All the residents of Ponyville had come to comfort Twilight on her loss. Shining Armor was a respected soldier throughout Equestria since the war started. He had led the equestrian army to victory at Germaney and Scoltsland. Twilght was leaving for Canterlot in a few moments with her friends to honor her fallen brother.

"I can't believe he's gone! It seems like yesterday when he was getting married!" Twilight yelled.

"It's okay Twilight" Pinkie said trying to comfort her friend. Twilight and her friends boarded the carriage that had been brought for them. The two Royal Guards had a hint of sorrow in their eyes. The trip took about twenty minutes due to Ponyville's close proximity to Canterlot. Twilight sniffled as she remembered Shining Armor's wedding. It was such a happy and fun time and now he was dead. After the carriage landed Twilight walked to her parents home.

"MY SON!" Twilight's father cried as he embraced Shining Armor's dog tag.

"Twilight!" Cadence said as she ran to hug her sister-in-law.

"I can't believe he's gone." Twilight said.

"I love him." Cadence cried.

"I did too!" Twilight cried. The ponies than made their way to the Canterlot throne room where a photo of Shining Armor lay with an Equestrian flag. The room was filled with other soldiers, officials, family, friends, and civilians who wanted to pay their respects. The service began as General Silver Star went up to the podium and began his speech.

"We are gathered here today, in a state of sorrow and loss, but we each share a precious gift: We are all us priveledged to live a life that has been touched by Captain Shining Armor. Armor did his duties with great courage and steadfast dedication and in his final hour, he gave his life to save the lives of four other soldiers. For his gallantry action in battle, I present to his family on his behalf, The Equestrian Honor Medal for his sacrifice." Silver Star said as Twilight, Cadence, and Twilight's parents went to the podium where they were given Shining Armor's medal and flag. Mr and Mrs Sparkle fell into each others hoofs as Cadence embraced the flag.

"I would like to call up Ms. Twllight Sparkle to deliver the eulogy." Silver Star said as Twilight made her way to microphone. She was still crying and her voice was shaky but went up nonetheless.

"Shining Armor was my big brother and best friend. He was always there for me as a filly and I know he is here with me right now. When the war broke out I was scared, nervous, and frightened for my brothers life but he was there to comfort me and let me know it was alright. He loved Equestria and always said he would die protecting it if he had too and though I truly wish he didn't have too, I know he gave his life for something he believed in and I couldn't be prouder of him. I never got the chance to say I loved him before he left so I will say it now, I love you brother" Twilight said before she broke down crying along with the crowd. Fluttershy and Rarity went to hug her as six royal guards used their magic to levitate Shining Armor's empty casket and brought it to Canterlot Captain of the Guard Cemetary where all Captain of the royal guards were put for their final resting place.

"PRESENT ARMS!" A royal guard shouted as several unicorn guards aimed their horns in the air.

"FIRE!" The guard said as each unicorn shot a blast of magic three times each. Shining Armor's casket was laid next to Eagle Wing, the preceding Captain of the Guard who passed away many years ago.

"Twilight?" Celestia said.

"Yes?" The unicorn replied through her tears.

"I'm so sorry I had to send him to battle, if there is anything you need." Celestia began to say.

"It isn't your fault princess, it's Claws Von Griffen's fault my brother is dead!" Twilight said referring to the cruel and tyrannical leader of the griffon empire.

"I am not one for violence but trust me, Claws Von Griffen will pay for his crimes." Celestia said as she hugged her student.

Two weeks later Fort Hoovler

It was the last day of Macintosh's training. They had to do their final test which involved a ten mile run followed by the obstacle course, battle simulations, three mile swim, and numerous other events with only three hours of sleep, they had just finished and were on their final run before graduation.

"UP IN THE MORNING TO CELESTIA'S SUN!" Skullcrusher yelled.

"UP IN THE MORNING TO CELESTIA'S SUN!" The recruits yelled.

"GONNA RUN ALL DAY TILL THE RUNNINS DONE!" Skullcrusher yelled.

"GONNA RUN ALL DAY TILL THE RUNNINS DONE!" The recruits replied. Skullcrusher led his platoon to the flag grounds.

"Graduation may be tommorow but today you have finished your training! You are no longer mere ponies, you are hardest, the meanest, the baddest ponies Equestria has to offer! I know you'll make me proud, ESPECIALLY you Macintosh!" Skullcrusher said pointing to Macintosh.

"SIR YES SIR!" Macintosh replied. He couldn't wait to see his family again and to have dinner with Luna. That night in the barracks there was a small celebration.

"YEAH WE MADE IT!" Redwook Oak yelled.

"HA-OOH!" The ponies yelled. Macintosh was looking at himself in the mirror. He was much more toned and muscular now.

"Hey narcissus ya done lookin at yourself yet?" Redwood Oak asked. "Come out and join us!"

"Well okay." Macintosh replied as he joked around with his fellow soldiers.

"IF YOU FILLIES DON'T GO TO BED RIGHT NOW I WILL MAKE YOU REDO BASIC! DON'T FORGET YOU DON'T GRADUATE TILL 11:00 TOMORROW MORNING! UNTIL THAN YOUR BUTTS ARE STILL MINE!" Skullcrusher yelled. The ponies all immediatly shut up and went to bed. Macintosh however could not fall asleep because he was so excited to see his sisters again.

XXXXX

"Applebloom do you her yer bags packed yet?" Applejack asked her sister.

"Not yet!" The filly replied a she frantically ran around picking up items to put in her bag. Her bow comically bouncing up and down.

"Come on sugarcube! Our train leaves in twenty minutes! You don't wanna miss Big Mac's graduation do you?" Applejack asked her sister.

"Ah sure don't!" Applebloom replied as she pulled her bag down the stairs. Applejack heard a knock at the door and went to answer. She opened the door to see Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle with luggage on their backs. Applejack took note of Rarity's bag which was nearly twice the size of all the others.

"Hey everypony!" Applejack said as she greeted all her friends. "Where y'all headed? With that luggage ah recken y'all goin on a fancy excursion of some sorts."

"Applejack where coming to see Big Mac." Fluttershy stated.

"Really? Well ah sure he'll appreciate it." Applejack said.

"I CAN'T WAIT FOR HIS RETURN PARTY! THERE'LL BE BALLOONS, COTTON CANDY, ICE CREAM! AND AND CUPCAKES! AN-" Pinkie excitedly said as she hopped before being silenced by Rainbow Dash who put a hoof around her mouth. Pinkie just continued to muffle out gibberish through her blocked mouth.

"Anyway." Dash said. "When's the train leaving?"

"Oh bout ten minutes" Applejack said nonchalantly.

"TEN MINUTES?" Rarity yelled realizing the lack of time they had.

"WE'LL NEVER MAKE IT!" Sweetie Belle said sadly.

"Not if we run!" Twilight said. "Rainbow, fly to the train station and try to stall them."

"You can count on me!" Dash said before flying off.

"COME ON EVERYPONY! WE GOT A TRAIN TO CATCH! Pinkie Pie yelled as the ponies sprinted to the train station hoping they would get there on time. Rainbow had arrived at the train station and ran to the conductor hoping to buy some time.

"Hey can you just hold on for ten minutes?" Dash asked.

"Sorry ma'am but we're already running late, we gotta leave now." The conductor said.

"Please my friends are on their way! One of them has a brother whose graduating from Boot Camp tommorow!" Dash pleaded.

"So does everypony else on this train. I'm sorry but we gotta go." The conductor said.

"Being delayed ten minutes won't cause you to be hours late will it?" A voice called to the conductor. Rainbow recognized the voice immediatly.

"Oh Soarin! I mean Commander Soarin!" The Conductor said as Soarin flew down in his uniform.

"It appears this young mare here needs just ten minutes." Soarin said.

"Yes sir!" The conductor said.

"Soarin! You're the best!" Dash said she hugged the ex-wonderbolt causing the stallion to blush.

"W-well just you know doin my job." He said nervously.

"Yes! The train hasn't left yet! Hurry up and get on board!" Twilight yelled as the ponies ran on board.

"So I'll see you around?" Dash asked.

"You bet." Soarin said as he flew off into the distance leaving a Rainbow Dash staring off into the distance.

"He's so awesome!" Dash said.

"Come on lovebird, you need some sleep." Applejack said she pulled Rainbow Dash to one of the beds in the car and fell asleep with the rest of the ponies.

XXXXX

"WHAT?" A angry voice yelled as a claw hit the table. "YOU DIDN'T TAKE BALTIMARE?"

"Im afraid not my lord, but we did manage to take one of the ponies prisoner." A griffon soldier said.

"Really now? Bring him to me" The voice said. The voice belonged to the ruler of the griffen kingdom, Claws Von Griffen, he was a large griffen with an eyepatch over one eye and numerous scars going through his body. He was from a long line of griffon kings. One of which went to war with Equestria a thousand years ago. Von Griffon felt his family had been dishonored and was going to finish what his ancestor started. Suddenly a beaten and bloody unicorn was brought into the room. The pony was thrown on to the floor and looked up with distaste.

"Claws Von Griffon." The pony growled.

"Well if it isn't the mighty Shining Armor, Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard." Von Griffon said.

"How do you know me?" Shining Armor asked.

"Your reputation precedes you captain, you are the nuisance to my armies with your combat skill." Von Griffen explained.

"Oh you flatter me." Shining Armor said.

"Yes I know, I am quite good at that." Von Griffen said. "I am assuming you know quite much about Celestia's plans."

"Where are you going with this?" Armor asked.

"Just the old 'give me info and I wont torture you to death.'" Von Griffen said.

"You better get you torture tools ready than cause you're getting nothing out of me!" Armor said bravely.

"True, you are too noble for that but say it were somepony else's life on the line." Von Griffen said. "Somepony like Princess Mi Amore Cadenza or Twilight Sparkle!"

"IF YOU LAY ONE CLAW ON MY WIFE OR SISTER I SWEAR I'LL-" Armor said before being hit in the gut by one of Von Griffon's elite guards.

"You'll do what?" Von Griffen asked. "Take him to the dungeon!" Armor was than taken down to the dungeon where he desperately waited for rescue.