spoke, “hmm, it says here that you don’t know your own name… is this true?”

The colt felt a little nervous as he replied, “Y-Yes sir, that’s true”

the stallion smiled, “Oh, a polite one. Well, you will be welcomed here. My name is Mr. Myer, I'm the caretaker for this establishment. If you keep yourself out of trouble than you won’t see much of me, but don’t think I'm a mean pony. My days are usually busy so most of the time I'm off working while Mrs. Myer, my wife, takes care of you and the other foals. She is nice though so don’t be afraid of her. Now down to business, from this point on, you will be staying here so I would like to set up the basic rules, one, I will not tolerate fighting, or bullying others. Two, while you are here you will be respectful to anypony who enters this facility, I won’t have you scaring ponies away if they are looking to adopt. And three, if you are asked to do something by my wife and especially me then I suggest you do it. we won’t have you do anything that will cause any harm to you or anypony else. But we won’t have you disobeying us. Is that understood?”

The Colt nodded his head, “Yes sir.”

Mr. Myer continued, “Although there are rules, there are also privileges. During the day, you may go outside in the back and play whenever you like however, you will stay inside the fence, I don’t want anypony flying over it. Next when you are a responsible age you may go outside and into the city so long as you stay within the boundary of this facility and you are back before nightfall. Last but not least. When ponies arrive looking to adopt, you have the choice to see them if they ask to see you. I don’t want to send you home with a family that you are too unsure about. However breaking these rules will make these privileges vanish before your eyes, so I’d suggest you follow the rules, is that clear?”

The Colt nodded again, “Y-yes sir.”

The stallion looked back at the file, “You’re a special case though. For the first year or so, I won’t allow any parent’s to request to see you, just in case your real parents happen to show up. However, we need to do something about your name; do you have any idea at all, about what your name was? Anything at all.”

The colt lowered his head in embarrassment, “No, I don’t know anything about myself, name, age home… I… I just don’t know.”

The old pegasus replied, “Well, for now it’s just best to wait until some of your memories come back, until then I would suggest you should spend the next few days deciding your own name, it just might come in handy later down the road. First, you should go and see the rest of the grounds; I have a lot of work to do, so I'll leave you to explore the grounds on your own. If you need any, help understanding anything you should ask my wife. Mrs. Myer, you can finder her doing basic duties around this place. Now off you go.”

The old pegasus shook his hoof in a shooing manner as the young colt trotted to the door and exited the room.

As the colt made his way down the hall, he though hard about what the caretaker said, “Will somepony try to find me? Will I ever find out who I…”

Just then much older colt bumped into him and knocked him to the ground, “Hey why don’t you watch where your goi… wait a second, you’re the new colt here aren’t ya? Yea I heard of you, you’re the one who can’t remember his own name right?”

The colt picked himself off the ground and nervously replied, “Um… yea it’s nice to meet y…”

“Spare me the intro and listen up Mr. no-name, around here I'm in control so you better wise up fast and stay out of my way because I'm the toughest pony here, and nopony, not you, not Mrs. Myer, not even Mr. Myer can do or say anything to stop me, you got that no-name?”

With that said, the bully pushed the colt back down on the ground and trotted off with a pleased smile on his face. The young colt didn’t like anything that the older pegasus said, but he knew that even if he tried that pegasus was too big and strong for him to stand up to, so he thought the best course of action would be to keep his distance for now. As the colt entered the large room where every pony seemed to sleep in he noticed that all the other foals where getting ready for the night except for a filly who sat in the corner of the room alone with a depressed expression on her face. Feeling sorry for her, the colt approached the filly to talk to her, but as he got close enough, she snapped at him before he had a chance to say hello, “What do you want!”

The colt was surprised by the irritation in her voice so he replied, “I… I was just wondering… if you’re ok. You seem depre…”

“I don’t need your pity! Are you here to make fun of me too like the others? Just leave me alone!”

The colt felt surprised at how mean the filly was acting towards him, “I only wanted t…”

The filly looked at his cutie mark then interrupted him again, “Oh… wow… looks like you already have your cutie mark huh… you think you so special don’t you. Just because you know your special talent doesn’t mean you’re better than anypony you know.”

The colt lowered his head and shamefully mumbled to her, “I… I don’t know my talent.”

The filly gave him an uninterested look then she replied, “So you’re the new colt everypony is talking about huh… I heard you’ve lost your memory, well you’re not the only one with problems you know… so don’t think I'll feel sorry for you. Why am I still talking to you anyway? Go away and leave me alone!”

The mean filly turned her head away from the colt as he kept his head lowered, turned around, and slowly trotted away. Then a mare approached him, you must be the new little colt who arrived here this evening, my name is Mrs. Myer, are you enjoying your first day?”

The colt looked up at the mare and shook his head no, “So far everypony hear is mean.”

The mare looked at the colt then she looked in the direction he came from and sighed, “Oh I see… you met Gem Stone. The poor dear just recently lost both her parents in a fire near Dragon Mountain about a week ago. The other foal where criticizing her for tying a bandanna in her mane every day so she started being cold to them. I hope it’s just a part of her mourning phase, I would hate to think she will be like this indefinitely.”

The colt felt bad about what happened to Gem, then he thought to himself, “What if the thing that created the crater in the forest killed my parents?”

Mrs. Myer kneeled down to speak with him face-to-face, “listen here little one, if you continue to think like that then you will start to lose hope. Next, you will lose your will to continue. You can’t let it affect you like that. Stay strong and stay positive. In time things will get better.”

The young colt looked back at Gem Stone and focused on the depressed look on her face, “I… I hope you’re right…”

“Now Star, I know you don’t want to get anypony in trouble, but I want you to tell me the truth, who gave you that bruise?”

Star looked at Mrs. Myer and replied, “I tripped and fell while playing with one of the other foals outside, that’s all that happened.”

Star’s lie wasn’t convincing Mrs. Myer at all, but since she couldn’t prove anything, she sighed and changed the subject, “Ok you fell while playing, so did you think of a last name yet? You decided to call yourself Star because of the shape of your cutie mark but what about a last name?”

Star shook his head, “Sorry ma’am but I haven’t thought of one yet.”

Mrs. Myer nodded her head, “Alright then, if you ever decide what it will be, let me know. You have been here one month now and we need to start paperwork to finish your home schooling while you’re here. Now go back outside and play… and please be careful, you know if you need anypony to talk to, I'm always here.”

Star nodded his head and spoke as he left the room, “Ok ma’am, I'll remember.”

When Star left the room and made it outside, the bully and a few of his following foals approached him, “So noname… did you talk? Or are we going to be able to keep our relationship… peaceful-like?”

Star looked at him and replied, you know I wouldn’t tell her what really happened, it wouldn’t be bad for you alone, both our flanks would be branded.”

The bully smiled as he turned and trotted away, “Good, then don’t disappoint me tomorrow when you give me answers to homework, otherwise I'll be taking it out on you again.”

Star couldn’t stand it, he wasn’t very smart when it came to their home schooling, but the bully continued to make him give him answers to homework anyway, and beat him up every time the answers were wrong. Star thought to himself, “This is so unfair, no matter what I do, I can’t win. I wish my parents would just find me already.”

The colt looked through the chain-link fence that surrounded the yard, and off the edge of the city. From here, he had a good view of the Everfree Forest, the patch of trees that was missing from when he woke up, and he could even see a castle in the distance on the other side of the forest.

As the colt looked at the area where he woke about a month ago, he started to remember something he read in a history book on great pegasi leaders. Under Commander Hurricane, he remembered the book telling of a rare and special ability called the Lightning Orb. it was said that the pony who could use this ability could create a cloud from the moister below his hooves and used it to strike down foes with lightning generated from the energy used to make the cloud. However, this ability was so tiring and difficult that it was said to kill all who attempted it since. The effects and information on this ability were the only thing that matched the scenery from the crater he woke up in, leading him to believe that he performed this death-defying ability, only instead of dying he only lost his memory. Star couldn’t help but wonder, “Could I… a little colt with no name, no past, and no family really do something as amazing and legendary like the great Commander Hurricane?”

Across the yard Star could see a the bully and his goons gathered around Gem Stone. Star could only sigh, “Not again, why does he only pick on me and Gem?”

Star didn’t mind what the bully did to him, bruises, cuts, scrapes, they all went away in time, but the bully would never hurt a filly, so everything they did to her was verbal, which didn’t heal. Star could remember hearing her cry herself to sleep at night just because of the things he would say to her during the day. Finally, Star decided it was time to stand up to him. He didn’t care if he started to beat him up twice a day, it was time to stop him from hurting her further. She already was mean to everypony because of how they treated her, he didn’t want to see her get worse.

Star lowered his head and started scraping the ground. Then he charged as fast as he could towards the bully, hoping to catch him off guard. Star was wanting to jump and kick the bully in the head as hard as he could before he was seen, but unfortunately, he got caught a split second after he jumped into the air. The bully quickly turned and punched Star while he was in midair, knocking him to the ground.

As Star quickly shuffled to his feet, as the bully began to taunt him, “So it looks like noname wants to be a hero, huh. If you have a death wish then go ahead and try that again, it’s not like anypony is going to miss you anyway.”

Star glared at the bully, while Gem Stone watched in confusion, “Why Are you doing this? I don’t need your he…”

“Will you shut up, already!”

“What?”

Star looked at Gem Stone and spoke, “I know you lost your parent in a terrible accident, But that doesn’t matter. Turning your back on the world isn’t the way to handle this. Look at me, I lost everything, my family, my home, even my name and age. But I won’t let this moron take more from those who still have something to lose.”

“What in Celestia's name do I have to lose?!”

Star glared back at the bully and replied as he charged, “Your Pride!”

When Star got close enough, the bully dodged his tackle and hit him in the side of his face knocking him back onto the ground, “You know noname, I would respect your courage if you weren’t so stupid. Your so called pride, isn’t going to stop me from beating the feathers of your wings.”

Before Star could stand up the bully grabbed him by the tail and slammed him on the ground behind him. After that the bully decided to give him a chance, “Stay down noname, I wouldn’t want you to make up a story for the rest of what I could do to you.”

Star Put every bit of rage he had to pick himself off the ground then he glared back at the bully, “I… I'm not going to take any more of your threats… I'm… I'm tired of this…”

The bully punched Star before he could finish his sentence, “You think it’s a threat? I just don’t want to kill a nonamed pony. But if you don’t want to continue this life, then I'll be happy to beat the rest of your memories out of your body.”

Star stood up and glared at the bully, his anger was the only thing that was keeping him standing, that and an unusual feeling he was feeling in the bottom of his hooves. He didn’t know what it was, maybe he was so hyped up in rage that he was losing feeling in his hooves. Maybe the last punch to his face did more damage than he thought. Whatever it was, he had never felt it before and in a strange way, it was helping him stand up despite the pain he felt all over his body from being slammed against the ground. The bully felt a little uneasy, he could swear he saw a spark of lightning in Star’s eyes, but he ignored and charged at the colt. The older pegasus hit his young opponent throwing him a few feet away from where he was standing and making him hit the chain link fence. The older pegasus then pinned him against the fence and laughed, “C’mon, at least make it a challenge for me…”

Gem Stone stood up and interrupted him, “JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!”

The bully looked over at Gem Stone, “Oh… so now Ms. messy mane wants to talk… I won’t lower myself to hit a filly, but that don’t mean I'm go…”

While Star was pinned against the fence, he reached out and punched the bully as hard as he could. The bully didn’t see it, but everypony watching the event was shock when they saw an arc of electricity jump from his hoof and make contact with the bully’s face a split second prior to the punch. Though the punch was strong, the bully didn’t feel much from it, not even enough to help Star get free from the bully’s grip. So the bully just looked back at Star and smiled, “Good effort noname, but not good enough.”

The bully punched the colt twice then slammed him on the ground next to the fence.

Star tried to get up again but this time the bully held him against the ground. Star looked at the bully with his rage still lingering in his mind as the bully held him down. Then the bully felt really nervous when he saw the lightning in his eyes again, only this time it was scattering from his pupil to the outside of his iris. Then a black cloud started to form between the two colts, the bully was intrigued by this cloud while everypony else was afraid of it. Star knew immediately what it was, but he didn’t know what it was going to do, “It’s not a good idea to continue this… let me up slowly…”

The bully laughed as he reached to push the cloud out of the way, “If you’re the one doing this then I'm not afraid. What’s a small cloud created by a noname going to do to m…”

Just then as the bully touched the cloud, a jolt of electricity tossed him off of Star and across the yard leaving him on the ground a few feet away, neutralized and unconscious. Shortly after that, the cloud released the rest of its charge in a lightning bolt that shot into the sky leaving the chain link fence next to Star arcing and sparking with electricity.

Star laid there feeling completely drained like he did when he first woke up in the Everfree Forest. as he lay there, he looked over at the bully’s followers and spoke with a weakened voice, “I… I didn’t mean for that… to happen… I…”

the other ponies started backing away from the exhausted colt as he lied on the ground. Then they started talking amongst each other, “What was that?” “Is that normal.” “Was that magic?” “I knew he wasn’t right.” He had no memory, before but I knew he was different.” He is nothing but a freak.” “Yea, a freak with no reason to be here.” “Let’s get out of here.” “A freak like that doesn’t belong here.”

Star felt terrible as he watched everypony start trotting away, leaving him on the ground, that is, everypony except Gem Stone.

Gem Stone stood there looking at the weakened pony as he laid there halfway conscious, as Star looked at her he could see the indecision in her eyes. She didn’t know if she should be grateful, flattered, annoyed, or scared of him. She couldn’t even make eye contact with him as he laid there. Star continued looking at her as he spoke, “I… I’m sorry if I…”

Star laid his head back as he lost consciousness. While Star laid there unconscious, Gem still couldn’t decide her feelings on what just happened. Part of her was saying to help him, part of her was saying to leave him lying on the ground, part of her was terrified of him, and part of her couldn’t help but feel grateful that he was there.

A couple of hours had passed before Star finally woke up. When he looked around, he was lying in a bed. He felt worried as he looked around the room, did Mrs. Myer put him in this bed and what will she say about what happened. Then the door opened and Star felt even more nervous, it wasn’t Mrs. Myer that entered the room, but it was Mr. Myer who came in, accompanied by Gem Stone. Star lowered his head in shame as he spoke first, “I'm… I'm in trouble… aren’t I?”

Mr. Myer smiled as he shook his head, “No need to worry little Bolt, Gem explained everything that happened, from standing up to defend her, all the way to using the Lightning Orb. for quote unquote, self-defense.”

Star was confused, “Bolt?... wait, she told you everything?”

Gem blushed as she spoke, “Well… it’s the least I could do. I’ve been here almost two months and nopony ever stood up for me before, I… I'm happy you were there, and I'm sorry… since you got here, I was being very mean to you and despite how I treated you. you helped me and got beaten up for it. I'm so sor…”

“Don’t mention it. I know how it feels to be pushed around, and I'm glad you’re ok. By the way what ever happened to the other pony.”

Mr. Myer smiled as he replied, “Oh he is fine, he had a nightmare while he was unconscious about how he treated everypony else around here, so when he woke up he confessed to all the terrible thing he has been doing to you two. By the way, this whole incident will be our little secret, I'm grateful you fought for justice and not to bully anypony else, but if word gets around that I let you off the hook, then the rest of the ponies will start to run amuck. In addition, we will keep word about the Lightning Orb quiet, it’s a rare and legendary ability, and if it gets out to specific organizations that you can use such a talent, then your life could be in danger so as for the Lightning Orb… NO MORE! Is that clear!”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Yes Sir… I'll do my best.”

Mr. Myer nodded his head then turned around spoke as he left the room, “Then don’t be late for dinner and I hope your bruises heal without a problem. Take care Mr. Bolt.”

When Mr. Myer was gone, Star looked at Gem Stone, “Uh… why is he calling me Bolt? I already told him my name is Star.”

Gem smiled, “After you used the lightning… whatever it’s called, Mr. Myer decided that on record, your name will be Star Bolt since you call yourself Star, and you used the lightning… thing and created a bolt of lightning so that is now your name.”

“Hmm… Star Bolt huh… I kind of like it. in fact, it fits my cutie mark a lot better now than just Star. Anyway… I… uh, are you ok. I didn’t hurt you by accident did I? I never knowingly used the lightning Orb before so I didn’t know how to control it. it just sort of happened.”

Gem Blushed as she answered, “No… I'm fine, when you were out cold I picked you up… well… I dragged you inside and put you in this bed. I can still feel a little static in my mane but I'm ok. Um… thank you Star, it means a lot to me that you stood up to that bully for me. it really does, and from now on… I… well… I hope we… can be… um… friends?”

Star Bolt blushed as he replied, “Um… sure, I would like that. I'm glad you’re ok and I'm happy to finally have a friend… can I ask you a question though… why did he call you messy mane?”

Gem Stone looked at Star Bolt with an unentertained look, “Just because I wear a bandanna in my mane doesn’t mean that it’s messy all the time! I'll let you know, I wash my mane every day and there is nothing wrong with i…”

Star Jumped back in surprise, “Whoa, whoa, take it easy, I didn’t know what he meant that’s all. I wasn’t trying to insult you, honest.”

Gem calmed herself down then replied, “I'm sorry Star, I was just irritated by how he would always make fun of me, just because I was… um… different.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Well now we both can be different together and I don’t care what he says, you look nice with the bandanna in your mane, and whatever the reason you choose to keep your mane like that, is your business, so don’t let anypony try to change that.”

Gem Smiled, “Thanks Star, and no matter how afraid the other foals are of you. I like you.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Um… for the record… why do you wear a bandanna all the time?”

Gem lowered her head in sadness and replied, “When my mommy was alive, she would wear a bandanna everyday showing the mood she thought she would be in for the day. she says that if the mood is happy and you show the world how happy you are, then things are bound to stay happy. But if it was sad, then everypony would see how sad you are and try to cheer you up.”

“What does white mean? That’s the only color I see you wear.”

Gem Stone held her tears back as she replied, “lonely.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Well… that means tomorrow you will be wearing a different color, won’t you?”

Gem Stone looked up at Star Bolt and smiled, “Yep it sure seems that way.”

From that day on, things around the orphanage changed. The bully who used to pick on the two, never approached either one again, it wasn’t long after that though he was adopted and out of their lives for good. As time went by the two continued to stay together but only them two, primarily because the other foals where afraid of Star Bolt for using the Lightning Orb, while the rest didn’t want to be friends with a filly who was nice to a freak. Nevertheless, the two were perfectly fine so long as they had each other. On many occasions parents tried to talk to Star Bolt or Gem Stone about adoption, but they both would either sabotage their own interviews, or they would refuse to go to them. After a while, Mr. and Mrs. Myer just ignored the requests, if the two were truly inseparable then they would find a way to be together despite what anypony else says or does.

The partnership between Star Bolt and Gem Stone only grew throughout the years. What was once a simple friendship turned into a strong bond, then it slowly took hold of Star Bolts heart and quickly turned into something much stronger. By this time, he had become of age to be allowed to go into the city, so the week before Hearts and Hooves Day, he decided to get something extremely special for her. Something that would express his feeling that have slowly built themself up from their foalhood. As after many hours of searching, he finally found the perfect gift.

On Hearts and Hooves Day, he finally gave her the gift, it was a pink bandanna made entirely of silk. She absolutely loved it, and from that day on, they were officially a couple. Wherever Star Bolt would be, he was always with Gem Stone. Both Mr. and Mrs. Myer knew that the two shared a strong connection, one that was considered true love. But like all things, they change with time, and one day, time caught up with the couple.

Star Bolt was given the task to look after the younger foals who were new to the orphanage. He loved doing, this because the younger foals didn’t know about the Lightning Orb so they didn’t call him a freak. while he and Gem were there, Mrs. Myer approached him, “Star… my husband wants to see you in his office for a few minutes.”

Star Bolt knew immediately that this wasn’t a good thing, Mr. Myer almost never showed himself unless it was important, in fact, the last time anypony saw him was on Hearth's Warming Eve about two years ago. Star Bolt replied, “Yes ma’am, Gem I'll be right back.”

On his way to the office Star Bolt felt nervous, what could have happened to make Mr. Myer want to see him?

Star Bolt knocked on the door and peeked inside, “Uh… sir… you wanted to see me.”

Mr. Myer was sitting at his desk reading a file when he looked up and replied, “Ah yes, Mr. Bolt Please come in and take a seat.”

Star Bolt nervously entered the room and sat in the chair in front of the desk. Mr. Myer put the file down and started to speak, “Mr. Bolt, how long have you been at this orphanage? Ten… eleven years? Star Bolt replied, “Twelve sir.”

Mr. Myer continued, “Ah, and in that time have any of your memories returned to you?”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “No… sir… not even one.”

Mr. Myer replied well, “That’s a shame, but I'm afraid I have even worse information for you. Mr. Bolt I'm afraid you have come to a particular age were I'm going to have to ask you to leave this facility, I'm afraid you are now old enough to be considered your own guardian. I'll give you a week before you must leave, in the meantime, I set up an apartment for you across town, the first month is free but after that you will need a job to pay rent.”

It didn’t take a genius to know exactly what Star Bolt would ask next, even Mr. Myer knew the next words he would say. “What about Gem Stone?”

Mr. Myer removed his glasses and started to clean them off with a cloth as he replied, “Ms. Stone will remain here. you may be old enough to leave but Ms. Stone isn’t. She will remain here until she is of age, or until she is adopted.”

Without thinking Star Bolt replied, “I'll adopt her.”

Mr. Myer put his glassed back on and replied, “Also impossible, you may be old enough to be considered your own guardian but you are still too young to adopt.”

Star Bolt then ask, “There has to be a way, I can’t leave her here by herself.”

Mr. Myer smiled, “Well there is one other way, in order for Ms. Stone to legally leave here with you, she would have to be related, either by blood or another form of relation.”

Star Bolt didn’t understand, “Another form? Like what?”

“Marriage.”

Star Bolt’s face turned red as he replied, “M-marriage?”

Mr. Myer continued, “If the two of you were related by marriage, then I would have no choice but to release her to you. I can’t keep a wife from her husband, but I'm afraid that’s the only way. Remember you have one week, I'll let you decide how you spend it. I hope you make the right choice, Mr. Bolt. You may go back now.”

Star Bolt quietly left the office and went back to meet with Gem Stone, “Is everything alright Star?”

Star Bolt gave her a fake smile and replied, “Its fine, he just thought he found some information about me in my file, but it was a mistake.”

Star Bolt was a terrible liar, Gem immediately saw through him, but since he didn’t want to talk about it enough to lie to her. She figured it was best to let the subject fade from his mind.

As the day went by, the subject not only stayed in his mind, but it made it hard for him to focus. Even when something funny would happen, he would chuckle about it for a split second, then go back to that deep thought. Gem Stone wanted to ask what it was that was eating away his emotions but she didn’t want to pry into something that he didn’t want to talk about. The day slowly became night and Star Bolt laid in the bottom bunk of the bunk bed staring at the top where Gem was sleeping peacefully. He couldn’t sleep, his mind was wrapped around that one word, marriage. Finally, he decided to get up and go outside to get some air.

While he was outside Star Bolt could see the glow from the Thunder Grounds, as he watched he started talking to himself while he paced back and forth, “The only way… the only way we can be together… I love her, I always will. And I know she loves me… but does she love me that much. Does she care that much to take that big a step? Maybe I should just come out and ask her, but even if I ask her, would she say yes? It shouldn’t be that hard to just ask her…”

“Ask me what?”

Star Bolt froze, then he slowly turned his head to the door where Gem Stone was standing with a curious expression on her face, “Star you have been troubled by something all day, exactly what is it that Mr. Myer told you that has got you in such a troubled state?”

Star Bolt sighed and took seat on the step next to Gem Stone, “Gem I have some bad news… it’s about what he told me this morning.”

Gem Stone sat next to Star Bolt and replied, “Yes? What is it?”

Star Bolt continued, “Mr. Myer said that I'm too old to stay here, and… he told me that I got to leave.”

Gem Stone lowered her head in disappointment, “Oh… I… I see… that makes sense.”

“He is giving me to the end of the week to leave.”

Gem Stone looked back at Star Bolt and gave him a fake smile, “That’s good then, you get to do what we have been talking about doing since we were foals, you finally get to get out and see the world. I'm happy for you Star, I really am.”

Star Bolt could see that she was trying to keep a straight face through her word so he replied, “What about you? I can’t leave you here alone.”

Gem shook her head, “I'll be fine, I’ll be able to leave here in a few years anyway right? You don’t need to worry about me. you need to go and live for once, it’s not like you can adopt me or anything like that.”

Star Bolt lowered his head and continued, “Um… no, I can’t adopt you… but… there is another way you can come with me… but… uh.”

Gem looked at Star Bolt in suspense, “Yea how?”

Star Bolt’s face turned red as he continued, “The only way you can leave with me… is well… we… have to be… um… m-married… if we were… uh… married… we could leave together but… that’s the only way.”

Gem Stone quickly looked away to hide her face as it turned bright red, “Oh… I… uh… well… I wasn’t expecting… um… I mean I didn’t… uh…”

Star Bolt sighed, assuming that she didn’t want to go along with it, “I'm sorry, I asked if I could adopt you but Mr. Myer told me that it was impossible that I was too young. He said that the only way you and I could leave together was if you and I where husband and wife, but I did…”

Gem Stone looked back at Star Bolt with a smile on her still red face, “So when will it be?”

Star Bolt sighed again, “He gave me till the end of the week before I have to leave then I…”

“No, no, no, I meant when will the wedding be?”

Star Bolt’s face turned red, “Wh-what?”

Gem smiled and leaned into Star Bolt, “If you have one week, then I guess we will get married in two days… is… is that ok?

Star Bolt smiled as he put his hoof around her shoulder, “That… that sound perfect, Gem. Looks like we got a plan after all.”

As they looked into the distance, they saw the sun slowly rising over the horizon. At this exact moment, both ponies would describe this as the most beautiful sunrise either one has ever seen in their whole life. But then this moment of beauty, turned quickly into a moment of fear, and worry, “Star! What’s that!?!”

Both Star Bolt and Gem Stone watched in shock, as the moon slowly rose from under the sun, then blocked it out in a full solar eclipse that seem to set the sky on fire with a dark and dreary red hue.

As Star Bolt watched, he saw something in the distance, It was a royal carriage, and on it was a black mare with a dark blue mystic mane.

Star Bolt mumbled to himself, “Who in Celestia's name?”

Gem Stone leaned close to Star Bolt, “What is it Star? what’s going on?”

Star Bolt held her close, he wanted to tell her that everything was alright, he wanted to tell her that there was nothing to worry about. but Star Bolt had a feeling deep inside that told him that not only was everything not alright, but it told him that this was the last sunrise he would ever see. And that this Eclipse wouldn’t end as quickly as the rest.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Star Bolt looked back at Gem while they continued flying, “I'll be fine Gem, what worries me is why you’re coming with me. You have been sick the past week and I don’t think you should be out in your condition. By the way, what did the doctor tell you this morning?”

Gem shook her head, “I'm fine Star, he just said it was the stomach flu. There isn’t anything to worry about.”

Star Bolt looked forward and continued as they flew, “I just don’t want you to risk yourself, this sort of thing can be dangerous, I am meeting with dragons after all.”

Gem sighed, “Star I'm not a foal anymore, I can take care of myself, so don’t think I'm helpless.”

“Sorry Gem, I guess I'm just nervous, I heard the last pony who signed on for this job was dead in two days. But I guess if I just treat the dragons with the respect they deserve then all will be well. But please Gem, don’t strain yourself. Just because it’s a simple flu doesn’t mean it won’t hurt you if you ignore it.”

Gem turned her head to hide her smile and mumbled, “Simple flu… right, if you only knew.”

Star Bolt looked at Gem, “Did you say something?”

Gem looked back with her smile, “I just said you worry too much.”

Star Bolt turned back to face the direction they were flying and replied, “I'm your husband, it’s my job to worry about you, it was like that yesterday, it was like that last week, and it was like that six months ago when we got married.”

Gem gave Star Bolt an unamused look, “Thirteen.”

“What?”

“We have been married for thirteen months.”

Star Bolt felt uneasy as he replied, “Thirteen? So… last month was…”

“Our anniversary… yes”

“Uh… ops…”

Gem smiled sinisterly, “Its ok, I gave you a freebee this year, next time… I'm going to have to kill you. Does that sound fair?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yes ma’am… hey look… we are here… see, that’s Dragon Mountain.”

Star Bolt and Gem, both landed on the ledge outside the cave entrance at the top of the mountain, as they approached the entrance a small dragon about Star Bolts height stopped them, “You must be the pony who wants to control the weather around the mountain, aren’t you? The council is waiting for you, I'll be your escort, but they said there would only be one pony, so the other must wait out here, and you better not try anything funny.”

Star Bolt looked back at Gem, “Wait here, they only need to see me anyway.”

Gem nodded her head, “Be careful Star.”

As Star Bolt followed the dragon, he decided to ask, “You’re a baby dragon aren’t you.”

“No, I'm a teenage dragon. What of it?”

“Oh nothing, I just thought the dragon who would meet me would be taller.”

The dragon turned around and glared at Star Bolt, “Listen here pony… I may be a growing dragon but that doesn’t mean I can’t charbroil you, so don’t talk to me like a hatchling. While you’re here, you better not disrespect any members of the council, especially the dragon elder.”

Star Bolt shook his head, “I meant no disrespect all, I was saying is that you’re not what I was expecting. This is the first time I ever met a dragon. All I knew of your species was what I heard in stories and saw in pictures.”

The young dragon smiled as they continued traveling into the cave, “Then this will be interesting for the both of us.”

The two went deeper and deeper into the cave until they reached a large underground aquifer that was full of gems. Star Bolt decided to keep his attention on his own actions, so he wouldn’t seem greedy towards the dragons. Finally, they approached two massive dragons who seemed to be waiting for them. The young dragon spoke to the other two, “I brought the pony from Cloudsdale.”

One of the large dragons spoke, “Thank you Thorn. Pony, approach us!”

Star Bolt slowly approached the two dragons as the other dragon of the two spoke. “State your name!”

Star Bolt replied as respectfully as possible. “My name is Star Bolt; I'm a pegasus from Cloudsda…”

“We know why you are here, what we don’t know, is why?”

Star Bolt felt confused, “I don’t understand what you mean sir…”

The other dragon spoke, “We understand why you are here. You wish to become the weather pegasus for Dragon Mountain. However, what we don’t understand is why? You must have a good reason for requesting to be in our presence.”

Star Bolt replied, “Years ago there was a family who lived on this mountain, do you remember them?”

The first dragon replied, “Yes I believe it was a pegasus named Black Stone, along with his wife and filly.”

Star Bolt continued, “Their daughter Gem Stone happens to be my wife and sh…”

“IMPOSSIBLE! The Stones died thirteen years ago. You are disrespecting their name by spreading such deceitful lies!”

Star Bolt continued, “It is true that the family was killed thirteen years ago, but Gem Stone made it out alive and she…”

“STOP LYING TO US!!! All the Stones are dead; continuing to talk in such a manner is trying my patience…”

“BUT IT’S THE TRUTH… “

“THAT IS IT!!! For speaking such nonsense, I'LL CONDEMN YOU TO DEATH!!!”

As the enraged dragons began to move toward Star Bolt, a loud voice stopped them, “STAND DOWN BROTHERS, I WISH TO SPEAK!!!”

The two dragons stepped away from each other as an old gray dragon emerged from the shadows behind them. The old dragon looked at Star Bolt with his eyes closed, “Pony? You say your name is… Star Bolt, correct?”

Star Bolt nodded his head and replied, “Yes sir, it is.”

After hearing the reply, the old dragon opened his eyes. Star Bolt was amazed to see that the irises and pupils of both his eyes looked like Ice, Star Bolt muttered to himself as silently as he could “Blind?”

The dragon smiled, “Yes, it is true that these old eyes can no longer see. However, I can still tell everything about a pony or dragon, just by the sound of their voice, which is why I'm a little confused. You say your name is Star Bolt but you voice says that you are both lying and telling the truth. Which would leave me to believe, you don’t know your real name?”

Star Bolt replied, “That is correct I lost my memory years ago, my home, my parents, my age and my name, all forgotten.”

“Hmm, and what you said before, about little Gem Stone being alive. Is that true?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yes sir, she is my wife.”

The old dragon became intrigued, “So tell me, why it is you wish to control the weather for Dragon Mountain?”

“When we were little, Gem and I were best friends. In fact, she was my only friend. She would talk often about this mountain. Exploring the forest, planting a garden with her mother, and all the things she would love doing on a day-to-day basis. You see, she was the first pony I truly cared about, and I want to make her happy, and from as much as she talks about it, I think she would be happiest if we were to live on this mountain together.”

The dragon smiled and nodded his head, “Your love is true and your heart is pure, but do you realize the responsibility that comes with being allowed to live near this mountain?”

Star Bolt felt a little uneasy as he replied, “Wouldn’t weather be the only responsibility?”

“Tell me pony, do you have any family?”

“No, my wife is my only family.”

The dragon smiled, “My family is the dragons both to the left and right of me. Another is the young dragon standing behind you, as well as all the dragons that can be found in, on, and around this mountain. Black Stone was also a member of my family. In addition, as a member of my family, the dragon responsible for his death was executed for betraying our family. Together we are a clan, and a family. And we all look out for each other, if one betrays one, than he betrays us all. And as a family we will always protect one another. My question to you is, can we trust that you will protect this family?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yes, if I am to join your clan, then you will have my trust as I will respect yours.”

“But what proof do you have that you will keep my trust? Equestria has been at war for more than a year now. The sun which brought light to the mountain hasn’t shown itself from behind the moon which seems to have imprisoned it. What proof, in this time of war do you have that will allow you to keep my trust. If the Nightmare Legion were to attack would you fight for us? If the Celestial Crusaders came to mine the metals from this mountain for their weapons, would you defend our home?”

Star Bolt replied with confidence, “Elder Dragon, you have my word on my life that I would do everything in my power to not only protect the security of this mountain, but the trust that you put on me as a member of your clan.”

The old dragon thought to himself, as he did the other two dragons had their suspicions, “Elder, I don’t trust this pony, he must be lying we should kill him now while we got the chance.”

“Elder, our brother is right; this pony can’t possibly be trusted with the sanctity of this mountain and the forest that surrounds it. What in Equestria, can this pony do to ensure our safety? He is nothing but a pathetic pony. What power could he possibly hold?”

The elder looked at the dragon who just finished speaking, “Brothers this pony holds more power than you know. I can hear it in his voice; I can feel it in the ground he stands on. I haven’t felt a presence nor power like this since the great commander Hurricane once stood before me. This pony no doubt holds the power of the Lightning Orb in his hooves. My biggest question is, does he have the power to use it, and if so, would he use it responsibly.”

The two dragons looked at each other in amazement then one spoke, “Are you sure he has this power elder? Perhaps you’re not feeling well…”

“Enough! How dare you question my ability, and my authority as your elder! This decision is mine to make and mine alone, is that understood!”

The two dragons bowed and backed away as they replied, “My apologies elder.”

Star Bolt felt uneasy hearing the dragons argue amongst each other over his request, but he was also amazed. This elder dragon may have been blind, but he seemed very wise and experienced in reading those around him. Being able to tell whether a pony was lying or telling the truth just by hearing their voice. Then being able to tell that he knew how to use the Lighting Orb, just by being in the same room as him. It was both amazing… and terrifying at the same time.

Star Bolt stepped forward and spoke to the elder dragon, “It is true, I have used the Lighting Orb, however I don’t want to. This power is too dangerous even for me. I hope I never have to use it again, but I also hope to learn how to control it. This ability can be a gift or it can be a curse depending on how it’s used.”

The dragon nodded his head, “You speak the truth, Commander Hurricane sought to use it to create a utopia for all pegasi, but it the end, it only brought him regret. I suspect you will use it wisely, though you are still young, you have a great amount of courage, honesty, and respect. For this, I will allow you and your wife, permission to live on this mountain. However, to be here, you will not only become a member of this clan, but you will become the voice of the dragons.”

Star Bolt was confused, “Voice of the dragons?”

The elder smiled, “We dragons are terrifying creatures, because of this, we try to avoid conversations with ponies so that we don’t start a panic. Nevertheless, if you will speak for use then if something is needed, than you can speak to them in our stead. Not to mention, it will assist in keeping peace between our two species. Do you accept this?”

Star Bolt nodded his head and smiled, “It would be an honor to speak for the dragons. I and my wife owe you our thanks.”

The elder continued, “Furthermore, I will teach you to control the Lightning Orb. However in return I ask that you tell no one about its power, or that I'm teaching you to use such a power.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Once again I owe you my thanks and hope I don’t let you down.”

The elder turned around and began walking back into the shadows, “See that you don’t, because if you ever give me reason not to trust you, you too will share the fate of the one responsible for Black Stone’s death… I will kill you.”

Star Bolt felt uncomfortable with the elders tone, but he understood what the elder was saying. After the elder dragon disappeared into the shadows, one of the remaining dragons spoke. “You gained the elders trust, something that hasn’t been received by a pony in many years. Now go and meet your wife. We are done here; we will send Thorn to get you if you are needed. In addition, even though I disagree with the elder’s decision, I must welcome you and your wife to the clan. Now go.”

Star Bolt bowed in respect then he turned around and spoke to Thorn, “Shall we?”

Thorn nodded his head and started to escort Star Bolt out of the cave. As they were making their way out, thorn turned back to Star Bolt, “Pony? Can you really use the Lightning Orb?”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “This is the reason I don’t know anything about my past. However, that doesn’t matter to me anymore. I like my life, I love my wife and I know that we will be happy so long that we are together. And helpfully so…”

At that moment a explosions echoed through the cave, interrupting Star Bolt.

Thorn looked concerned, “Is the mountain under attack?”

Star Bolt and Thorn rushed as fast as they could until they reached the cave entrance. At the edge of the cliff, Gem stood watching with horror on her face. As soon as Star Bolt looked off the edge of the cliff, he could see what was making the noise. In the distance near the edge of the Everfree Forest was a battle between the Celestial Crusaders and the Nightmare Legion. As the three watched, they didn’t notice the dragon elder approach them from behind, “These old ears can’t read distant objects, what is it that we are watching?”

Star Bolt sighed, “War. We are watching as two large groups of ponies, kill each other over a senseless cause.”

“I thought I could hear cries of pain and death, it is terrible that you must bear a burden in such a time as this.”

Star Bolt continued, “No it isn’t, because they will never know of my gift, I won’t be used as some puppet for a princess.”

Thorn looked over at Star Bolt, “Don’t you want to see the sun again?”

“Whether the sun rises or sets, makes no difference to me if I'm lying dead on a battlefield. Besides, the war is being fought by others; there is no need for me to get involved if I don’t have to.”

The elder dragon spoke, “I couldn’t have said it better myself, a wise pony doesn’t look for a fight, but he is always ready for one. You will go far in…”

Gem interrupted the elder, “Look!”

Over the Nightmare Legion’s front line, was an orange light that could be seen even from the mountain. Star Bolt asked, “What is that?”

Gem replied, “It looks like an arrow with some kind of orange flame.”

Both Thorn and Star Bolt looked at Gem in confusion.

Gem looked at the group, “What?”

Star Bolt replied, “You can see that far?”

“Yea… can’t you?”

“No.”

Gem blushed, “Oh… well… I didn’t know you couldn’t.”

Thorn laughed, “That’s a good eye, Mrs. Bolt.”

Star Bolt looked back at the battle and spoke, “It looks like the Nightmare legion is retreating from the battlefield. I wonder if that arrow was the signal to retreat, or something like that.”

The Dragon elder spoke next, “It would seem that Nightmare Moon underestimated her sister’s forces, or her commander didn’t know how to handle such a force.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “All this for the sun, such senseless murder.”

The Elder spoke, “Everydragon and pony alike will find something they value, and fight for it.”

As the Nightmare Legion’s forces retreated into the Everfree Forest, the Celestial Crusaders pursued until all that was visible were the wounded and dead still lying on the battlefield. The elder turned to Gem and smiled, “It’s good to hear you’re safe little Gem Stone, when I heard of your parent’s death I assumed the worst had also happened to you.”

Gem Smile, “I was able to make it out alive, but I'm afraid the loss nearly ruined my life for good. It was this reckless colt that pulled me from my pity party.”

Star Bolt smiled, “It just took a little push to wake you up, but I think I got more of a wake up out of it then you did.”

Gem giggled as she nudged Star Bolt, then the elder replied, “Its good to hear you’re safe, and I'm happy you found such a noble suitor, would you like to place your home in the same place as the last? It will save us time, and it will make thing easier for you to start resting.”

Star Bolt was confused, “Resting?”

Gem replied, “I would like that elder thank you, I hope it won’t be too much trouble.”

“Not at all, I wouldn’t want you to over work yourself, especially in your condition. My brethren and I will begin building your home in the morning.”

Star Bolt tried to continue, “Condition it just the stomach fl…”

Gem interrupted, “Your dragons will build our home?”

The Elder continued, “You were too young to remember. We built your home for your father way back when. We take care of members of our clan you know. So there is no need to worry, with all my brethren helping your home should be finished in two days.”

Gem Bowed as the Elder turned around to go back into the cave, “Thank you elder, it was good to see you and I hope your brethren don’t over strain themselves.”

The Elder smiled while he and Thorn continued into the cave entrance, “It’s the least we can do for our favorite filly. You have a safe trip back, oh… and congratulations!”

Star Bolt was now too confused, “Uh… Gem what was that about?”

Gem giggled, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Congratulations? Condition? Rest? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

She continued taunting him, “Maybe.”

“What are you hiding?”

She continued giggling, “Star he is blind, and even he understands what’s going on.”

“Gem, he is practically psychic, and possibly senile, but I can’t read your steps or your voice like he can.”

The elder’s voice echoed out of the cave, “I heard that!”

“See!”

Gem smiled, “Alright if you really want to know then I'll tell you. You know that I’ve been sick for the last few days, right?”

“Yea the stomach flu…”

Well I only told you that because I didn’t want you to worry, it’s not the stomach flu.”

Star Bolt felt concerned, “Ok if it’s not the flu, then what is it?”

Gem started to blush while she replied, “Well…”

The light from the eclipse shown through the window as Star Bolt and his wife lay in their bed. Slowly the door to their room opened and two little foals curiously poked their heads into the room. The little filly looked at her brother and spoke softly, “Uh… Sab? Are they up yet?”

The young colt looked at his sister and replied, “I don’t know sis, I'll go check.”

The young colt trotted around the side of the bed and approached Star Bolt. The young colt reached out and poked Star Bolt’s muzzle, “Daddy?… daaaaddyyyy?… daddy?… dad?… daaaad?...”

the colt continued poking Star Bolt’s muzzle as he tried to ignore his son’s excessive chanting, “daaadddyyy?... daddy… dad, dad, dad?... daddy?”

Finally Star Bolt sighed then replied without opening his eyes, “What is it Sable?”

Sable smiled, “Are ya awake yet?”

Star Bolt sat up and sarcastically replied, “Yes I'm awake now… thank you son, I'm glad you pointed that out for me.”

Not understanding his father’s sarcasm, the colt replied, “Always happy to help daddy… should I wake up mommy now?”

Star Bolt got out of the bed, started making his way to the door, and smiled as he replied, “That’s a good idea son, go ahead and wake up mommy. She likes it when you wake her up the same way you wake me up.”

Star Bolt continued smiling as he trotted into the hallway, after he made his way into the kitchen he heard Gem, “WHAT!!! WHAT!!! WHAT DO YOU WANT!!!.... YES I’M AWAKE!!!”

Star Bolt laughed as he heard the two foals running down the hall screaming in fear from their own mother. He could only think to himself, “Barely eight years old, and already torturing their mother… Days like this make me proud to be a father.”

When Gem, entered the kitchen her mane was a complete mess so Star Bolt greeted her, “Morning angle…”

Gem gave him an unentertained look and replied, “You put him up to that… didn’t you.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Thank you dear, I'm having a wonderful morning. How about you?”

She sighed, “I thought as much. When I'm done killing them… you’re next.”

Star Bolt replied, “I love you too.”

Then both little foals, slowly crept around the corner as Sable spoke, “You still mad mommy?”

Gem sighed, “I guess not, come in here and have breakfast.”

Both foals ran from around the corner cheering, “YAY!!! BREAKFAST!!!”

Star Bolt looked at the clock and asked, “Uh… Sable, has your Uncle Thorn been by yet?”

Sable replied, “Nope… he’s late… again.”

The filly trotted up to her father, “Um… daddy?”

“Yes? What is it Pearl?

“Um… why does… Uncle Thorn come by every morning?”

Star Bolt smiled as he replied, “Well princess, Uncle Thorn is training to become a very important dragon someday and to do that he has to check with me about the weather every day so that he can let the elder know. Why? Are you still afraid of Uncle Thorn?”

The little filly lowered her head and replied, “Um… no… I just don’t know why he needs to come and see you every morning that’s all.”

Gem approached Pearl, “Its ok Pearl, we all get scared of something from time to time. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Sable commented form across the room, “Yea we all get scared… except for me and dad. We ain’t afraid of anything. Right dad?”

Before Star Bolt could reply, Gem glared at him, telling him to watch what he says. Star Bolt stayed silent for a few seconds then there came a knock on the front door. Star Bolt spoke in relief, “Hey… somepony is at the door… I better go get that…”

Star Bolt trotted as fast as he could to the front door, when he opened it all he could see was a dragon eye, which took up most of the doorway, “Oh… morning Thorn, you’re late you know. The dragon council won’t be too happy abou…”

“Star… we’ve got a problem.”

The tone of Thorns voice worried Star Bolt a bit, “Problem? What kind of problem?”

Thorn replied, “The kind of problem that might result in the council asking to see you, that kind of problem!”

Now Star Bolt felt worried, though the dragon elder would occasionally stop by to check up on his family, the council never asked to see Star Bolt unless it was an absolute emergency.

Star Bolt spoke with a serious tone, “What’s going on Thorn?”

Thorn backed away from the door, “Come with me, I need to show you something.”

Star Bolt called back to Gem as he left through the door, “Gem, I'll be back I need to check with something.”

Without waiting for a reply, Star Bolt closed the door behind him and started stretching his wings, “What exactly is going on Thorn? It’s not like you to worry like this.”

Thorn replied as he flew into the sky, “Just follow me.”

When Star Bolt tried to jump into the sky something… or somepony caught his eye. Star Bolt looked at the tree line near his house where he thought he saw a pegasus standing there watching him. As he looked in that direction, Thorn called out to him, “Star? Are you coming? We don’t have time to mess around.”

Star Bolt replied, “Did you see… Never mind I'm coming.”

When Star Bolt flew into the sky a nearby spectator, stepped out from behind a tree in the direction that Star Bolt was looking, “That’s our stallion, I better report this.”

The pegasus trotted deeper into the woods then flew into the sky, keeping low to avoid attention.

Further up in the sky, Star Bolt asked Thorn, “Can you tell me what’s this is about now? Why are you so worried?”

Thorn turned and looked back at Star Bolt as they flew, “Remember the Nightmare Legion?”

“Nightmare Moons army? Yea what about them?”

“They’re back in Equestria.”

“What? I thought they were chased out into the Mild West about five years ago?”

“They were, but a few of our dragons spotted them yesterday, in fact they over ran Manehatten just last night.”

Star Bolt was amazed, “Manehatten fell to the Nightmare Legion? How could they have gotten that far inland, without any word around Cloudsdale?”

Thorn continued, “It gets worse the dragon that spotted them found out their movements. According to a few scout pegasi who we captured earlier today, they are on their way here to start searching for a pony who quote, holds the key to winning this war.”

“You mean the Lightning Orb… right?”

“Bingo, they want to find you so that means that we all are in danger, they should be here within the next couple of days.”

Star Bolt shook his head, “This isn’t good we need to think of something to avoid this, has the council made a decision yet?”

“The council has decided to hold their ground and let you make the decision yourself.”

“They should know I will not get involved in this war.”

As the two landed on a high cliff on the side of the mountain Thorn replied, “That’s exactly what the elder said, and I agree with it, but you might want to consider your options because something tells me that weather you like it or not. You will be involved in this war… we both will, because I got even better news.”

Star Bolt looked at him with concern, “Really, now what?”

Thorn pointed into the distance and replied, “See for yourself.”

Star Bolt looked in to the direction that Thorn was pointing and what he saw only increased his worry.

From the horizon to only about a mile from the edge of the forest was a long convoy of Celestial Crusaders. From this distance, Star Bolt could easily make out the more important units, from catapult teams to large pegasi formations leading to archer team’s swords ponies and pike ponies. Star Bolt asked, “Any idea how many there are?”

“Our assault dragons counted more than a thousand.”

Star Bolt looked back at Thorn, “Assault dragons? You mean the council actually called them in for this?”

“The council is taking every possible measure to insure that this doesn’t turn into a battle. The elder doesn’t want any bloodshed on this mountain.”

Star Bolt looked back at the convoy and replied, “With a thousand troops here and the Nightmare Legion on its way, I don’t see how it can be avoided. Do we know who is in command of these soldiers?”

Thorn replied, “Commander Mist is leading this army.”

“Mist?... Princess Celestia sent her main army here, and left a secondary back in Canterlot? They must be here for something important. They must be here… for me.”

Thorn was confused, “I just don’t get it. How did both the Celestial Crusaders and the Nightmare Legion know about your ability?”

“The first time I used the Lightning Orb, was in the Everfree forest while I was alone, the second time, I was at an orphanage with at least twenty foals watching to include a bully who felt the full force of it. For all we know any one of those ponies could be fighting in either one of those armies, if not both. We can only assume that this won’t be a friendly visit from either side.”

Thorn looked at Star Bolt, “What do you intend to do Star? The elder’s rule is no groups of soldiers larger than twenty ponies are allowed on Dragon Mountain, so in time, it will be your duty to remind them, since it is you who speaks in our name.”

Star Bolt replied, “I may speak for the dragons, but I'm also a weather pegasus, I'll tend to my job and wait till they are a little closer then I'll confront them. By the way the weather should be clear skies today so I need to get to work and clear these clouds.”

With that said, Star Bolt jumped off the cliff and flew towards a cloud formation nearby.

On a hill a few miles away, a Unicorn stood watching as his army makes its way closer to Dragon Mountain, “ALL SOLDIERS! BREAK FORMATION AND BEGIN SETTING UP CAMP, WE CANT BREAK THE TREATY OF THE DRAGONS BY GOING FURTHER!”

While the Unicorn watched his army set up camp, The pegasus who was watching Star Bolt earlier, flew up behind the unicorn and spoke, “Commander Mist, I have word from up ahead.”

The unicorn replied, “Colonel Storm, I almost forgot I sent you ahead, was the information reliable?”

“Yes sir, a lone cabin in the forest, four residences… two foals, a stallion, and his wife. I overheard him and a dragon talking, he goes by the name Star Bolt.”

Commander Mist replied, “Good work colonel, continue gathering information on him and if ya can, try to approach him casually. I don’t want to seem desperate. Also try to find out his opinion on this war, if he refuses to join us, I don’t want him to turn around and join the Nightmare Legion, it could be bad for us.”

Colonel Storm replied as her started to fly away “Yes sir.”

As Commander Mist watched Storm fly away, he thought to himself, “Hmm… Star Bolt, I can only hope he makes the right choices, for his family’s sake.”

Back in the skies, Star Bolt was busy pushing clouds to an area so the pegasus in the next region could use them for the rain they were supposed to have. While he worked, Colonel Storm flew up behind him, “Excuse me sir? I was wondering, Can I ask you a few questions?”

Star Bolt looked back at the soldier, putting most of his focus on both the armor he wore, and the long morning star he carried. Star Bolt gave him an uninterested look, “What do you want soldier?”

Colonel Storm felt little threatened by Star Bolt’s tone but he just ignored it and continued, “I'm looking for a stallion by the name of Star Bolt… do you know him?”

Star Bolt was skeptic, “And what would you say if I did? What do you want with Star Bolt?”

“My name is Colonel Iron Storm; I'm the officer in command of The Celestial Crusaders’ Pegasi Assault Division. We want to talk to Mr. Bolt to see if he had any interest in joining the Cel…”

“No, I’ve got better things to do than to play soldier with the likes of you.”

Star Bolt flew higher in the air to gather some clouds at high altitude, but Storm kept on his tail, “Please consider your options Mr. Bolt, the Nightmare Legion is back in Equestria and we need your help to…”

Star Bolt stopped immediately and turned around to face Colonel Storm who almost crashed into him, “Get this straight Colonel, I am NOT a soldier. I am many things, a father, a husband, the voice of the dragons, and a weather pegasus, but a soldier is not one of them. Besides it isn’t me you need, is it? You need something else. You have plenty of soldiers, each one with a lot more training and experience than I, so what is it you really need? What is it that makes me so special?”

Colonel Storm replied, “You know what I'm going to say… don’t you? Therefore, I'll just come out and say it. We need the pegasus who can use the Lightning Orb. We nee…”

“Not interested…”

Star Bolt turned and started flying through the clouds in a serpentine motion, but Colonel Storm continued following close behind, “You’re a skilled flyer, why don’t you reconsider?”

Finally, Star Bolt though up an idea, so he chose a particular cloud then landed on it and turned to his guest, “FINE, you got one minute to impress me, otherwise I'm gone. Choose your words wisely… colonel.”

Colonel Storm replied, “I just want you to think for a second, The Nightmare Legion is back in Equestria, they are on their way here to Dragon Mountain. If I were Commander Snow, I would be on my way here for you and that ability of yours. We have known about you for a long time, about 3 years now. The only reason we didn’t confront you sooner is because Princess Celestia told us that you have no intention of getting involved in this war. Therefore, we only kept out attention on possible threats. Now, with the Nightmare Legion on its way here, you, your family, and the dragons are at risk. If you join the Celestial Crusaders I can guarantee a safe place for your family, while guaranteeing a position as Captain of the Ground assault forces so do you accept?”

Star Bolt smiled, “That’s a very generous offer, but wasn’t it Commander Mist who lead Equestria to failure in the Griffon Republic?”

“Why are you bringing up the Griffon Civil War?”

“Fifty ponies fought for Commander Mist and three returned, leaving the war in a complete loss for the griffon king. The following years the Kingdom fell, the king himself was executed, and the Griffon Kingdoms were renamed The Griffon Republic. So what would come of me if I were to join you? My wife widowed, my foals grow up without a father, and this war in a complete loss, leaving the moon to forever hold the sky alone.”

Colonel Storm desperately tried to convince Star Bolt, “Listen to me. That was a different war. Now with your help, not only would we win this war, but you will be free to return to your family once it ends. Don’t base our strength on one w…”

“TIME’S UP COLONEL!!! Now it’s your turn to listen to me, I will not fight for the Crusaders. I won’t even consider the Nightmare Legion. My wife and my foals are everything to me. Do you have any foals Colonel?”

Colonel Storm lowered his head, “Yes… I do, I have a daughter waiting back in Fil…”

Star Bolt continued, “And what do you think would happen to her, if she got a letter from Princess Celestia, saying that her father won’t be coming home. Then what?”

Colonel Storm sighed but didn’t reply, Star Bolt continued, “I will give everything I have, to see that my wife is happy, and my foals grow up safely. If I must fight, then I'll fight to protect them only. I won’t fight to change anything else in this world. Now, if I'm not mistaken, you need to see to your soldiers.”

Star Bolt stomped on the cloud they were standing on. A small spark of lightning jumped up from the cloud and shocked Colonel Storm’s hoof, making him drop his morning star. As the morning star went through the cloud and out the bottom, Star Bolt looked over the edge of the cloud and smiled sinisterly, “Better go get that, I wouldn’t want any harm to come to your troops.”

Colonel Storm looked over the edge of the cloud and realized what Star Bolt meant. Looking down he noticed that they were directly above where Commander Mist decided to set up camp. So his morning star could do some damage if it were to land on somepony. Thinking fast Colonel Storm dove from the cloud and charged downward as fast as he could to catch the morning star. Luckily, he caught it before it landed on a tent, but by the time he got back to the cloud Star Bolt was standing on, he was gone. Colonel Storm sighed and flew down and landed next to Commander Mist who was overseeing his troops as they set up camp.

Commander Mist turned to Colonel Storm and sarcastically spoke, “So… how did it go?”

Storm sighed, “You saw that… didn’t you?”

Mist laughed, “Every bit, it would seem that he has no interest in joining the Crusaders, but what about the Legion?”

Colonel Storm replied, “Relax commander, he won’t be joining the Nightmare Legion either, he has a lot of hatred for this war, so we don’t have to worry about him getting involved… however…”

Commander Mist finished his sentence, “However the Nightmare Legions won’t take no as well as we can, so he’ll be putting himself at risk by staying out of it.”

Storm nodded his head in agreement, “So what are your orders commander?”

Mist sighed, “We have no choice but to leave him be for now, if we continue harassing him then it could spark bad relations with the dragons. And we have enough problems dealing with the Nightmare Legion we don’t need to be fighting the equestrian dragon clan as well.”

Storm asked, “Commander? That information we received on Star Bolts location, do you know who sent it?”

Commander Mist replied, “I haven’t the slightest clue, it was an anonymous tip, so there was no name or anything to link it to anypony in particular. Regardless that could easily mean that somepony has been watching him longer than we have, and they still could be. Start creating guard shifts and begin patrols, we will be here a while so we better establish a perimeter, so long as we stay outside the forest surrounding the mountain than we are upholding the dragon’s treaty.”

Back at Star Bolt’s cabin, Star Bolt was just returning from his work, he saw both foals playing in the yard with Gem watching from the door. Almost immediately, Sable ran up to his father, “Daddy! Daddy! Guess what? Today, I ran like, twice as fast as I ran yesterday. Soon I'll be able to run faster than you.”

Seeing the exited colt made Star Bolt forget about his worries for a few seconds, he smiled as he replied, “Well that means you may discover your cutie mark soon.”

The cocky colt replied, “Yep I won’t be a blank flank like Pearl or mommy.”

Gem over heard her son and replied, “That’s not nice to say Sable, mommy already tried to get her cutie mark a number of times, so it’s not nice to make fun of those who don’t have theirs yet!”

Star Bolt nodded his head and replied to his son, “She is right Sab; it’s not nice to make fun of them. Besides your mommy’s flank looks good with or without a cutie mark.”

Gem’s face turned red, “DON’T TELL HIM THAT!!!”

Star Bolt laughed as he replied, “Am I lying Gem?”

She replied, “I don’t care if you are or not, you shouldn’t be telling him that sort of thing!”

Failing to understand the joke, Sable replied, “Will you teach me to run even faster soon?”

Star Bolt smiled as he replied, “If you keep practicing, and be sure to help your mother while I'm at work then I promise I'll teach you to run even faster than me.”

Sable smiled, “Ok then, I'll get on that right away.”

As Sable ran off both Gem and Pearl trotted up to Star Bolt, Gem looked at Pearl and asked, “Sweetie do you want to show daddy what we did today?”

Pearl held out a flowerpot full of planting soil, “Um daddy? This is for you. Me and mommy planted it today.”

Star Bolt took the flowerpot and smiled, “Thank you Pearl, what is it going to be?”

Pearl Smile, “Someday… it will be a beautiful rose bush.”

Star Bolt smiled at her innocents, and handed it back to her, “Than can I trust you to take care of it until it gets big enough to plant? I'm afraid I'm no good at taking care of any other kinds of flowers.”

Pearl asked, “Other kinds? What other kinds of flowers?”

Star Bolt patted her on the head, “You and your mother of course. So can I count on you to take care of it till then?”

Pearl smile, “Ok I'll take good care of it.”

Pearl trotted off with the flowerpot while Gem smiled and spoke, “That was a little cheesy, don’t you think?”

Star Bolt replied, “Well she is still too young to know that. So how was your day so far?”

“The usual day to day bit, but I am concerned, why did you leave this morning in a hurry?”

Star Bolt looked at her with a serious expression and replied, “Let’s go inside… I have to tell you something, and I don’t want the foals to worry.”

Star Bolt and Gem both went inside leaving both foals outside playing.

When the door was shut Gem asked, “Star, what is it? If you don’t want the foals too know about it, then it must involve the Lightning Orb.”

Star Bolt sighed then replied, “The Celestial Crusaders are here.”

“What?”

“Just on the other side of the forest, a force of more than one thousand troops.”

Gem didn’t know how to feel about this situation, “Why are they here?”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “They came to try and recruit me. They know about the Lightning Orb and they wanted me to join them.”

Gem put her hoof on his shoulder and replied, “Did you talk to them or something? How do you know this?”

One approached me today, he tried to convince me that it was a good idea, but I made it abundantly clear that I didn’t want to have anything to do with their war. But that’s not what worries me.”

“What? Then what’s worrying you?”

Star Bolt looked her in the eye and replied, “The Nightmare Legion is on the way here for the same reason. They want to recruit me too. They aren’t here yet but when they get here then there is a good chance this war will hold its next battle here on dragon mountain.”

“What should we do?”

Star Bolt replied as seriously as possible, “Take the foals and go to Cloudsdale, maybe I can get in contact with Mr. Myer to find a place for you three to stay.”

“You three? You’re not coming with us?”

Star Bolt shook his head, “I have to stay here and uphold my agreement with the dragons. It’s my duty t…”

Gem interrupted Star Bolt with anger in her voice, “NO!”

“What?”

Gem started to tear up as she replied, “You heard me Star… no… I'm not going anywhere.”

“Gem please, this isn’t the time t…”

With tears rolling down her face, Gem reached out and hugged Star Bolt as tightly as she could, “This is my home, you’re telling me to leave my home and leave you behind. The last time I left my home and left somepony behind… they died… do you hear me Star… they died, telling me to run to safety… my parents… the only family I had… the ponies whose death nearly sent me into darkness. I… I can’t experience that again. I... please don’t put me through that Star… please.”

Star Bolt hugged her back, “Ok Gem, I won’t send you away but you must promise me something first, if things seem to get bad around here, then you must leave. If something were to happen to you or the foals. I would be the one to fade into darkness, and with my gift, it could lead to something bad. So please promise me.”

Gem backed up and kissed Star Bolt, then she replied, “I promise, I won’t allow anything bad to happen to us.”

Before Star Bolt could reply, the front door flew open and Pearl came sprinting into the room, “MOMMY!! DADDY!!! HELP THERE IS A DRAGON OUT THERE!!!”

Pearl ran up and hid behind Gem. As she shivered in fear, Gem patted her on the back, “It’s ok Pearl, remember the dragons are our friends.”

Pearl replied, “Are… are you sure?... They’re still scary…”

Star Bolt, and Gem made their way to the door with Pearl clinging to them like glue. As Star Bolt trotted out into the yard he spoke to the dragon, “Elder its nice of you to come and visit us, my guess is that you are here regarding what Thorn showed me this morning?”

The dragon elder wasted no time at all, “Star Bolt, you’re coming with me.”

Star Bolt felt worried about the tone the elder used, “Where are we going?”

“We must speak with the council about a pressing matter that has been bothering me since this morning.”

“What matter would that be Elder?”

“War.”

The rain ran down Star Bolt’s face, as he continued arranging the clouds in the sky for the scheduled afternoon storm. Though he positioned each cloud perfectly, he wasn’t thinking about his work at all. The only thing running through his mind was the meeting that he had with the dragon council the previous day. Star Bolt looked through the dark haze of the storm at the Celestial camp. The only thing visible through the haze was the torches at the camp’s borders. While he looked at the camp his thoughts continued to stay on that meeting, the anger between the dragons, and the betrayal that almost ensued was playing back in his mind over and over.

“We must do something about this threat before the Nightmare Legion arrives! I say if the Crusaders want Him then they should just take him and leave!”

The Elder spoke over the angered dragon, “Star Bolt is a member of this clan! To betray him is to betray us all! We can’t just hand him over like a piece of fruit to that army, especially if he doesn’t want anything to do with this war.”

“Why are you defending him elder! With the ability he knows, he has always been a threat to the clan. To let him stay would be a big mistake.”

The elder yelled aloud, “He has been nothing if not loyal to the clan for almost a decade now! To cast him out now would disgrace what we all stand for.”

Star Bolt stepped forward, “Brothers please, I…”

“YOU ARE NOT OUR BROTHER!!! You are a pony and a…”

The Elder interrupted the angered dragon, “And a loyal friend! What would you suggest we do?”

The dragon looked at Star Bolt, “Would you fight for either army?”

Star Bolt shook his head, “NO!”

“Then Leave the mountain! If you refuse to fight, then both sides will fight over you and that would put us all at risk.

Star Bolt yelled out, “AND WHAT OF NIGHTMARE MOON!?! If she arrives and I'm not here she won’t believe you when you tell her I just, up and left. She will bring her army and tear down this mountain rock by rock, until she is one hundred percent certain that I'm not here! It’s better for me to be here and tell her no, than for her to suspect you’re hiding me!”

The dragon elder smiled, “He is right, against Princess Celestia's forces we would devour them in no time at all. But Nightmare Moon is sure to fight alongside her troops. I have seen the power that an alicorn can hold. We would fall quickly to her might.”

The council dragons talked amongst each other than spoke, “Elder what do you suggest we do then?”

The elder looked at Star Bolt and replied, “Why don’t we let our voice decide.”

Star Bolt replied, “I will stay and allow myself to meet with both Commanders. I'll tell them straight, I want to have nothing to do with this war. If we are lucky, they both will pass us by. But I have a strong feeling that there will be a battle here. The only thing I'm uncertain of is, who is fighting who.”

The Dragon elder spoke next, “There you have it brothers, if this turns into a battle then we will gladly fight alongside Star Bolt and his family, however there is one condition. If either Nightmare Moon, or Princess Celestia join the battle to face us, then we will have no choice but to retreat. Risking the clan is something I cannot allow.”

The other members of the council spoke amongst each other than replied, “Very well, Star Bolt. We will leave this up to you, but I warn you, you are playing with powers that can only lead to destruction. Are you ready to accept the consequences of your actions?”

With his head held high Star Bolt replied, “I am.”

The elder then spoke, “That concludes this meeting, you may return to your family Star, we will send Thorn if we need something from you.”

After replaying the scene in his mind once more, Star Bolt flew above the rain clouds and looked at each clouds position. After deciding that they were placed properly, he stomped on the cloud closest to him creating a lightning chain that jumped from cloud to cloud until each cloud was producing its own lightning. After doing this, Star Bolt shook off the water and looked around. Above the clouds the sky was its usual red from the daily eclipse, while below the clouds, the rain, mist, and fog that Star Bolt created, made visibility difficult, so he just decided to take a few minutes to rest his wings. While standing high above the ground he could only imagine what his foals would be doing right now. Sable would be disappointed that his mother wouldn’t let him play in the rain, while Pearl would be scared of the storm all together. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought of whet Gem might be going through with them both.

While he was caught in his own daydream, Star Bolt started to hear some noise coming from the grown below, “Hurry up and get that vagon out of the mud, ve need to keep moving they should rendezvous vith us sometime today.”

“Ma’am, the vagon is too heavy, it’s starting to sink even deeper.”

When Star Bolt looked under the clouds, he noticed a small group of ponies gathered around a wagon that was stuck in the mud. In all, there were six earth ponies, five stallions and one mare. Star Bolt flew down and approached the mare, “Excuse me? Do you need any help?”

The mare turned and replied, “Oh! You surprised me… yes if you could help us, ve vould appreciate it.”

Star Bolt griped the edge of the wagon and lifted it into the air while the other ponies tried pulling the wagon out of the mud puddle.

After the wagon was back on solid ground Star Bolt turned to the mare, “What exactly are you ponies doing this close to Dragon Mountain?”

The mare looked at Star Bolt and replied, “Oh my apologies, my name is Roza Neghvelskie, ve are delivering supplies to some comrades in Manehatten.”

Star Bolt replied, “Manehatten? You and your group seem to be way off course.”

Roza embarrassingly smiled, “Yea, ve aren’t from Equestria, so ve got lost… and this storm didn’t help us either.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Sorry, I don’t call the weather, I just do what’s scheduled.”

Roza continued, “It vould help us a lot, if you could lead us through the forest, we just need to find the road to Manehatten.”

Star Bolt thought to himself for a few seconds, these ponies were no doubt from a country far from Equestria, the wagon they were pulling was moderately heavy, and other than their accent, there was nothing suspicious about them. Roza then added, “Vith your help, navigating through both this forest and this storm vill be a lot easier.”

Star Bolt looked at the overcast could cover, then he replied, “The storm will end soon but afterword’s there will be a thickened fog… not to mention the eclipse will be setting within the next few hours. It’d probably be a good idea for me to lead you to the edge of the forest, at least. But from there, you and your group will be on your own.”

Roza smiled and replied, “That vould be helpful, from there ve can find our own vay.”

As the group traveled, Star Bolt thought it was somewhat funny that all the stallions in the group were unusually silent; they also seemed very buff for basic delivery ponies. Roza asked him, “I don’t believe you gave us your name, vhat vould it be?”

Star Bolt replied as they continued, “My name is Star Bolt, I am the weather pegasus for this area.”

“I hear that the veather pegasus for this area, has to be strong. Especially since this area belongs to the dragons that own this mountain. Is that right?”

“Yes, it took a long time before I gained the councils trust, but luckily, the dragon elder accepted me first. If not for his wisdom and support, the rest of the dragons would have killed me by now.”

Roza smiled, “It must be very lonely living vay out on this mountain… I vonder, do you have a special somepony to vait for this… veather pegasus to get off of vork?”

Star Bolt stopped and turned to look at Roza who only smiled back. He smiled as he started back on the path, “I do, my wife and foals. Without them, I wouldn’t have the motivation to continue what I do.”

The rain stopped, as the fog rolled in making things more difficult to see. Roza continued, “I’ve alvays vondered vhat it vould be like to have a special somepony to go home to. I suppose, I'll continue searching.”

Star Bolt blushed a little as he replied, “Its defiantly something that I hope everypony could feel at least once in their life.”

Roza started to change the subject as the fog got thicker, “It’s getting even harder to see, vhy is it that the veather should vork against me.”

“The humidity in the fog helps the plants that are under trees get moister. Otherwise I’d see no reason to allow the fog to gather.”

“Hmm… I guess that makes sense. It vould still help if it vasn't blocking our view.”

“Don’t worry, there is the edge of the forest now, the road is on the other side of the tree line.”

As the group emerged from the forest, Star Bolt turned and spoke, “Here you are, just follow this road and you should be in Manehatten in about a day, two if you decide to rest for the night. Nevertheless, I would be careful if I were you. Yesterday I received word that the Nightmare Legion was in Manehatten. You might run into them on your way there.”

Roza smiled, “Don’t vorry about us, ve know how to deal vith the Nightmare legion.”

Roza turned to one of the ponies she was traveling with and spoke, “This is the place, Send the signal!”

Star Bolt was confused, “Signal?”

The stallion closes to the wagon reached into the back and pulled out a bow and an arrow with an unusual shaped tip. After striking the tip against the wagon the arrow busted into flame similar to somepony striking an ordinary match. Then he drew the bow and fired the arrow into the sky. A few seconds later Star Bolt saw another burning arrow fly into the sky from the other side of the fog. As he watched the direction the arrow came from, he could hear noised approaching them, it sounded like either metal chains or metal plates clanking against each other. Up ahead a large number of silhouettes started to appear through the fog and haze, slowly Star Bolt started to recognize the armor that they were wearing. Star Bolt mumbled to himself, “The Nightmare Legion.”

Then Star Bolt was shocked when he recognized the pony leading the group of soldiers, “Hello… Noname, long time no see.”

Star Bolt glared at his old nemesis and replied, “You… I should have guessed somepony like you would be in the Nightmare Legion.”

The Bully smiled, “You can call me Sergeant Major now, I'm not as weak as I once was.”

Star Bolt turned to Roza and her group, it was then he realized the other ponies in her group were putting on Red armor, “Care to explain Ms. Roza?”

Roza replied with little shame in her voice, “I haven’t been real honest about who I am… My name is General Roza Neghvelskie; General of the Hooviet Union Army, and ally to the Nightmare Legion. I'm sorry I had to trick you Mr. Bolt. And I really do appreciate the guidance through this forest.”

Star Bolt Sneered at Roza, “You used me?…”

“Hey, whatever happened to messy mane, Noname? I hear that you two got married. I should have guessed it would happen eventually. You two were always perfect for each other, she was a reject… and you were a freak. The perfect couple of losers I ever saw.”

Star Bolt looked at The Sergeant Major and replied, “You must really want a repeat of what happened all those years ago, don’t you?”

General Roza spoke next, “Vhere is Commander Snow? I vas expecting him to meet me.”

The Sergeant Major replied, “The Commander and the rest of the brass aren’t here, they moved ahead.”

The Sergeant Major then looked at Star Bolt and smiled, “Better hurry home, my guess is he is probably talking to Mrs. Noname, right now.”

Star Bolt’s expression when quickly from rage to worry, “Gem.”

With one fierce push off the ground, Star Bolt flew into the sky and darted over the trees, quickly vanishing into the haze and mist. As Star Bolt disappeared onto the distance the Sergeant Major smiled, “It looks like this day has gotten a lot more interesting.”

Star Bolt flew as fast as he could through the fog. Part of him was saying that he had to warn the dragons of the Nightmare Legions arrival, but his actions were solely set on getting to Gem and the foals as fast as possible. As Star Bolt flew, he tried to watch the ground in case he flew over the Nightmare legion’s soldiers but both the fog and tree branches covered most of the trails through the forest so it was impossible to see where they were, even if they were down there. Star Bolt arrived at his cabin and slowly approached the door, it didn’t seem like there was any noise going on inside, nor was there any sign of forced entry, so he opened the door and entered his home with caution.

As he entered the living room he immediately froze, in the room along with Gem, was three soldiers of the Nightmare Legion. A pegasus carrying a pike with a blade on both ends, an axe mare with a very large axe holstered on her side, and a suave swords pony who looked very sophisticated for a nightmare soldier. The swords pony looked at Star Bolt and greeted him, “Ah… Mr. Bolt I presume, please join us, we have been discussing some details of your beautiful home with your lovely wife here. The detail on this cabin seems so distinct and quaint, it’s hard to believe that it was built by a barbaric species like dragons.”

Without saying a word, Star Bolt trotted past his guest and straight to Gem, then he whispered to her, “Are you ok? How are the foals?”

She whispered back, “I'm fine Star; the foals are in their rooms I told them to stay put until I go get them. Is everything alright? I wasn’t expecting you home until later.”

“I ran into the legions front line, we’ll talk about that later though. Go see to the foals, I'll handle this.”

Gem kissed him and replied, “Be careful Star.”

As Gem went into the other room, Star Bolt turned and started talking to his guest, “Why are you here?”

The swords pony replied, “Oh dear me, where are my manners? My name is Commander Frances Snow the Third, but you can call me Commander Snow. and these are my most trusted soldiers, to my right the gentlecolt carrying the pike is Colonel Callous Drib, and to my left his fiancée, the lovely Major Ardent Viscous. We have come seeking your help Mr. Bolt… or do you mind if I call you Star?”

Star Bolt sneered at Commander Snow, “Mr. Bolt is fine.”

Recognizing Star Bolt’s attempts to offend him, Snow replied, “Oh… I see. Well Mr. Bolt, you do realize that this kingdom is at war. Furthermore, in this war we need soldiers who are brave, strong, confident, noble, and above all loyal. My cohorts and I believe that, we need a soldier… like you.”

Star Bolt stared at them with an unamused stare and replied, “a soldier like me? well keep looking I'm not interested. and I guarantee you will find another pony in Cloudsdale with all the same attributes that your looking for.”

Commander Snow smiled and leaned forward in his seat, “We know… Mr. Bolt. We know about your talent, your ability, and the power it holds, and to be honest, I think it can be put to good use if you were to join the Nightmare Legion. I can already offer you a favorable position amongst my officers. In addition, that would guarantee safety for your family. So, what do you say? Will you join me?”

Star Bolt started to smile, “Snow…”

“Commander.”

“Snow… I'm going to say this once, and only once, so I’d suggest you listen to me. I don’t want to have anything to do with this war, I don’t want to fight in it, I don’t want to observe it, in fact I don’t even want to know who is winning or what will happen when they do. all I want to do is stay here on this mountain and do my job, by both providing weather for the region and keeping the peace between the dragons and ponies… that’s it. So I thank you for your kindness, but I will now ask you to leave.”

Commander Snow replied, “Mr. Bolt please listen t….”

“No, you listen. Ten years ago, I watched as the moon started to eclipse the sun for the very first time. Then a year later, I watched from the top of Dragon Mountain, with my pregnant wife, the war that is threatening the lives of the ponies of Equestria. Now you ask me to get involved in that war? No, I'm happy, I live in a small but happy home, in the dormant but peaceful forest, surrounded by dangerous but trustworthy dragons. This is my life, it’s not perfect but the only thing that doesn’t make it perfect, is the fact that day by day my foals live their life believing that beyond that forest is a happy world filled with smiling faces. But we know better… don’t we?”

Commander Snow stood up, “You know this isn’t the first time we will be asking you this question, but it will be the only time we ask you nicely. It isn’t wise to decline an offer like this, especially from the Nightmare Legion.”

Star Bolt shook his head, “I don’t care what you think, or what your concern is in this matter. I'm not fighting in this war, end of discussion. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to get back too.”

Colonel Drib spoke up, “Mr. Star… or whatever, if you will only allow me to explain the benefits of fighting for the Nightmare Legion, then I bet you would reconsider. All in all it will be ve…”

“Get this through your head! I'm not fighting for you. I'm not fighting for anything. All I want to do is stay here and live my life free of concern from this pointless war!”

Major Viscous stepped forward, “Um… Mr. Bolt? Please think of your foals… what if…”

Star Bolt sighed, “My foals are all I think about. I can’t leave them, they are my life, and if I go off and do something that endangers me or them, then I would never forgive myself.”

Commander Snow continued, “They will understand that you’re doing this to give them a better future. What better gift could a father give?”

Star Bolt looked Commander Snow in the eye and replied, “A father could be there for his foals. I grew up without one, and my wife’s was killed when she was young. I don’t expect a pampered Canterlot pony to understand. So I'm asking you kindly, to leave and forget your useless attempts to get me to join you… because I don’t care how hard you try, I won’t join the Nightmare Legion. Now GET OUT!”

Snow smiled and replied, “And what if I told you that I'm not leaving until you accept my offer?”

Star Bolt sneered at Commander Snow, “Then I'll give you an example of the power I hold.”

“Really, a pegasus who has had no experience in survival, verses a pony who has fought in two wars and survived countless battles? This should be very interesting. Should I give you a sword and make our way outside?”

Star Bolt trotted up to Snow and replied, “Why go outside? Why even give me a sword? I can take you, unarmed and without even trying.”

Snow smiled sinisterly, “Is that so!”

After Commander Snow spoke, he quickly tried to draw his sword, but before the sword was halfway out of it sheath, Star Bolt grabbed his hoof, pushed the sword back into its sheath, and punched Commander Snow with his other hoof. As Commander Snow fell back, Star Bolt pulled Snow’s sword from its sheath and pointed the blade at him, holding it about two inches from his face. However, before any other actions could be taken, Star Bolt felt a blade’s edge on both the back and the front of his throat. During the commotion, Both Colonel Drib and Major Viscous both readied their weapons in the most deadly way possible. Colonel Drib spoke, “You’re pretty good Bolt, but I would suggest you drop the sword. That is, unless you want to leave this room without your head.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Go for it Colonel, either way I'll be taking a pampered Canterlot Commander with me, so I think it will be worth it.”

Commander Snow was terrified but he did his best to hide it, “Can you really do it though? My guess is that you have never taken a life before, so I'm curious. If you had to, would you really kill me?”

Star Bolt glared into his eye’s and replied, “Should we find out?”

When Commander Snow saw that look in his eyes, he saw an unexpected emotion, the look in Star Bolt’s eyes was one of somepony who not only could kill, but he could even make a pony suffer if need be. Nevertheless, that look faded when a sound was heard, “Daddy?”

Star Bolt’s eyes lit up as if he had just woken from a dream. Star Bolt looked at the hallway and saw Pearl standing there with a look of terror I'm her face. Commander Snow saw this as a lifesaving coincidence, “Well since I see no need to permanently scar a daughter by killing her father in front of her, I’d say this is our cue to leave. Drib! Viscous! Lower your weapons and stand down!”

Doing as they were ordered, both Colonel Drib and Major Viscous lowered their weapons and stepped back from Star Bolt. Agreeing with Commander Snow was hard to do, but Star Bolt decided to lower the sword and stepped back as well. Commander Snow picked himself off the floor and dusted himself off, “I'll expect an answer soon Mr. Bolt and I hope you consider the wellbeing of you and your family.”

Star Bolt stuck the sword into the floor in front of him and replied, “Take your sword and your offer and get out.”

As Commander Snow followed his officers out the door he replied, “We will be back Mr. Bolt, and we will be expecting a better answer soon. Oh… and thanks again for your hospitality. You really do have a lovely home.”

As the door shut behind the officers, Pearl ran up to Star Bolt and hugged him in worry. she began to tear up as she spoke, “D-daddy? Why were they trying to hurt you?... who were those mean ponies?...”

Star Bolt hugged her back and tried to calm her down, “Its ok princess, those mean ponies won’t bother you ever again, and if they do I'll scare them off just like I did today ok. Don’t you remember, I can control thunderclouds and fly with dragons. If I can do all that with those scary things, then surly I can protect you from mean ponies like them… right? So don’t worry, be brave for me ok? as long as your brave, then I can be too.”

Pearl smiled as Gem and Able trotted into the room, “Ok daddy I'll be brave.”

Able ran up behind her “I'll be brave too daddy, no mean old pony will scare me, no matter how big his sword is.”

Gem smiled and trotted up to Star Bolt, “Is everything ok Star? You seem a little paler than usual.”

Star Bolt replied, “I had a bit of a close call back there, but I'm fine. From now on, I want you to be careful when you go outside ok. I hope you’re ready for what could happen next, because not a second went by that I didn’t think about what could happen to us if we stay here.”

Gem Kissed Star Bolt on the cheek and replied, “So long that we are together, we will be fine. That I guarantee.”

In the forest as the three officers trotted back to the Nightmare Legion’s front, Colonel Drib spoke, “Well, that was an interesting turn of events, I gotta say, we made a good impression on him, wouldn’t you say sir?”

Commander Snow Replied, “Drib… Shut up! That was pathetic! He made us… US!... The officers of the Nightmare Legion look like complete dupes!”

“Well he is a pegasus, we are known for having quick reflexes. Maybe it was a fluke.”

“Fluke or not, he will pay for making me look like a fool.”

Major Viscous commented, “Sir why don’t we back off for a little bit and give him time to calm down?”

Commander Snow replied with sarcasm, “Oh and maybe we can just march over to the Celestial Crusaders and tell them that we will surrender. If the Celestial Crusaders recruit him then we are done for. You saw how he fought, with those skills plus the Lightning Orb, he will be a problem in the future I'm sure of it.”

Major Viscous continued, “Well sir, you heard him yourself, he doesn’t want anything to do with this war, so why should we continue trying to recruit him anyway?”

“Look viscous, Nightmare Moon wants to have him as part of her ranks, and her order is law. We must get him to join the Nightmare legion at any cost.”

“All I'm saying sir, is that if he won’t get involved then we shouldn’t continue to try getting him involved, I mean wha…”

Commander Snow Replied with great irritation, “And who prey tell do you think you are giving me any form of order… Major. Last I checked, I'm the pony with a commander insignia on his armor, so if I were you I would silence yourself. That pony… that disrespectful peace of winged rubbish, made us look like a fool and I'm not going to allow a… peasant like him to humiliate me. He is going to pay, one way or other he will join the Nightmare Legion, even if I have to make him suffer for it. Mark my words now, He will pay for making me look like a fool.”

Gem stood with both her foals staring at the tombstone that sat in a small clearing a short distance from the cabin. Pearl trotted up and placed a small flower in front of the stone, as Gem started talking, “Sorry mom and dad, I know it’s been a while since I last came to see you… but things have been very troubling lately. I don’t know when the next time will be… but I hope I'll have good news by then. The Celestial Crusaders have been getting into small conflicts with the Nightmare Legion. The last one had five ponies killed on each side but both sides have been keeping to the treaty set by the dragon elder, so the clan hasn’t had to do anything about it. But… I'm worried about Star Bolt. He has had to stop controlling the weather all together so he can both keep us safe and keep the dragon council updated on both armies’ actions in the area. That’s all I have to say though. Pearl, Sable? Is there anything you want to say to grandma and grandpa before we go back to the house?”

Pearl stepped forward, “Today the rose bush I planted came out of the dirt. Soon me mommy and daddy will have to go plant it...”

Sable interrupted his sister, “Nopony wants to hear about a flower, Grandma, Granddad, today I beat my last record of running around the house three times before one minute was up. I wish you could have seen it. I was amazing, that mean Nightmare Legion won’t be able to slow me down any time soon, right mom?”

Gem shook her head, “Sable, let your sister finish. Go ahead sweetie.”

Pearl smile, “That’s ok mommy, I was done anyway… oh I forgot to mention I got a little better at flying but I think I'll keep gliding till I get a lot more practice. Ok mommy, now I'm done.”

Back at the mountain the Dragon Elder and Star Bolt were leaving the center cavern and on their way out to the outside of the main cave entrance. As they continued, Star Bolt was irritated at the last meeting with the council, so the elder tried to get him to blow off some steam, “You feeling ok Star?

“This is pointless and stupid.”

“I take it you enjoyed the last meeting.”

“Why do the rest of the council have to be such morons?”

“That’s a good question, maybe we should bring that up in the next meeting. I’ve been asking myself that for almost two hundred years now.”

“Don’t they see that this war won’t be ending anytime soon.”

“Tragic.”

“Don’t they realize they won’t get anything done if they continue sitting on their butts?”

“I never would have guessed.”

“They continue ignoring the problem at hoof, and all that does is increase the severity of it.”

“You don’t say?”

“Meanwhile they look at me and call me lazy, the stubborn bunch of gem eating lizards.”

“I hear ya.”

Star Bolt looked at the elder with an unamused expression, “You’re not paying attention to a word I'm saying… are you.”

The Elder smiled “Nope… not a one.”

Star Bolt sighed, “I know you can keep your cool in almost any situation elder, but can you at least once pretend you care. I'm starting to feel like I'm the crazy one here.”

“You are… but that’s not important right now. You need to understand that the council doesn’t want to increase conflict on this mountain. However, the battles are getting worse; at no time have either side made a threat to harm you, your family, or any of the dragons on this mountain so we continue to stay uninvolved. And that little stunt you pulled last week didn’t help either.”

Star Bolt replied, “Commander Snow and his lackeys threatened me in my own home… what did you expect me to do, roll over and play dead? Look, he rolled the dice himself, it’s not my fault he got snake eyes.”

The dragon elder continued, “That doesn’t matter, you did endanger your family by doing that. And I'm surprised he didn’t do anything in retaliation for it either.”

The two exited the cave and stood at the edge of the cliff looking in the distance as Star Bolt replied, “I know I should have handled that a different way but… well… Look out there and tell me what you see.”

The dragon elder sighed and replied, “Uh… nothing.”

Realizing who he was talking to Star Bolt replied, “Oh… right… you’re blind… sorry bout that. Nevertheless, do you know what I see? I see a forest that has been ravaged by countless battles, and two armies who refuse to choose another battleground free of civilians. I mean what will happen to the mountain in the next month? Soon all the plant life will die only to be trampled into the dirt.”

The elder replied, “So you’re continuing to leave the weather as it is?”

Star Bolt replied, “Cloudsdale can bite me, my family and the clan come first. Besides, I haven’t heard any complaints about clear skies every day, so what’s there to worry about?”

“Speaking of family, do you know where yours is right now?”

“Gem said she was going to see her parent’s grave today. So that’s where they are.”

The elder smiled, “That’s good, and maybe it will take her mind off of this war… though I don’t think it will pit it on anything happier.”

Star Bolt looked at the elder, “You never told me how it happened, why that dragon killed them.”

The elder lowered his head in shame and replied, “There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t blame myself.”

Star Bolt was confused, “Huh?”

“A long time ago, I met a young dragon that I knew would someday bring a bad omen. He grew up cocky, arrogant, and self-centered, but he also had a silver tongue. I knew of his dishonesty, but the rest of the council bought into his charade. So when time came for him to be voted into the council, my vote was overruled by the rest of the council. Almost immediately, he became power hungry, trying to suggest we go to war with the ponies and take Equestria from them by force. Nevertheless, each time I denied it, saying that so long as there is peace between ponies and dragon, there was no need for war. However, one day I made the mistake by adding, and as long as we have Black Stone and his family that piece would always remain… That night, he attacked Black’s cabin and chased him his wife and is daughter into the forest. I don’t know how, but little Gem got away from him, but her parents weren’t so lucky. He cornered them in a thickened area, and burned them to death…”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “That’s… horrible.”

The Eder continued, “When we found them the next morning… it was difficult to even identify them… they were so badly burned that we assumed that Little Gem was reduced to ash. I was so infuriated, that before days end… I killed that dragon myself. My friend and his wife… such a terrible way to go. That’s why as soon as I heard you were married to little Gem that I could only assume she made it out alive.”

Star Bolt smiled, “So the only reason I was accepted into your clan is because I was married to Gem?”

The elder replied, “At the start… but what really sold me were the Lightning Orb, and your honesty when you told me that you wanted to live here to make her happy. Of any stallion who could have married her, I'm glad it was a pony like you.”

Star Bolt replied, “Thanks elder, it means a lot to both me, and Gem.”

The elder all of a sudden looked into the distance, “I hear something… it sounds like flapping, a large group of pegasi… right?”

Star Bolt looked into the distance, “It sure looks that way, a large group of pegasi just left the Celestial camp.”

The Elder continued, “How many? Are they violating the treaty?”

“No there’s nineteen total. There following the treaty but just barely.”

The Elder smiled, “Barely still wins a race, do you know what they are doing?”

“They are moving towards a sector of the forest, they are moving directly so it looks like they may have found a group of enemy soldiers hiding in the tree… oh… no…”

The elder could hear the fear in Star Bolt’s voice, “What is it Star? What’s the matter?”

Without replying Star Bolt dove off the cliff and flew towards the area the pegasi were approaching.

The Dragon elder didn’t know what was going on, all he did know was that something had terrified Star Bolt enough for him to leave without even replying to his question. Shortly after, the elder could hear sword on sword noises in the distance, then the elder realized what had scared Star Bolt so much, the noises of the starting battle… was coming from the area where Black Stone and his wife were buried.

Down in the forest Gem and her foals hid in bushes listening to the Nightmare Soldiers who were in the area, “Where are they?”

“Colonel Drib said they were spotted in this area.”

“Split up and find them, remember Commander Snow wants them… Alive.”

As they stayed hidden in the brush, a Celestial archer, approached them from behind and whispered, “Psst… Mrs. Bolt, over here.”

When the family looked back, Sable Jumped between his family and the archer, then he replied as quietly as he could “You get away from here. I don’t want to have to hurt you so you better go and leave my mommy and sister alone.”

The archer tried to calm Sable down, “Whoa, whoa, calm down little colt, I'm not here to hurt you or your family. I'm here to escort you to safety.”

Gem spoke next, “Safety? All we have to do is stay hidden and we will be fine. They are only here to fight your soldiers so why should we…”

“No, you don’t understand, they are here for you.”

“Us? What are you talking about?”

The archer tried to explain, “This morning we got an anonymous tip that the Nightmare Legion was sending troops this way to capture… you Mrs. Bolt, I don’t know why, but this was a direct order from Commander Snow himself.”

Gem became skeptic, “Who sent that tip?”

“We don’t know, but the last anonymous tip we received was just as true, so we trusted it. We need to go now; I'll escort you and your foals safely to the camp.”

As much as Gem hated to admit it, she needed his help to get out of the area so she and the foals started following the archer. After traveling a good distance from the gravesite the archer looked around, “I think we are safe for now.”

A familiar voice came from behind the group, “Just like a Celestial Crusader, always trying to think, too bad that’s what will get you killed out here. Isn’t that right, Messy Mane?”

As the group turned back the the Sergeant major, the Celestial Archer jumped between his objective and their enemy, “Mrs. Bolt quickly, run for cover, I'll hold him off.”

The archer tried to pull an arrow from his quiver and lay it across his bow but before he could draw it, The Sergeant Major threw his spear and imbedded it in the archers chest, “Not so fast crusader, I'm not done playing just yet.”

The archer fell to the ground, injured but not dead. Slowly Gem and the foals backed up from their enemy as he drew a sword and started trotting closer, “It’s been a long time Messy Mane, it looks like a reject like you and a freak like your husband are doing pretty well for yourselves that is, until you got on Commander Snow’s bad side.”

As the Sergeant Major approached the fallen archer, the archer called to Gem, “Mrs. Bolt get out of here!... you have to run!... you have to…”

Before the archer could finish his sentence, the Sergeant Major imbedded his sword in the archers head and killed him on the spot, “That’s enough out of you, Crusader. Can’t you see were catching up on some… unfinished business.”

Knowing that they were in terrible danger, Sable stepped in front of his mother and sister, “You… you better get back… I'm… I'm warning you.”

The Sergeant Major laughed as he continued getting closer to them, “You’re very brave colt, I’ll commend you on that. But you’re also very stupid. The commander said he needed only one of you alive, so as for the other two, I can kill if I want, so which will it be? Messy Mane, Noname Jr. or little Messy Mane? Things have changed, I have no problem with killing fillies… no matter what their age.”

The terrified colt stood his ground but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop shivering in fear from his father’s old rival. As the Sergeant Major approached the colt, he smiled and raised his sword, “Looks like you’re first, say goodbye littl…”

All of a sudden, Star Bolt dove out of the sky and kicked the pegasus in the face, sending him flying through the air away from the terrified colt and on the other side of the fallen archer. Then Star Bolt pulled the spear from the archer’s chest, held it at the ready, and sarcastically replied to the Sergeant Majors words, “Goodbye!”

The Sergeant Major shuffled to his hooves and sneered at Star Bolt, “Well, looks like the gang is all here, what a wonderful reunion this is, too bad I'm going to have to cut it short by cutting your throat. Funny you have a knack for showing up when you’re not needed Noname, what’s your secret? Another one of your freakish powers, or do you just like annoying me?”

Star Bolt smiled, “You tormented me as a foal, you threaten my wife, and you raised your sword to my son… you’re going to die today, I'll see to that myself.”

The Sergeant Major raised his sword and pointed it at Star Bolt, “THEN DRAW FREAK!”

Immediately the stallion flew through the air and swung his sword. Star Bolt managed to block it, but he was amazed at both the speed and the force that the sword had when it hit the spear, this was the first time he had ever fought against anypony who is armed, so he wasn’t sure as to how it would end. However, with his wife and foals just feet away, he wasn’t going to risk anything on this fight. The Sergeant Major swung the sword again and again, each time having the blade blocked by Star Bolt’s spear. However no matter how hard he tried, Star Bolt couldn’t get the chance to counter the skilled stallion, his training on the Lightning Orb didn’t help if he couldn’t get the time to focus. While the Sergeant Major was attacking, he started to taunt Star Bolt, “C’mon freak, do you plan on blocking me all day or do you plan to fight back anytime soon.”

Star Bolt didn’t reply, with all his focus on guarding himself from the continuous attacks he couldn’t, he could only back up with each blocked swing. Unfortunately while backing up he failed to notice a tree root that curved out of the ground behind him. While blocking an attack from below, he raised himself up on his hind hooves, but when he tried to get his footing, he tripped over the root and fall on his back. Now that his back was on the ground, the Sergeant Major saw this as an opportunity. He focused on a continuous attack at the same place over and over. Like the rest, Star Bolt was able to block it, but the continuous impact on the same place of the spear wore it away until finally it broke in two. When the spear shattered, Star Bolt held both ends of the spear in each hoof, with an expression of shock and worry. The pegasus smiled, “Well Noname, it looks like this is going to end now. It’s too bad Commander Snow wanted to recruit you, but I’ve been chewed out by him before so it doesn’t bother me one bit to give him the bad news… Good-bye… Freak!”

The Sergeant Major held his sword up with the intent to make this a killing blow, but before he could bring it down and end his rivals life, an arrow whistled through the air and hit the pegasus in his forearm piercing it completely and causing him to drop the sword. Slowly the Sergeant Major lowered his hoof and looked at the arrowhead that was on one side of his forearm then he looked at the flight that was on the other side. With a shocked and speechless expression on his face, he slowly turned his head in the direction the arrow came from. Standing over the body of the fallen archer, on her hind hooves using her wings to keep her balance was Mrs. Noname herself. Gem stood with the bow still raised and an expression of rage filled hatred, as the Sergeant Major spoke, “Y-you… did?... did you just… Shoot me?... did you actually shoot me with an arrow?... DID YOU JUST HIT ME WITH AN ARROW!?!...”

Suddenly Gem realized what she just did. She dropped the bow and took a few steps back in fear, “Did… did I?...”

“YOU JUST SHOT ME DIDN’T YOU!!! I CANT BELIEVE YOU JUST SHOT ME!!! … I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU CRAZY BITC…”

Before the pegasus could finish the sentence, Star Bolt took the half of the spear that had the blade and jammed it into the pegasus’ chest. When the Sergeant major fell to the ground, Star Bolt griped the spear as hard as he could and continued vigorously stabbing the old rival over and over making one hundred percent sure that he would never get up again. After a short time of continuous stabbing, Star Bolt let go of the spear and stared at his dead foe, “He… he’s dead. I actually killed him…”

Star Bolt looked at the blood that had gotten on his hooves while he was stabbing the old rival. This was the first time he had ever taken a life. It was the first time he permanently removed a pony from existence, and if he wanted to continue protecting his family, it wouldn’t be the last. Star Bolt wiped the enemy’s blood from his face, and slowly trotted away from the fallen foe, leaving the spear stuck in his corpse.

Gem stood in a state of shock, not only at the violent way Star Bolt killed their old rival, but she still couldn’t believe that she actually took the dead archers bow, drew one of his arrows, and hit their old nemesis from their foalhood days without any concern for her own life. As Star Bolt approached Gem, she was still speechlessly staring at the bow that lay on the ground in front of her. Star Bolt could see the fear in her eyes so he hugged her and spoke softly, “It’s ok Gem, it’s over. He won’t bother us again… it’s finally over.”

Gem broke out in tears and as she replied, “I… I don’t know what came over me… I… I can’t believe I did that, I can’t believe I could do that… why… why must we live like this… why can’t we ever escape from that horrible place… why…”

Gem continued crying on his shoulder as Star Bolt tried to comfort her, “Its finally over Gem, we don’t ever have to see, or even hear about that place ever again, I promise.”

As Star Bolt stood trying to calm Gem down, Sable slowly approached them, “Um… mommy… daddy… are… are you ok?”

Gem wiped the tears from her face and smiled at Sable, “I'm fine, mommy is just so happy we are all ok.”

Star Bolt smiled and spoke, “I'm proud of you Sab, you did what you could to protect you mother and sister, thank you son, you made me proud.”

Sable smiled and run up and hugged the two. Star Bolt looked over at Pearl who was holding her ground in fear of what had just happened, “Pearl? Are you ok sweetie?”

Star Bolt took a step towards her, but when he did, Pearl took a step back. He lowered his head, “I know you have always been afraid of many things, and I don’t expect you to trust me after seeing what just happened, but please… don’t be afraid of me. I… everything I did was to protect you, your brother, and your mother, so please… please don’t be afraid of me.”

Pearl didn’t reply, she only held her distance from her father. Star Bolt wiped a tear from his eye as he spoke, “Ok… I understand… this isn’t easy for you to forget.”

Finally, she looked at the ground then replied, “My rose bush… my rose bush sprouted out of the dirt today, do… do you want to go see it daddy? It isn’t pretty yet but… mommy said that it needs more time before a flower grows from it.”

Star Bolt looked up at her and smiled in relief, “Then… then let’s go see it. In fact we will all go see it, together.”

Pearl galloped as fast as she could to her father and hugged him, “I was so scared, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t even run away.”

“It’s ok Pearl, you’re safe now and that’s all that matters…”

Sable ran up to his sister, “Don’t worry sis, daddy will protect us from any mean old soldiers. Remember he is the best.”

While Sable was bragging about how brave his father was, Star Bolt looked over at Gem and smiled when he noticed something different, “Nice flank hun…”

Gem gave him an unamused look, “Really Star? Of all times, and all the moments, this is the one that you choose to…”

Star Bolt started to laugh, “Just look Gem.”

Gem looked at her flank and noticed that her cutie mark had appeared, “What? My cutie mark? Its… an arrow sticking out of a diamond? But what does that mean?”

Star Bolt replied, it means that your talent is the bow, you did hit him in the forearm from that distance, I’d say it was a pretty good shot for your first time. that would also explain why you have such good eyes.”

The foals started cheering for their mother, “YAY MOMMY GOT HER CUTIE MARK!!! YAY, YAY!!!”

Gem looked at the mark in disappointment, “This means my talent… is to be in this war?”

Star Bolt replied, “No. this means your talent is to protect those you love with a bow, so I’d suggest, you take this one with you.”

Star Bolt picked up the bow, trotted over to the archer’s body, and gathered his arrow and quiver, “Rest in peace soldier, and thank you for trying to protect my family.”

As Star Bolt handed the quiver and bow to Gem, Thorn flew up and called to Star Bolt, “Star! Are you and your family ok? The elder was worried when you flew off without so much as an explanation.”

Star Bolt replied, “We’re fine Thorn, but we need help getting back to the house in one…”

Just then an arrow flew out of nowhere and hit Thorn in his left eye. Thorn covered his eye and roared in a feat of pain and anger. While thorn was holding his eye, Star Bolt got a good look at the flight of the arrow, it was blue, “The Nightmare Legion deliberately attacked a dragon?” Thorn took off into the sky and circled around; Star Bolt immediately recognized this tactic. It was a strategy tough to assault dragons when they needed to attack ground forces… A tactic that involved burning them alive.

Star Bolt quickly picked up Sable and Yelled to Pearl and Gem. “WE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE! FOLLOW ME!!!”

Star Bolt took off into the sky with Sable in his arms, as Gem and Pearl followed closely behind. Moments after they got out of the forest and into the sky, Thorn dove down and blew fire onto the forest as he flew over the fighting soldiers, torching everything in a fiery blasé that engulfed every living thing below him, to include plants, animals, and ponies. Star Bolt flew strait towards Dragon Mountain as he tried as hard as he could to ignore the screams of the soldiers in the forest and the fierce roars of the enraged Thorn. As soon as Star Bolt landed on the mountain, the elder stood facing the burning forest, “Star Bolt!!! The air is filled with the smell of blood and death! What has happened to thorn?”

Star Bolt looked into the distance and watched as thorn was still unleashing his fury on the now defeated soldiers, “Elder I need to call an emergency meeting of the council. I believe the Nightmare Legion just declared war on Dragon Mountain.”

Back at the Celestial Camp Commander Mist stood next to Colonel Storm watching the chaos in the forest, Colonel Storm spoke, “It looks like the Nightmare legion has gone and made some new enemies.”

Commander Mist only shook his head, “No, the dragon will be angry at all soldiers, not just the Nightmare Legion, and I hear that Hooviet forces have linked with the legion too, now we are outnumbered. Is there any word from Colonel Silas and his troops?”

Storm replied, “They should be here in the morning, but even the secondary forces are only a fraction to the Nightmare Legions troops…”

“This is why you will need my help.”

Both Colonel Storm and Commander Mist turned around. Standing behind them was a mare carrying a large scythe and wearing a black cloak. The mare smiled and spoke again, “Good evening Commander Mist, I’ve heard a lot about you though I can’t say I like what I’ve heard.”

Commander Mist replied, “This is a restricted area, who are you, and how did you get past my guards!”

The mare shook her head, “Your guards were easier to get past than a sleeping sloth. Besides my reputation wouldn’t allow me to be seen entering your camp now would it. I mean, what would they say if The Reaper was spotted by two bit Celestial guards, I wouldn’t be able to show my face around the underground ever again… that is if I ever decide to go back to them.”

Both Commander Mist and Colonel Storm raised their weapons and held them at the ready as Commander Mist replied, “Did you say The Reaper? You mean The Reaper, of The Cutters?”

The mare smiled, “Don’t worry commander as a mercenary I don’t make it my business to start a fight without being paid up front… however I want to offer my assistance to you.”

Colonel Storm replied, “Forget it! we had enough of The Cutters during the Griffon Civil War, besides we don’t have any funds or resources to trade for any mercenary support.”

The reaper replied, “Don’t worry I'll give you a special discount, how does… free sound.”

“Free?”

“Is that too much?”

Commander Mist Replied, “And why is it that you are performing such an act of charity? What exactly is in it for you?”

The Mare lowered her head, “I'm just repaying a long and forgotten debt to that stallion out there. So do we have a deal?”

Commander Mist sighed, “I suppose we do, however I don’t want you doing anything to threated the life of my soldiers or the dragons… is that clear?”

The Mare smiled, “Then my Scythe is under your command.”

Commander Snow, Colonel Drib, Major Viscous, and General Roza approached the group that so patiently waited for them just outside the Nightmare Legion’s camp. As they approached, General Roza noticed the bed sheet that was covering Thorns Eye, as a makeshift bandage. She whispered to Commander Snow, “Commander? Do you have anything to do vith that dragon’s injury?”

The smug commander replied quietly, “That my dear, is the business of the Nightmare Legion… Not the Hooviet Union, I’d suggest you remember to focus on your troops, and your business Roza, you wouldn’t want to venture into something that you shouldn’t.”

Then Snow called out to his guest, “Ah Mr. Bolt what a pleasant surprise, what is it that allows you to grace us with your presents? Oh and I see you brought some rather interesting guests, I believe I’ve met one of you before though I wouldn’t say it was a gracious meeting, but the other I haven’t had the honor.”

Star Bolt wasted no time, “Can it Commander! You know why we are here, the dragon elder and I want to discuss the matter involving the dragon that we brought with us.”

Commander Snow replied, “Ah yes, I almost forgot… how will you be paying for his crime.”

Star Bolt was confused, “Crime?”

“Well yes, this dragon has committed a serious crime. He murdered more than ten of my soldiers; burned them alive, and I feel that some compensation needs to be paid.”

Star Bolt sneered at Commander Snow, “This Dragon, was defending himself after being attacked by one of your soldiers, it was a nightmare arrow we pulled out of his eye.”

Commander Snow smiled, “Yes but it was fired in self-defense because I believe you killed one of my soldiers prior to the incident.”

“YOUR SOLDIER WAS GOING TO KILL MY WIFE AND FOALS UNDER YOUR ORDER!!!”

“Mr. Bolt please, there is no need to yell. the order I gave my soldiers was to retrieve your wife so that I may discuss with her about what could convince you to join my side. That’s all, surely, you’re not going to penalize my whole army because one soldier decided to act on his own discretion. It’s not my fault you seem to have enemies in drastically low places. Maybe you should work on your social skills.”

With every passing word out of Commander Snow’s mouth, Star Bolt grew more and more furious at the smug earth pony, but he held his composer as much as he could and replied, “So your saying this whole issue is my fault?”

Commander Snow nodded his head, “It appears so, and I am willing to overlook every crime you and your… Pet committed, if you join the Nightmare Legion, however the offer for a position as an officer has expired, but I can promise safety for your family… how does that sound.”

The Enraged Thorn replied, “Pet? PET! Did you call me a pet you smug little hay eating earth shi…”

“Thorn! Calm down…. So you want me to join you, and you will forget this whole mess right? That’s your offer?”

Commander Snow smiled, “Is that satisfactory?”

Star Bolt sneered at Commander Snow, “Here is my offer, the council has made a decision based on your actions. They are giving you three days to pack up your army and leave this area, or we will return and we will bring a force that will make Thorns actions on your army look like the sparks from striking a match, am I clear?”

The dragon elder continued, “And my army will not show mercy, also your soldiers will no longer be allowed to enter the forest. If anyone of your soldiers is caught in or above the forest, they will immediately be executed on sight. So how’s that for an offer… pony.”

Commander Snow looked at his officers then looked back at Star Bolt, “I'll consider your offer; however I don’t think Nightmare Moon will like what she hears.”

Star Bolt continued as he turned around, “Well miss majesty will have to deal with it, I'm not going to listen to the rants from her little pampered earth puddle. So you will pass the word and take it, or we will attack you, and trust me, Thorn is moderately young dragon with little experience in fighting, wait until you see the assault dragons in action. I only hope you die quickly so there will be no suffering. Let’s go elder, Thorn… we are done here.”

As Star Bolt flew into the sky with the dragons following, Star Bolt looked at the elder, “So… he was lying wasn’t he? About considering the offer?”

“Oh yea, big time. He already made his decision before we asked. But I’d be careful, I noticed a little bit of desperation in his voice, a pony like that will do anything to win.”

“I agree, we need to be careful from here on out.”

Thorn looked at Star Bolt, “Where to now? The Celestial Camp?”

“Yea, we need to speak with Commander Mist and see what his plans are. We won’t join him, but because of his support in helping my wife yesterday I want to at least thank him personally.”

Back on the ground General Roza looked at Commander Snow, “Vhat Vas he talking about, trying to kill his vife and foals? Vere you actually directing action upon innocent civilians?”

Snow replied “General! You better learn your place, what I order my soldiers to do is none of your concern.”

Roza sneered at Commander Snow, “There is no honor in this!”

“Dually noted.”

Commander Snow then turned to his officers, “Mr. Bolt is starting to try my patience, I believe its time we change tactics on him… rather than getting to join by cheap bluffing, I believe it’s time we aim for the heart. Colonel, gather your strongest pegasi, and archers, I have a special mission for you. Viscous, I want you to gather three of your fasts runners and every unicorn you have to spare.”

Viscous spoke up, “Sir, he won’t join us, provoking him will only worsen our chances at…”

“MAJOR! I’ve had just about enough of you questioning of my orders, you will do as I say or I will demote you and promote somepony who will, AM I CLEAR! Now Shut up and go! I want to pay Mrs. Bolt a very special visit, before nightfall.”

Commander Snow turned around and mumbled to himself as he trotted away, “Pampered poodle huh, we’ll see who the real mongrel is at the end of this day.”

Just outside the Celestial Camp, Star Bolt, the elder and thorn landed and approached a guard who nervously pointed their spear at them, “St- Stay back! Who are you and why are you here? Are you a member of the Nightmare Legion?”

Star Bolt tried to calm the guard down, “Its ok sir, my name is Star Bolt, I'm here to speak with Commander Mist!”

The guard replied, “Over my dead bo…”

“Stand down soldier! I know who this pony is and I wanted to meet him anyway.”

Commander Mist trotted past the guard and approached Star Bolt and the dragons, “It’s nice to finally meet the stallion who outsmarted Colonel Storm, and survived the battle yesterday while protecting his family. You have a lot of potential, and don’t worry, you already told Colonel Storm that you wanted nothing to do with this war, so I'll respect that, and I won’t bother asking. Tough I am concerned, why would you request to meet me?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yesterday you received an anonymous tip about my wife’s location and the soldiers who were trying to kidnap her. First I want to thank you for sending a force to try and lead her to safety, and next I want to know where you got your information.”

Commander Mist smiled, “It appears we had a mercenary monitoring the actions near this mountain. I don’t know her full intentions, but she offered her services just yesterday. Now, she is not only one of my most valuable asset, but she is an expert spy.”

Star Bolt looked at the elder for confirmation, in which the elder nodded his head saying that he was telling the truth. Thorn Stepped forward, “Commander? Were any of your soldiers killed yesterday due to my actions?”

Commander Mist nodded his head, “I lost seven yesterday in that fight, to include the one killed protecting Mrs. Bolt and her foals.”

Thorn lowered his head, “I am truly sorry for that, I lost my temper and saw no difference between friend and foe, so I killed all I could see and I would like to offer my sincerest of appo…”

“It’s ok dragon, in the heat of battle, we all tend to lose a sight of ourselves, though I do feel for those lost, all we can do is finish this war, then we can mourn over them.”

The elder dragon spoke next, “Commander, you speak with honor, when you believe you deserve none, and you’re completely honest with us thus far. I came here to see if you were as big a tyrant as Commander Snow was, and now that I know who you really are, all I can say is welcome. You, your army, and your actions will receive no trouble from the clan. Of this, you have my word as the elder dragon. Though I ask you, will you lend your support if we are to fight against the Nightmare Legion?”

Commander Mist smiled, “It would be an honor and a privilege to fight alongside you.”

The dragon elder smiled and spoke to Star Bolt, “There! ya see? That’s how a pony should flatter a dragon, not one hint of sarcasm in his voice, you can learn a thing or two fro…”

The Elder froze and didn’t finish his sentence, when Star Bolt noticed this he asked, “Elder? What is it?”

The elder replied, “Somepony is here, very faint and hard to notice, but I can barely hear her…. To your left.”

Star Bolt looked to his left and saw the Reaper trotting casually by him, once he saw her scythe, he immediate became terrified of her. She had made it close enough to reach out and tap him on the shoulder but not one sound was heard from her, and he didn’t notice a thing out of place while his guard has been up since they arrived in the camp.

The Reaper saw the surprised expression on Star Bolt’s face as she trotted by so she intimidatingly winked at him as she started to speak, “I never met a dragon who can hear so well. You must not only be blind… but wise too.”

She continued over to Commander Mist and spoke aloud so everypony and dragon in the group could hear, “Commander we have a problem, the Nightmare Legion has mobilized two forces, one small and one massive, going way beyond the treaty.”

Commander Mist replied, “What are they doing Scy?”

“The large force is heading towards Dragon Mountain while the small is heading for Star Bolt’s cabin; we must move out immediately!”

Star Bolt stood in a state of shock but before he could say anything, the elder called out quickly, “Star! See to your family, Thorn I want you to assist me we are going back to the mountain to take down that large army. Please excuse us commander.”

Without waiting for a reply from Commander Mist, the two dragons jumped into the sky and headed for Dragon Mountain while Star Bolt did the same only his destination was his home. Commander Mist spoke to the guard standing next to him, “Get Colonel Storm and tell him to gather a large force and assist the dragons at dragon mountain, Reaper I want you to…”

When Commander Mist looked at the Reaper she was already gone, “Oh... she’s good.”

Star Bolt raced as fast as he could into the sky, but what he saw only terrified him more. From where he was in the sky, he could see his home, the place where Gem and his foals waited for him… was on fire. Star Bolt raced as fast as he could to get there before something bad could happen, as he arrived there he could see Gem standing outside traumatized, she sat on her knees, “NO!!!... PEARL!!!... No… this can’t happen… not again… I can’t have any more lost to fire… I can’t!…”

Sable ran up to his father, “DADDY! Pearl is still inside! we need to help her! we have to get her out!”

Star Bolt replied, “Take care of your mother I'm going to get Pearl!!!”

Star Bolt raced to the door and kicked it in, then he charged inside and frantically started searching for his daughter. Gem started to panic even more when she saw Star Bolt enter the house. She tried all she could to fly in after him but Sable clinched onto her wing as hard as he could, “We have to stay here mommy… we can’t go back inside, daddy will save her remember, nopony can beat daddy.”

Star Bolt went through the house as fast as he could calling out, “PEARL!!! PEARL!! WHERE ARE YOU? JUST TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE!”

When Star Bolt got close to her bedroom door, he noticed it was on fire but he could hear Pearl crying on the other side, “Pearl! Stand back from the door! I'm coming in!”

Using all the force he could and ignoring the fire on the door, he kicked it as hard as he could send it flying into the center of her bedroom floor. When he entered, the room he could see Pearl curled up in the corner gripping onto the flowerpot with her rose. Star Bolt rushed over to her but before he could leave the room, a beam fell through the ceiling blocking the doorway. Star Bolt looked around to find another way out; the only other way was the window.

Star Bolt cupped Pearl under his wing and spoke to her, “Pearl, I'm going to carry you a few feet but I'm going to need you to cover your face with your wings and close your eyes. No, matter what you hear or how uncomfortable it may be. Don’t uncover your face until I tell you, ok.”

Pearl was too afraid to speak but she nodded her head, and did what she was told. Star Bolt picked her up with his wing and charged towards the window, crashing through the glass as the roof caved in behind them. When Star Bolt landed, he lost his footing and rolled a few feet before stopping, then he checked on Pearl, “Are you ok princess?”

Pearl uncovered her face and smiled pleasantly, “I am now… thank you daddy, I knew you would save me. and look my rose is safe too.”

Star Bolt could only smile at her optimism while Gem and Sable galloped up to them. Gem threw herself around Star Bolt, “I was so worried… I... I didn’t know what to do… I can’t lose another loved one like this… I… I just can’t…”

Star Bolt huged her back and calmed her down a little, “I'm fine Gem, I won’t go down like this, I promise nothing will stop me from protecting you all.”

“NOPONY MOVE!!! Stay where you are!”

Just then three Soldiers of the Nightmare Legion stepped out of the woods, one was a pike pony while the other two were archers. Star Bolt and his family turned to face them, but from where the three were standing, they were cornered between the burning house and the soldiers. Star Bolt knew he could use the Lightning Orb and take all three down, but not only has he tried to keep it a secret from his foals, but he didn’t know if he could use it without hurting the foals beside him. The pike pony spoke to them, “I'm sorry to break up this beautiful moment, but I believe our commander gave us strict orders and I'll follow them. Mr. Bolt, I would like to ask, would you join the nigh…”

“No.”

Just then, the archer released an arrow that stuck into the ground about a foot in front of Pearl. The pike pony smiled, “That was called a warning, the next one will kill one of your foals, or… your wife. Now I'm going to ask you again, will you join the Nightmare Legion?”

Star Bolt hesitated, he tried thinking of ways out of this but it didn’t matter, each attempt at escaping would result in one of them being hit by an arrow, even if he tried the Lightning Orb, the archers would fire out of fear and still manage to kill one of them.

The pike pony grew inpatient, “I'm waiting Mr. Bolt! Will you, or will you not join the nightma…”

The pike pony all of a sudden went silent and stood there, the expression of intimidation left his face leaving an emotionless stare behind. The archers lowered their bows as one of them spoke, “Sarge? Are you ok?”

The pike pony dropped to a knee then fell to the ground dead. The archers took a few steps back in fear while one spoke, “What? What in Nightmare Moon’s name just hap…”

Before the archer could finish his sentence The Reaper jumped out of a tree right behind him and threw a needle straight at the other archer, hitting him in the forehead. When the last living archer turned around, he didn’t even have time to raise his bow before the Reaper dug her scythe into his head, and used it to toss his lifeless body at the first archer who was still standing and didn’t even fall to the ground yet. The Reaper landed and swung her scythe slinging all the blood off the blade. Then she turned and spoke to Star Bolt, “Sorry I'm late Star, I decided to travel on foot rather than in the air.”

Star Bolt was both speechless and terrified, she attacked only three times, and each one was an instant death. The cloak, the scythe, She reminded him of the real Grimm Reaper, taking a life that was no longer meant for this world. She trotted over to the pike pony and the archer’s bodies to retrieve her throwing needles, then she looked at Star Bolt, “We must hurry, the elder dragon is their next target, we must get to him before the Nightmare Legion.”

Star Bolt didn’t reply he only turned to Gem and spoke, “Hide in the woods and don’t come out until I come for you, I don’t want them to try to get you again.”

Both Pearl and Sable spoke at the same time, “What should I do daddy?”

Star Bolt smiled, “Sable Protect your mother and sister, and Pearl… stay brave, we will be planting that rose bush, and I bet each one will be as beautiful as you are.”

Star Bolt looked back at the Reaper who was smiling at his words, “Wow, I didn’t think a mercenary could smile so pleasantly.”

She shook her head, “I may be a mercenary, but I am a mare first, whether you like it or not. Now let’s go, we’ve no time to waste.”

At Dragon Mountain, both Thorn and the dragon elder arrived but there was no sign of the nightmare soldiers anywhere. Thorn looked at the elder, “I'm going to search the caverns, I'll be right back.”

After thorn entered the cave the elder sat outside listening for even the slightest noise, finally he heard something on the other side of the mountain though it seemed very faint. The elder flew into the sky to try to hear more but the sound only grew fainter, so he flew closer to where the sound was coming from. When he got close enough to identify it, his blood ran cold. The sound he heard was the sound of a hammer bashing against a shield… in other words, a trap. Colonel Drib’s voice came from below the tree line “ARCHERS RELEASE!!!”

all of a sudden a barrage of arrows flew out from under the trees at the elder. The elder tried to dodge them but he was too close and couldn’t get away in time. Half of the arrows had a wide top that did sever damage to his wing’s membrane while the rest had ropes attached to them, so not only were they removing the elder’s ability to fly, but they were pulling him down to the ground. After the elder hit the ground, a number of pegasi flew over the dragon carrying spears that were connected by a chain net. The pegasi quickly flew over and dropped down around the elder, holding him in place with the net completely immobilizing him, and then he could hear Major Viscous’ voice this time, “All unicorn! Hold him down and start burying the edged of the chain. Make it so he can’t get away!”

Immediately unicorn charged out of the forest and used their magic to dig the spears deeper into the ground holding the elder in place.

The elder was infuriated, “Release me at once! You know not who you’re dealing with!...”

“Oh… I believe I do… elder dragon.”

The familiar voice enraged the dragon elder even more. In a furious attempt, the dragon blew fire hoping the chains would be weak enough to melt. However, it was no uses, the chains were too thick and his fire wasn’t hot enough to melt them. Commander Snow approached with Coronel Drib and Major Viscous, “Bravo, for an old blind dragon you put up an exceptional fight, but you should have known, you’re inferior to the Nightmare Legion.”

The Dragon elder struggled as much as he could but it was no use, his wings were too damaged to try to take off, and his body was completely pinned to the ground, under a chain net. The dragon elder spoke, “Ok you got me commander, now what?”

Commander Snow trotted close to the elder and started pacing around his body, “Fascinating, your scales are too thick to be damaged by arrows but your wings and your eyes are just like a ponies flesh…. Vulnerable… but then again I bet… if you hit an area between scales just right… the flesh is just as weak, wouldn’t you say elder?”

The elder replied, “I know what you’re thinking, so stop wasting time and just do it already.”

Commander Snow drew his sword and looked at his reflection on the blade, “As you wish.”

Without warning, Commander Snow placed the tip of his sword against the dragons chest just outside his heart and pushed the blade all the way in, until the blade couldn’t be seen anymore. The elder flinched for a moment then slowly faded away.

When the elder stopped breathing Commander Snow pulled his sword you and started wiping the blood off the blade while Major Viscous approached him, “COMMANDER! You said we were going to capture him and keep him as a prisoner; you said nothing about kil…”

While sheathing his sword and taking his hoof off the handle, Commander Snow swung his hoof and hit Major Viscous on the side of her face knocking her to the ground, “I have had enough of you, Captain… its time you learn your place. The next time you question even the simplest order, you will be the one in these chains, am I clear!”

Captain Viscous sat up from the ground, wiped the blood from her mouth and looked back at Commander Snow without a reply. Commander Snow drew his sword again and quickly pointed the blade at Viscose’s face, causing her to flinch in fear, “I SAID AM I CLEAR!!!”

Viscous lowered her head in shame and replied in a volume that was just above a mumble, “Y-yes sir… I… I understand… it will never happen again…”

Commander Snow sheathed his sword again and spoke as he trotted away from her, “See that it doesn’t.”

Colonel Drib was hovering over the scene trying as hard as he possibly could to hold in the fury and rage that built up from witnessing the conflict, Commander Snow called to him, “Drib, I'm going back to the camp. Take care of this large pile of worthless scales, do whatever you want to it, mutilate it, and burn it I don’t care, just leave it so Mr. Bolt understands that I'm not playing anymore games.”

After Commander Snow left Colonel Drib flew down and helped Captain Viscous back up on her hooves, “Ardent, are you ok?”

Viscous wiped the tears from her face and replied, “Something is wrong, Commander Snow isn’t the way he used to be, he is much worse. Even then, I can’t follow him for much longer. I can’t sleep peacefully knowing that we are tormenting a stallion who only wants to keep his family safe.”

“Ardent we are only following orders; it’s our job as sol…”

“And will you idly stand by when we are married, and somepony tried the same thing to us?”

Colonel Drib lowered his head in shame, “Ardent, you’re not the only one who thinks this way, Roza and I also think this is too low, even for Commander Snow. Go back to the camp and see a medic, I'll be back soon, then we can discuss what we can do about this.”

Viscous nodded her head and trotted away into the forest.

Colonel Drib approached the dead dragon and sighed, “I'm sorry, I truly am. If only it didn’t have to come to this.”

One of the remaining soldiers approached Drib, “Colonel what do you think we should do? You know, with the dragon’s body.”

Colonel Drib replied, “I hear when dragons die, their clan member burn their remains to honor them. Go get some kerosene; I would at least like to honor this dragon for facing death so fearlessly.”

before the pegasus could follow his order a large number of Celestial Crusaders emerged out of the forest followed closely by Commander Mist, “Surround the Legion! Don’t let anypony get away!”

When Colonel Drib saw, Commander Mist he immediately called, “ALL SOLDIERS FALL BACK NOW!!!”

Colonel Drib tried to taker off into the sky, but after he flew above the treetops, The Reaper dove down on him and tried to catch him with her scythe. Luckily, Drib was able to dodge the first attack. When the Reaper tried to attack with a second swing, he managed to parry her blade with his spear then he flew a small distance to try to get away. As he turned around he tossed the spear at the charging mercenary but not only did she blocked the blade by knocking it upward, but she swung her scythe again and cut the shaft in half causing it to fall to the ground in two pieces, “Oh crap!”

Colonel Drib tried to turn around to retreat, but when he did, Star Bolt was there with the pike that one of the tree dead soldiers at his house was carrying. Star Bolt swung the pike as hard as he could bashing the shaft against Colonel Drib head and knocking him out of the sky and to the ground. When Drib hit the ground, Colonel Storm and a number of soldiers rushed him and held him down as they started to put chains on him. Star Bolt looked at Colonel Storm and smiled, “Sorry we’re late, these cowards tried to burn my family alive so we had to take care of them first.”

Colonel Drib looked up at Star Bolt in surprise, “WHAT?”

Star Bolt explained, “Your commander sent three soldiers to try and burn my home down with my family still in there, you’re lucky everypony made it out alive, otherwise I’d kill you on sight. You mean you didn’t know?”

“No, I didn’t know what the other three were ordered to do.”

Star Bolt shook his head, “That sounds like Commander Snow to me. Mrs. Mercenary? Can you please check on the elder?”

As the Reaper trotted off to check on the Elders condition, Colonel Drib hung his head in shame knowing what her answer will be. Star Bolt stood looking at the subdued Pegasus and asked, “You’re the one who is supposed to be married soon, right?”

Drib didn’t look up as he replied, “Yes… I don’t know when but we decided it would be the day after this war ends.”

Star Bolt smiled, “I hope you both survive long enough to see that day.”

Just then, the Reaper returned with an unhappy look on her face, “Star… he’s gone. The dragon elder… is dead.”

Star Bolt looked at her with a shocked look, “What?... are you sure? I mean are you absolutely positive? Is… is he really gone?”

Scy shook her head, “I'm sorry Star… it’s over. The wise dragon has passed on.”

A tear rolled down Star Bolts face as he sat down against a tree, “He was with me this morning… he was fine… not one hint of sickness or injury… he was right there… he… he can’t be gone… he just cant.”

Commander Mist approached the group and spoke, “Good work Scy, Mr. Bolt, I'm glad you caught the officer who was leading this attack… and Mr. Bolt, I'm sorry for your loss. I understand what it’s like to lose a friend.”

Without looking up at Commander Mist, Star Bolt Replied, “Commander Mist… I… I have an offer that will be difficult for you to refuse. I want to fight beside you, when we attack the Nightmare Legion’s front.”

Commander Mist was surprised, “You mean you want to join the Celestial Crusa…”

“NO, I told you I fight for no princess, and that’s how it will stay. Instead I'll fight as militia.”

“Militia? What’s the difference?”

Star Bolt looked up at him and smiled, “I will not follow any order you give, and at any time I have full right to place my weapon on the ground and trot away, without question, or explanation. So do we have a deal?”

Commander Mist shook his head and smiled, “Though it seems pointless, I guess I have no choice in this matter anyway, but how will you be a militia without weapons, or any other soldiers?”

Star Bolt lowered his head to think on the subject, but before he could reply with I don’t know, Colonel Storm Stepped forward, “Sir my armory is overstocked, I believe if a few weapons where to go missing, I wouldn’t notice, and it wouldn’t decrease our defense one bit..”

After the colonel stopped speaking, the Reaper stepped forward, “I'm sorry to do this commander but I believe I'm going to defect. The Dragon Mountain Militia just made a better offer. They offered the chance to teach them a thing or two about fighting, and you know The Cutters… we work for the highest bidder. Besides, I think Commander Bolt will lead us to a very interesting victory.”

Commander Mist smiled, “It’s settled then. But first what do we do with this soldier?”

The Reaper Spoke up, “Kill Him?”

Star Bolt Shook his head, “No, he has plans for after the war. I don’t want to ruin those. Let’s just send him back to Canterlot in chains, he’ll pose no threat and still make his wedding day.”

At that moment, a large group of Celestial Crusaders trotted out of the trees and approached Commander Mist; one stepped forward and stood at attention, “SIR Colonel Silas reporting From Canterlot!”

Commander Mist Sighed, “Silas I told you numerous times before, you don’t have to be so formal all the time. I'm your commander, not the princess.”

“Of course, commander my mistake it won’t happen again.”

Colonel Storm approached Silas, “How’s that sword of yours, in any need of repair?”

“No, it’s pretty much been unused since you last looked at it.”

Commoner Mist continued, “So how many troops did you bring?”

“Sir, we brought about three hundred.”

Star Bolt looked at Silas and replied, “That’s not enough, even with the clan assisting we will be outnumber two to one.”

Colonel Silas looked at Star Bolt with an uninterested look, “And… you are?”

The Reaper stepped forward and answered for him, “This is Commander Bolt, commander of the Dragon Mountain Militia.”

Star Bolt looked at the Reaper and spoke, “Why do you have to keep calling me commander? So far all I have for soldiers is myself and a mercenary.”

Colonel Silas laughed, “Not much of a militia then are you… beside I’ve never heard of you, so as far as I'm concerned you’re just a civilian with a weapon and… and… an... uhhh…”

Colonel Silas quickly went quiet when he felt a curved blade pressed against his skin from the back of his neck to the front of his face with the tip resting on his cheek. Being too afraid to move he shifted his eyes to the side until he could see the Reaper holding her scythe against his face, “H-how… did you… when did you?... behind me… but how I…”

Scy smiled “And… what’s wrong with a civilian with a weapon and a mercenary? Especially one who knows the Lightning Orb, whose mercenary happens to be the most feared in the world.”

“Nah… nothing at all.”

Commander Mist smiled and shook his head, “Stand down Scy, we know who our enemy is, so I think we should focus on that. First, Colonel Silas, I want you to spare a few soldiers for a prisoner convoy back to Canterlot. Then I want you to assist Mr. Bolt and Colonel Storm in getting him a weapon, and some training in. I have a feeling our next battle will begin soon.”

The arrow whistled as it flew through the air, then it hit the target just outside the bull’s-eye. Colonel Storm lowered his bow and sighed, he was disappointed with his demonstration shot but he didn’t show it too well. Then he turned to Gem and spoke, “There ya see. All you have to do is focus on three things, the wind, the distance, and your targets movements. Then you can hit your target so long that it’s in your range. If I were you, I would practice on the five hundred meter target first, at least until you get the hang of it.”

Colonel Silas smile, “The target that Storm just hit was the seven hundred meter target, you should get a lot of practice in before you tamper with that one, then maybe one day you can tackle the one thousand meter target on the other side.”

Gem felt as if the colonels were babying her but she just played along, “Go get them mommy!”

“Yea you can do it!”

Gem turned to her foals that were holding a homemade banner that said, “Yay Momy!!.”

She couldn’t help but smile at the adorable misspelling, then she turned and looked at the three targets in the distance. She stood up on her back hooves using her wings to keep her balance and focused on the wind blowing through her mane. After measuring its speed, and direction, she raised her bow and aimed at the first target. After focusing on its distance, she sighed, “This has got to be a joke.”

She slowly changed her elevation and released the arrow. The arrow flew with great speed into the air and vanished in the reddish haze that has been the sky since the war began. Colonel Silas and Colonel Storm both lost sight of the arrow and looked at each other, Colonel Storm shook his head, “I think you missed. I can’t measure the way you fire your bow unless you actually hit your tar…”

The echo of the arrow hitting the target was heard, so both colonels looked back at the targets. They were amazed to find that the target she hit was the one thousand meter target, and not only did she hit it, but she buried the arrow into the bull’s-eye, just slightly off from the dead center. Both colonels looked at each other with a surprised expression then they looked back at Gem who sighed, “Darn, I was off by almost an inch… I'll get it next time.”

Colonel Silas nudged Storm, “Um… how did she…”

“Is that enough information Colonel? Or should I try again?”

Colonel Storm wiped the surprised look off his face then replied, “No need Mrs. Bolt, I can make you a perfect bow by what I saw today. It should be ready for you some time tomorrow though I’d say you should keep practicing, you’re a perfect archer, but practice can always help.”

As the two Colonels trotted off, Colonel Silas whispered to Colonel Storm, “What is it with the mares in that militia? They both scare me.”

Colonel Storm whispered back, “Just be grateful they are on our side. one is a legendary killer and the other is just as deadly. I’d hate to face one of them on the battlefield.”

Star Bolt watched Gem and the foals from the top of Dragon Mountain. As he smile watching them, The Reaper trotted up next to him and joined him as he watched, “They’re Beautiful.”

“What?”

“Your family, they’re Beautiful. A confident and supportive wife, an overconfident yet protective son, and a shy but optimistic daughter. I can see why you would want to protect them like you do.”

Star Bolt sighed, “I’ve often wondered where my life would be if they were to just… disappear.”

“And?”

Star Bolt looked at Scy, “I can’t imagine anything worse than trying to live without them. Not after everything we’ve been through.”

Scy replied, “When you have somepony to look after, every value, every goal, and every dream will all of a sudden change. Trust me on that one, I myself had a foal.”

Star Bolt was surprised, “Really? That’s strange, you don’t seem like the mothering type.”

The Reaper shook her head, “I'm not, but I can’t say I didn’t try.”

Now Star Bolt was curious, “What Happened?”

She explained, “I had to leave The Cutters and have him in secret, being The Reaper made him an easy target for my enemies. We travelled all over the world to try to get away from those who would do us harm. However, it was no use, I was able to keep him and the fact that he was my son secret, but even when I refused to take contracts, I was still being hunted. Therefore, when the chance came I left him in the care of somepony who could take care of him until I could guarantee his safety. After all my enemies were assassinated, by me of course, I went to go find him, but something had happened. The friend that I left him with lost him and it took me many years to track him down.”

Star Bolt started to feel bad for Scy as he continued listening, “Go on, what happened next?”

The reaper slowly put the hood on her cloak down as she continued, “I finally found him, but I also found that he discovered a new life, and in that life, he was happy without me. He had already found a filly that shared a connection with him. I knew that so long that he stayed with her, he would never need me. I continued to check on him as the years went by, and in that time, he not only married that filly, but he had a few foals and made a good home for him and his family. ”

Star Bolt looked back at his family and spoke, “In a time like this, I guess that’s all that matters. It’s funny, we both have a curse that puts our families in danger.”

Scy nodded her head, “So commander, what will be our next move?”

Star Bolt sighed, “Our next move will be to get ready, there is no telling what Snow will throw at us next… and stop calling me commander.”

Scy spoke seriously, “Now that you are in command of the militia, then it doesn’t matter how small we are or what you think, you are our commander. I hope you understand that soon because now we all are going to rely on your guidance for this war.”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “Please don’t remind me.”

Thorn flew up and spoke to Star Bolt, “Star, I spotted something that you and your mercenary may want to see.”

Star Bolt nodded his head as the two pegasus flew into the air and followed Thorn. When they got to a large cloud the two pegasus landed and looked in the direction that thorn was looking in. Star Bolt tried to make out the distant objects on the horizon, “What is that? It looks like a giant bow but I'm not sure what it i…”

“A ballista, The Nightmare Legion has a few ballistae in their ranks now.”

Star Bolt looked at the Reaper, “Ballista? Are they planning to use those against the dragon?”

Scy smiled, “He isn’t very bright, ballistae have a better effect on a dragons scales than arrows but they are difficult to aim and take too long to reload. They will be simple to avoid but if they hit their target, then it’s a guaranteed death… for both dragons and ponies”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “I guess we will just have to use caution against them. Is there any advice when fighting them?”

Scy replied, “High altitudes, they are meant to destroy heavily armored troops or walls but they can only aim so high so we can avoi…”

Colonel Storm Flew up and yelled to Star Bolt, “Commander we need you for something.”

Star Bolt sighed, “Ok how many times do I have to tell you ponies. Stop calling me comma…”

“It’s Roza!”

“Roza? You mean General Roza, the Hooviet Union general?”

“Yes, she and a small number of her troops have been spotted traveling through the forest. But, something is strange, they are wearing their armor… but they’re unarmed. Commander Mist is on his way to meet her but he wants you to join us.”

“Unarmed?... I can’t help but think she is up to something. Thorn, keep your eye on the legion and their movements. Scy, I want you to join me when we meet her, I don’t trust her so keep your eye out for anything suspicious.”

The three ponies flew off together to meet Roza, while in the Forest General Roza and Two of her soldiers continued their search, “My General, ve have been traveling through this forest for several hours, are you certain that ve vill find that stallion here… vhat if he left Dragon Mountain already. Ve can’t keep searching for a pony who isn’t her…”

“He is here… I can feel it. A stallion vith that much… spirit von’t just leave vithout any form of retaliation. Especially after vhat Commander Snow did, I expect him to…”

“To what… Roza?”

General Roza and her soldiers quickly huddled together as Commander Mist, Colonel Silas, And Gem approached from in front of them, and Colonel Storm, The Reaper and Star Bolt approached form behind them, all in a perfect formation that surrounded the soldiers leaving them with no place to run.

each approaching pony readied themselves for a fight, all with the exception of Star Bolt, who was unarmed, but he did glare at the General with an unwelcomed anger, “You have a lot of nerve showing your face here… especially after what the Nightmare Legion… your allies, put me and my family through. Tell me why you are here, and you better make it good. The elder said before he died that the legion wasn’t allowed in the forest anymore. So you have already given me reason to let both my wife and the reaper kill you.”

Without saying anything, General Roza slowly approached Star Bolt, looked him straight in the eye, and then bowed. Star Bolt was extremely confused, “What?... What is this?... Why are you…”

“I'm sorry Mr. Bolt… I truly am. Vhat Commander Snow did vas unforgivable, and dishonorable. I should have done this a long time ago, but from this day forward, the Nightmare Legion in now an enemy of the Hooviet Union and its forces. Commander Snow’s method of varfare has done nothing but dishonored all that the Hooviet Union stands for. Ve fight for the ponies and their cause… ve refuse to harm innocent civilians, and ve refuse to support comrades who vill. So ve vish to join vith the Celestial Crusaders… as their allies. That is… if the handsome Commander Mist vill allow it.”

Colonel Storm laughed, “Wow, I think handsome has been a word that I have never been used to describe Commander Mist.”

General Roza stood back up and smirked at Commander Mist, “I only speak the truth.”

Commander Mist Smiled back, “And a very wise truth it is, you know that flattery will get you everywhere General… but not here. I apologies, but the Celestial Crusaders cannot and will not join forces with an army that was at one time, allied to the Nightmare Legion… however, if you were joining forces with an army that is already allied to us, then we would have no objection to you fighting alongside The Celestial Crusaders.”

General Roza was confused, “Other army? Vhat other army?”

Mist continued, “If you were to join forces with Commander Bolt and his militia here, than there would be no objection to you fighting with us.”

Star Bolt spoke up, “I told you all to stop calling me comma…”

“You see Commander Bolt here, is in command of the local militia who are devoted to drive the Nightmare Legion away from Dragon Mountain, by any means necessary.”

General Roza looked at Star Bolt and spoke, “Oh.. I see… Vell Commander? vould you allow us to fight alongsi…”

“No.”

Star Bolt turned around and started trotting back into the forest before Gem called to him, “Star, We need more soldiers to help us, why don’t we ju…”

“I said no… and I meant no… I won’t fight beside her… not after what her comrades did.”

Before he was gone, The Reaper landed in front of him, “Your wife is right. If we are going to fight the Nightmare Legion than we are going to need…”

“The help of a traitor? She has tricked me before, and there is nothing to prevent her from doing it again. I won’t let her further threaten the lives of my foals.”

General continued her plea, “Vhat happened to the dragon elder, vas a terrible tragedy that disgraced the Hooviet forces, even though ve had no part in it, ve all feel terrible for vhat happened and even if ve never gain your forgiveness. Ve still vish to fight beside you as allies.”

Commander Mist spoke next, “A commander needs an army to command. I’d highly suggest you take this offer, I don’t know of anypony who was just giving an army right off the bat like it was a normal every day thing.”

Star Bolt hesitated for a few seconds then he asked Roza, “How many soldiers do you have in your ranks?”

Roza replied with confidence, “Ve have five hundred soldiers not counting our three catapult teams.”

Star Bolt sighed, “With those numbers, taken away from the Nightmare Legion and adding to ours, we will match the Nightmare Legion in count… Fine, I'll let you fight with us, but don’t think you have my trust, if you do anything, and I mean anything, to threaten my wife, my foals, or the reaper, then you will quickly discover that Commander Snow isn’t the only pony who can be cruel. Is that clear?”

All the ponies present were surprised to hear Star Bolt talk like that but none more than The Reaper, she didn’t understand, why Star Bolt had any concern for her safety when he didn’t even know who she really was. General Roza and her soldiers bowed as she replied, “Thank you commander, I don’t expect to ever gain your trust, but know that I will do everything within my power to try. The Nightmare Legion knows nothing about this so I must return to the Nightmare camp to retrieve my soldiers and equipment. Ve vill not let you down commander.”

Star Bolt sighed, “See that you don’t, and don’t call me commander. Gem, Scy, let’s go there is one more thing that must be done before nightfall.”

Gem, The Reaper and Star Bolt all trotted into the forest towards Dragon Mountain, as they continued, Scy asked, “Um… Commander? Can I ask you something?”

Star Bolt replied, “Sure Scy, what is it? and stop calling me commander.”

“Why… did you tell Roza that if she threatened my life also that you would kill her? You know I can take care of myself, but what I'm really asking is, why are you concerned for my safety.”

Star Bolt replied as the group made it to the base of the mountain, “You have a son to protect right… and like you said before it’s my responsibility to make sure you survive this war. If you’re going to continue keeping your son safe, then I have no choice but to help you survive this war so you can keep him safe. Besides, there is something about you that makes me feel… content, I can’t quite understand it but when you’re around I feel more comfortable, kind of like how I feel when my family is with me. It sounds strange but it’s true.”

Gem spoke up, “Do you think it’s a feeling of safety? You know, since she saved us at the cabin.”

“I don’t know. But whatever it is, its reason enough for me to trust her with my life.”

Scy was surprised, “Really? You actually trust me. I thought I was still on your list of ponies to keep your eye on.”

“MOMMY! DADDY!”

The Two foals ran up to their parents as Star Bolt replied to the reaper, “You saved me and my foals… as far as I'm concerned, you’re a part of this family too.”

Scy could only smile at Star Bolt’s kind words, as he turned back to his daughter and spoke, “Pearl? Are you ready?”

Pearl smiled and replied, “I need to get my saddle bag first.”

Sable added, “Me too!”

Gem Smiled and replied, “Then go and get your saddle bags we need to get there before it gets dark.”

Back at the Nightmare Camp, General Roza was in her quarters getting her belongings together. “Going somewhere general?”

Roza froze and turned around to see Commander Snow standing at the doorway, “Oh… uh, commander… I didn’t… uh… do you need anything from me?”

Commander Snow smiled, “Don’t bother trying to play dumb, I always knew after Chief Rafi left us, that you would soon follow… but you’re not leaving us to go home… are you?”

General Roza griped her weapon and braced herself for an attack while she replied, “That is true… but I can no longer fight for you. Your actions are to…”

“Then go…”

“Vhat?”

Commander Snow nodded his head, “Go… I told you that the Nightmare Legion had its own business, and the Hooviets had theirs, so far be it for me, to get involved with your business, now of all times. If you want to leave then I'll allow you to leave.”

General Roza was amazed, he was just letting her go, just like that. But why? Without saying anything else, Commander Snow turned around and left her tent. General Roza tried not to waste any more time, so she continued to pack her things until she started hearing fire outside her tent. She rushed outside to see what is was, but she as soon as she saw it, she immediately became afraid. Commander Snow stood in front of her staring at her three catapults that sat outside her tent. Each one was on fire, while the teams that controlled them, lie dead in the blaze, “COMMANDER VHAT HAVE YOU…”

Without warning, one of Commander Snow’s soldiers snuck up behind her and bashed her in the back of her head with a club, knocking her to the ground. While she laid on the ground stunned, a number of soldiers rushed her and tied her up before she came to her senses.

Commander Snow turned around and smiled, “Roza... even the name is a thing of beauty. I admire you, standing up for your morals the way you do. it’s an inspiring thing, I use to be the same way. Nevertheless, when the Nightmare Legion was chased out of Equestria, then forced to continue this war in the Mild West, where even the natives sought to kill us. I knew that the mercy that I showed, only added to my list of failures. Therefore, I realized something new after the past few years… Mercy is for the weak. If you want to take proper command of an army, you must rid yourself of all forms of forgiveness. Since then I was able to push my forces back into Equestria, then you betrayed me. It’s not my business why you did what you did, but the fact remains. You’re going to raise your weapon to me soon. I… as commander of the Nightmare Legion, can’t allow that to happen. But I can’t further stain my conscience by killing another leader when this time there is no order to do so.”

General Roza felt a little confused but she was still focused on her dead catapult teams, “SO YOU KILL MY SOLDIERS INSTEAD!?!”

“Temper, temper general. You act as if you have never lost a soldier before.”

General Roza, Glared at Commander Snow as his guards threw her onto a cart, “You… you vill fall harder than any stallion in this var… mark my vords, your death vill be swift and cruel.”

Commander Snow, leaned down, kissed her, and replied, “I'm afraid general, that your… vords don’t mean anything here… not anymore.”

General Roza spit in his face then sneered at him. Commander Snow wiped his face off and smiled, “I suppose I deserve that… but I have one more gift for you before I send you to your new commander.”

Commander Snow raised his sword high in the air then stabbed her hoof causing her to scream in agony, “V… vhy did you…”

“This should keep you alive for a few more days. Good luck general, I hope we never meet on the battlefield.”

Roza had never been so confused, but the pain in her hoof was too excruciating for her to ask what he was talking about, she could only lay in the cart breathing deeply to bear the pain, while Snow turned to his soldiers, “Take her into the forest, and leave her for the crusaders to find. I hope they find her before she bleeds to death.”

“Yes Sir, and her soldiers?”

“Tell them that she was plotting to betray us, and that anypony who refuses to fight with me, will be stripped of their weaponry and sent home. I'm not going to let her actions discard a number of loyal soldiers from my ranks.”

Back at Star Bolt’s cabin Star Bolt, Gem, and Scy watched as the foals helped each other plant the rose right next to where their front porch used to sit. After they finished Star Bolt spoke to Pearl, “One day, this rose bush will grow roses so beautiful that ponies will wonder who it was that planted such a bush… but few will know that it was an adorable filly who outshines this roses in beauty.”

Pearl blushed as Gem spoke, “That was crossing the line into cornyville.”

Star Bolt didn’t even look at her as he replied, “You’re just jealous that I didn’t think of that phrase until after we were married.”

“And you think it would have worked?”

Star Bolt looked at her and smiled, “Maybe, you were gullible enough to marry me, why not?”

The reaper watched the family from a distance and mumbled to herself, “For the past thirteen years I’ve been watching over him, but I guess he didn’t need my protection after all. He grew into a good stallion, a perfect father and a loving husband… once this war ends I'll leave him to live his life without my protection. Hmm… A part of this family… if only he knew how long I’ve waited to hear that from his mouth.”

As his foals started to play with what toys they brought with them, Gem and Star Bolt started searching through the ash that was their home. Gem found the bandanna she was given before their marriage and was disappointed that it had melted to the wood that used to be their dresser. When Star Bolt saw this, he spoke to her, “I'm sorry Gem… I was unable to save it. but… at least we made it out alive, and Pearl got to plant her rose bush just like I told her she could, everything is going to be o…”

“You need to tell them.”

“What?”

“The Lightning Orb, you need to tell the foals about it, they are too young to understand why this is happening; you need to tell them about your gift. Otherwise, they are going to think the world is this cruel.”

“Gem… the world is this cruel. You of all ponies should know that. Look at our past. Your family was lost in a freak accident, while mine never existed as far as I know. If we didn’t find each other, who know what would have happened, I could be lying on a battlefield dead somewhere. And I don’t even want to wonder where you would be. I'll tell them… but I want to wait until they understand everything a little more. Sable is too proud of me to know that I have this curse, and Pearl… the poor thing, she would be terrified if only she knew. I want them to discover the world’s cruelty through experience; if I were just to tell them, then they wouldn’t know how to handle it. If they experience it then they will have a better chance of surviving it.”

Gem Sighed, “Ok I leave it to you then, I wouldn’t know how to explain it an…”

“COMMANDER BOLT!”

Thorn flew up behind the two while Star Bolt replied, “You too? What is with everypony… and dragon calling me commander lately, why don’t yo…”

“Do you know an earth pony with a gray pelt and three red stars as her cutie mark?”

Star Bolt felt a little concerned, “Yes, that sounds like General Roza, why?”

Thorn Replied, “She is badly injured, and is being seen by medics at the Celestial Camp. We need you to come quickly.”

Star Bolt replied, “Got it, Gem, Scy, Stay with the foals, and meet me back at the Celestial Camp when you’re done.”

Without waiting for a reply, Star Bolt followed Thorn as they flew back to the Celestial Camp, “Would you mind explaining what happened to her?”

Thorn Replied, “While I was watching the Nightmare Camp, I saw some smoke start floating up from the center, as I watched I saw three catapults and the ponies that operated them, burning. Shortly after, I saw a cart enter the forest, with a tied up mare in the back. I didn’t know what was going on so I continued to observe them from a distance, but all they did was find a clearing and toss the mare onto the ground. They didn’t even so much as untie her, all they did was leave her there. Then I noticed she was bleeding quite a bit, so I rushed in and took her back to Commander mist to be treated. I couldn’t just leaver her there to die all alone like that. She lost a lot of blood and she even lost consciousness before we arrived at the camp so I'm unsure whether or not she will make it.”

Star Bolt replied, “Well at least you saved her, so she has a chance… but I don’t know how good of a chance it is, we can only hope.”

When Star Bolt and thorn arrived at the Celestial Camp, they immediately landed next to the medic tent where Commander Mist, Colonel Storm, and Colonel Silas were waiting, “Commander Bolt, your General is inside.”

Star Bolt replied, “How is she Commander? Will she make it?”

Commander Mist lowered his head, “I don’t know, I left so that the medic could look after her, but she lost a lot of blood, I'm hoping she will be fine.”

Star Bolt sighed, “Well here goes nothing.”

Star Bolt slowly entered the tent and saw General Roza lying in a bed with the medic sitting next to her, Star Bolt approached and asked, “How is she doc? Will she be alright?”

The medic smiled, “She will be fine, she lost a lot of blood and she will be weak for a few days but she will make it, so long as she has her rest. But I'm afraid she was stabbed in her hoof by a sharp thin blade, so she will be unable to wield a weapon, for a week or so, and she will be unable to stand for the next three days.”

Star Bolt lowered his head and replied, “I could guess which blade injured her, thank you doc, can I speak to her or should I leave her to rest.”

The medic replied, “I would let her rest for now. She will need it.”

Star Bolt replied as he turned towards the door, “I understand, I'll be back in a few…”

“Co… commander?”

General Roza opened her eyes just slightly, as Star Bolt galloped to her side, “Rest Roza, there is no need for you to spe…”

“Commander… Commander Snow, he… he did this… but something is wrong… he… he didn’t kill me… he tried to save me… he isn’t the way he is making himself look… there… there is something causing him to… to be this way…”

Star Bolt had a hard time believing what Roza was saying, “What? Why would you say that?”

Roza tried to continue, “Because… because he saved me by… preventi…”

Unable to finish her sentence General Roza passed out. Star Bolt felt her pulse to make sure she was still alive, when he felt it he felt relieved that she didn’t die, so he turned around and spoke to the medic, “Look after her Doc, please let sompony know if her condition changes.”

The Medic smiled, “Don’t worry commander; it’s all part of my job. She should be fine all she needs is some rest.”

Star Bolt looked at the ground as he left the tent, trying to ponder over what Roza was saying, then he heard Gem’s voice, “How is she?”

When Star Bolt looked up to reply he not only saw Gem, Scy, and the foals… but he saw a large number of stallions standing behind her, “Um… she is fine she only needs to rest… but who are they?”

One of the stallions stepped forward, “Ve are General Roza’s soldiers, when ve vere given the option to leave or fight for Commander Snow, Ve left to find the General. There are vone hindered and fifty of us in all who are villing to betray the Nightmare Legion too. Ve know she was planning to join another nation’s army to fight the Nightmare Legion… but ve don’t know who the Commander of the other nation’s army is… Tell us, are you commander of the army she vas going to join?”

Star Bolt felt a little embarrassed, one hundred and fifty Hooviet soldiers were standing in front of him requesting to fight the Nightmare Legion, and they were all looking for the commander they wanted to fight under. Star Bolt hesitated for a few more seconds then sighed, “Yes… I am Commander Bolt of the Equestrian Militia.”

The soldier nodded his head then stood at attention, “SIR! Vith General Roza out of commition, Ve vill follow your orders from here on out.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Then take your soldiers and start setting up camp. Our base of command is Dragon Mountain.”

“Yes Commandant.”

The soldiers started making their way towards the mountain as Star Bolt approached Colonel Storm, “I hope you have enough armor and weapons for a hundred and fifty soldiers.”

Colonel Storm replied, “We do, it’s not the best, but it’s better than fighting naked. Speaking of which, I finally finished your wife’s bow and your sword. Both are made to fit the way you fight.”

Star Bolt took the small sword and looked at the blade, not only was it polished to a sheen, but the place that would usually have the Celestial seal, had his cutie mark instead. Star Bolt sheathed the sword and looked at Dragon Mountain, “I guess I really am a commander now. Sometimes I really hate my luck.”

The two foals tried to hold in their tears as Star Bolt hugged them both, “You two stay together and do what Mr. Myer says. He took care of me and your mother when we were little so you can trust him.”

Pearl tried to speak through her sobbing, “Will… will you see us soon?”

Gem smiled, “We will come see you as soon as we can, but it’s not safe for you two here. Don’t worry though we will be fine.”

Sable tried to act tough, “We will… will be fine too mommy. I'll protect sis from any danger I promise.”

Star Bolt smiled, “I'm counting on you to keep your promise son, your sister needs your protection. And Pearl, I know the world can be a scary place… but as long as you see the good in the bad, then everything will be alright.”

Pearl, smiled, “Then I'll see the good in the bad… we got to plant the rose before we left, and brother and I will be safe with Mr. Myer… right?”

Gem hugged the two foals as she replied, “That’s right sweetie, everything will be ok.”

Star Bolt spoke as he turned to go to the back of the convoy, “You two stay safe, I'm going to check on Roza.”

As Star Bolt made his way to the back of the convoy, The Reaper started trotting next to him, “The Nightmare Legion has moved their ballistae to the edge of the forest they are still out of rang to fire on the mountain but that doesn’t mean we are in the clear, they’re getting ready to attack.”

Star Bolt continued trotting as he replied, “Tell the Hooviet forces to be on their guard. And if you see him, let Thorn know that we need an update on the council’s decision.”

The reaper replied as she started to take off into the sky, “Right away commander.”

About that time, Star Bolt approached a covered wagon, so he opened the back and spoke to Roza as she was lying in the back, “General? Are you feeling better?”

Roza looked back at him and replied, “Yes, I am fine, I'm only disappointed I can’t join you in the fight.”

Star Bolt replied, “Your in no shape to be carrying a weapon, so it’s for the best that you stay out of this, but I would appreciate it if you could help look after my foals while you are recuperating in Canterlot.”

“Oh? They are coming too?”

Star Bolt nodded, “I set up a place for them to stay with the stallion who helped raise me and my wife. He is a little odd, but he is a good pony and he’ll keep them safe.”

General Roza changed the subject, “Commander? I vanted to talk to you…

you know … about Commander Snow.”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “You say he saved you… but, do you realize how close you were to death? I don’t know about you but when I save somepony, I don’t choose to stab them and leave them for dead in a meadow.”

Roza Replied, “Let me explain it to you. He saved me from death by preventing me from fighting… he doesn’t vant to face me because he knows that if ve vere to meet in the heat of battle, that only vone of us vould survive. He didn’t vant to kill me. He only vanted to see to it that ve vouldn’t fight each other.”

“Roza, I don’t know the relationship you two share, but I'll let you know one thing. When I see him on the battlefield, either he will die, or I will die. There is no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. My goal is to kill him… nothing more.”

General Roza sighed, “I know, and I think you have full reason, I just vanted to let you know, that in spite of the hatred you have for him… he in only a puppet. I think you should look to the puppeteer.”

Star Bolt dodged the comment entirely, “Get better soon Roza, I would hope to see

you safe and sound when this mess is said and done.”

Roza ignored the fact that he dodged her comment, “Of course commander, I vill… and vone more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Hooviet Forces react to the confidence their General… or commander show in battle. If you vant them to fight vith strength, and courage then never hang you head low, alvays look forvard, and above all look as if this battle vas over before it began. So long as you have confidence in yourself, you soldiers vill have confidence in themselves… and you as vell.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Thanks Roza, for what is worth, you have earned my trust.”

General Roza smiled, “I know commander, you vouldnt ask just anypony to vatch over your foals, now vould you? Not vith the protection you show.”

Star Bolt smiled as he trotted back to the front wagon, when he got there his foals were both sitting in the back with tears rolling down their faces. It hurt him to see them like this but he knew it was for the best so he stood next to Gem and smiled and waved while the convoy began to roll down the road and out of sight.

As soon as the convoy was gone over the horizon, Gem leaned against Star Bolt and wiped the tears from her eyes, “Are… are you sure we did the right thing?”

Star Bolt replied, “We did what was safest for them, I have no regrets, now we can fight without worrying about them. What concerns me though, it’s you. Are you sure you wanted to stay and fight with me?”

Gem hugged him as she replied, “We watched the last sunrise together, we will watch the next together.”

Star Bolt could only smile, “So, Mr. Myer is in Canterlot now, right?”

“Yes, shortly after the war began, he closed down the orphanage in Cloudsdale so he could protect his wife, by moving her and the other orphans to Canterlot; he said that the other orphanages seemed to take in more foals though so now he and his wife are retired. But when he got my letter right before the Celestial Crusaders showed up here, he said that if we needed any help taking care of the foals he would be more than happy to.”

Star Bolt watched as the last trace of the convoy made its way over the horizon, “I hope they stay together, as long as they stay together they will keep each other safe.”

Gem nodded her head as Thorn flew up behind them and hesitated before speaking, “Uh… Commander? I… uh… I have some troubling news… but I can’t tell you here… we need to see the council… they are waiting on the grounds where the elder died.”

Star Bolt could hear the deep concern in his voice so he immediately knew that something was wrong, “Gem, go back to the mountain and check on the Hooviet’s defenses. I catch up to you when I'm finished.”

Gem knew that whatever the problem was, it was between Star Bolt and the council, so she nodded her head and kissed his cheek, “I'll be waiting… Commander.”

Gem turned and started flying towards the mountain, while Thorn asked, “You let her stay?”

Star Bolt replied, “She wouldn’t have it any other way… lets go, whatever it is that needs to be discussed with the council, I'll settle it.”

Both Star Bolt and Thorn flew towards the area where the Dragon elder was caught and killed by Commander Snow. When they arrived, Star Bolt approached the dragon council who was already waiting for them, “Mr. Bolt, I'm glad you came. I and the other members of the dragon council have made a decision. Based on your actions and your involvement in this war, plus the fate that has recently taken the life of the elder. It has been decided that in regards to the actions placed by the Celestial Crusaders, The Nightmare Legion, and the so recently established Equestrian Militia. The Equestrian Dragons and its clan will be… uninvolved.”

“WHAT!?!”

“We cannot risk the lives of the clan. I'm sorry Mr. Bolt but we can’t…”

Star Bolt spoke up, “You’re sorry? What in Celestia’s name do you mean by, you’re sorry!?! The elder is dead, dragon mountain is about to be overrun by the Nightmare Legion and your choosing not to fight?”

The dragon replied, “We must think about the wellbeing of the clan… most have already headed north to the griffon republic. We will be leaving to join them soon. If you wish to come than as a member of this clan you are more than wel…”

“You’re running away? The mighty dragons are fleeing from a pony army. Is this what the elder would want? To cower in fear while he and his home are disgraced by an army of darkn…”

Thorn tried to calm Star Bolt down, “Commander, take it easy we are only…”

“NO! YOU TAKE IT EASY!!! The elder has spoken for me ever since I became a member of this clan. He has said everything that I have only in a way so that I don’t offend you or the council. But not anymore, he is dead… and all you want to do is pack up, Run away, and hide? Where is your courage? Your since of honor? This morning I sent my foals away to keep them safe. I tried to send my wife too but she refused, so now my only goal, my only reason for being here is to get back at the stallion responsible for the elders death. And what do I find when I ask his most loyal brethren to help me avenge his death? A bunch of cowardly lizards with no respect for the pride he showed on his final moments.”

Thorn Stepped forward and spoke to the council, “Sta… I mean Commander Bolt is right. I went inside the mountain, and allowed the Elder to be lured away and killed. His death is more my fault than any, so I will do what I can to stay and support him, and the Militia.”

One of the dragons tried to speak, “Then you will also perish at the hooves of the nigh…”

“THEN I'll PERISH WITH PRIDE! I’d rather die a dragon, than to live as a coward. They took my eye, and the elder. But I'll see to it, that I take their lives.”

The council looked back at Star Bolt, “And you? Will you choose to stay and die alongside the Celestial Crusaders?”

“No. I choose to fight alongside my soldiers and my friends… if I die, then so be it.”

The dragon nodded his head, “Very well, if there is one thing that the council and I agreed on about you, is that you are devoted to your words, and that your courage would outlast even the elder. We will spread word among the clans. If any so wish to fight alongside you, then they must come to your aid. However, they will come at their own accord, not by order or debt.”

Star Bolt smiled and bowed, “Thank you council, I'll honestly say that for once I'm grateful of your decision. As the voice of the dragons I wish you a safe journey and hope that we may meet again someday.”

The council opened their wings and started to fly north while Star Bolt and Thorn stood there watching them. Star Bolt looked at Thorn and spoke, “Thanks Thorn, I knew I could count on you.”

Thorn shook his head, “We are part of the same clan, if I can’t trust you than who can I trust. Besides, they took my eye. It was personal before the elder fell, so now it’s my goal, to feel that commander’s skull crack below my feet. I want nothing more than to see him burn.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Well get in line, we all want to see that. But for now, I want you to go to Dragon Mountain and gather the remaining dragon. Tell them that if they want to fight than they are more than welcome. But if they want to leave than I won’t stop them.”

Thorn nodded his head, “Yes commander, and what about you?”

Star Bolt looked at the scorched ground where the elder took his last breath, “I'll catch up with you soon. I need to gather my thoughts for a few minutes.”

Thorn replied as he took to the skies, “Take all the time you need commander. We will wait for your orders at the mountain.”

As Thorn flew away, Star Bolt approached the the spears that had the chain net still connected to them. This was the place where the dragon elder was caught, killed, and then burned in a ritual that has honored the dragon race for centuries. Star Bolt sighed as he placed his hoof on one of the spears, “Elder… what’s next? We are heavily outnumbered, out skilled, and out matched in weaponry. If there is a way to win this, I hope you can help. I'm not saying I want to end this war right here or right now, but I want to at least stop them to buy us some time to…”

Star Bolt froze, he didn’t know what was happening around him, but he knew that he wasn’t alone. Star Bolt gripped his sword and paid attention to the sounds around him. Finally, he heard a sound that told him where the other presence was hiding. Star Bolt quickly drew his sword and faced a bush that rustled behind him, “Show yourself!”

Star Bolt watched in increased suspense until finally he was relieved when a squirrel jumped out of the brush, grabbed an acorn then scurried back into the bush.

With a sigh of relief, Star Bolt sheathed his sword and talked to himself, “Calm down Star, this war has made you way too jum…”

At that moment, Captain Viscous charged him from the tree line to his side. Star Bolt jumped out of the way dodging the falling axe blade by only an inch as it dug itself into the ground. He tried to draw his sword but with magic assisting in her control on the axe, Viscous was able to swing it again before he had the chance. Star Bolt jumped out of the way and dodged the blade once more before he drew his sword. Viscous swung the blade a third time, and even with all his strength, Star Bolt couldn’t hold onto the sword. When the massive axe hit the blade of the sword, it knocked the sword out of Star Bolts hooves and clear across the area. Star Bolt jumped back trying to avoid the axe once more before he found himself against a tree.

Captain Viscous with rage still in her eyes swung the heavy axe again. This time Star Bolt had to drop to the ground to dodge the magic assisted blade. The axe hit the tree with so much force that the tree didn’t so much as cut in half, but it shattered as if she was hitting it with a blunt object. With Viscous, recovering from her swing Star Bolt tried to fly into the air, but Viscous used her magic to grab his back hoof, slam him against the shattered tree, then throw him behind her causing him to hit the ground and roll a number of feet. Star Bolt couldn’t believe the damage that this one unicorn was inflicting on him. Thinking fast he looked around for something that could help him in this fight. Judging by her actions, something was making her furious, too furious to talk down, or stall with conversation. Luckily, she had tossed him next to his sword, so he quickly grabbed his sword and charged her. As the two blades clashed together, the heavy axe with magic increasing its speed, caused the sword to shatter into little pieces, sending Star Bolt into a state of shock. After finishing her swing, Viscous turned her axe blade sideways and hit Star Bolt on his side sending him flying through the air once again, and slamming him into a tree, leaving him stunned, scared, and dazed.

As Star Bolt sat, leaned against the tree, only one thought went through his mind, “I… I have to use it… I have to use the Lightning Orb… if… if I don’t… then she’ll kill me.”

Star Bolt tried to focus on creating the cloud, but the most he could do was a small spark on his right hoof. It was no use; he was out of breath, out of energy, and out of time. Viscous raised her axe in the air to swing vertically this time. Star Bolt was able to roll out of the way, as the tree split down the middle beside him. Then with as much strength as he could he punched her in her face. Leaving the axe in the tree, Viscous glared at Star Bolt and punched him back, first in the chest knocking the air from his lungs, then in his jaw, throwing him another few feet, and onto the ground. As Viscous started to pull the axe from the tree, Star Bolt could only lay there. The fear had almost overtaken him completely. He stood up, wiped the blood from his mouth and looked over at Viscous. When he saw her approaching him, he turned to run away. He want trying to get the upper hand anymore… he was trying to flee for his life.

Without saying a word, Viscous grabbed Star Bolt’s tail with her magic and slammed him against another tree. Without hesitation, Star Bolt shuffled to his hooves and tried to run away again. This time Viscous grabbed him and slammed him into a tree, the ground, then the same tree to try to get him to hold still. Like before with a terrified expression on his face, Star Bolt shuffled to his hooves and tried to run for his life. Viscous was getting annoyed so she grabbed him with her magic and repeated her previous actions. She would have just held him in place with her magic but she couldn’t hold him and the axe blade with her magic at the same time, she could only do one or the other. After being slammed against the tree and the ground continuously, Star Bolt finally wore himself out and stopped trying to run. He knew that this was it; it was his time for the Nightmare Legion to take his life too. He could only lie against that tree and accept his fate.

Captain Viscous trotted up to him and spoke, “Are you finished?”

Star Bolt didn’t even open his eyes as he replied, “I can’t go on… just do what you got to do and follow your commanders order.”

Viscous raised her axe to swing horizontally as she replied, “Sorry, but my commander gave me no order… this is personal.”

Viscous tried to swing the axe and decapitate Star Bolt as he sat there, but just then, four spears to include the Celestial spear fell from above and stopped the blade by crisscrossing themselves around the axe handle. Viscous tried to pull the axe free but some strange spell incased her horn preventing her from using her magic. As soon as she noticed this, she took a few steps back in confusion. Then Colonel Storm flew out of the sky and hit her on her side with his morning star knocking her across the area and slamming her into a tree. If not for her armor, the spike from his morning star would have ended her. Before she could get up, both an arrow and a needle buried themselves into the tree next to her face followed by a voice, “That was a warning! STAY AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND!”

Both Gem and The Reaper emerged from the forest followed by Commander Mist who spoke, “Don’t even try. That spell I placed on your horn is foolproof, as long as I can see you; you won’t be using any magic.”

Viscous tried to get back up but when she felt a sword blade on her throat, she froze, as Colonel Silas Spoke, “Don’t move mare, or you’re dead.”

In rage, Captain Viscous yelled out, “This doesn’t concern you; this doesn’t concern any of you. this is just between me and Mr. Bolt… he took my life from me… he took my future… my special day, the day I have been waiting most of my life for!”

Star Bolt continued leaning against the tree as he slightly opened one eye and spoke, “Your… special day? You wouldn’t be talking about your wedding day… would you?”

Captain Viscous replied with increasing rage, “What do you think? You murderous piece of sh…”

Star Bolt started to laugh, “Your fiancé is fine, he is probably miserable sitting in a cell in Canterlot. But he isn’t dead if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“He… he isn’t?”

“Of course not, I remember the day I fell in love, and the day I was married, other than the birth of my foal, I can’t think of a happier day in my life. I don’t care how much it would benefit me; I will never take that happiness from another. Especially when I saw how much he cared for you.”

Viscous was curious, “When did you see how…”

“In his eyes… I saw how much he cared in his eyes as he told me when you were to be married. So when given the option I spared him. I didn’t want to take a groom from his bride. Just as I hope I don’t have to take a bride from her groom.”

Captain Viscous started to tear up, but when she stared to speak, she paused when a strange combination of sounds could be heard in the distance. It sounded like lumber bashing together and ropes whipping across the lumber. Everypony in the area looked around but when Gem looked up, she called out “INCOMING!!!!”

At that moment a massive boulder came crashing down onto the area causing everypony to scramble for safety all except for Star Bolt who managed to get on his hooves but was still too weak to gallop for cover. After the boulder hit the ground missing everypony, there was a thick dust cloud that incased the area. Star Bolt stumbled through the dust looking for one of his allies but instead he came face to face with Viscous once again. With the spell on her horn gone, she had managed to get ahold of her axe, but the expression of rage was gone, instead there was an expression of content and joy. So she sheathed her axe, placed her hoof on his chin, and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you… I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions like that; I hope with all my heart, that you will be present for our wedding. It’s the very least I can do for the kindness you showed when Celestia knows we don’t deserve it.”

With that said, Captain Viscous turned and ran into the forest just as the dust was clearing.

When the dust was clear enough Gem Rushed over to Star Bolt and tried to help hold him up, “Star… are you ok? I was so worried.”

“How did you know I was in trouble?”

“Thorn told us about the dragons so we came to see if you had any intention of changing the plan. It was by chance that you were being attacked when we found you.”

Mist approached, “Commander I hope you’re ok, we can’t fight this fight without you.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Thanks commander would you mind telling me what that was though?”

Colonel Storm replied, “We would have spotted it if it was a basic catapult, my guess they must have a trebuchet hidden in the distance.”

“Trebu-what?”

The Reaper landed from the sky, “Trebuchet, I just saw it after the crash, they have three of them in the distance, but that’s not the worst part.”

Star Bolt sighed, “Ok I'll bite, what’s the worst part?”

The Reaper replied, “That was a test fire, to check distance. The next one will hit the mountain. And to add onto our list of fun times to come. Enemy formations are starting to gather near them. My guess they will begin the assault within the next hour or so.”

Star Bolt shook his head, “I’d say we should get into position then. Whether the dragons help us or not, my goal stays the same. Commander, I would appreciate your support in this battle, though I don’t expect you to place your soldiers in unnecessary risk.”

Commander Mist smiled and nodded his head, “Thanks but I'll be fine, Numbers don’t win a battle you know.”

Colonel Silas Replied, “Yea, but I'm sure they help.”

Colonel Storm nudged him, “What’s wrong Silas? Scared?”

“Scared? I’ve been waiting for some action since this war began, besides, we are Celestial Crusaders, and nothing will beat us so long as we are fighting under Commander Mist.”

Star Bolt looked at Gem and Scy, “And you two? Are you ready for this?”

The Reaper replied, “I’ll uphold my contract until the end.”

Gem spoke next, “Where you go, I'll follow… commander.”

Star Bolt Smiled, “Ok, I guess it’s time to show them who this mountain belongs to.”

“Keep your eyes open! I hear they have the reaper on their side”

“The Reaper? You mean that mercenary who formed The Cutters? I thought she vanished about twenty years ago.”

“She did, but she’s back… and she is just as deadly as ever. So keep your eyes out.”

The Nightmare Legion’s soldiers continued traveling slowly and cautiously through the forest while Star Bolt, The Reaper, Commander Mist, and a few their soldiers watched them from their hiding places amongst the trees, The Reaper nudged Star Bolt and whispered, “Looks like I'm well known in their ranks, should I introduce myself?”

Star Bolt smiled, “Patience Scy, we need them to meet my wife first, remember?”

The reaper replied, “Aw, you’re no fun.”

“You can have your turn, I promise.”

The soldiers continued through the forest with their caution at its peak, after a while they stepped into an area that allowed the light from the eclipse to cast down on the ground. After the first guard stepped into the light an arrow flew through the opening and hit the soldier in the head, as soon as the soldier fell to the ground the soldier behind him yelled, “THE SERGEANT IS DOWN! EVERYPONY TAKE COV…”

Before the second soldier could finish his order, he was also struck down by an arrow. All the nightmare soldiers galloped off the trail and into the brush, but this was a fatal mistake for most of them, Star Bolt, The Reaper and Commander Mist struck almost all of them down before they could react. A few managed to run back onto the trail but all they did was try to retreat to safety, for these soldiers, The Reaper made short work of them striking them down from behind.

As soon as the entire formation had been taken care of, Star Bolt looked through the clearing at the mountain, he couldn’t see her but he knew that Gem was standing up there smiling with the cocky smile she usually gave after an impressive shot. Commander Mist approached Star Bolt, “This group was easy but soon they will try to advance through another area, so we better think of a strategy soon.”

The Reaper spoke next, “Commander Mist it might be best if you fall back and support the rest of the soldiers at the base of the mountain, Commander Bolt and I can assist Silas in the skies, that way we…”

The Reaper paused for a few seconds and listened to her surroundings… then she yelled, “GET DOWN!!!”

Everypony dropped to the ground as a number of ballista bolts charged through the forest cutting down trees as they flew, when they passed Star Bolt Stood up, “Is everypony ok?”

One of the Hooviet soldiers called out, “Commander, ve lost three soldiers and this vone is vounded bad!”

Star Bolt replied, “Get him back to the mountain and begin assaulting the enemy ranks that threaten our archers.”

Commander Mist looked at the clearing that the ballista bolts had made and spoke, "Well it looks like they found a clearing, All celestial Troops with me we will hold this area. Commander Bolt can I trust you to take out those ballista?”

Star Bolt replied, “Way ahead of you commander, Scy, move forward and assist Colonel Storm, he should be assaulting the trebuchets by now.”

Scy started flying towards the enemy lines as Star Bolt flew into the air where there was a large cluster of chaos ensuing over the forest. Star Bolt held his weapons at the ready as he charged in, cutting down every nightmare pegasus he got near, finally Star Bolt found Colonel Silas, “Colonel! Where’s Thorn?”

Silas replied, “He is still gathering the rest of the dragon support! We could use his help about now!”

Star Bolt looked down at the line of ballistae and replied, “We will have to make due for now. I need you to help me take out those ballistae, go around and assault them from th…”

“I’d hate to seem rude, but I don’t follow the orders of a militia commander. if you need my help than get Commander Mist to give me the order than I…”

Before Colonel Silas could finish his sentence a ballista bolt flew through the air and hit one of the celestial pegasi that was flying support with Colonel Silas. With half of the bolt visible on both sides of his body, the dead celestial pegasus fell to the ground and vanished in the trees of the forest. Colonel Silas looked at Star Bolt and continued, “Should I lead, or should you?”

Star Bolt smiled, “As I was saying, go around them and hit them in the center I'll assist you, when we hit the center, you move across their line to the east and focus your attacks on the draw cables. I'll do the same but I'll move across the west so we can hit them all. If we hit them all at once, it will take most of the stress off of Gem and the Hooviet troops”

Colonel Silas looked at the line and replied, “It’s a good plan, but watch out for the cable after its cut. If it’s under enough tension than it can be as deadly as a war hammer or a broad sword.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Then let do this!”

Both Colonel Silas and Star Bolt dove through the fighting pegasi and made their way to the center of the ballistae line. Once they made it to the first one Star Bolt cut the cable and took off to the western flank while Colonel Silas went toward the east. As he flew through Star Bolt focused each sword swing on the draw cable. With each attack, Star Bolt found himself getting closer and closer to the end of the line. All of a sudden, after cutting one of the draw cables, the tension sent it swinging around hitting him unexpectedly across his wing and throwing his balance completely off. When this happened, Star Bolt’s next swing missed the next cable and instead dug the blade into a support beam on the edge of the ballista. With his sword lodged and stuck in the edge of the massive weapon, Star Bolt was pulled back and thrown into the ground right on the other side of the ballista, stopping is high-speed flight without warning.

Star Bolt quickly shuffled to his hooves just in time to dodge an attack from a nightmare pike pony. After dodging the attack Star Bolt swung around, kicked the pike pony knocking the spear from his hooves, then grabbed the spear and stabbed him before the pike pony could react. When this happened, Star Bolt jumped back and readied himself for an attack. Now he was stuck in a large group of nightmare soldiers with no way to escape or any chance of fighting his way out. As he stood there the nightmare ponies surrounded him as one called out, “SURRENDER NOW, AND YOU WILL BE SPARED!!!”

Star Bolt desperately tried to think of a way out, as the pony repeated himself, “I SAID SUR…”

“DRAGONS!!!”

After hearing another Nightmare soldier scream, Star Bolt along with the rest of the soldiers looked to the sky as Thorn and a few other dragons dove downward, splintering from the groups as they flew. When the archers started firing arrows at the diving dragons Thorn continued forward and burned everypony, he could see in his path.

Star Bolt took this opportunity, using the spear he had in his hooves he stabbed one of the nightmare soldiers who wasn’t paying attention then flew into the sky as fast as he could, leaving the spear in the soldier, and dodging the arrows that where being fired at him as he increased his altitude. When he made it into the sky, he quickly met up with Thorn and spoke, “Thank you brother you really saved my feathers back there. We need to focus our attack on their ballistae and their trebuchets. If we take those out than we will have a better chance at surviving this battle.”

Thorn replied, “Sounds like a good plan commander, you can count on me.”

As Thorn flew towards the remaining ballistae, Star Bolt started to fly to the mountain as fast as he could to get a new weapon and to check on Gem and the wounded.

Back at Nightmare Camp Commander Snow watched the battle ensue as Captain Viscous was returning from her unauthorized mission, “Back from your leisurely stroll so soon captain?”

Captain Viscous lowered her head, “Commander… I was…”

“I know… you were off trying to end the battle before it began… weren’t you? I guess Mr. Bolt won’t allow us to take the mountain so easily will he? If you want something done, than you have to do it yourself. I'm hereby returning your rank of Major, now… take over from here… Its time I stretch my legs and see exactly how a peasant can fight.”

Major Viscous was surprised, “What? You mean, you’re not made for going over your authority?”

Commander Snow replied as he trotted away, “On the contrary, I'm relieved. I expected you to betray me just like Roza did. It’s good to see where your loyalty lies. I'll be back later.”

After Commander Snow was too far for Major Viscous to see, she replied quietly to herself. “Roza betrayed you? I guess that changes everything then, promotion or not.”

Far at the very back of the nightmare line, the pony in command of the trebuchets called to his soldiers. “Load the next boulder, and move the line of sight three degrees to the left. As soon as the adjustment where made the loading crew called out “Ready to fire sir!”

“Good, now FI…”

Before the crew chief could finish his command, Colonel Storm dove from the sky and hit the crew chief on the side of his head with the morning star, killing him on impact. As the chief’s lifeless, body flew across the area like a rag doll, one of the crewmembers charged. Colonel Storm hit him on the side of his front hooves knocking him onto the ground leaving Storm to finish him with the spike on the other end of his weapon. One of the other soldiers called to the rest of the crew, “QUICKLY FIRE NOW!!!”

As the soldier rushed to the release lever, the Reaper dove from the sky, and flew around the large structure cutting the support ropes as she flew. As soon as the release lever was pulled, the large catapult flung the large beam picking up its ammunition and flinging it into the air. However, with the support ropes cut, the whiplash of the heavy arm and its counter weight, was enough to cause the massive catapult to collapse under its own stress crushing a few of the crewmembers bellow. Though she was unable to stop the projectile, but she was at least able to destroy this trebuchet, so that they could move onto the next. Storm stood on the ground and looked at the reaper, “I never saw that technique used before.”

She smiled, “You don’t fight too many of these things, do you?”

“Afraid not, trebuchets aren’t that widely used in Canterlot.”

The Reaper shook her head as she started to fly towards the next trebuchet, “Try to keep up rookie.”

Colonel Storm spoke to himself as he jumped into the sky, “Rookie huh, oh I like her. Too bad I'm married.”

Back at Dragon Mountain, Star Bolt met up with as the battle continued, “Gem how are things here?”

Gem drew her bow and aimed at a target in the distance, “We are getting hit hard by the trebuchets and the ballistae, so we had to move all the injured into the mountain, but with the way things are looking we will soon lose this ground and retreat. Where is your sword?”

Star Bolt picked up a sword off the ground and replied, “I lost it, I came back to replace mine, you’re not using this right?”

After releasing her arrow she looked at Star Bolt, “No the soldier carrying that died already… we need to consider retreating. Even with the dragons help we have lost too much ground and we are continuing to lose ponies.”

Star Bolt replied as he looked as far as he could at the chaos in the forest, “we need to hold this ground as much as we can… just until we find Commander Sno…”

“LOOKOUT!!!”

Gem quickly pushed Star Bolt out of the way as the large boulder from a Trebuchets came crashing down on the cliff that they stood on. When she pushed him both Gem and Star Bolt started rolling down the steep cliff side, hitting many stones as they rolled by. As they rolled, Star Bolt noticed that they were coming to a drop-off so he grabbed Gem and jammed the sword into the ground stopping them from sliding off the edge. After that he looked at Gem and spoke, “Your bleeding… are you ok?”

Gem picked herself up off the ground and wiped the blood from her face, “I'm fine star, but that was too close.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Your right, go into the mountain and tell the medics to get the wounded out of here. we need to fall them back th the Celestial Camp.”

She replied, “Not a problem star, I'll get…”

Gem started trotting forward and stumbled over her own hooves making Star Bolt catch her before she hit the ground. She immediately picked herself back up and acted as if nothing happened, while Star Bolt asked, “Gem, are you sure you’re going to be ok?”

Gem shook her head and smiled, “I'll be fine Star… I just stepped on some loose rocks, I'm ok I promise.”

Star Bolt knew that she was lying, but he also knew that she was too stubborn to allow him to help her so he just replied, “Be careful when you make your way back to the top of the mountain, I’ll be back soon.”

Gem smiled as Star Bolt flew into the forest to find Commander Mist. Down below Commander Mist and his soldiers where pushing the enemy troops back but with no luck. Little by little, his ranks where crumbling until Commander Mist had to call it, “ALL SOLDIERS FALL

BACK!!!”

Just then, Star Bolt flew up, “Commander! We need to end this quickly! Both our soldiers can’t handle much more of this!”

“I agree we need to find Commander Snow. If we kill him, then we end this here and now.”

“Got it, any idea where h…”

A celestial soldier called out, “LOOK OUT!!!”

At that moment, Thorn fell from the sky causing Star Bolt Commander Mist and all the soldiers in the area to take cover to prevent themselves from being crushed as Thorn destroyed a number of trees on impact.

Star Bolt quickly rushed to Thorn as fast as he could, but when he got close he was horrified to see a ballista bolt in his chest, “Thorn… no…”

Thorn looked at Star Bolt and tried to speak, “Co-Commander… we… we failed… the mountain… is about… to… to…”

“Save your strength Thorn. It’s not over yet.”

Thorn smiled and replied, “That’s why… that’s why I was willing to follow you into battle… through all your pain… your fear… your sorrow… you continue to fight… even though this war… is… is… hopeless…”

Star Bolt sighed, “It’s not hopeless unless you’re willing to give up… but for you this battle is over. Don’t move and stop talking, we’ll get you the help you need.”

Thorn closed his eyes, “I'm… glad to be your friend… but I'm even happier… to call you brother…”

With those final words, Thorn gave his final breath and died.

Star Bolt held in his tears as he yelled to the celestial forces, “GET A MEDIC OVER HERE!!!! NOW!!! HURRY UP AND GET OVE…”

Commander Mist grabbed his shoulder, “AND DO WHAT?!? Our medic can only help ponies, not dragons! there is nothing we can d…”

Star Bolt slapped Commander Mist’s hoof away with his wing, “Then we will find one who can! I don’t care if I have to go to Cloudsda…”

Commander Mist punched Star Bolt and knocked him to the ground. Star Bolt shuffled to his hooves and drew his sword. Commander Mist just stared at him, “He’s dead commander… get that through your head before you try anything stupid. You can waste the battle crying over one soldier, but that will only lead you to spend the rest of your life crying over an entire army.”

Star Bolt held his sword at the ready and replied, “Then… then what should I do… commander?”

Commander Mist replied, “Fight… show him that his death wasn’t meaningless. Also, consider the fact that there are many soldiers like him that are still alive. Do what’s best for them… even if it involves retreating for now. That’s your choice.”

Star Bolt lowered his sword, “And… what about you?”

“I'm not going to leave you to fight this battle alone, so whatever you decide, the Celestial Crusaders will provide support.”

Star Bolt looked around him at the soldiers who were still fighting then he looked in the sky at the pegasi fighting above. Then he spotted a lone cloud and made his decision, “I'll create a diversion… commander can I trust you to see to my soldier’s safety. I'm not asking much, just support the ponies’ evacuation the mountain and try to get them to retreat. Until I get back they are under your command.”

Commander Mist Nodded his head, “Sounds like a plan, what exactly will you do?”

Star Bolt wiped the tears from his face, looked at Commander Mist, and smiled, “I'm going to remind them why they came to Dragon Mountain.”

Star Bolt flew into the sky and into the cluster of fighting pegasi, after he was there Colonel Silas approached him, “Commander? I lost track of you when we split to take the ballista line. I managed to finish off my side then I took care of yours… but… I was unable to get to them in time. you see your dragon friend… he...”

Star Bolt replied, “I know… I saw him… listen new orders from Commander Mist, I need you to guard me while I get ready to use the Lightning Orb.”

“Really? How do you plan to do that? Don’t you need to be on the ground for that?” Star Bolt started flying towards the lone cloud in the sky, “Moisture isn’t just in the soil Silas. But I'll need you to help me. “Have you heard anything from Colonel Storm or Scy?”

Silas replied, “They returned after defeating the trebuchets, but I think Colonel Storm went to see to the wounded, while Scy was trying to locate Commander Snow.”

“Snow? isn’t he at the Nightmare center line?”

“No, he was last seen entering the forest.”

Colonel Storm flew up and spoke, “Commander Bolt? The wounded are safely away from Dragon Mountain, now your wife is trying to hold the mountain with Commander Mist keeping close support.”

Star Bolt grabbed the cloud and yelled back, “Thanks Colonel, I need you to give me cover while I move this cloud into place.”

Colonel Storm was confused about the odd request so he replied, “Um… okay, but what do you need the cloud for?”

Star Bolt could only smile, “Trust me, I was a weather pegasus for almost nine years. I know exactly what I'm doing but I'll need you to cover me and while I get it ready. Then when I'm done, I'll need you to get as far away from me as possible.”

Both Colonel Storm and Colonel Silas nervously looked at each other, and then Storm replied, “Um… you got our support.”

As Star Bolt continued moving, the cloud into place, Colonel Storm and Colonel Silas tried to lend as much support as they could, then once the cloud was in place Star Bolt stood on top of it and started to focus his energy on using the Lighting Orb. unlike the normal Lightning Orb, the cloud didn’t appear above; it only started changing the color of the cloud below him from its fluffy white to a stormy black. Though they continued staying close to Star Bolt as they guarded him, Both colonels where getting even more worried as they watched long and bright electric arcs shot out from all edges of the cloud and make contact with Star Bolt who continued standing on the cloud as his eyes turned yellow with electricity. Finally Star Bolt Yelled out, “It… it’s ready… FALL BACK NOW!!!”

Both colonels called to their troops, “ALL SOLDIERS FALL BACK TO THE MOUNTAIN!!!”

As the Celestial pegasi fell back, Star Bolt waited a few more seconds until the nightmare soldiers where close enough. Then using every bit of power the cloud could handle, he released the Lightning Orb, sending out electricity in all directions followed by an extremely bright and blinding light.

Back at Dragon Mountain Gem was aiming her bow when a nightmare soldier charged her, as the soldier swung his sword, it was blocked by the celestial spear while another spear stabbed him, then flung him over the cliff. Gem turned her head back at Commander Mist and spoke, “Thanks commander, I'm still a little distracted.”

Commander Mist replied, “No I recognize that look anywhere, your concussed aren’t you. you took a painful blow to the head right?”

Gem shook her head, “I'm fine commander, I don’t need to…”

Before she finished her sentence, the loud sound of thunder filled the sky completely drowning out the battle that was being fought all around the mountain. Gem looked at the large neon yellow sphere that was making the loud noise, “St… Star Bolt?”

Commander Mist looked at the glowing ball of electricity and commented, “So… this is the power that this lone weather pegasus holds in his hooves… I can’t help but feel sorry that he should hold such a burden.”

Gem replied, “He didn’t ask for this power, but he will not live with it alone. I'll always be with him; it’s my duty as his wife.”

Back in the sky, the large sphere slowly faded, as all the pegasi in the area started to fall from the sky and into the forest below. With his body completely drained, Star Bolt dropped to his knees to catch his breath. He looked in all directions to see if any enemies were approaching him. Nevertheless, he was the only pony still in the sky, so with a sigh of relief he continued trying to rest. Unfortunately, the power released also used all the moisture in the cloud causing it to disperse below his hooves. This caused him to fall through it and plunge to the ground. He tried to open his wings but he was too weak and tried to flap them. He couldn’t even glide to the ground; all he could do was close his eyes as he continued his downward drop. Before he hit the top of the tree line, the reaper flew out from the trees below and caught him.

Star Bolt opened his eyes slightly and spoke, “Scy… thank you… you got to stop saving me like this. It’s getting embarrassing.”

Scy replied, “Stop getting yourself into trouble like this then I won’t have to save you. So… what’s your next` order Commander?”

Star Bolt replied, “Take me to Dragon Mountain we need to begin our full retreat… did you find Commander Snow? “No… I think he might be in the forest somewhere but I don’t think we will see him from here.”

Star Bolt replied, “that’s ok, we need to get out of here first. This battle is lost, we have no choice but to retreat to safety.”

Scy smiled, “Now you’re sounding like a commander.”

Back at the mountain both Storm and Silas were helping Commander Mist as they provided support in defending the main line as Scy flew up carrying Star Bolt. The Reaper sat him on the ground allowing Star Bolt to stand on his own as Gem galloped up to him and hugged him, “Star! You’re all right… I was worried you were…”

“Gem… I'm fine.. but we need to begin the retreat, this mountain is lost, Thorn… Thorn is dead. We have to save who’s left. Go with Commander Mist and the others. I'll stay and make sure the rest of the troops make it out in time.”

Gem hesitated before she replied, “If thorn is gone, then I'll stay with you, I

can’t leave you to fight this alone.”

Star Bolt replied, “Fine, then you and Scy will stay here with me, then we will fall back with the rest."

Commander Mist spoke next, “Colonel Silas, assist Commander Bolt then when you’re finished meet us back at the camp.”

Colonel Silas replied, “Yes sir.”

Commander Mist and Colonel Storm started making their way down the mountain as Star Bolt, Silas, Gem, and The Reaper made their way through the caverns of the mountain to search for any soldiers who were left behind. After spending a lot of time searching they decided that that was all the soldiers that they could find so they made their way back out to the summit of the mountain. When they were outside, they all looked toward the Celestial camp to see if Commander Mist and their group arrived there yet. then they all froze when they heard the one voice they have been searching for since the battle began. “Mr. Bolt… you’re a hard pony to find, especially after the display you showed in the sky a few minutes ago.”

All four ponies drew their weapons, Turned around, and readied themselves for an attack. Commander Snow stood there with his sword sheathed and replied to the hasty action, “Easy now, I'm not here to start a fight… well actually, I am. But I'm only here to settle things with Mr. Bolt here. As for you three… I have no quarrel, so I don’t need to fight you.”

Gem Started to step forward, “OVER MY DEAD BO…”

After making her step gem fell to the ground as Star Bolt rushed to her, “Gem!... that’s it! you’re going to fall back with the rest. Colonel Silas, Scy… Get her out of here and stay with her!”

Gem replied, “I'm fine star, I…”

“THAT’S AN ORDER!... I… I already lost so many… I'm not losing you too. go back with Silas and Scy… I'll see you soon.”

Gem lowered her head in shame, then she looked back at Star Bolt, kissed him, and replied, “I love you commander… please remember that.”

Star Bolt replied, “I love you too. Silas, Scy, keep her safe… I'm counting on you two.”

Colonel Silas nodded his head, “No problem commander.”

The Reaper replied, “If that is your order commander… I'll follow it.”

As the three ponies flew towards the Celestial Camp, Star Bolt turned to Commander Snow, “It’s time we settle this!”

“I couldn’t agree more, now I suppose since you survived this long you know how to use a sword? Remember, the pointy end goes into the other pony.”

Star Bolt was irritated at the insult but he was able to hide it, “Can we move this along please, I'm sure a commander who takes his orders from a princess has a lot more time on his hooves than a commander who actually commands his army.”

“Commander?… oh, I get it! how quaint, you think that just because you command a small number of Hooviet traitors, barbaric dragons, a single mercenary, and your wife, that it makes you a commander? That’s funny, and here I spent years earning my rank while you think they can hand it to you on a silver platter. Listen Mr. Bolt, you can roam the land calling yourself a king for all I care, but you are nothing more than a hypocritical peasant with a powerful curse.”

Star Bolt sneered at Commander Snow and replied, “Rather a hypocritical peasant than Nightmare Moon’s pampered poodle.”

Commander Snow drew his sword and replied, “Well than, can you silence this poodle? Or will you remain the coward you are.”

Star Bolt charged forward and swung his sword but it was an easy block for Commander Snow. As the blades were still pressed against each other, Snow spoke, “My turn.”

Commander Snow pushed Star Bolt back and swung the sword with incredible speed. Star Bolt was able to block the swing but He couldn’t believe the speed that this thin blade was moving. He knew it wouldn’t be long before Commander Snow’s attacks would get past him, he was much faster than any of his soldiers and it didn’t seem like he was even trying. As the attacks continued, Star Bolt tried as hard as he could to keep up with the blades speed until finally, he missed blocking a swing and the thin sword cut Star Bolt across his face. Star Bolt was able to jump back and save the vital parts of his face. Nevertheless, the blade still managed to put a deep cut across his cheek, almost taking his eye with it. Star Bolt wiped the blood from his face and sneered at Commander Snow while he was gloating, “You see Mr. Bolt, you’re still just a peasant, you can try to fight all you want but you’re nothing when compared to me.”

Star Bolt charged forward swinging as much as he could but Commander Snow blocked each attack until he saw an opening and swung past Star Bolt’s defense, cutting him on his shoulder. Star Bolt ignored the pain and tried to use his wing to throw up dust, but as soon as the dust was blocking their view, Commander Snow jumped through the cloud and head butted Star Bolt stunning him. Then while Star Bolt was stunned, Snow swung his sword again this time putting a deep gash in his wing while it was still open. Star Bolt screamed in pain while Commander Snow swung the sword again cutting his hoof and taking him to the ground. Star Bolt tried to shuffle to his hooves but before he got back up, Commander Snow took one more swing taking off a large chunk of his right ear. Star Bolt was in so much pain over that last attack that he even dropped his sword, in agony. Commander Snow smiled as he trotted around Star Bolt, “Come now Mr. Bolt. I thought you would have more fight than that, where is that spirit? That devotion? And to think Nightmare Moon wanted you to be an Officer in her ranks.”

Star Bolt picked himself back off the ground while trying to push himself through the pain and ignore the blood dripping from his face, hoof, wing, and ear. Commander Snow smiled, “well it seems you still have some fight left in you after all. But can you continue to face me even after all that.”

Star Bolt reached over and picked up his sword, so Commander Snow attacked again. Star Bolt was able to block the sword, but he wasn’t fast enough to guard himself when Commander Snow swung around and kicked him with both hind legs. Throwing Star Bolt back and near the edge of the cliff.

Snow approached Star Bolt who was lying on the ground feeling almost completely defeated, “Perhaps you will accept my offer now, will you join the…”

“Bite me…”

Commander Snow punched Star Bolt in his face, “now I'm trying to give you a chance because I really don’t want to kill you so I ask again, Will you joi…”

“Eat a pinecone...”

Commander Snow stopped on his face and continued, “Please Mr. Bolt… please done make me do this… I don’t want you or your family to suffer anymore, so please. Wil…”

“Sorry I'm already married but thanks for the offer…”

Commander Snow didn’t hurt him this time, he just changed the tone of his voice, “Mr. Bolt… why… why do you continue to persist. Why won’t you take my offer and spare yourself and your family any more pain… I… I don’t want to continue this… but if you insist then I have no choice. I'm going to have to kill you now… it’s too bad. Now your foals will never know the true value of your gift.”

Star Bolt laid there then he realized something, “You’re… you’re right. They don’t know the value of this power, because … I never used it around them… I never even told them I had it, or used it because I was worried that they would be afraid of me for it… but there is something you should know.”

Snow took a few steps back allowing Star Bolt to pick himself off the ground, as Star Bolt looked back and smiled, “They aren’t here, so I don’t have to hide it anymore.”

All of a sudden, a cloud appeared above Star Bolt’s head. Commander Snow tried to strike before anything could happen, but he wasn’t fast enough. Lightning came out of the cloud and made contact with the sword causing him to drop it in pain. After that, Star Bolt sent another bolt into Commander Snow’s chest, though he was dazed, Commander Snow tried to charge before taking another bolt to his body this time knocking him to the ground.

Star Bolt continued hitting Snow repeatedly with lightning with an attempt of neutralizing him so that he wouldn’t try to fight back. After hitting him almost ten times, Commander Snow finally stopped trying to get up, while Star Bolt stumbled over to Snow’s sword and picked it up. Then he continued stumbling with each step as he approached Commander Snow, “You… you killed the dragon elder, you threatened my foals, you brought this war to my family, and are responsible for Thorns death and Roza’s injury. Why did you spare her by the way?”

Snow Tried to answer through the numb feeling in his body, “You think I like making my friends suffer. I'm not as heartless as you think. She… she was the only pony who understood why I did what I did… but after a while, even she couldn’t stand to be around me I… I admit I fell for her… but she didn’t want anything to do with me. I could have just killed her on the spot, or let her leave and face her on the battlefield, but… I couldn’t kill her, even if I wanted to, she has been fighting with me excessively long. I… I had to save her, some way or other. But I have to admit… after I killed the elder, I expected that karma would catch up to me soon. I guess now is just as good as any. Do what you have to do… commander in order for this battle to end, you must kill me.”

Star Bolt Raised the sword above his head and replied, “As you wish commander. good bye.”

after saying that Star Bolt tried to stab the sword into Commander Snow’s body, but his hoof wouldn’t move. Star Bolt tried over and over but both the sword and his hoof stayed above his head. When he looked up at his hoof, Star Bolt saw that it was incased in a mystic blue aura, in other words, magic. Star Bolt was confused but then he heard a voice come from behind him, “It’s a shame, you would have been an exceptional soldier.”

The sound of the voice sent a chill up Star Bolts spine that filled him instantly with shock… and terror, “Nigh…”

Just then Star Bolt felt a jolt throughout his whole body followed by a split second where every since in his body went numb. First, his sight blacked out and returned as if he had a head rush. His throat went completely dry before having a taste of blood, then his body went completely numb before returning with an intense pain in his chest and back that outweighed the cuts all over his body only to end with his ears ringing then returning chaos in the distance.

As the cloud above Star Bolt’s head started to disappear, Star Bolt slowly looked down at his chest where he was feeling the pain. His fear hit its peak when he saw the tip of a spear blade sticking out of his chest, then he slowly turned his head to look behind him. That’s when he saw her, the mare of darkness herself, the beautiful princess who turned evil, Nightmare Moon. Star Bolt spoke, “Y-you… it’s you…”

Nightmare Moon smiled and replied, “This isn’t the best way to introduce myself, but it seems to be the most appropriate. He may be a pathetic fool, but he is still my commander and I can’t allow him to fall just yet.”

As Nightmare Moon pulled the spear from his back, Star Bolt fell to the ground next to Commander Snow. Commander Snow looked

at Star Bolt’s face as he laid next to him, “Mr. Bolt?...”

Nightmare Moon spoke to Commander Snow as he laid there, “Good work commander, it appears that we have taken Dra…”

Nightmare Moon was stunned when an arrow flew by her face cutting her on the cheek. Nightmare Moon put her hoof against her face then looked at the blood that she wiped off her, then she turned around to look at where the arrow came from. She saw Gem far off in the distance with a rage-filled expression on her face. Gem pulled another arrow and placed it across her bow, but no matter how hard she focused, she was still too concussed to fire accurately. When she released the second arrow, it flew too high and landed just between Star Bolt and Commander Snow, scaring Commander Snow even more. When she reached for a third arrow she realized that she was completely out. Colonel Silas placed his hoof on her shoulder and spoke, “Mrs. Bolt, we have to get moving! We can’t stand up to Nightmare Moon.”

With nothing but anger controlling her, Gem pulled Silas’s sward from its sheath then charged toward the mountain, “No… Star… I'M GOING TO KILL THEM!!!”

As Gem charged forward, The Reaper fell from the sky and hit her in the face with the staff of her scythe knocking her unconscious. As soon as Gem fell to the ground Colonel Silas ran up grabbed her and continued their retreat back to the Celestial camp. As the three ponies continued, their retreat Nightmare Moon and smiled, “Well, well, It looks like this little militia still has some fight in them. I'll be seeing you again mare… I hope you will be ready when I do.”

Commander Snow struggled to pick himself up off the ground, then he approached, Star Bolt , “I'm… I'm sorry Mr. Bolt… I truly am… I didn’t want it to come to…”

Star Bolt glared at Commander Snow and spoke, “I'll be seeing you soon... Poodle.”

Looking into the rage-filled eyes of a dying stallion sent chills up Commander Snow’s spine as Nightmare Moon approached him, “I’d say it was a good job commander, but it seems that if I didn’t arrive when I did, than you and Mr. Bolt here would have something in common.”

Star Bolt laid on the ground and started losing since with his surroundings, “Gem… stay safe… Pearl… Sable… Gem… stay…”

Trying his hardest to ignore Star Bolt’s mumbling, Commander Snow spoke to Nightmare Moon, “Your majesty? Should we pursue the Celestial Crusaders?”

Nightmare Moon replied, “There is no need, let the cowardly fools run back to their princess we got what we came for, the pony who can use the Lighting Orb won’t be a threat… not anymore.”

Back at the celestial camp commander Mist was shocked to see Colonel Silas returning with Gem on his back, “Colonel! What happened? Where is Commander Bolt?”

Colonel Silas didn’t reply, he just shook his head as he trotted by Commander Mist, then the reaper answered the question, “we must leave Dragon Mountain... This battle is over. My contractor… has fallen.”

Commander Mist replied, “Oh… I see… All soldiers prepare to retreat, Dragon Mountain has fallen… but this war is far from over."

Commander Bolt stood at the top of a tower in the middle of Canterlot watching the horizon; Pearl flew up and spoke, “Mom? Is there any sign of him yet?”

Commander Bolt turned around and replied, “No… I'm getting worried; it’s not like him to take this long.”

Pearl smiled, “Its ok mom, Sable is the fastest land messenger pony in Equestria remember, if anypony can get there and back without being seen by the Nightmare Legion, its him. He probably just took a nap in a field like last time.”

Commander Bolt smiled, “I know, it’s just that every time I think about you two, I see those two little foals who stayed as brave as they could when we were being threatened by that pegasus from my foal hood.”

Pearl shook her head, “A lot has changed since then mom, we aren’t little foals anymore.”

Gem smiled, “I know… it’s hard to think that’s it been many years since your father died… I… I wish he could see you two now.”

Pearl didn’t like talking about this subject so she tried to change the subject, “Is there any word from Scy and the rest of The Cutters?”

Gem replied, “No, last I heard, they were in Stalliongrad gathering more soldiers. The soldiers arrived… but they didn’t.”

Pearl shook her head, “They didn’t abandon us… I know that because Scy wants revenge just as much as you do.”

Gem spotted something in the distance then spoke, “Your brother is approaching the city.”

Pearl looked in the distance then replied, “Where? I can’t see… oh I see him now… that cloud of dust there on the horizon right? Sometimes I wish my eyes were as good as yours.”

Gem smiled, “What can I say? It helps me as an archer to see lo… Get to the gate immediately! Your brother is carrying somepony!... and I can see blood… Get down there and see to him. I'll keep watch in case he is being followed.”

Pearl quickly replied as she started to fly towards the gate, “Yes Commander!”

Pearl flew as fast as she could to the city gate. As she approached the gate one of the guards called out, “UNKNOWN EARTH PONY APPROACHING THE GATE!”

Pearl called to her soldiers, “LET HIM IN! IT’S CAPTAIN BOLT!”

The celestial gate chief relayed the order, “You heard the lieutenant! Let him through! You know he doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

Pearl turned to another soldier, “Get a stretcher down here, and notify my nurses to have the hospital ready for patients.”

The soldier nodded her head and galloped down the street. When the gate finally opened, Sable ran through it and yelled to Pearl, “SIS! I need you to look at somepony!”

As the ponies with the stretcher arrived Sable laid the wounded pony down, when Pearl looked at the pony, she was surprised, “Colonel Viscous?... but what happened, was she caught leaking information?”

Sable shook his head, “I don’t know, they left her tied to a post under Cloudsdale, but that’s not all, they left the rest of the Celestial Crusaders, and our militia troops under Cloudsdale too… all dead.”

Pearl stopped examining Viscous and looked at Sable, “D-dead?...”

Sable nodded his head, “Dead… we lost Cloudsdale, I even counted the soldiers, all to include Commander Storm and General Roza were killed. There are no survivors.”

Pearl sighed, “Dear Celestia…”

“So… how is she?”

“She will be fine, she has a few Broken ribs and a concussion… but they're all minor… I think Commander Snow showed her mercy.”

At that moment Gem landed, “Sable! Are you hurt? Did they see you? What happened?”

Sable looked at his mother and spoke seriously, “Mom… I must speak with Princess Celestia. I'm fine… but Colonel Viscous is wounded, and Commander Storm, General Roza, and their armies have fallen. They won’t be far behind me, now that Cloudsdale is under their control, there is no defense points between them and us.”

Gem replied, “Alright I'll go with you to see the Princess.”

Pearl spoke to the ponies who brought the stretcher, “Take her to the hospital and have my nurses see to her. I'll be there when I'm finished here.”

She turned to Sable, “Sab? You’re not hurt too are you?”

He replied, “No, I'm fine sis. But… I would still like to be seen by one of your nurses, is the unicorn with the green mane working today?”

Gem shook her head and replied, “Alright lover colt, first we need to see Princess Celestia, then you can continue playing Casanova. I swear, you’re just like your father.”

As Gem and Sable made their way to the castle wall, Gem stopped and called to Colonel Drib who was training militia pegasi in the sky above, “COLONEL!”

Drib flew down and replied, “Commander, the training is going well, these Canterlot ponies are better than I expected, oh, Captain you're back already? You really are fast. So what’s the word from Viscous?”

Sable didn’t reply, instead he waited for Gem to tell him, “Drib, go to the hospital and see Lieutenant Bolt, she has your fiancé now. The Nightmare Legion discovered that she was a spy and beat her half to death. She is alive, but I’d rather she be with you since you are set to marry her.”

Drib answered quickly as he started to rush off, “Oh… thank you commander, I'll see to her now.”

Gem watched silently as Colonel Drib rushed off, Sable knew what she was thinking though, “I miss dad too. but look at what we’ve accomplished since Dragon Mountain fell. Pearl is the officer in command of the medical division, I'm in command of the land based strike force, Commander Storm got his final promotion, Grandma not only told us who she was… but she even tracked down the rest of The Cutters. Not to mention we convinced both Colonel Drib and Colonel Viscous to betray the Nightmare Legion, and we held them from taking over Cloudsdale... well for this long at least. Dad would be more than proud what we’ve accomplished.”

Gem shook her head, “I don’t care, he fought to keep you foals out of this war, he fought to keep Dragon Mountain safe, and he fought to uphold his trust with the dragons. Now, you two are fighting as officers in this war, Dragon Mountain fell, the dragons vanished and haven't been seen since Thorn died… and Star… he…”

Gems eyes started to tear up over the subject, as Sable put his hoof on her shoulder, “Mom we need to go, Princess Celestia will want to know Cloudsdale’s status.”

Gem wiped the tears from her eyes and replied, “Your right, we need to inform them of the situation.”

Sable and Gem continued into the castle and into the main hall where Princess Celestia was talking with Chrome Mist. As they entered Sable smiled with a sarcastic smile and spoke, “Feeling young as ever Chrome?”

The former commander gave him an unamused look and replied, “Oh look it’s the brave little earth pony. Late again I see, did you stop in a field for another nap?”

Sable sighed and turned toward Gem, “Mom! You told him about that? I fall asleep once and all of a sudden I'm the laziest runner in the Kingdom.”

Princess Celestia smiled, “But you are the fastest, and the fact that you run on the ground makes you even more valuable in this time of war.”

Sable smiled, “Thank you your majesty, I see that it takes greatness, to understand Greatness.”

Gem rolled her eyes, “Great… now can you tell her already?”

Sable replied, “Oh… uh… your majesty. I have troubling news from Cloudsdale. It seems that the city and both our armies have fallen to the Nightmare Legion.”

Princess Celestia was shocked, “What?... sister has taken Cloudsdale?”

Sable lowered his head, “I'm afraid so… and to make matters worse. She laid the fallen under the city to pass the message. Commander Storm, General Roza and their entire force are all dead.”

Princess Celestia shook her head, “I believe the darkness has completely overtaken her now… it won’t be long before she attacks Canterlot too.”

“There’s more, she discovered that Colonel Viscous was a spy and they tortured her. She is alive… but I had to carry her back. That’s why it took so long for me to return.”

Princess Celestia tried to smile through her worries, “I'm grateful for your courage and selflessness. Your father would be proud to have a son like you. Commander Bolt?”

Gem Stepped forward, “Yes your majesty?”

“I want you to gather your officers and meet me in the conference room. We need to go over our planes for the Nightmare Legion arrives.”

Gem replied, “Yes your majesty, I'll gather my daughter and Colonel Drib as soon as possible, Chrome? Will you fight with us?”

Chrome Mist replied, “Well I was hoping to enjoy my retirement, but I'll continue to stay by the princesses’ side. This old stallion still has some fight in him. Besides soon Sere… I mean Blade

will be back and I won’t hear the end of it if I just stand by.”

Princess Celestia smiled, “There’s the great Commander Mist we know and love.”

Back in a small camp just below Cloudsdale Commander Snow was sitting getting a small cut on his shoulder stitched when one of his officers approached him, “Commander Snow, supporters from Cloudsdale arrived at the camp. They bring supplies, and they wish to meet you personally.”

Commander Snow nodded his head, “Thank you lieutenant I'll be there in a second.”

Commander Snow had his stitched covered, as he put on his armor and sheathed is sword to meet the group. When he approached the group of pegasi, he noticed that a number of them were wearing cloaks. Commander Snow approached the leader and spoke, “My name is Commander Frances Snow, it’s a pleasure to meet residents’ of Cloudsdale who support Nightmare Moon and her cause. May I ask your name?”

The supporting stallion answered, “My apologies commander, but if I were to give you my name then I would put my family at risk, you see not all ponies support your cause… that’s the reason most of us wear cloaks, to hide our identities. Nevertheless, we are here with supplies to show you that you do have support, especially here in Cloudsdale. And I'm sorry if this was a waste of time but that is all we came here to say.”

Commander Snow smiled, “And you said it exceptionally well, I understand your caution, and it needs no apologies… I can only wish you a safe journey to your home above. And so I'll leave you with my thanks.”

As Commander Snow turned to trot back to his quarters, he looked at the ponies wearing the cloaks until one particular mare caught his eye. Commander Snow stopped in front of her and looked at her for a few seconds. Finally he spoke, “Lieutenant, escort this mare to my quarters and see that she is comfortable… I'll see to her in a few minutes.”

The Lieutenant smiled as he replied, “Oh… I See… I didn’t think you were into that sort of thing… don’t worry sir… she will be ready for you when you’re ready for her.”

Commander Snow only shook his head as he went back to the medic to finish having his stitches applied properly. Afterwards, Commander Snow went back to his quarters and went inside. Waiting for him was the mare, who was lying on his bunk with a seductive smile on her face, and a glass of wine that she had poured for herself, “I was surprised when you had me brought back to your quarters… and here I thought you to be a noble pony… I see the Nightmare Legion has changed you a little hasn’t it?”

Commander Snow smiled, “No I'm not that way, I only thought if you were going to go through the trouble to meet me before

you tried to kill me, then it should be more… formal, don’t you think… Blade?”

Blade smiled as she took a sip of the wine, “Well at least you’re still civilized.”

Commander Snow saw the gleam of her weapon that was hidden under her cloak then replied, “And you’re still the beautiful temptress that we all know and fear. Tell me, I haven’t seen my lieutenant since he escorted you back here. Do you know where he is?”

Blade didn’t answer, she only pointed with her glass to a wardrobe in the side on the room. The floor in front of the wardrobe was stained in blood while blood was dripping through the cracks in the door. Commander Snow knew what happened so all he did was ask, “Was it quick?”

She shook her head, “I tried to make it so, but he pulled his head back with the first swing so the blade didn’t go deep enough to kill him on the first attempt. But if it makes you feel any better he did draw his sword and attempt to strike me before he died, though I can’t say it made any defference to his final outcome.”

Commander Snow sneered at Blade, “You’re a monster!”

Blade took another sip of the wine and replied, “No, I merely lack compassion for my enemy or his soldiers. But then again that’s what makes us so alike. You’re willing to kill an innocent stallion, your formal brother in arms, and a general that used to fight under you, and still have the nerve to call me a monster. You're so cute sometimes Snow and to think that you were a whiny little sergeant during the Griffon Civil War… it almost pains me that I won’t be the one to kill you soon.”

“Really? And who will?”

“Commander Bolt, She is the one with her eye on your head, and with the fire in her eyes when we last spoke of this conversation… I believe she will get what’s owed to her.”

Commander Snow drew his sword and looked at his reflection in the blade, “I couldn’t agree more. She deserves that revenge… but I'll still fight to win this war, so if she wants my head, then she will find me on the battle field.”

Blade finished her wine and got off the bunk, “Well if that’s it then I'll take my leave, it was nice seeing you again, I’d tell you to watch your back, but the Cutters have already agreed that none of us will make the attempted to kill you. But you’d be surprised what you can survive, so don’t drop your guard.”

As Blade trotted by Commander Snow, she flipped her tail across his muzzle. Commander Snow sheathed his sword, scratched his nose, turned around, and spoke, “I don’t suppose I could offer a higher bid for your services… could I?”

As Blade started to leave the tent, she smiled and looked back, “Sorry this is on a personal level with the boss, so I can only follow her instruction. Besides, you couldn’t handle me.”

After leaving Commander Snow’s Quarters two guards approached her, “Ma’am? Would you like us to escort you back to the line?”

Blade smiled and started trotting between the two guards as she replied, “Oh, aren’t you two such gentle colts, while you’re at it could you possibly let me know when it is that you may be leaving Cloudsdale?”

The Guards looked at each other and replied, “Why would you need to know something like that?”

Blade opened her wings and rested them on the soldiers back still keeping them covered beneath her cloak, “The supporters and I have a few more supplies to bring and we hope to get them to you before you leave.”

One of the stallions replied, “Well if that’s the case, word is we will be moving out this evening. I'm afraid we can’t tell you where though. That’s confidential.”

Blade gave a sinister smile, “Oh don’t you worry about that, I already know where you’re going and I'll be sure to have the militia ready for you.”

As the guards looked at each other in confusion, Blade dashed forward using an attached sword like weapon on the outside of her wings to cut deep into the back of the soldiers necks killing them almost instantly. After doing this she flew into the air too quickly for anypony in the surrounding area to noticed what she had just done, let alone, trying to stop her. Blade flew out from under Cloudsdale and landed next to a boulder down the road that lead to Canterlot. After she landed, The Reaper came out from behind the boulder, “Did he get the message?”

“Yep… and I have to say, he is a little bolder than the last time I saw him. Where is Traipse?”

The Reaper replied, “He is here, behind this boulder.”

Blade trotted around the boulder and saw Traipse sitting behind the boulder in its shadow, “How ya doing big guy? You still sulking?”

Traipse stood up and turned his back to blade, “… If you’ve finished flirting, then come on. We need to report to the commander.”

Blade shook her head, “I don’t know what’s sadder, the fact that your winning about the boss leaving for so long or the fact that you won’t just talk to her about it.”

Traipse didn’t reply he just looked at The Reaper and spoke, “I better get going, I don’t have wings like you two so I’ll meet you there.”

With that, said Traipse started galloping down the road towards Canterlot. Blade could only watch as he continued on his path, “What is it with him and this country, I know he hates Equestria but that’s no reason to act like a foal.”

The Reaper replied, “It’s not just that… it's the fact that I left you two to come here that really ticks him off. Now that I'm

back, it’s time to slowly close these wounds. I’ve gathered all the intelligence I needed, and you delivered the message so it’s time we return to Canterlot, I'm certain the young Bolt has already given the commander the message of Cloudsdale’s fall, so we will pass on the rest of the info and ready ourselves for the final battle.”

Blade asked, “What makes you think this will be the final battle?”

Scy replied, “Because Commander Bolt will make it the last battle.”

Back in Canterlot, while Gem went to retrieve Pearl and Colonel Drib, Sable was sitting in the garden sharpening his father’s sword, when Chrome trotted up to him and spoke, “You think you’re ready to use that thing?”

Sable raised the blade up, blew off the metal dust and replied and he continued, “I'll do what I have to… as long as mom and sis are kept safe.”

“Really? So you think you can take another life?”

Sable replied, “If that’s what it takes.”

“And what if it means killing one of your own?”

Sable stopped sharpening his sword and looked up at Chrome, “What are you saying?”

Chrome looked at a group of soldiers who were marching by and replied, “That’s what is asked of me… as you know Commander Snow used to be my soldier… and now I have to kill him. Taking a life is hard… taking one of your own, is harder. I'm just curious if you can really do that.”

Sable looked back at the sword and continued sharpening it as he answered, “If I that’s what it takes… I promised dad that nothing would happen to Mom and sis… and I don’t care how long it’s been since that promise was made, I have to keep my promise. It’s what dad would have wanted.”

While listening to Sables answer, Chrome used his magic to retrieve a spear from a stack that was against the castle wall, and swung it at Sable, “WE’LL SEE!”

Out of reflex Sable raised the sword up and blocked the spear then he parried the blade and tried to counter, but Chrome jumped back and dodged the attack.

After Chrome dodged the attack and readied himself, smiled, and spoke, “Not bad… you defiantly are your father’s son, but do you have what it takes to beat me?”

Sable pointed the sword at Chrome and replied, “If that is what it takes.”

Chrome smiled, “Then show me.”

Sable charged forward and tried to swing his sword at Chrome, only to have it blocked. On the second swing Chrome blocked the attack and stepped to his side causing Sable to lose his balance and fall forward right into the staff portion of Chrome’s spear. Chrome allowed him to fall to the ground and stepped back to see how Sable would react to the cheap shot. Sable picked himself up off the ground and wiped the blood from his lip then glared at Chrome.

Chrome Mist could easily see the anger in his eyes so he commented, “If looks could kill, then this fight would be over already, but only ponies like Blade can use her looks to kill anypony. Ponies like you and me have to rely on our weap…”

Before Chrome could finish his sentence, Sable charged forward and swung his sword. Chrome easily blocked three attacks before swinging the spear staff bashing Sable on the side of his face. Sable was able to shake it off quickly and comeback with another horizontal swing but like that last, it was blocked. Then Chrome countered by swinging the spear low, knocking all of Sable’s hooves out from under him but before Sable hit the ground, Chrome turned around and used his hind hooves to kick Sable in his face throwing him a few feet.

Sable struggled to pick himself off the ground but as soon as he was up he had his sword held back at the ready. “ENOUGH!!!”

Both Chrome and Sable looked at Gem as she landed and continued, “I don’t know how this started but I don’t want to see anymo….”

“This doesn’t concern you mom! This is between me… and this has been!”

Chrome smiled, “Has been? That’s a little harsh coming from a never been like yourself.”

Sable was getting irritated, “If you want to settle this here and now than go ahead and kill me already… the only reason I'm fighting this war is because of the promise I made to dad. I WILL PROTECT MY SISTER AND MOTHER FROM ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT POSES A THREAT!”

Chrome smiled, “Your hearts in the right place, and so is your skill… but you keep leaving yourself wide open, if you keep your guard up then you…”

“MIST!!!!!”

All of a sudden Blade came swooping down from the sky and tackled Chrome taking him to the ground. Sable could only smile, “Yea… I don’t think your guard was up high enough to stop that.”

Blade was lying across Chrome while she spoke, “Did you miss me?... I missed you… its no fun when the only stallion to keep me company is Mr. grumpy hooves.”

Chrome sighed, “I think I know why he is grumpy.”

Blade smiled innocently as she climbed off him, “Now that’s not nice… why would you say that after all we have been through.”

Chrome replied as he stood up, “Because most of what we’ve been through was caused by you… while I was chained up for the rest of it.”

Sable smiled, “Well she can chain me up anytime she wants.”

Blade winked at Sable while Chrome replied, “Trust me… no you don’t, the griffon kingdom is short on comfortable cells.”

Scy and Traipse trotted up while Gem spoke, “Alright, now that we are all here, We need to continue to the war room so we can discuss our plane of action.”

Pearl replied, “Sable and I will wait here, and continue training.”

Chrome replied, “Not this time. we need all our officers for this meeting. Colonel Silas and Princess Celestia and waiting for us there.”

Sable sarcastically replied, “I though the war room was for soldiers. Aren’t we just foals with weapons?”

Chrome replied, “You’ll do. The next battle will involve us all, so we need to have all our soldiers ready.”

Gem continued, “Let’s just go. We can discuss this in the war room.”

When the group entered the conference room, Princess Celestia smiled and spoke, “I'm glad to see that the Cutters will be joining us for this meeting. We need to start planning our next move. Mrs. Bolt what do you have planned for the militia.”

Gem Replied, “Most of my soldiers want to take refuge in the city. What we want to do is evacuate most of the civilians from the city entirely. As for those who can’t be moved like hospital patients and the elderly we would like to have them moved into the castle.”

Princess Celestia thought to herself then spoke to Pearl, “Lieutenant? How long would it take to do that?”

Pearl Replied, “At least a day, but with all my nurses helping we could do it in about half a day.”

Blade spoke up, “The Nightmare Legion will leave Cloudsdale this evening. With that in mind they should be here by tomorrow morning.”

Colonel Silas Spoke up, “And how exactly do you kno…”

Chrome interrupted him, “Trust me… she has her ways.”

Princess Celestia spoke next, “Then after this meeting we will start evacuating the city. Ms. Reaper, will you take command of the Cutters, or will you follow Commander Bolts orders?”

Scy replied, “I will follow my Commanders orders. The Cutters always see their contract to the end.”

Gem looked at Scy and replied, “Thank you.”

Princess Celestia changed her expression and spoke to Gem, “Commander Bolt… is it alright if I ask a favor of you? You see with the fall of Commander Snow and his soldiers we are short on officers, so I was hopping with your permission… I would like your son Captain Bolt to take command of my front line soldiers. In return he will be promoted to Major, and take temporary roll as a Celestial Officer.”

Sable was amazed, “You mean… you want… me… to lead your front line soldiers? Am… am I good enough for that?”

Chrome spoke up, “You are? That spar we had was a test to see if you were truly worthy of this position.”

“But… I lost.”

Princess Celestia continued, “Being a leader isn’t about who is stronger than who… it’s a matter of where your heart is during a fight. And whether

your cause is worthy of victory or not.”

Sable put his hoof on his head to think about what Princess Celestia was talking about. Gem was thinking hard about her answer, then she turned to Tri and Spoke, “Mr. Traipse… can I trust you to keep him safe?”

Tri didn’t reply he only nodded his head saying yes, so Gem turned to Princess Celestia and replied, “Your majesty… you have permission to allow Capti… Major Bolt to take command of your line. However, it will only be temporary, once this battle ends he will not continue to serve in the Celestial Crusaders. And at any time… I will take back command of him if things seem to get too dangerous.”

Princess Celestia smiled and replied, “That sounds acceptable, Major Bolt do you accept this offer too?”

Sable replied, “Where will mom and sis be?”

Gem replied, “I will keep refuge in the city with our soldiers in case they break through the city wall. As for Lieutenant Bolt, she will stay in the castle and take care of the wounded and the civilians who decide not to leave.”

Sable replied, “As long as they are kept safe… then I'll gladly lead your soldiers your majesty.”

Princess Celestia looked at Chrome and continued, “He will be under you Chrome, unless you have any objections on me reinstating your position as commander of the Celestial Crusaders.”

Commander Mist Smiled, “I accept, soldiers never retire anyway… we just sheath our swords and wait for the next battle. Besides I can't let you have all the fun can I?”

Blade threw her hooves around Commander Mist and replied, “And we are going to have so much fun too!”

Commander Mist just shook his head while Princess Celestia spoke, “Then its settled, do you have a strategy for the coming battle?”

Blade stopped hugging him and Commander Mist replied, “Yes I do, Bolt.”

Gem, Sable, and Pearl all replied, “Yes…”

Princess Celestia giggled as Commander Mist corrected himself, “Major Bolt… once the battle begins you will lead the front line forward into the Nightmare Legions lead formations. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, you will sustain great losses with this charge, but I know that you of all ponies will have no problem dodging catapults, ballistae and trebuchets during this charge. While we are doing this Colonel Silas, I want you to focus your pegasi on the enemy artillery, even if it means bypassing their pegasi force. We have to take down everything that poses a threat to the castle gate.”

Gem Spoke next, “Scy, Wing, I want you two to assist Colonel Silas on this attack, I'll be counting on you two to provide close support to the Celestial forces. I'll also send a few soldiers with you Sable, if we can keep them outside the wall then I'll send the rest to assist, but I can’t make any promises.”

Blade replied first, “You’ve nothing to worry about commander, the boss and I will hold back anypony who tries anything.”

The Reaper spoke next, “Don’t call me boss… but yea. Commander we will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.”

Gem smiled, “I know you will.”

Colonel Drib stepped forward, “I'll join in too, I need to stretch my wings anyway. Plus I need to keep my reputation as the ace flyer in this militia. I’d like to see miss easy eyes put her money where her wings rest.”

Blade smiled, “You’re on hot shot!”

Gem replied, “Wouldn’t you want to stay with your fiancé?”

Drib lowered his head, “The lieutenant says she will be fine… and I trust her judgment. Besides after what he did to Viscous… Snow and I have a score to settle.”

Princess Celestia spoke next, “This will conclude our meeting. Commander Bolt, I'll trust you with the evacuation of the civilians.”

All the ponies in the room left to see to their duties. A few hours had passed and as Gem and Pearl were seeing the last of the civilians leaving the city Commander Mist trotted up, “Mrs. Bolt… I was wondering if I… could speak with Blade for a few seconds?”

Gem nodded her head, “She’s in the lookout tower. Reading the wind like she does.”

Mist looked at the closest tower and replied, “Thanks, let me know your progress before you decide to go to sleep tonight.”

As Commander Mist continued climbing the stairs closer and closer to the towers balcony, he could hear the sound of Blade humming a steady beautiful song. When he got to the top, he could see Blade standing on the balconies edge with her eyes closed feeling the wind in her mane. As she slowly opened her wings Commander Mist spoke, “Are you drea…”

“WHA!!!”

The surprised pegasus slipped off the balconies edge and fell a few feet before regaining stability and flying back to the balcony. As she landed, she blushed with embarrassment as she spoke, “Oh… um… commander?... I mean Mist… did you want something?”

Commander Mist laughed as he replied, “It’s times like this that make you seem much more mature. For a second I almost forgot you were a mare.”

Blade glared at Commander Mist and replied, “What do you want!”

“I was checking to see if you and the other Cutters are ready for this fight… you know since you’re not being paid for this fight.”

Blade replied proudly, “Where the boss goes, I'll follow, even if it leads to my death.”

Mist continued, “So what about after this fight?”

Blade smiled, “I'll probably leave with the cutters… Why do you ask?”

Commander Mist just shook his head, “Just curious is all.”

Blade approached Mist and put her hoof on his shoulder, “Oh Mist, if you want me to stay then you should just say s… wait…”

Blade turned and looked on the horizon then she closed her eyes to feel the wind. While she measured the wind, Commander Mist knew that she was sensing something, “Wing? What is it?”

Blade opened her eyes and replied, “Something tall just went up over the horizon… I don’t know what… but I think it’s the tower of a trebuchet.”

Commander Mist was surprised, “What? Where?”

Blade pointed into the distance and replied, “There… another just went up.”

Commander Mist turned to go to the bottom of the tower as he replied, “Notify your commander, tell her that I’d suggest sending Scy to investigate.”

Blade nodded her head, “Don’t think this changed anything Mist, I'll expect to continue this conversation later.”

On the ground Gem was talking with Traipse as Blade landed next to her, “Commander, there is something on the horizon. I think it might be a trebuchet.”

Gem turned and replied, “What? But I though they wouldn’t be here till tomorrow?”

“I guess Snow changed his mind. Mist suggests that we send the boss out to investigate she is the only one of us who could sneak there and back without getting caught.”

Gem nodded her head and replied, “That’s a good idea. Did you get that Scy?”

Before anypony noticed her, The Reaper stepped out of the shadows next to them and replied, “Got it commander I'll report back as soon as I can. Oh and Wing?… stop calling me boss.”

As The Reaper flew into the sky, Blade watched her fly off and spoke, “I forgot how good she was at keeping herself hidden.”

Out on the horizon, Commander Snow watched as his trebuchet teams continued constructing their placed Trebuchets. As he stood there, Nightmare Moon approached him from behind, “Will we be ready to attack them in the morning?”

Snow replied, “Yes your majesty, as soon as our soldiers arrive in the morning I'll call a meeting of the commanders.”

Nightmare Moon gave Snow an unamused look, “And why will you do that?”

Snow Replied, “Because I’d rather give them a chance for surrender than to kill anymore friends. I would like to be remembered as the stallion who tried to bring talks of peace before this war’s end. Call it… warrior’s pride.”

Nightmare Moon looked towards the city and replied, “Fine… I'll let you keep your so called pride but after what happened to your lieutenant in Cloudsdale… I have a strong feeling that this talk of peace, will end with death.”

Snow looked towards Canterlot and replied, “Sadly your majesty… I agree.”

“Um… Mr. Traipse? When you fought in you, first battle… were you… uh.. I mean did you feel…”

Traipse look at Sable as they continued trotting down Mane Street towards the city gate, “I was six the first time I fought in a battle… they gave me a sword, put me in a cell with another colt, and told me that only one of us will leave that cell alive… so you know what I did?... I left that cell alive, only there was no blood on my sword… just my hooves. A week later, I was commanding a force of ninety soldiers as we marched into the Xian Empire.”

Sable looked at Traipse in amazement, “Um… wow… I uh… I wasn’t expecting that all… I was um… only asking do you ever f…”

“Yes… I was scared… in fact I have been terrified during every single battle I ever fought in since my first. But It wasn’t dying that terrified me.”

Sable was curious, “Really? What was it then?”

Tri smiled, “What scared me the most, was what would happen if I failed. What I would lose, what the world would gain, and what would happen to those I loved… or those I could love.”

Tri pointed across the street at a lone mare who was standing there watching them, “She has been following us around for about twenty minutes now. My guess is that she has something she wants to say to somepony before the battle begins… and I don’t think it’s me she wants to talk to. I'll leave you to decide, what to do.”

Traipse started trotting away from Sable, leaving the following mare a chance to approach him and talk to him. As soon as Traipse trotted away, Blade approached him and spoke, “That was an unusually sweet thing you did there.”

Traipse smiled, “I'm just giving him a chance to find more reasons to fight… with this, he’ll have a reason to come back alive. The colt will want to be with one that he loves.”

Traipse trotted passed Blade as she replied, “And what about you?... don’t you want to be with the one you love?”

Traipse stopped trotting, looked back for one second, then continued without replying to the comment. Blade could only shake her head, “So that’s why you were so angry when she left… big foal.”

Out in front of Canterlot, Commander Snow stood alone on the center of the battlefield while Commander Mist, Gem, and The Reaper trotted up to him, “It’s good to see you again commander… I figured you would have retired or passed away by now.”

Commander Mist replied, “It’s been a while Snow, I was hoping by now you would have seen the error of your ways and given up this war… you know you have nothing to benefit from fighting it.”

Commander Snow smiled, “When a foal gets caught with his hoof in the cookie jar. The best thing he can do is take a bite, especially if he is going to be scolded anyway. I started this war so I should see it to its end.”

Snow found it very hard to look at both Gem and The Reaper, they both stood there glaring at him as if they were trying to set him on fire with their eyes. Snow cautiously spoke to them, “Mrs. Bolt… Ms. Scy…”

Neither one of them changed their expressions as they both replied, “Commander…”

After that reply there was an awkward silence… finally after about a minute Snow spoke, “I requested that I see you three because… let’s face it! We have seen enough bloodshed for one lifetime, and I hope you will consider the lives of your soldiers when I ask for your surrender. If you lay down your weapons peacefully you won’t be…”

“You pathetic little coward! You come to my home, harass my family, KILL MY HUSBAND, AND EXPECT ME TO JUST GIVE UP!!! Let me tell you something… I don’t care about this war… I don’t care about what you’re fighting for… I don’t care what happens to Canterlot… or the princess… and for all I care the sun can just burn out! Nevertheless, there is one thing that I will promise you… by the time this day ends… so will you. I don’t care if you surrender right now… I'll kill you. Mark these words and take a good look at this black bandanna I wear… because it will be on you corpse when this is all over.”

Snow was terrified at Gems words as she turned around and began trotting back to the city in anger. The Reaper spoke next, “Your name… isn’t it Frances Snow?”

Snow looked at her and replied, “Y-yes… the third actually.”

The Reaper smiled, “Good, now I know what to put on your head stone.”

Then she pulled one of her throwing needles out and tossed it on the ground in front of him, “A little advice, do it now before the battle… it will save us the time… and you the suffering.”

With that said The Reaper turned around and started trotting back to the city leaving the terrified noble, and his former leader standing alone on the battlefield. Commander Mist shook his head and spoke, “You should have seen that coming. You can’t just kill somepony’s husband and get away without consequence.”

Commander Snow picked up the needle and replied, “I always knew that they would kill me… I just expected them to sneak into my room in the dead of night, rather than wait till we meet on a battlefield. If I weren’t so against it, I’d heed her words and kill myself now, just as she suggested. But I'm going to die with dignity… not cowardice.”

“I would offer my protection if you would surrender now… but I think they would just sneak into your cell and kill you there.”

Snow stuck the needle into the ground and replied, “Better in battle then in a cell. Please consider your surrender though… I don’t want to see anymore die… and I wish to keep what pride I have left.”

Mist replied, “You’re not the only one with pride Snow, this war will end when one of us is defeated… I'm sorry but Nightmare Moon has to be stopped. Good luck commander… that’s all I can say… Good luck.”

As Commander Mist turned back towards Canterlot, Commander Snow Replied, “Luck… there is no such thing anymore… not for me.”

Commander Snow turned and started trotting back to his troops. As he did so, Nightmare Moon watched from the back of her army where the trebuchets stood, she looked at a nearby lookout and asked, “Tell me, what is the expression on commander Snows face? Would you say his attempted at peace was successful?”

The lookout looked through his telescope at the returning commander and replied, “Your majesty, the commander’s expression looks… troubled. I don’t think it went well.”

Nightmare Moon smiled, “I knew he was wasting his time… the fool.”

Nightmare Moon looked at another soldier who stood next to her and spoke, “Release them...”

The soldier replied, “But your majesty, the signal to begin the battle didn’t go up yet. We should follow tradition an…”

“Are you Questioning my orders!?!”

“N-no… bu…”

“Then do as you’re told!”

The soldier nodded his head in disappointment as he turned to the Trebuchet teams, “ALL TREBUCHETS ATTACK!!!”

With that order, the large weapons flung their arms up tossing large boulders into the air and towards Canterlot.

Snow traveled back to his soldiers, thinking about what would happen during this battle. When he noticed the boulders flying overhead, he immediately knew what was going on, “No… not now.”

Commander Snow started sprinting as fast as he could back to his main force. Back at the city gate Commander Mist approached Gem, the Reaper, and Blade as they stood at the gate, “That was a little cold, wasn’t it?”

Gem replied, “He deserves it…”

The Reaper spoke next, “He built his own coffin, I think it’s time he filled it.”

Mist spoke next, “I know you two are angry at what he did… but you can’t let your feelings get ahead of you.”

Blade added, “As much as I support you boss… Mist is right, we… wait… the wind…”

Blade immediately looked at the horizon, then up in the sky, “INCOMING!!!”

Almost immediately, everypony in the area took cover as a few boulders crashed into the city walls while the rest crashed into the city. Further in the city, Sable stood talking to his admirer while one of the boulders came rolling down the street. Luckily, Sable spotted it so he was able to grab the mare and pull her with him as he jumped out of its way. after they picked themselves off the ground, the mare spoke to him, “Um… Major? What was that?”

Sable looked at the damage the boulder made and replied, “That was an invitation from Commander Snow. Go to the castle, find my sister and tell her that the battle has started. Stay there with her, I'll come find you after the battle.”

She looked at Sable and smiled pleasantly, “Really? You’ll actually come looking for me.”

Sable kissed her on the Cheek then replied, “We haven’t had a proper date yet. I still have to take you out to dinner.”

The Mare smile as she started galloping away, “Then I'll patiently wait for you… don’t stand me up.”

Sable smiled as he began galloping towards the city gate, “Never.”

Back at the city gate Commander Mist, Gem, Scy, and Blade gathered after getting up from taking cover. Gem spoke first, “I knew he was a coward, but to attack us without even sending a signal to start the battle… that’s low even for him.”

Commander Mist replied, “This doesn’t seem right… Snow is all about tradition and pride. He wouldn’t attack unexpectedly like this.”

Sable trotted up as Colonel Silas and Colonel Drib landed next to them, Colonel Silas spoke, “Commander, should we send a signal to start our attack?”

Gem smiled as she replied, “Allow me…”

On the other side of the battlefield Nightmare Moon stood looking at the Dust that was drifting from Canterlot in the impact areas as Commander Snow galloped up to her, “NIGHTMARE MOON! What is the meaning of your actions? Attacking without a proper signal is unaccept…”

Before Commander Snow could finish his sentence, Nightmare Moon wrapped her mane around his neck and held him in the air as she replied, “Calm yourself commander. I only carried out an order I was going to give when you returned anyway.”

Commander Snow tried to speak through his strain, “Th… there isn’t any… honor in this… no signal has be…”

Nightmare Moon replied, “There is no such thing as honor. In war you either fight or die. If you’re not willing to do whatever it takes to win then you might as well be grounded up and used to fertilize the battlefield. I’ll overlook your insolence this time… but if you talk down to me again… then I'll remove your head, and use it as an example to both my enemies, and my allies… My word… is law.”

With that said Nightmare Moon dropped Commander Snow’s body and turned away from the battlefield, “Now… Move your soldiers forward… and kill everypony in your way.”

Commander Snow looked down to hide the shame on his face, “Ye… Yes your majesty… I will do as you as…”

The lookout who was standing next to them called out as he looked through his telescope, “Commander! Your Majesty! a signal arrow ha… LOOK OUT!!!”

the lookout jumped away from his telescope as the signal arrow pierced the lens, stopping with just the arrowhead sticking out of the eyepiece. Nightmare Moon looked at commander Snow, as if she was waiting on him to react. Commander Snow sighed then he called to his soldiers, “MOVE FORWARD AND ATTACK!!! I WANT TO SEE THOSE WALLS IN RUINS!!!”

Back at the Canterlot city gate, Gem was lowering her bow as Colonel Drib spoke, “I… uh… think they got the signal commander.”

Gem turned to him, “Gather your pegasi and begin moving out with Colonel Silas and his troops.”

Commander Mist turned to Sable, “Major, take your forces and begin moving forward, but don’t charge until the pegasi take care of the Trebuchets.”

Sable nodded his head, “Yes commander. ALL GROUND FORCES MOVE OUT!!!”

as Sable started marching at the lead of his soldiers Traipse started trotting next to him, The Bosses orders, I'm with you colt.”

Sable nodded his head, “Thanks Tri.”

Commander Mist called to Colonel Silas, “Gather your pegasi and move out!”

Colonel Silas called to his forces, “THIS IS IT SOLDIERS!!! LET’S SHOW THEM WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU THREATEN PRINCESS CELESTIA!!!”

As the pegasi gave a battle cry in reply to Colonel Silas, Gem looked and spoke to Scy and Blade, “What you do is your choice… I only ask that you leave Commander Snow to me.”

The Reaper nodded her head, “I'm going after the trebuchets, he will be easier to reach with those out of commition.”

Blade nodded, “The sky is my home… that’s where I'll be.”

Gem smiled as she looked over at Traipse who was marching out of the gate with the large mass of soldiers from both the Celestial Crusaders and the Royal Militia, “You better not let anything happen to my son Tri… otherwise you’ll find that The Reaper and I have something in common.”

Traipse didn’t reply, he only nodded his head as the last of the formation left through the City Gate. As they made their way onto the battlefield in a slow moving military formation, Traipse could see the anxiety in Sable’s face, so he asked “…What’s her name?…”

Sable looked back, “What?”

“I was asking what her name is… you know that mare I left you to talk with, what was her name?”

Sable blushed as he replied, “Cynthia… Cynthia De-Lis.”

one of the Celestial Crusaders called out “ARROWS INCOMING!!!”

all the soldiers put up their shields and blocked the rain of arrows that fell on them. Sable ignored the screams of those around him that got hit by the arrows, then when the arrows stopped falling he stood back up and continued the march acting as if nothing happened.

Also acting as if nothing happened, Traipse continued the conversation, “De-Lis hmm… sounds like you caught the eyes of a noble.”

Sable was surprised to see the arrows didn’t faze him so he shook his head and replied, “She isn’t just a noble, she is kind, very shy, and she was actually worried about me.”

“Do you know her?”

“Well… sort of, I saw her at the hospital a few times but she told me she was too nervous to approach me until now. I think she works with sis… but I'm not sure.”

“Are you in love with her?”

Sable hesitated before replying, “That’s kind of a personal question, isn’t it?”

“ANOTHER WAVE OF ARROWS INCOMING!!!”

like before Sable took cover behind his shield while Traipse hid behind another pony and his shield while the rain of arrows fell on them. One arrow went by and cut Sable on his cheek. But despite how much it hurt he just held in his pain and continued acting like nothing happened when the arrows stopped falling.

Traipse smiled and continued, “It’s a simple question, that requires a yes or no to answer… you either love her or not.”

Sable thought to himself as the approached the top of a hill, “It’s a little too soon to say… but I think I have feelings for her.”

Traipse smiled, “Then let’s be sure to get back to her alive shale we?”

Sable nodded his head as he smiled, “Yes Sir!’

As they looked over the top of the hill, they could see a large mass of Nightmare troops marching towards them. Sable stopped as his formation stopped behind him. Traipse smiled and spoke to Sable, “Your call Major… what are our orders?”

Sable nodded his head and looked far into the battlefield, it felt like an eternity had passed before Sable drew his sword and yelled, “CHARGE!!!”

After the order was made everypony in the Celestial Crusaders charged forward as fast as they could dodging catapult stones and falling arrows, as they charged forward. In the sky Colonel Drib and Colonel Silas colligated with the large mass of Nightmare Pegasi, as the groups fought each other above the ground, Blade flew far above the clash of pegasi watching the ground carefully. When she spotted the trebuchet she dove down as quickly as she could while opening her wings to expose the sharpened blades on her weapon. when she got only ten feet above the ground she immediately pulled up and flew through the post on the trebuchet cutting support ropes as she flew. By the time she had reached the other end of the line, five out of the ten trebuchets had already collapsed under their own tension after firing.

When she tried the swing around for another approach, one of the loading unicorns tossed a large piece of the destroyed Trebuchet at her hitting her wing and knocking her to the ground. As soon as she shuffled to her hooves, she closed her left wing and used the blades on it as a shield to block a sward from an attacking soldier. leaving her other wing open she parried the sword away from her with her closed wing and cut down the attacker by hacking the sharp blade into his neck. Then before she had a chance to block another sword, a Needle came from above and stuck into the attackers head. As the attacker fell to the ground, The Reaper dove in from behind and began cutting down the clueless ponies with her scythe, leaving behind a number of corpses in her wake.

Blade smiled as The Reaper continued her approach and passed by without even touching the ground, “What a show off. The boss hasn’t changed a bit.”

As Blade and The Reaper tried to finish off the last of the Trebuchets, the loaders started loading a strange looking type of ammunition. It looked very similar to a vase only the loader would light a small cloth fuse before they released the projectile. The remaining Trebuchet released their projectile as a moderate speed however one of them aimed specifically for the center of the battlefield where Sable and Traipse where fighting. As the vase came into view Traipse recognized the design so he called to Sable and his soldiers, “Get away from the impact area! If the oil gets on you you’re done!”

Most of the soldiers were able to get out of the way in time, but when the vase hit the ground it shattered sending oil in all directions, when the oil hit the flame, it immediately lit up making anything doused in oil a burning torch. Sable looked in horror as the ponies who were unable to get away in time, caught fire, and screamed in agony as they burned alive. Sable knew that the forces on the ground where in grave danger, but he was completely clueless on how to get away. Frozen in fear, Sable covered his ears trying to block out the mind damaging screams coming from the burning ponies, until Traipse rushed over to him and started shaking him, “COLT!!! COLT!!! WE HAVE TO FALL BACK!!! SNAP OUT OF IT!!!”

Sable finally caught up with himself and replied in a terrified yet calm way, “Y-yea, g-good idea, ALL SOLDIERS REGROUP AND FALL BACK WE CAN’T CONTINUE LIKE THIS!!! FALL BACK!!!”

Back in the city Gem and Commander Mist stood in a tower watching the carnage outside the city unfold. When Sable’s formation started to fall back Gem Spoke, “Commander! it looks like Sable can’t hold the line!”

Commander Mist replied, “The poor stallion wasn’t expecting a weapon like this… then again none of us were.”

Gem drew her bow and started firing into the crowd to help cover his retreat, but with both their eyes on the battle in front of the city neither one was paying attention to the sky. Without warning a boulder came crashing down at the base of the tower knocking Gem off the balcony but Commander Mist just lost his balance and fell to the floor.

As Gem fell she was able to gain control and glide safely to the ground, but as she turned around she noticed that the tower that Commander Mist was still in was starting to sway back and forth. Then a portion of the center began to crumble as it started to fall, “COMMANDER MIST!!! GET OUT NOW!!!”

As the tower began to fall, Gem tried to fly to the balcony but the tower was too tall she knew she wouldn’t make it in time to save him. As the tower fell Commander Mist galloped to the edge and jumped off with an attempt to land on the roof of a nearby building. Unfortunately the building he landed on had a weak roof so rather than landing safely, he crashed through the roof and into the second floor of the building.

Gem flew to the building compactly ignoring the dust that was barreling up from the fallen tower. As she looked through the ceiling of the building Commander Mist landed on, she spoke, “Commander, are you ok?”

Commander Mist picked himself up and replied in agony, “I'm… I'm fine I just need a little…”

Commander Mist dropped to his knees and continued, “Well… maybe I'm not fine, I have a terrible pain in my side… I think I need to see your daughter… can you take over from here?”

Gem replied, “I'll do what I can… do you need any help getting back.”

Commander Mist replied, “No… I'll be fine, go see to your son. If his soldiers are retreating then the gate needs to be open for them.”

Gem replied as she took off, “Got it Sir, I'll see to it those soldiers are saved.”

As Gem took off into the sky, Commander Mist looked at the side of his body that Gem didn’t see and pulled a long stake from his side, “I didn’t have the heart to tell her… hopefully I'll get to a safe place before I lose consciousness.”

Gem rushed back to the city gate to try and get it opened for Sable and his troops. as she arrived she yelled to the ponies next to the gate, “Our forces are falling back, quickly open the gate for Major Bolt.”

The ponies quickly started cranking the rotary wheel that lifted the gate slowly, as the gate went up almost immediately the Celestial soldiers started pouring into the city as if they opened a floodgate.

When Sable got through the gate, Gem looked at his face in shock, “Sable… your face, you’re bleeding, will you be…”

“I'm ok mom, it’s just a cut, it missed my eye so I'll be fine. Where is Commander Mist?”

Gem replied, “He had to fall back for now, where is Traipse?”

Sable looked around him at all the soldiers who fell back with him and replied, “I… I don’t know… he was right next to me when we fell back. But… he isn’t here.”

Gem flew to the top of the gate and looked onto the battlefield, after looking for a while, she finally found him he was charging through the soldiers to the rear of the Nightmare line, “What is he doing?”

Further on the battlefield Traipse charged forward dodging spears and only subduing enemies as he pushed his way back through the enemy line.

Commander Snow pushed his way forward leading his main force when one of his soldiers called to him, “COMMANDER! enemy soldier spotted!”

Commander Snow looked down the battlefield to see Traipse charging strait towards him with no signs of slowing down. Commander Snow drew his sword and readied himself, “If Mr. Mercenary wants to end this quickly then he is sure to be after me.”

As Traipse got close to Commander Snow without slowing his speed at all, Commander Snow swung his sword at the charging mercenary. Traipse put up his metal horse shoe, Blocked, and parried the blade with his right hoof, and using his left hoof he punched Commander Snow throwing him to the left of where he was standing while his sword flew to the right.

When Commander Snow shuffled to his hooves he was amazed to find that Traipse didn’t stop at all, he continued his charge right past him and continued to the back of the Nightmare Legions line. A Nightmare soldier grabbed commander Snows sword and rushed to his side, “Commander are you ok?”

Commander Snow took his sword and replied, “I'm fine… Where the devil is he going, there is nopony back there but… Nightmare Moon… He’s going after Nightmare Moon!”

Commander Snow tried to charge after Traipse but as he did Three needles landed in front of him completely stopping his movements. Commander Snow steped back as The Reaper landed in front of him, “That’s far enough Commander… I won’t let you get in his way. this is something he has been waiting to do for years.”

Commander Snow held his sword at the ready and spoke, “I must protect my princess… it’s my job as her commander.”

Scy smiled at the obviously scared commander as she replied, “This is a matter that you shouldn’t get involved in commander… my advice to you is to continue forward. Commander Bolt is still waiting for you.”

“Yea but…”

“Commander, our forces have breached the city wall and are moving in! they need your guidance!”

Commander Snow looked at his soldier and replied, “Tell them to continue to the Castle wall. We need to get to Celestia, that’s the only way to end this war.”

Commander Snow sheathed his sword and looked back at Scy, “I suppose Nightmare Moon can handle him alone then… I'll see you in Canterlot, Ms. Reaper.”

Commander Snow turned back to the battlefield and started charging for the wall with his soldiers as Scy turned towards the direction Traipse galloped to, “Good luck Tri, make your peace.”

with those words The Reaper flew into the sky towards Canterlot.

Further in the sky Colonel Drib and Colonel Silas where fighting the airborne Nightmare pegasi as much as they could before Colonel Silas noticed the battle in the ground had moved inside the city, “DRIB!!! THE WALLS HAVE BEEN BREACHED WE MUST SUPPORT THEM!!!”

Colonel Drib replied, “Stick to our orders! We must subdue the pegasi first!”

Colonel Silas Yelled back as he started flying towards the city, “The Militia can hold the battlefield! I must protect the princess! All Celestial Pegasi fall back to Canterlot and support our ground troops!”

Colonel Drib yelled back, “We can’t hold the sky alone! We need your support! Follow your orders and help us!”

“I said it before and I'll say it again! I don’t follow orders from Militia!”

A large number of soldiers followed Colonel Silas back to Canterlot as Colonel Drib tried all he could to face the Nightmare pegasi with an obvious difference in numbers.

Back at the Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia looked upon her falling city and her scattering forces as she hung her head in disappointment, “At this rate… we will fall soon. I must use the elements… I have no other option.”

before Princess Celestia turned around Pearl trotted up behind her and spoke, “Your majesty… please give them a little more time. I know things seem their darkest but if there is something my daddy always taught me is that you have to look at the bright side of things and never give up hope. I believe that mom, Sable, Commander Mist and The Cutters will pull through this without a hitch. We just need to have faith.”

Princess Celestia shook her head and smiled, “Your father sounds like a wonderful stallion, I wish I could have met him. Ok, if you say things aren’t as bad as they seem, then I'll trust your intuition for now. But if things continue to get worse then I'm afraid I'm going to have to use the elements… it’s the only way, if we want to survive this.”

“LUNA!!!”

Nightmare Moon turned around to see Traipse standing there with a look of anger on his face, “Well, well, it’s been a long time hasn’t it, Colonel… tell me, how many years since the fall of the Crystal Empire? Twenty years, right?”

Traipse shook his head, “Try Thirty.”

Nightmare Moon smiled, “Wow, thirty years, and you’ve seem to age well. May I ask your secret?”

“Hatred… my hatred to you, your sister, your kingdom, and Commander Mist. You took everything from me, my loyalty to my king, my home and everything I was raised to know and understand about this world. Its because of that hatred I’ve stayed away from Equestria and never wanted to return here.”

Nightmare Moon used her magic to pull a spear from a dead soldier nearby, “So you’re here for revenge then, right? If it is your wish then I'll gladly fight you.”

Traipse smiled and nodded his head, “It’s true that I despise you and that the very sight of your corpse would make me smile… but despite my hatred I’ve only got one thing to say.”

“Really? And what would that be?”

Traipse replied without an expression on his face, “I forgive you… you may have erased my life, as I knew it… but if it wasn’t for that, I never would have joined The Cutters, I never would have fallen in love. I'm still grateful that this life I had wasn’t as big a waste as it would have been if you didn’t get involved and remove King Sombra from this world.”

Nightmare Moon could only reply, “So… are you going to fight me? or are you just here to make peace?”

Traipse braced himself as he spoke, “No… I'm here to kill you… I forgave Princess Luna… but Nightmare Moon and I still have a score to settle, you will realize that we Cutters share feelings. And Scy wants to see you dead… so let’s settle this, here and now.”

Traipse charged towards Nightmare Moon, as he did, Nightmare Moon used her magic to toss the spear towards him. Traipse jumped back and dodged the spear allowing it to stick into the ground in front of him, then he quickly picked up the spear, and threw it back, as he continued charging at her. Nightmare Moon used her magic to stop the spear just an inch from hitting her face. then she turned the spear around and threw it again. Rather than continuing this game of catch Traipse ducked down and caught the spear before it flew completely over his head then he turned it around and swung at Nightmare Moon as he approached her.

Expecting an attack, Nightmare Moon turned into her mist and phased through the spear blade then she jumped forward kicking Traipse in the back of his head as she turned around. Traipse hit the ground but quickly turned around and lunged the spear forward. Nightmare Moon wasn’t expecting a counter attack but like before she managed to phase through the blade and get out of the way before it could seriously hurt her. When she turned back into her normal appearance, she felt her neck where she could feel a cut that the spear had made before she could dodge it. when she looked at her own blood on her hoof, her eyes quickly filled with rage, “YOU… YOU FOOL!!! You dare to harm me? I don’t think you know who you’re dealing with… I'm no longer the frail merciful mare you knew long ago… I'M NIGHTMARE MOON!!! THE KEEPER OF THE NIGHT, AND SOON TO BE THE RULER OF EQUESTRIA!!!”

While Nightmare Moon yelled in a fit of rage, Traipse didn’t waste any time, he lunged forward again but this time Nightmare Moon used her magic to grab the spear while it was still in his hooves, stopping him in his tracks. Then she picked up both Traipse and the spear and held them over her head in the air. While he was above her Traipse tried to get free of her magic… but for an earth pony it was impossible. Nightmare Moon sneered at the helpless pony as she pulled the spear from his hooves and spoke, “You should have stayed out of this war, now you will die.”

Nightmare Moon sent the spear flying towards him but it all of a sudden stopped when a needle came out of nowhere and stuck into her wing.

Nightmare Moon screamed in pain as her magic stopped dropping both Traipse and the spear. When Traipse fell The Reaper flew down from above and caught him, then she flew back towards the Canterlot. Traipse looked at The Reaper and spoke, “Put me down! I have to Finish her!...”

Scy looked at him as she continued carrying him, “If you want to die then do it some other time! Orders from the commander! we are needed back in the city!”

“What about Star Bolt! Are you going to let his murderer get away with it?”

Scy replied without any expression, “I honor him by obeying his widow’s orders… I want to see Nightmare Moon suffer too… but I owe it to him to keep his widow and foals alive.”

Traipse sighed as he replied, “I… guess you’re right let’s get back then…”

Back in Canterlot, Commander Mist was using his spear as a walking stick while he tries to make his way back to the castle to see Pearl about his wound. With each passing step his speed got slower and slower as he lost more and more blood. finally he stopped just a few blocks from, the gate and leaned against a wall to catch his breath, “I… I'm getting… way too old for this sh…”

“Well, well, well. you’re Commander Mist right?”

Commander Mist turned around as a number of Nightmare soldiers quickly surrounded him, “… Maybe I am, I’d ask who you are… but I don’t care.”

The Nightmare Officer smiled as he replied, “You don’t look so well commander. unfortunately for you, we were given orders to take no prisoners.”

Commander Mist stayed leaning against the wall as he used his magic to held his spear at the ready, “If you think you have a chance to do so... then be my guest and try.”

The officer smiled as he called out, “Soldiers! KILL HIM! KILL COMMANDER MIST!!!”

When the first soldier charged at him, Commander Mist blocked the soldier’s sword with ease. Before the soldier could try to counterattack, Commander Mist used his spear to knock the soldier’s hooves out from under him, then he used his magic to take the soldiers, sword from him. Using both the spear and sword in conjunction with his magic, Commander Mist stabbed the enemy soldier before he could get up off the ground… all while he leaned against the wall resting, and without moving a single hoof.

The next two soldiers charged forward only to meet their ends in the same manner, however the constant use of rather complex magic caused Commander Mist to bleed faster, so it wasn’t long before his spell lost its power and his spear along fell to the ground along with the three weapons taken from the fallen enemy soldiers. The Nightmare officer smiled as he trotted past the fallen weapons and approached Commander Mist, “It looks like you can’t hold your own anymore commander… though I'm surprised you lasted this long.”

In a final act of desperation, Commander Mist used his magic to pick up his spear and attack the officer from behind, but the officer was expecting it. He quickly turned around and deflected the spear with his sword sending it into the air, and causing it to stick into the roof of the building behind them.

The Nightmare Officer looked back at Commander Mist, smiled, and held his sword out so that the point of the blade was against Commander Mist’s throat, “Looks like you’re out of options Commander… any last words before we discharge you permanently.”

As Commander Mist sneered at the cocky soldier, a scream echoed through the street. All the ponies in the area looked at the soldier in the very back of the group who had Commander Mist’s Spear stuck through his back. As the soldier fell to the ground, the Officer spoke, “What! Who did…”

all of a sudden, a small splatter of blood hit his face. the soldiers around him took a few steps back in shock and fear, as the sound of a sword hitting the cobble stone ground below them echoed through the streets.

The Nightmare Officer slowly turned back to Commander Mist only to find that the blood splatter on his face was his own. Standing in front of him, right between him and Commander Mist was Blade, but she was the only thing between them now. His hoof and sword were lying on the ground below her, as a puddle of blood began to form. Finally catching sense of what just happened, the officer grabbed his armless shoulder and fell to the ground screaming in agonizing pain. The rest of the nightmare soldiers were terrified as Blade flung the blood off the blades on her wings and spoke with an expression of pure anger, “The next pony to come any closer will lose more than just one appendage… but I guarantee… you will all die now!”

Most of the soldiers were frozen in fear, partly because their leader was still on the ground gasping and moaning in continuous pain. However, that didn’t stop a few soldiers from charging her. The first three soldiers tried to strike her with their sword. By dodging the first soldier’s sword, she brought the blades on her wings up and into the soldier’s throat, killing him on contact. The next one tried to swing vertically but she dodged it, then out of desperate fear, he swung the sword horizontally in the direction she dodged but as she dodged it a second time, he accidentally dug his sword into the third soldier who was charging on his right. Shortly after the third solder fell dead, and before the second regained his senses, Blade grabbed his hoof, and pulled him into the blades on her left wing, stabbing and killing him.

Most of the rest of the soldiers ran in fear, but as for the soldiers who were too afraid to run… Blade charged them and killed each one without mercy. When it was all over, Blade looked around and saw that apart from Commander Mist, her, and the Nightmare Officer, they were all alone. In the distance there were still sounds of battle taking place but here, the only sound was the whimpers, and cries of the three legged pony who was desperately trying to get away by dragging himself with his one and only front hoof. As he continued to do so, Blade with no expression of concern or regret for the lives she had so mercilessly taken, trotted over the pony who had Commander Mist’s spear still stuck in him. Then she pulled the spear from the corpse, and trotted over to the unfortunate stallion and stood in is path as he continued to crawl away in terror.

When the soldier put his hoof out to grip the ground and crawl further, Blade dropped the spear on his hoof, nailing him to the ground below. The soldier’s whimpers went back to utter screams of pain and misery as Blade grabbed him by his throat and held him up at eye level, “When you get to the next world, you better haunt your solders who survive this war and give them a message… Nopony Harms Chrome Mist without dealing with me first!”

Moving too quickly for the soldier to answer, Blade threw him back against the ground, pulled the spear from his hoof and stabbed him through his head while he was down.

Leaving the spear in the officer’s head, Blade trotted over to mist as fast as she could. Using the only strength he had left, Commander Mist smiled and spoke, “You're late… but I'll forgive you since you showed me why I should never tick you off. Thanks for your help Seren…”

Then Commander Mist lost consciousness, due to his continued blood loss. Blade quickly unlatched the strap holding her wing blades on and dropped them on the ground so she wouldn’t hurt him by accident, then she scooped Commander Mist up on her back and struggled to carry him back to the castle, “You’re not going to die yet. You still owe me an explanation for you question yesterday.”

Further in the city on Mane Street, a group of Nightmare soldiers traveled cautiously through the quiet streets. As soon as the group passed one of the houses, Gem peaked out the second floor window and nodded to the ponies hiding in the house across the street. When the ponies nodded back, Gem slowly opened the window and drew her bow aiming at the pony leading the group of nightmare troops. After releasing her arrow and hitting the lead pony, arrows flew out of every window on the street at the enemy formation in the streets. Reacting out of desperate fear, most of the nightmare soldiers tried to run into the buildings for cover, only to meet their doom to the Equestrian militia who were patiently waiting for them. The small number of soldiers who saw the traps waiting for them in the safety of the surrounding buildings turned around and began a full retreat.

Back at the Canterlot castle Pearl was directing her medics in the main hall as Sable and a large number of his soldiers arrived, “Sis! We need your medics, four of my soldiers are in critical condition!”

Pearl directed the medics to the wounded soldiers then asked Sable, “Any news from the front?”

Sable replied, “The pegasi, outside the city have fallen… I don’t know where Colonel Drib is, Colonel Silas is also unaccounted for… I fear the worst… but on a lighter side. I heard that the Cutters have taken care of all the enemy catapults, and trebuchets. I also hear that mom and the militia have taken their positions in the city so the Nightmare Legion will be in for a rude welcome”

“MAJOR!”

Cynthia came running up to Sable and spoke, “Y-your face! Are you hurt?”

Sable smiled, “It’s just a scratch, I'll be fine…”

“Let me stitch it for you… I am a licensed nurse after al…”

“De-Lis!!! Go see to the wounded over in the western wing!”

Cynthia replied to Pearls order, “But… I… Yes ma’am!”

Cynthia looked back at Sable and kissed him on the cheek, “This will have to do for now… be careful major!”

As Cynthia ran to see to her duties, Sable could only watch as she trotted away, then Pearl spoke, “Well at least you found one of the better ponies in my hospital… but I think you need to focus on the battle… not the prize.”

Just then, Blade barged through the door with Commander Mist on her back, “LIEUTENANT!!! WE NEED HELP, QUICKLY!!!”

Pearl rushed to Commander Mist and looked at his wounds, as she did, Princess Celestia trotted up and asked, “How is he Lieutenant?”

Pearl sighed, “It doesn’t look good your majesty… he has lost a great deal of blood… a normal pony of his age would have died before getting here, but with is endurance I can’t say how he will be… we can patch his wounds… but for now that’s all we can do.”

Princess Celestia shook her head, “Do what you can for him… I hope he will pull through. Major Bolt, can you please go see to the militia’s status?”

Sable Replied as he started galloping back into the city, “Yes your majesty.”

In the back allies of Canterlot, a small number of nightmare soldiers made their way through the narrow passage in hopes of bypassing the traps set by the militia. While they made their way, the ponies stopped when they saw a mare standing in the middle of the ally with a black cloak on. The leading officer called out to the mare, “Surrender now and you won’t be harmed.”

the mare smiled and put her hood down, Almost immediately the officer panicked, and turned around to run, “IT’S THE REAPER!!! EVERYPONY RETREAT!!! HU…”

As the officer was running The Reaper sent three needles into his back, causing him to fall to the ground dead. Witnessing this, the rest of the soldiers tried to turn around to flea but they stopped when they saw Traipse behind them with their rear soldier pinned against the wall. Traipse gave them an expressionless look as he spoke, “…Run…”

Right after he said that he broke the pony’s neck and dropped his body to the ground. Half of the large formation broke windows and doors down to escape the alley with their lives but the ones who didn’t, attempted to fight back with absolutely no success… or survivors. Over the streets, Gem flew as she dropped arrows onto key targets, being the leaders of groups… however the one pony she was looking for was nowhere in sight. Finally, she saw Sable and landed next to him, “Sable is everything alright?”

Sable replied, “The Princess wants an update on the front… Commander Mist is down. Blade is back at the castle with him but I don’t know where the Pegasi, or the other Cutters are?”

Gem nodded her head, “The Nightmare Legion seem to be on the run, so they are probably somewhere in the city. Sable nodded his head, “Alright then let’s finish chasing them out of the city, Princess Celestia has little troops left but we can still hold our own.”

Gem nodded, “You know who I want to find, so let’s go get him.”

Outside the city on the now silent battlefield, Commander Snow was trotting through the spoils in search of survivors, until he saw a pony who was all too familiar. The pegasus held his spear at the ready but couldn’t keep his focus with the painful arrow stuck in his side. Commander Snow spoke, “Colonel Drib… I thought you would be dead. But I have to be honest. I’ve never been both relieved and annoyed to see an old friend alive before… it’s a little troubling if you ask me.”

Drib replied, “Well after what you did to General Roza I'm a l…”

“Please… don’t talk about that… she did fall to my army… but she was killed by a Trebuchet impact… I didn’t mean for her to get hurt… but as a soldier… she knew what she was getting into when she held her sword to me.”

Drib dropped to a knee replied, “It doesn’t matter… not anymore… if you’re going to kill me then do it… if you don’t then I'll kill you.”

Commander Snow Drew his sword, “Be my guest…”

Colonel Drib lunged his pike forward, but Commander Snow blocked it with his sword and bashed his shield against Colonel Drib’s face knocking him to the ground. Snow shook his head, “Oh Drib… you always pushed yourself despite your wounds and blood loss, but it looks like this is too far. I'll wish you a fond farewell. May you meet with Mr. Bolt in the afterli…”

Before Commander Snow could finish his sentence, Colonel Silas dove in from the sky trying to strike him down, but Commander Snow spotted him too soon. Using his shield to block the sword, Commander Snow swung and clipped his wing.

The Blade didn’t dig deep enough to cause serious injury, but it was enough to cause him to lose his balance, and send him crashing into the ground behind Commander Snow. Snow turned around and spoke, “You… I don’t recognize, so it won’t be hard to kill you.”

Without saying anything, Colonel Silas shuffled to his hooves and charged with his sword ready. As Colonel Silas swung his sword, Commander Snow blocked it with his shield and attempted to counter. As Commander Snow swung his sword, Silas blocked it and tried to throw dust into his eyes with his wings. However, before he could flap his wing, Nightmare Moon grabbed it with her magic and began squeezing the wound on it.

Colonel Silas tried to bear the pain as much as he could but it was no use, Nightmare Moon squeezed his wound tight enough that not only did it hurt… but also she even broke his wing under the intense pressure. Then Nightmare Moon tossed him aside like a rag doll. As soon as Silas hit the ground, a number of nightmare soldiers charged up and put him in chains so he couldn’t fight back. Then Nightmare Moon looked at Commander Snow and spoke, “Commander, if you’re done playing around then execute them and let’s continue into the city. I want this to end now.”

Commander Snow nodded his head as he trotted up to Colonel Drib, “It looks li…”

“COMMANDER!!! COMMANDER!!!”

Commander Snow and Nightmare Moon turned to the soldier who was galloping up to them. “Commander! The soldiers in the city are retreating!”

Nightmare Moon replied “What! Who gave that order!”

“N-nopony your majesty. They are pushing us back.”

Commander Snow asked, “What?! But how?... We practically chased them into the city… how could they be pushing us back.”

“Sir… they set up ambushes in the streets. We can’t get close to the castle gates without their archers taking us down.”

Nightmare Moon spoke “Then use the alleys!”

The soldier looked at Nightmare Moon and replied, “We tried that your majesty… but… when we went to check on the ponies who tried to get through the alleys… we found a blood bath. All to include myself are terrified to use the alleys now. Some had their necks’ broken and their skulls caved in, some were decapitated, while others had needles and arrows sticking out their heads and necks.”

Commander Snow thought to himself as he spoke, “The Cutters… it has them written all over it. And Mrs. Bolt is making an impact too.”

Nightmare Moon looked at the large hoards of nightmare soldiers retreating from Canterlot then she spoke, “Give your orders commander… Tell them what they should do next!”

Commander Snow looked at Colonel Drib and Colonel Silas as they were restrained from moving, then he looked at the city before replying, “Fall the troops back and regroup outside the city… we will mark down their numbers then try to make our way back, before we continue.”

the soldier nodded his head, “Yes Sir! and… the prisoners?”

Snow looked at the two chained up ponies that were beside him and spoke, “Leave them, they are both wounded and bleeding… this will be a test of their luck. Hopefully the crusaders will get to them before they die. Either way let’s make haste.”

As Nightmare Moon, Commander Snow and his soldiers turned to retreat, an arrow came out of the sky and hit Commander Snow on one of his hind hooves. Snow dropped to the ground and tried to hold in his screams of pain. When Nightmare Moon looked back at him, he spoke, “Your majesty… help me… I… I need…”

Nightmare Moon looked back towards Canterlot to see Gem standing on the city wall with her bow still up. as she drew her second arrow, Nightmare Moon sighed, “It would seem that we were meant to fall today… pity… I expected better from you commander. ALL SOLDIERS RETREAT!!! FALL BACK TO THE CASTLE OF THE TWO SISTERS!!!”

Commander Snow was shocked to hear her say that, “So… you’re just going to leave me?”

“Good bye commander, perhaps we will meet again someday.”

Then Nightmare Moon phased away into mist as Gems second arrow passed through her cloud and lodged itself in the ground behind her.

As Nightmare Moon flew away in her cloud of mist, the soldier looked at Commander Snow and spoke, “I'm sorry sir!”

With that said the soldier followed Nightmare Moon in the retreat, Commander Snow didn’t give up though. He crawled as far as he could with an arrow stuck in his hoof, however it wasn’t long before his soldiers were completely passed him… and he was completely alone. As he reached forward to pull himself further, The Reaper landed in front of him and just gave him an expressionless stare. Commander Snow quickly reached for his sword but was stopped when Traipse grabbed his sword first, drew it, and tossed it away from him. Before Commander Snow new it, not only was he surrounded, but a path cleared in the crowd of Militia, allowing Gem to trot towards him with a look of complete pride on her face.

Commander Snow rolled over and looked at Gem as he spoke, “Commander Bolt… on behalf of the Nightmare Legion… I admit defeat, and I accept my punishment for my crimes, against you… when you’re ready… you may execute me.”

Without an expression, She replied as she pulled an arrow from her quiver and drew her bow, “Very well commander… may you die without regret.”

“MOTHER!”

Gem turned her head as another clearing in the soldiers appeared and Sable Galloped towards her, “Congratulations mom, The commander of the Nightmare Legion is now our prisoner, allow me to take him to Princess Celestia for his punishment.”

Gem smiled, “Don’t worry son… I'm about to carry out his punishment now.”

“Mother please! You can’t kill this defeated pony. As a Major of the Celestia crusaders I can’t allow it.”

“You know what he did to us… you know what he took from us… I can’t allow him to live.”

“You can’t jus…”

“HE KILLED YOUR FATHER SABLE! HE TOOK MY HAPPINESS! HE BURNED DOWN OUR HOME! HE THREATENED YOURS AND YOUR SISTERS LIVES!!! ALL FOR WHAT!?! Because your father was blessed with a gift… because he was born the way he was… I… I CANT FORGIVE HIM!!!”

As tears started to roll down Gem’s face Sable placed his hoof on the tip of the arrow and gently lowered her bow for her, “I know what he did to us… I know what he deserves, and if you want my honest opinion, he deserves a lot worse than to die like this… but since I became a soldier, I realized something. He gave away his happiness a long time ago. He left his home never to return. He turned his sword around and killed the ponies that he used to call friends. He ordered his soldiers to destroy the city that he grew up in. He punished himself all these years and the fact that he was only following orders was the only excuse he had to convince himself that he did good, when he knew well that he didn’t… but if we kill him now… like this… we are no better than him.”

Gem dropped her bow and replied, “Then what should I do?”

Sable replied, “I don’t know about you, but I'm going back into Canterlot, grab Cynthia, drop this armor that is starting to chafe and is very uncomfortable by the way, and then I'm going home, I'm going back to Dragon Mountain. With Commander Snow captured, I see no point in staying here.”

Gem looked back at Commander Snow, sighed, then replied, “You remind me of your father more and more… fine… if this… creature values his existence then I'll let somepony else decides whether or not he lives… As for you… Commander if I see you again… then it will be the last time.”

Traipse nodded his head, “You will make one good soldier one day colt. Scy? Do you want to finish him?”

It was easy to see that The Reaper didn’t like Gems decision… but she was proud of her grandson’s compassion in this situation so she raised her scythe up and swung it taking off a portion of Commander Snow’s ear.

Commander Snow grabbed his ear trying to stop the bleeding as Scy kneeled down and spoke, “Let that scar remind you… that you were one of very few to ever be spared by The Cutters.”

The Militia quickly rushed up, bound Commander Snow and took both Colonel Drib and Colonel Silas to see Pearl at the castle. As the soldiers marched through the city with Commander Snow in chains, all the soldiers started to cheer as they went by. When they arrived at the castle, Pearl took Drib and Silas into the infirmary, while Gem, Sable, and The Reaper brought Commander Snow to Princess Celestia.

When Princess Celestia saw Commander Snow, she spoke, “I'm sorry we had to meet like this commander, I truly am… Commander Bolt I…”

“Gem…”

“What?”

“My name is Gem Bolt… I'm no longer a commander. I'll turn over command of the militia to you your majesty… as for me. I'm going home to Dragon Mountain.”

Princess Celestia was concerned, “Are you sure? There is plenty of room here in Canterlot. Plus we could use the assistance, Nightmare Moon is still in control of the moon, so this war isn’t over yet.”

Sable stepped forward, “With all due respect your majesty, I think that mother and I have had enough of this war. I'm leaving too.”

Princess Celestia smiled and replied, “Well If it’s any consolation to you… I'm happy to have had your assistance.”

Gem and Sable went back to meet Pearl and Cynthia, when they did, Sable asked Pearl, “How are they?”

Pearl smiled, “They are fine. Commander Mist lost a lot of blood but he is going to pull through. Colonel Drib too, in fact Both Colonel Drib and Colonel Viscous are sitting together in the next room. They are waiting on a Priest to marry them as soon as possible. And as for Colonel Silas… his wing is broken but he can still fight as long as he doesn’t try to fly.”

Cynthia threw here hooves around Sable as she spoke, “It’s all over Major, we can stop fighting now. Isn’t that great.”

Sable smiled, “Do you want to come with us? We are on our way back to Dragon Mountain…”

Cynthia smiled and replied, “Dragon Mountain?... um… well… yes… I would love to go with you. the war destroyed my home… so I have no reason to stay. I'll go with you… but you better give me that date.”

“Of course I will, I'm a stallion of my word just like my father.”

Gem smiled and spoke to Pearl, “Will you come back home with us? If you want you can stay here.”

Pearl shook her head, “Of course I will! It may be an old memory… but Dragon Mountain is still home.”

Gem smiled as she replied, “Then get ready, we will be leaving in the morning.”

The rest of the day was spent, repairing the city wall and gathering the wounded and the dead. By the next morning Pearl, Cynthia, Sable and Gem met Princess Celestia, Mr. and Mrs. Drib, the Cutters Chrome and Silas at the front of the city gate. Sable looked at the Commanders insignia on Silas and spoke, “Well congratulations commander… it looks like you will be leading the final attack on the castle of the alicorn sisters right?”

Commander Silas nodded his head, “Well with Mist retired… again… I decided to take command for the final assault. I’d hate to say it… but we couldn’t have ended this war without you and your family… thanks, for everything.”

Gem smiled, “You take care of yourself commander… oh and your soldiers.”

Princess Celestia continued, “Don’t worry; I'm taking the elements with me. I'm going to try to bring my real sister back. I pray everything goes well.”

Pearl smiled, “As long as you see the good in the bad, then everything will be alright. Daddy told me this many years ago… and I stood by those words and overcame all my fears. I'm certain everything will be fine, your majesty.”

Princess Celestia nodded her head, “Thank you Lieu… I mean Pearl, I wish you a safe journey home.”

After Princess Celestia was finished speaking, then The Reaper spoke, “Well I think it’s about time we left. I heard that some conflicts are breaking out between the Xian Empire and the Western Tribes of Zebrica, so we are going to offer our services.”

Gem replied, “So you’re back with The Cutters?”

Scy nodded her head; well with Star gone… there is no reason for me to avoid them now. Besides, War just seems to run in our family, I guess that’s all I'll ever know.”

Traipse nodded his head, “Well I'll see you later Gem… and Colt?”

Sable replied, “Yes sir?”

“You take care of that mare of yours!”

Sable smiled and put his arm around Cynthia as he replied, “I plan to, thank you sir.”

Blade smiled as she put her hooves around Chrome Mist, “I hope you three won’t forget us… it was fun while it lasted.”

Chrome sighed, “Yea if you count out all the life threatening parts, and wounds. I guess it was. But seriously, you take care of yourself Mrs. Bolt. If you need any help then feel free to Contact Princess Celestia.”

Sable continued, “What about you? don’t tell me that the great Commander Mist is finally putting away his spear.”

Chrome shook his head, “I told you before, Soldiers never retire, we just sheathe our sword until the next battle. I'm going with the Cutters. I suppose somepony has to keep Blade in check.”

Blade smiled, “If you can handle me Mist then be my guest.”

Ardent spoke to Celestia, “Your majesty? What is Commander Snow’s punishment?”

Princess Celestia replied, “He will be imprisoned until the war ends then he will be stripped of his nobility and banished from Equestria.”

Gem spoke next, “I can’t believe you’re going easy on him.”

Mr. Drib Replied, “Don’t take it so seriously Mrs. Bolt. He may have done many terrible things. Nevertheless, he spared Ardent’s life, and tried to save General Roza… in all he isn’t the stallion you know and hate. He was our friend at one time. and I think that with a little time he can be back to his old self.”

Ardent nodded her head, “If it makes you feel any better, he won’t be bothering anypony for a long time. and maybe he will find a better life when he leaves Equestria.”

Gem smiled as she turned to leave Canterlot, “I Guess you’re right… well I guess this is goodbye, then… Thanks for everything.”

Gem, Sable, Cynthia, and Pearl turned and left Canterlot, they travelled throughout the day and most of the night but by the time, they arrived at Dragon Mountain as the twilight started bringing forth the dawn. As they trotted Sable was talking, “Well this place has grown a little. It looks like most of the trees that were destroyed during the battle are all back. You can see the scaring on them though.”

Pearl replied, “Yep but it will feel strange going over the next hill and not seeing the old cabin.”

As they continued talking, Gem looked at the mountain and stopped as the rest of the group continued down the path. She could remember standing on that exact spot as she watched Nightmare Moon stab Star Bolt on the day he died. As she looked, she mumbled to herself, “It… just doesn’t feel like home without you… Star.”

“MOMMA COME LOOK!”

When Gem looked back at the group, they were all standing at the top of the hill looking into the clearing where their home used to sit before it burned down. Gem rushed up as fast as she could but when she made it to the top, she couldn’t believe her eyes. The field where their home used to sit was a vast field of rose bushes, so many in fact, that it seemed to stretch into the forest on the edges.

A tear rolled down Pearls face as she spoke, “It… it’s as if daddy kept them safe for all these years.”

Cynthia smiled, “This has to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

Then without warning a bright light came from the horizon, Pearl, Sable, and Cynthia looked at the light in awe as Sable spoke, “What… what is that?”

Gem Smiled peacefully as she replied, “The sun… that is the sun.”

The three younger ponies were amazed, this was the first time any of them had seen a sunrise so Cynthia spoke again, “I take it all back… This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

Gem looked into the sunrise as tears rolled down her face then she started to smile, “The last time I saw the sun was the day you proposed to me… I wish we could see it together Star… but It’s not possible anymore. I hope you’re proud of your foals and me…. Because not a day goes by that, they and I don’t think about you… I… I love you Star Bolt… I always have… and… and I always will.”

Epilogue

As the crying image of Gem faded into the bubbling brew’s brownish coloring, a tear fell from Star Bolt’s face as he looked at his friend and spoke, “I… I guess we were meant to suffer… I wonder if they would have had a better life in this situation. Thanks again Zecora, I know you didn’t have to show me what would have happened if things were different. But I'm glad you did.”

Zecora nodded her head as she replied, “A different past, it would have been. Though thing would seem better in the end. It would be bad. of this it’s true, the change in Equestria, that day we’d rue.”

Star Bolt was confused, “What do you mean, Zecora? Are you saying that this change in the past would have a terrible effect today?”

“Yes, that’s right, it all and its said. With this change in the past, Equestria would be dead.”

“WHAT!?!”

Zecora explained, “With the commander in chains, his wife would be gone. So his family name, would not be passed on. With no Rich’s to settle in Ponyville for trade, the town would not flourish… no friendships be made.”

Star Bolt understood, “So… without Frances Snow or… Rich, and his life as a merchant, Ponyville wouldn’t have flourished and the keepers of the elements wouldn’t have met. So Nightmare Moon would return and bring eternal night with nopony in her way.”

Zecora replied, “You see that your path, though painful in ways, was the best way to live, to bring forth the days.”

Star Bolt lowered his head as he put on his saddlebag, sheathed his sword and threw the hood of his cloak over his head, “Well I guess it was the best thing then… but still. I think a son and daughter would have been nice. I would enjoy raising a family… if I had the chance. By the way, The Reaper she was my mother so could you tell me who my fath?...”

Zecora looked at him in curiosity but Star Bolt finally sighed and replied, “Never mind… I'm sure it doesn’t matter anymore. Thank you Zecora, once again I owe you more than just my life.”